A-29.01 - Act respecting prescription drug insurance

À jour au 13 décembre 2005

Ce document a valeur officielle.

chapter A-29.01

Act respecting prescription drug insurance

CHAPTER I ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

1. A basic prescription drug insurance plan is hereby established.

1996, c. 32, s. 1.

2. The purpose of the basic plan is to ensure that all persons in Québec have reasonable and fair access to the medication required by their state of health.

To that end, the plan provides for a minimum level of coverage for the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications, and for the financial contribution required of persons or families covered by the plan depending, in particular, on their economic situation.

1996, c. 32, s. 2.

3. Coverage under the basic plan shall be provided by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec, hereinafter referred to as the Board, or by the insurers transacting group insurance or the administrators of private-sector employee benefit plans, as provided by this Act.

1996, c. 32, s. 3; 1999, c. 89, s. 53.

4. “Insurer” means a legal person holding a licence issued by the Autorité des marchés financiers that authorizes it to transact insurance of persons in Québec.

“Employee benefit plan” means a funded or unfunded uninsured employee benefit plan that provides coverage that may otherwise be obtained under an insurance contract of insurance of persons.

1996, c. 32, s. 4; 2002, c. 45, s. 199; 2004, c. 37, s. 90.

CHAPTER II BASIC PLAN COVERAGE

DIVISION I ELIGIBILITY

5. Every person who is a resident of Québec within the meaning of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29) and who is duly registered with the Board in accordance with that Act is eligible for the basic plan.

1996, c. 32, s. 5.

6. The classes of persons determined by government regulation who are otherwise entitled to coverage under another Act of Québec, an Act of the Parliament of Canada or the laws of another province of Canada or another country or under a program administered by a government or by a government department or agency that is determined by government regulation to be at least equivalent to the coverage of the basic plan, are not covered by the basic plan.

1996, c. 32, s. 6.

DIVISION II COVERAGE

7. The basic plan provides coverage to every eligible person for the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications provided in Québec, to the extent provided for in this Act, regardless of the risk associated with that person’s state of health.

1996, c. 32, s. 7.

8. Coverage under the basic plan includes, to the extent provided for by this Act, the services required to fill or renew a prescription and the medications entered on the list of medications drawn up by the Minister in a regulation made under section 60, when provided in Québec by a pharmacist on the prescription of a physician, a medical resident, a dentist, a midwife or another professional authorized by law or a regulation under subparagraph b of the first paragraph of section 19 of the Medical Act (chapter M-9). Certain medications on the list shall be covered only in the cases, on the conditions or for the therapeutic indications determined in the regulation of the Minister. Coverage also includes, in the cases, on the conditions and in the circumstances determined in the regulation, any other medication except medications or classes of medications determined in the regulation.

The same coverage applies when a person obtains medications in a pharmacy outside Québec from a person legally authorized to practise as a pharmacist in the place concerned and with whom the Board has entered into an individual agreement for that purpose, if the pharmacy is situated in a region bordering on Québec and if no pharmacy situated in Québec within a radius of 32 kilometres of that pharmacy provides services to the public.

In addition, coverage includes, in the cases and on the conditions and for the classes of persons determined by government regulation, the medications specified in the regulation that are provided as part of the services provided by an institution within the meaning of the Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2) or the Act respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S-5) or any other institution recognized for that purpose by the Minister that is situated outside Québec in a region bordering on Québec.

1996, c. 32, s. 8; 1999, c. 37, s. 1; 1999, c. 24, s. 15; 2002, c. 27, s. 1; 2002, c. 33, s. 9.

The following provisions are not in force:

in the third paragraph, the words “or any other institution recognized for that purpose by the Minister that is situated outside Québec in a region bordering on Québec”.

The above provisions will come into force on the date or dates to be fixed by the Government (1996, c. 32, s. 119).

9. Coverage under the basic plan does not include the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications that an eligible person may obtain, and to which that person is otherwise entitled, pursuant to an Act of Québec, an Act of the Parliament of Canada or the laws of another province of Canada or another country, or under a program administered by a government or by a government department or agency.

1996, c. 32, s. 9.

DIVISION III FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION

10. Unless exempted by the Act, an eligible person must pay any applicable annual premium or assessment.

1996, c. 32, s. 10.

11. A person may be required to make a contribution towards the payment of the cost of the pharmaceutical services and medications provided each time a prescription is filled or renewed, until the maximum contribution for the reference period is reached. The contribution may consist of a deductible amount and a coinsurance payment.

The deductible amount is the portion of the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications borne entirely by the person covered by the plan during the reference period.

The coinsurance payment is the portion of the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications borne by the person covered by the plan until the maximum contribution is reached.

The maximum contribution is the total amount borne by the person covered beyond which the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications is borne entirely by the Board or by an insurer or employee benefit plan, as the case may be.

1996, c. 32, s. 11.

12. The coinsurance percentage to be borne by an eligible person shall not exceed 27.4% of the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications.

1996, c. 32, s. 12; 2002, c. 27, s. 2.

13. The maximum contribution for a reference period of one year shall not exceed $822 per adult; this amount includes any amounts paid by the adult as a deductible amount and coinsurance payment for a child of the adult or a person suffering from a functional impairment who is domiciled with the adult.

