Originally published April 8, 2019. Last updated October 20, 2021.
The People’s Health Care Act, 2019, received royal assent in spring 2019, and the first Ontario Health Teams (OHT) were announced in November 2019. There have been two additional announcements since then. To date, there are 50 OHTs. General information about the Act is here.
The OHT Guidance Document was released on April 3, 2019. This document outlines 1) the objectives and requirements of the OHT model and outlines the application and selection process for OHTs; 2) the expectations for OHTs when they reach maturity; and 3) a self-assessment tool to use for groups of providers who are interested in applying to become an OHT.
While it is not mandatory, at this time, that primary care teams be part of OHTs, we encourage teams be discussing collaboration with other providers and with one another. The long-term goal is for all ministry-funded health service providers to become part of an OHT. At maturity, teams are expected to offer a full and coordinated continuum of services.
Progress to date
- On July 17, 2019, selected teams (31) were invited to submit a full application, and 41 were identified as being in development.
- The first set of OHT candidates (24) was announced in late November and early December 2019.
- Another five teams were announced on July 23, 2020.
- The third announcement was on November 18, 2020, when 13 more teams were announced.
- The fourth announcement was on September 17, 2021, when eight more teams were announced.
- Teams are listed here. To date, there are 50 OHTs.
General information about ONTARIO HEALTH TEAMS
- How to become an Ontario Health Team (Ministry OHT webpage)
- OMA – Interactive Map – OHT full application and “in development” locations
- OHT presentation by Helen Angus, Deputy Minister of Health (April 2, 2019)
- Tele-town hall with Minister Elliott – Transcript (April 3, 2019)
- Tele-town hall with Minister Elliott – Transcript (July 18, 2019)
- MOHLTC stakeholder webinar – Introduction and Overview of OHTs (April 5, 2019)
- OMA – OHT tele-town hall slide deck (April 23/24, 2019)
- OMA – OHT tele-town hall slide deck (June 10/11, 2019)
- OCFP – Overview of OHTs for MDs
- FAQ – Ontario Medical Association
- FAQ – Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (May 27, 2019)
- Q&A – AFHTO – Regularly updated in response to OHT questions
- Queen’s Policy Blog: What’s an Ontario Health Team?
- Ontario Health Memo: Upcoming Transfers to Ontario Health
Governance tools and resources
- Collaborative Decision-Making Arrangements (CDMA) | RISE, July 2020
- Ontario Health Team Handbook for Boards
- OHT Starter Kit
- OHTs: Questions all boards should be asking
- Governance Options: Getting Started and Evolving Towards Maturity (Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, July 2019)
- Good Governance Practice to Support System Transformation (BLG LLP, August 2019)
- OHT Governance Best Practices (BLG LLP, August 2019)
- Forming OHTs – The Role of the Health Provider Board (BLG LLP, August 2019)
- Guide to Good Governance: Not-for-Profit and Charitable Organizations (Governance Centre of Excellence)
- OHT information sessions for primary care providers (PPT)
- Good Governance Presentation – AFHTO Conference Governance Workshop (Anne Corbett, BLG LLP)
- Huron Perth and Area OHT Update – AFHTO Conference Governance Workshop
- An Exploration of Governance Best Practice
Rapid-Improvement Support and Exchange
- Rapid-Improvement Support and Exchange (RISE)
- Upcoming events and webinars – Click here for more information and to register
Additional tools and resources
- Full application form
- Digital Health Playbook
- Executive Director OHT Mentorship Program
- eCE Support for digital component of OHTs
- Example of an OHT website (Lead: Guelph FHT)
- Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP) for inclusion in OHTs
- OHT Self-Assessment: Legal Considerations (Miller Thomson LLP)
- OCFP – OHT Questions to consider
- OCFP tip sheet – Involving physicians in health reform
- Western OHT Physician Reimbursement Policy (shared by Thames Valley FHT)
Additional references
- Tools and resources to continue to communicate the value of team-based care to MPPs
- Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy – Bill 74
- 2019 Standing Committee Presentation – Transcript
- AFHTO’s 2021 pre-budget submission
- AFHTO’s comments on the first interim report from the Premier’s Council on Improving Health Care and Ending Hallway Medicine, released on January 31, 2019.
- The Council’s report – “Hallway Health Care: A System Under Strain“
QUESTIONS CAN BE SENT TO ONTARIOHEALTHTEAMS@ONTARIO.CA
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