1996, c. 32, s. 13; 2002, c. 27, s. 3.

13.1. The percentage provided in section 12 and the amount provided in section 13 shall be revised on 1 July each year, according to the rate of adjustment fixed annually by the Board pursuant to section 28.1.

2002, c. 27, s. 4.

14. If a change occurs in an eligible person’s situation, the contribution to be paid is the contribution applicable to the person’s new situation at the time of obtaining a pharmaceutical service or medication.

For the purposes of the deductible amount and maximum contribution, all costs of pharmaceutical services and medications that are borne by the eligible person for a reference period, according to the original plan, shall be taken into account, even if, during that period, there was a change in the person’s status, income level or employee benefit plan, or if another person began providing coverage during that period.

The insurer or employee benefit plan administrator or the Board shall, following a request made within six months by the person affected by such a change, communicate to the person providing coverage after the change the information permitting the application of the deductible amount and the maximum contribution for that period.

1996, c. 32, s. 14; 2002, c. 27, s. 5.

CHAPTER III APPLICATION OF THE BASIC PLAN

DIVISION I MANDATORY NATURE OF PLAN

15. The Board shall provide coverage for the following eligible persons:

(1)  persons 65 years of age or over who are not members of a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan applicable to a group of persons determined on the basis of current or former employment status, profession or habitual occupation and that includes basic plan coverage, and who are not beneficiaries under such a contract or plan;

(2)  persons or families eligible under a last resort financial assistance program provided for in the Act respecting income support, employment assistance and social solidarity (chapter S‐32.001) or receiving an allowance paid under the second paragraph of section 67 of the Social Aid Act (Statutes of Québec, 1969, chapter 63), and holding a valid claim booklet issued by the Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity pursuant to section 70 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A‐29);

(3)  persons 60 years of age or over and less than 65 years of age who hold a valid claim booklet issued by the Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity pursuant to section 71 of the Health Insurance Act;

(4)  all other eligible persons who are not required to become members of a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan applicable to a group of persons determined on the basis of current or former employment status, profession or habitual occupation, and in whose respect no person is required, in accordance with section 18, to ensure coverage as beneficiaries under such a contract or plan.

1996, c. 32, s. 15; 1997, c. 63, s. 138; 1998, c. 36, s. 173; 2001, c. 44, s. 30.

16. All eligible persons, other than persons to whom paragraphs 1 to 3 of section 15 apply, who by reason of current or former employment status, profession or habitual occupation qualify for membership in a group to which a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan including coverage for the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications applies, must become members of that group for at least the basic plan coverage.

The obligation to become a member of such a group does not apply to a person who, as a spouse, a child or a person suffering from a functional impairment, benefits from coverage for the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications under a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan referred to in the first paragraph.

1996, c. 32, s. 16.

17. For the purposes of this Act,

(1)  “child” means

(1)  an eligible person under 18 years of age in whose respect a person exercises parental authority;

(2)  a spouseless eligible person 25 years of age or under who attends an educational institution on a full-time basis as a duly registered student, and in whose respect a person would exercise parental authority were the person a minor;

“person suffering from a functional impairment” means a spouseless eligible person of full age suffering from a functional impairment, referred to in a government regulation, that has existed since before the person’s eighteenth birthday, who receives no benefits under a last resort financial assistance program provided for in the Act respecting income support, employment assistance and social solidarity (chapter S‐32.001), and who is domiciled with a person who would exercise parental authority were the person a minor;

“educational institution” means a legal person or a body providing instruction at the secondary, college or university level;

(2)  “spouse” must be construed in accordance with section 2.2.1 of the Taxation Act (chapter I‐3).

1996, c. 32, s. 17; 1998, c. 36, s. 174.

18. Eligible persons other than persons to whom section 15 applies must ensure that the same coverage is provided to the following persons as beneficiaries of the group insurance contract or employee benefit plan of which they are members by reason of current or former employment status, profession or habitual occupation:

(1)  their children;

(2)  persons suffering from a functional impairment who are domiciled with them.

Such persons must also ensure that the same coverage is provided to their spouse, unless the latter is already a beneficiary under a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan referred to in the first paragraph.

The same applies to persons 65 years of age and over who are members of a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan referred to in paragraph 1 of section 15.

1996, c. 32, s. 18.

DIVISION II PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PERSONS COVERED BY THE BOARD

§ 1 . — Registration

19. Persons to whom paragraph 4 of section 15 applies must register with the Board on the conditions and in the manner prescribed by government regulation.

Where pharmaceutical services or medications are provided to persons referred to in the said paragraph 4 who are not duly registered with the Board, they may apply to the Board for the reimbursement of the cost of the services or medications in the manner prescribed in section 33, provided that they register with the Board and that the services and medications were provided in the three months preceding registration.

The same applies to persons to whom section 15 applies if they received pharmaceutical services or medications but did not tell the pharmacist that they were registered with the Board. Such persons may apply to the Board for reimbursement of the cost of the services or medications in the manner prescribed in section 33, provided that the services or medications were provided in the three months preceding the application for reimbursement.

1996, c. 32, s. 19; 2002, c. 27, s. 6.

20. Persons to whom paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 of section 15 apply must register their children and persons suffering from a functional impairment who are domiciled with them with the Board, unless another person is required to ensure that coverage is provided to the children or to the impaired persons as beneficiaries under a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan.

1996, c. 32, s. 20.

21. Any change relating to the information provided in support of the registration of a person, a child of the person or a person suffering from a functional impairment who is domiciled with the person must be notified to the Board, by the person, within 30 days of the change.

1996, c. 32, s. 21.

§ 2 . — Coverage

22. The Board shall pay the cost of the pharmaceutical services determined by government regulation according to the tariff established by an agreement under section 19 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29), in addition to the cost of the services rendered to fill or renew a prescription.

It shall also pay the cost of medications according to the price indicated in the list of medications drawn up by the Minister pursuant to section 60 and, with respect to medications provided by an institution, according to the price established in that list.

1996, c. 32, s. 22.

In the second paragraph of this section, the words “and, with respect to medications provided by an institution, according to the price established in that list” come into force on 1 January 1997. (1996, c. 32, s. 119; Order in Council 1562-96 dated 11 December 1996, (1996) 128 G.O. 2, 5439).

§ 3 . — Premium and contribution

23. The amount of the annual premium for persons to whom coverage is provided by the Board shall be determined in accordance with section 37.6 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (chapter R‐5). It shall not exceed $422 per eligible person.

1996, c. 32, s. 23; 1999, c. 89, s. 53; 2000, c. 23, s. 1; 2002, c. 27, s. 7.

24. The following persons are exempted from payment of the premium for a given month:

(1)  a child in whose respect parental authority, during that month, was exercised by a person to whom paragraph 1, 3 or 4 of section 15 applies, or would have been exercised had the child been a minor;

(2)  a person suffering from a functional impairment who, during that month, was domiciled with a person to whom section 15 applies;

(3)  a person to whom paragraph 2 or 3 of section 15 applies.

1996, c. 32, s. 24.

25. Eligible persons who remain outside Québec during an entire calendar year, and who retain their status as residents of Québec under the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29) despite their absence from Québec, are exempted from payment of the premium for that year in the cases and on the conditions prescribed by government regulation.

1996, c. 32, s. 25.

26. The deductible amount shall be $109.60 per year, divided into equal parts for each month.

1996, c. 32, s. 26; 1997, c. 38, s. 1; 2002, c. 27, s. 8.

27. The coinsurance percentage shall be 27.4%.

1996, c. 32, s. 27; 2002, c. 27, s. 9.

28. The maximum contribution shall be $200 per year, divided into equal parts for each month, for

(1)  persons 65 years of age and over receiving 94% or more of the maximum amount of guaranteed monthly income supplement under the Old Age Security Act (Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, chapter O-9);

(2)  persons to whom paragraph 2 or 3 of section 15 applies, unless they are exempted pursuant to section 29.

The maximum contribution shall be $548 per year, divided into equal parts for each month, for persons 65 years of age and over who receive a fraction below 94% of the maximum amount of guaranteed monthly income supplement under the Old Age Security Act.

The maximum contribution shall be $822 per year, divided into equal parts for each month, for all other persons.

1996, c. 32, s. 28; 1997, c. 38, s. 1; 1999, c. 37, s. 2; 2002, c. 27, s. 10.

28.1. The amounts provided in sections 23, 26 and 28 and the percentage provided in section 27 shall be revised on 1 July each year according to the rates of adjustment fixed annually by the Board pursuant to the rules determined by regulation of the Government, in order to provide for the increase in the costs of the plan attributable to persons for whom coverage is provided by the Board.

The rates of adjustment and the revised amounts and percentages shall be published by the Board in the Gazette officielle du Québec except where the rates of adjustment determined by the Board are nil and the amounts and percentages remain unchanged.

2002, c. 27, s. 11.

29. Children and persons suffering from a functional impairment are exempted from the payment of any contribution.

The following persons are also exempted from the payment of any contribution:

(1)  persons referred to in paragraph 2 of section 15, where they have a severely limited capacity for employment within the meaning of section 25 of the Act respecting income support, employment assistance and social solidarity (chapter S‐32.001), and the spouse of such a person within the meaning of that Act;

(2)  persons referred to in paragraph 3 of section 15, where they have a severely limited capacity for employment within the meaning of section 25 of the Act respecting income support, employment assistance and social solidarity;

(3)  persons referred to in paragraph 1 of section 15, if they are receiving the maximum amount of monthly guaranteed income supplement paid under the Old Age Security Act (Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, chapter O-9).

1996, c. 32, s. 29; 1999, c. 37, s. 3; 2005, c. 40, s. 11.

30. A person referred to in section 15 shall, unless exempted, contribute towards the payment of the cost of the pharmaceutical services and medications provided,

(1)  by paying, when a prescription is filled or renewed, all or part of the cost of the pharmaceutical services and medications obtained, according to the terms and conditions prescribed by government regulation, until the applicable deductible amount for the month has been reached;

(2)  by paying, once the deductible amount has been reached, only the portion of the cost to be borne as a coinsurance payment with respect to the cost of the pharmaceutical services and medications obtained, until the maximum contribution fixed for the month has been reached.

When a prescription filled or renewed in a given month is renewed in advance within the same month even though it would normally have been renewed the following month, the renewal is considered to have taken place in the following month, and the deductible amount and the coinsurance payment for the following month shall, where applicable, be payable at that time.

For the purpose of computing the contribution, when a prescription that exceeds 31 days is filled or renewed for a period of more than 31 days even though it could have been filled or renewed for a shorter period, the prescription is considered to have been filled or renewed as many times as if it had been filled or renewed for periods of not more than 31 days ; the deductible amount and the coinsurance payment for that month and for each of the following months shall, where applicable, be payable at that time.

1996, c. 32, s. 30; 1997, c. 38, s. 1; 2002, c. 27, s. 12.

31. Any person providing pharmaceutical services and medications covered by the basic plan to a person referred to in section 15 must require from that person payment of the applicable contribution.

1996, c. 32, s. 31.

32. Once the maximum contribution required from a person for the month has been entirely paid, the person is exempted, for the remainder of the month, from any payment to a pharmacist or institution, as the case may be, for pharmaceutical services and medications covered by the basic plan, unless the amount of the maximum contribution applicable at the time the pharmaceutical services and medications are provided is greater than the contribution paid up to that time as a result of a change in the person’s situation.

1996, c. 32, s. 32; 1997, c. 38, s. 1.

33. When a person referred to in section 15 exacts payment from the Board, in accordance with section 12 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A‐29), of the cost of covered pharmaceutical services and medications furnished by a non-participating pharmacist referred to in section 30 of that Act, or the reimbursement of the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications obtained without presenting a health insurance card or claim booklet in accordance with section 13.1 of that Act, the Board shall

(1)  apply the deductible amount applicable to the beneficiary to the payment or reimbursement;

(2)  deduct from the payment or reimbursement the portion of the cost to be borne by the beneficiary in the form of a coinsurance payment for those services and those medications until the maximum contribution for the month has been reached.

1996, c. 32, s. 33; 1997, c. 38, s. 1; 1999, c. 89, s. 53.

DIVISION III COVERAGE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR

§ 1 . — Application

34. This division applies to all persons eligible for the basic plan to whom section 15 does not apply. It also applies to insurers transacting group insurance and to the administrators of an employee benefit plan.

1996, c. 32, s. 34.

§ 2 . — Obligations relating to coverage

35. Despite any stipulation to the contrary, every group insurance contract and every employee benefit plan providing coverage for the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications in case of illness, accident or disability is deemed to provide basic plan coverage.

1996, c. 32, s. 35.

36. Despite any stipulation to the contrary, a group insurance contract or an employee benefit plan that includes basic plan coverage is divisible for that part of the coverage.

1996, c. 32, s. 36.

37. No person may, as regards the part of coverage corresponding to the basic plan, refuse to allow a person to become a member of a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan on the grounds of the specific risk associated with the age, sex or state of health of the person, the person’s spouse or child, or a person suffering from a functional impairment who is domiciled with the person.

1996, c. 32, s. 37.

38. No insurer may, in transacting insurance of persons, conclude or maintain in force a group insurance contract including coverage for accident, illness or disability for a group of persons referred to in section 16 unless, for the duration of the contract, coverage at least equal to the coverage under the basic plan is provided to the group under the clauses of

(1)  the contract;

(2)  a group insurance contract otherwise binding the policy-holder; or

(3)  an employee benefit plan administered by or on behalf of the policy-holder.

In addition, insurers must accept the membership of every eligible person 65 years of age or over who applies therefor and of every eligible person required to become a member of such a contract pursuant to section 16, as regards basic plan coverage, on payment of the applicable premium.

Such insurers must also provide coverage to the persons to whom an eligible person referred to in the second paragraph is required, under section 18, to ensure that coverage is provided.

1996, c. 32, s. 38.

The following provisions are not in force:

The words “otherwise binding the policy-holder” in subparagraph 2 of the first paragraph and

the words “administered by or on behalf of the policy-holder” in subparagraph 3 of the same paragraph.

The above provisions will come into force on the date or dates to be fixed by the Government (1996, c. 32, s. 119).

39. No person may establish or maintain in force an employee benefit plan including coverage for accident, illness or disability for a group of persons referred to in section 16 unless, for the period of application of the plan, coverage at least equal to the coverage under the basic plan is provided to the group under the clauses of

(1)  the employee benefit plan;

(2)  an employee benefit plan otherwise binding the plan administrator; or

(3)  a group insurance contract binding the plan administrator.

In addition, plan administrators must, as regards basic plan coverage, accept the membership of every eligible person 65 years of age or over who applies for membership and of every eligible person required to become a member of such a plan pursuant to section 16, on payment of the applicable contribution.

Such plan administrators must also provide coverage to the persons to whom an eligible person referred to in the second paragraph is required, under section 18, to ensure that coverage is provided.

1996, c. 32, s. 39.

The following provisions are not in force:

the words “otherwise binding the plan administrator” in subparagraph 2 of the first paragraph and

the words “binding the plan administrator” in subparagraph 3 of the first paragraph.

The above provisions will come into force on the date or dates to be fixed by the Government (1996, c. 32, s. 119).

Not in force

40. Insurers must send to the Board, by way of electronic filing or of a computer-generated medium, in accordance with section 16.1 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (chapter R‐5), the information, prescribed by government regulation, that is required for the purposes of this Act in relation to a person’s membership in a group insurance contract, in the manner determined by the regulation.

This section, adapted as required, applies to administrators of an employee benefit plan.

1996, c. 32, s. 40; 1999, c. 89, s. 53.

41. For the purposes of the basic plan, no person may, with respect to group insurance or an employee benefit plan, determine a group on the basis of the age, sex or state of health of plan members.

1996, c. 32, s. 41.

42. Where a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan includes coverage for the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications for a group of persons determined on the basis of current or former employment status, profession or habitual occupation, the insurer or plan administrator must provide coverage to all the persons having that current or former employment status, profession or habitual occupation.

In such a case, the insurer or plan administrator must provide coverage for all the persons to whom the members of the group are required to ensure that coverage is provided.

This section does not apply in the case of a person 65 years of age or over who elects not to become a member of such a contract.

1996, c. 32, s. 42.

§ 3 . — Pooling of risks

43. All insurers transacting group insurance and all administrators of employee benefit plans who provide coverage for the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications must pool the risks arising from the basic plan coverage they provide according to the terms and conditions they determine.

The terms and conditions must be communicated by the representatives of the insurers and administrators, in writing, to the Minister not later than 1 November each year. Failing that, the terms and conditions shall be determined by government regulation for the period it indicates.

1996, c. 32, s. 43.

§ 4 . — Premiums and assessments

44. The premium or assessment pertaining to basic plan coverage that is stipulated in a group insurance contract or employee benefit plan shall be negotiated or agreed to by the parties.

The same applies to any contribution in the form of a deductible amount or coinsurance payment, subject to sections 12, 13 and 13.1.

1996, c. 32, s. 44; 2002, c. 27, s. 13.

§ 5 . — Continuity of coverage

45. As regards basic plan coverage, every group insurance contract is renewed by operation of law each year on the contract’s date of expiry, for the premium or assessment fixed pursuant to subdivision 4, unless the insurer, the policy-holder or the plan member has given notice to the contrary. Any notice of non-renewal or of a change in the premium or assessment from the insurer must be sent to the last known address of the plan member not later than 30 days preceding the date of expiry.

1996, c. 32, s. 45.

The following provisions are not in force:

the words “or the plan member” in the first sentence; and

the second sentence.

The above provisions will come into force on the date or dates fixed by the Government. (1996, c. 32, s. 119).

46. No insurer may, as regards that part of coverage that corresponds to the basic plan, invoke against a policy-holder, beneficiary or plan member any police clause or Civil Code of Québec (Statutes of Québec, 1991, chapter 64) provision under which the insurer would otherwise be authorized to deny or reduce coverage.

1996, c. 32, s. 46.

47. No insurer may cancel a contract, with regard to the basic plan coverage, unless the policy-holder or the plan member fails to pay the premium or assessment. In such a case, the cancellation may not take effect until 30 days have elapsed since the date on which the insurer sent a notice of intent to the last known address of the policy-holder or plan member.

1996, c. 32, s. 47.

48. No administrator of an employee benefit plan may terminate basic plan coverage of the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications until 30 days have elapsed since the date on which the administrator sent a notice of intent to the last known address of all the members of the plan.

1996, c. 32, s. 48.

49. Where employees who are members of a group insurance contract or of an employee benefit plan providing basic plan coverage are involved in a lockout, strike or other work stoppage, the insurer or the administrator of the plan must maintain coverage during a period of at least 30 days from the date on which the lockout, strike or work stoppage began.

1996, c. 32, s. 49.

50. An eligible person must inform the insurer or the administrator of the employee benefit plan concerned of any change of address without delay. Where no notice of change of address has been received, the last address given by the plan member to the insurer or the administrator of the employee benefit plan is presumed accurate.

1996, c. 32, s. 50.

CHAPTER IV ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

DIVISION I POLICY RESPECTING MEDICATIONS

51. A policy respecting medications shall be drawn up by the Minister of Health and Social Services.

The policy shall endeavour to integrate the use of medications into the overall set of actions intended to improve the health and well-being of the population, in particular by means of a basic prescription drug insurance plan, and, subject to the availability of financial resources, shall pursue the following main objectives:

(1)  fair and reasonable access to the medications required by the state of health of each person;

(2)  optimal use of medications;

(3)  better information and training for the public and health professionals;

(4)  the implementation of effective and efficient strategies and actions.

1996, c. 32, s. 51; 2002, c. 27, s. 14.

52. The Minister may establish an advisory group to advise the Minister on the policy, and designate its members.

1996, c. 32, s. 52.

52.1. The Minister may make agreements with drug manufacturers for the purpose of funding activities to promote improved use of medications.

The agreements may specify, among other particulars, the sums of money the manufacturers undertake to pay and those that may be added by the Minister, as well as the manner in which the sums are to be managed.

2002, c. 27, s. 15.

DIVISION II CONSEIL DU MÉDICAMENT

2002, c. 27, s. 16.

53. A medication council, called the “Conseil du médicament”, is hereby established.

The council shall be composed of a president, a vice-president and 13 other members including five experts in pharmacology, two experts in health economics or epidemiology, four persons who are neither physicians nor pharmacists nor representatives of an insurer, administrator of an employment benefit plan, drug manufacturer or drug wholesaler, a representative of the Minister and a director general.

Three of the five experts in pharmacology must be physicians and the other two must be pharmacists. One of the three physicians must be a general practitioner in clinical practice and another must be a specialist. One of the two pharmacists must be in clinical practice in a hospital and the other in the community.

The director general of the council and the member representing the Minister are not entitled to vote.

The president or the vice-president must be a physician and a member of the Collège des médecins du Québec.

1996, c. 32, s. 53; 2002, c. 27, s. 16.

54. The members of the council shall be appointed by the Government for a term not exceeding three years and shall remain in office, at the expiry of their term of office, until reappointed or replaced. No member, except the director general and the representative of the Minister, may serve more than two consecutive terms.

1996, c. 32, s. 54; 2002, c. 27, s. 17, s. 31.

54.1. The quorum at meetings of the council shall be seven members, including the president or the vice-president. In the case of a tie-vote, the person presiding the meeting shall have a casting vote.

2002, c. 27, s. 18.

55. The fees, allowances or salaries and, where applicable, additional salaries of the members of the council shall be fixed by the Government, as shall the fees of any consultants and experts consulted by the council.

1996, c. 32, s. 55; 2002, c. 27, s. 31.

56. The Minister shall assign a secretary to the council together with the other public servants and employees necessary to its operations; they shall be selected from among the public servants and employees of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.

1996, c. 32, s. 56; 2002, c. 27, s. 31.

57. The council shall be responsible for assisting the Minister in updating the list referred to in section 60 and for promoting optimal use of medications.

The functions of the council shall also include making recommendations to the Minister on the establishment and evolution of the prices of medications and on any other matter submitted by the Minister.

1996, c. 32, s. 57; 2002, c. 27, s. 20.

57.1. For the purposes of updating the list referred to in section 60, the council shall advise the Minister on the following matters :

(1)  the therapeutic value of each medication ;

(2)  the reasonableness of the price charged and the cost effectiveness ratio of each medication ;

(3)  the impact of the entry of a medication on the list as regards the health of the population and the other components of the health care system ; and

(4)  the expediency of entering medications on the list with regard to the purpose of the basic prescription drug insurance plan, which is to ensure that all persons have reasonable and fair access to the medications required by their state of health.

2002, c. 27, s. 20.

57.2. For the purpose of promoting optimal use of medications, the council may, in particular,

(1)  engage in or support procedures for the review of the use of medications ;

(2)  propose, or contribute to the development and implementation of, training, information and awareness strategies to improve drug prescribing and dispensing practices in cooperation and in conjunction with the various intervenors, including health services and social services institutions ;

(3)  make recommendations to the various intervenors and to health care professionals in order to improve the use of medications, without encroaching upon their respective responsibilities ;

(4)  propose or contribute to the development and implementation of public information and awareness strategies ; and

(5)  see to the assessment of problems related to the use of medications and the implementation of measures to prevent and correct such problems.

To that end, the council shall consult the Collège des médecins du Québec and the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec at least once a year.

The council may, on request, obtain from the Board the following information, in non-nominative form as concerns the person to whom a medication was provided :

(1)  a sequential number ;

(2)  the person’s date of birth and sex ;

(3)  the profession and the specialty, if any, of the prescriber and the first three characters of the postal code of the prescriber’s professional address ;

(4)  the name of the medication and the quantity dispensed ;

(5)  the prescription number and type, whether the prescription is a new prescription or a renewal, whether the prescription is a written or verbal prescription, the number of renewals authorized or the date of expiry, the dosage and the duration of the treatment ; and

(6)  the date on which the service was dispensed.

In addition to the information listed in the third paragraph and provided the physician or pharmacist concerned has not objected thereto, the council may, on request, obtain the following information from the Board for the sole purpose of sending the physician or pharmacist an individual practice profile for informational purposes :

(1)  the pharmacy number and the dispensing pharmacist’s number ; and

(2)  the prescriber’s number or, in the absence thereof, the prescriber’s surname and the initial of the prescriber’s given name.

In addition, the council may, on request, obtain from the Board any other data in non-nominative form that is necessary to promote optimal use of medications.

2002, c. 27, s. 20.

57.3. The council shall assess the measures implemented within the framework of its functions.

2002, c. 27, s. 20.

57.4. The council may form committees to study any matter within its area of jurisdiction and determine their powers and duties.

2002, c. 27, s. 20.

58. In exercising its functions, the council may require accredited manufacturers and wholesalers, or manufacturers and wholesalers who have applied for accreditation, to provide information on the pharmacological and therapeutic aspects of a medication, and information on the price of the medications they offer for sale.

1996, c. 32, s. 58; 2002, c. 27, s. 31.

59. The council shall have a right of access to the information obtained by the Board pursuant to section 20 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (chapter R‐5) that it requires for the purposes of sections 63 and 65. Such information must not allow any eligible person to be identified.

1996, c. 32, s. 59; 1999, c. 89, s. 53; 2002, c. 27, s. 31.

59.1. The council shall provide all information required by the Minister regarding its operations.

The council shall, each year, submit to the Minister the plan of its activities and, not later than 31 July each year, a report on its activities for the year ending on the preceding 31 March.

2002, c. 27, s. 21.

DIVISION III LIST OF MEDICATIONS

§ 1 . — Establishment and updating

60. The Minister shall draw up and update periodically, by regulation, after consulting the Conseil du médicament, a list of the medications the cost of which is covered by the basic plan. The list may also include certain supplies that the Minister considers essential for the proper administration of prescription drugs.

Only a medication from a manufacturer accredited by the Minister may be considered for entry on the list. However, the Minister may enter on the list the medication of a manufacturer who has not been granted accreditation if the medication is unique and essential.

The list shall, in particular, indicate generic names, brand names and manufacturer’s names for each medication covered by the basic plan and the conditions on which the medication may be obtained from a manufacturer or wholesaler accredited by the Minister, and the manner in which the price of each medication provided as part of the services provided by an institution in accordance with the third paragraph of section 8 is established.

The list shall also, in cases where medications are provided by a pharmacist and coverage is provided by the Board, indicate the price of the medications sold by a manufacturer or wholesaler accredited by the Minister, the manner in which the price of each medication is established, and the maximum amount, where applicable, for which payment is covered under the basic plan, in the cases and on the conditions determined by the Minister.

The list shall also contain exceptional medications the cost of which is covered by the basic plan in the cases, on the conditions or for the therapeutic indications determined in a regulation made by the Minister; the conditions may vary according to whether the coverage is provided by the Board or under a group insurance contract or an employee benefit plan.

The list shall, in addition, set out the conditions, cases and circumstances on or in which the cost of any other medication, except medications or classes of medications specified in the list, is covered.

A regulation made under this section is not subject to the requirements concerning publication and date of coming into force contained in sections 8 and 17 of the Regulations Act (chapter R‐18.1). The regulation shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date fixed in the regulation

1996, c. 32, s. 60; 1999, c. 37, s. 4; 2002, c. 27, s. 22.

Not in force

60.4. No person may charge a fee or receive payment for filling out an application for authorization with respect to coverage of the medications referred to in the fifth or sixth paragraph of section 60, except in the cases prescribed in a regulation or provided for in an agreement made under section 19 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29) and on the conditions set out in the regulation or agreement.

2005, c. 40, s. 23.

61. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 61; 1999, c. 37, s. 5.

§ 2 . — Accreditation of wholesalers and manufacturers

62. The Minister may, for the purposes of the list of medications, grant accreditation to a manufacturer or wholesaler on the conditions he determines by regulation.

1996, c. 32, s. 62.

63. The Minister may, following a report from the Conseil du médicament, temporarily withdraw accreditation from a drug manufacturer or wholesaler who fails to comply with the conditions or commitments prescribed by ministerial regulation.

In the case of a manufacturer, the withdrawal of accreditation shall entail the exclusion from the list of all the medications produced by the manufacturer for a period of three months.

In the case of a wholesaler, the Board shall cease to reimburse the payment of the medications sold by the wholesaler, for a period of three months.

If the manufacturer or wholesaler has been subject to temporary disaccreditation in the five preceding years, the periods prescribed in the second and third paragraphs shall be extended to six months for any subsequent withdrawal.

1996, c. 32, s. 63; 2002, c. 27, s. 23.

64. A manufacturer or wholesaler referred to in section 63 shall, before the end of the period of temporary withdrawal, repay to the Board,

(1)  in the case of a manufacturer, the difference between the selling price as defined in the manufacturer’s commitment prescribed by ministerial regulation and the actual price of a medication sold by the manufacturer, based on the list of medications drawn up under section 60;

(2)  in the case of a wholesaler, the difference between the selling price as defined in the wholesaler’s commitment prescribed by ministerial regulation and the actual price of a medication sold by the wholesaler, based on the list of medications drawn up under section 60;

(3)  in either case, the expenses incurred to advise health care professionals of the temporary withdrawal of the manufacturer’s or wholesaler’s accreditation.

The failure of a manufacturer or wholesaler to comply with the first paragraph is deemed to constitute a breach of commitment.

1996, c. 32, s. 64; 2002, c. 27, s. 24.

65. The Minister may also, following a report of the Conseil du médicament, withdraw the accreditation of a manufacturer or wholesaler permanently if the manufacturer or wholesaler has, in the five preceding years, been subject to two temporary withdrawals and has again failed to comply with the conditions and commitments prescribed by ministerial regulation.

1996, c. 32, s. 65; 2002, c. 27, s. 25.

66. A manufacturer or wholesaler whose recognition has been permanently withdrawn may submit a new application for recognition. However, in addition to complying with the conditions prescribed by ministerial regulation, the manufacturer or wholesaler must, before being again granted recognition, repay the following amounts to the Board:

(1)   in the case of a manufacturer, the difference between the selling price as defined in the manufacturer’s commitment prescribed by ministerial regulation and the actual price of a medication sold by the manufacturer, based on the list of medications drawn up under section 60;

(2)  in the case of a wholesaler, the difference between the selling price as defined in the wholesaler’s commitment prescribed by ministerial regulation and the actual price of a medication sold by the wholesaler, based on the list of medications drawn up under section 60;

(3)  in either case, the expenses incurred to advise health care professionals of the permanent withdrawal of recognition from the manufacturer or wholesaler.

1996, c. 32, s. 66; 2002, c. 27, s. 26.

67. The Minister shall give prior notice of not less than 30 days of the acts alleged against a manufacturer or wholesaler before withdrawing accreditation.

The manufacturer or wholesaler may present observations before the expiry of the 30-day period.

1996, c. 32, s. 67.

68. A manufacturer or wholesaler whose accreditation has been temporarily or permanently withdrawn pursuant to section 63 or 65 may contest the decision before the Administrative Tribunal of Québec within 60 days of notification of the decision.

1996, c. 32, s. 68; 1997, c. 43, s. 826.

69. A decision by the Minister to withdraw an accreditation shall take effect on the date of publication of a notice containing the decision in the Gazette officielle du Québec, and the three-month or six-month period of temporary withdrawal shall be calculated from that date.

1996, c. 32, s. 69.

70. No notice may be published by the Minister under section 69 before the period for bringing a proceeding under section 68 has expired or, if the decision is contested before the Tribunal, before the Tribunal has made a decision.

1996, c. 32, s. 70; 1997, c. 43, s. 827.

DIVISION IV

Repealed, 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

2002, c. 27, s. 27.

71. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 71; 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

72. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 72; 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

73. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 73; 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

74. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 74; 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

75. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 75; 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

76. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 76; 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

77. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 77; 2002, c. 27, s. 27.

DIVISION V REGULATIONS

78. In addition to the regulatory powers otherwise conferred on it by this Act, the Government may, after consulting the Board, make regulations to

(1)  determine, for the purposes of section 6, the classes of persons who are otherwise entitled to coverage equivalent to basic plan coverage;

(2)  determine, for the purposes of section 22, the services required for pharmaceutical reasons and provided by a pharmacist that are covered by the basic prescription drug insurance plan provided by the Board, and prescribe the frequency with which certain services must be provided to remain covered; the frequency may vary in the cases and on the conditions it determines;

(3)  (subparagraph repealed);

(4)  determine the cases in which and conditions on which the medications determined by the Government, that are provided as part of the services provided by an institution within the meaning of the Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S‐4.2) or the Act respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S‐5) or by any other institution recognized for that purpose by the Minister that is situated outside Québec in a region bordering on Québec, are covered for the classes of persons it determines;

(5)  prescribe the cases in which and conditions on which eligible persons who remain outside Québec during the entire year, and who retain their status as persons resident in Québec under the Health Insurance Act (chapter A‐29) despite their absence from Québec, may be exempted from payment of the premium for that calendar year;

(6)  list the types of impairment which constitute functional impairment for the purposes of section 17;

(7)  determine, for the purposes of sections 13.1 and 28.1, the rules pursuant to which rates of adjustment are to be fixed annually and specify the class of persons to which each rate is applicable, where that is the case;

(8)  (subparagraph repealed);

(9)  prescribe, for the purposes of section 40, the information that the Board may require from an insurer transacting group insurance or the administrator of an employee benefit plan, and prescribe the manner in which such information may be communicated;

(10)  determine, for the purposes of section 43, the terms and conditions on which the risks arising from the basic plan coverage must be pooled, and the period during which they are to apply;

(11)  determine the provisions of a regulation the contravention of which constitutes an offence.

A regulation made under this section shall have effect, with respect to health care professionals bound by a valid agreement and despite any contrary stipulation contained in the agreement, on the date or dates fixed in the regulation.

1996, c. 32, s. 78; 1999, c. 37, s. 6; 2000, c. 23, s. 2; 2002, c. 27, s. 28.

79. (Repealed).

1996, c. 32, s. 79; 1999, c. 37, s. 7.

80. Besides any regulation made under section 60, the Minister may, after consulting the Conseil du médicament, make regulations to

(1)  determine the conditions governing the accreditation of a manufacturer or wholesaler of medications;

(2)  determine the content of the commitment to be signed by a manufacturer or wholesaler to be granted accreditation;

(3)  determine rules to regulate the practices of manufacturers and wholesalers with regard to medication pricing.

1996, c. 32, s. 80; 1999, c. 37, s. 8; 2002, c. 27, s. 29.

CHAPTER V PENAL PROVISIONS

81. Every person making a statement that the person knows, or ought to have known, to be incomplete or to contain false or misleading information or transmitting an incomplete document or a document containing false or misleading information in order

(1)  to obtain a pharmaceutical service or medication to which the person is not entitled, or

(2)  to receive a payment or reimbursement without entitlement or in excess of the amount to which the person is entitled,

is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than$1,000.

1996, c. 32, s. 81.

82. Every person who assists or who incites, advises, encourages, allows, authorizes or orders another person to commit an offence referred to in section 81 is guilty of an offence.

A person convicted of an offence under this section is liable to the same penalty as that provided for in section 81.

1996, c. 32, s. 82.

83. Every person who contravenes a provision of sections 37 to 42 is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000.

1996, c. 32, s. 83.

84. Every insurer and every person administering an employee benefit plan who, in contravention of section 43, fails or neglects to pool the risks presented by insured members is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000.

1996, c. 32, s. 84.

85. Every person who contravenes a provision of a regulation the contravention of which constitutes an offence is liable to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000.

1996, c. 32, s. 85.

CHAPTER VI MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

86. The Minister shall, not later than 1 January 2000, present a report to the Government on the application of this Act and on the opportunity of amending it.

The report shall be tabled in the National Assembly within 15 days or, if the Assembly is not sitting, within 15 days of resumption. The report shall be examined by the appropriate committee of the National Assembly.

1996, c. 32, s. 86.

86.1. Before the percentages and amounts set out in sections 12, 13, 23 and 26 to 28 are modified on 1 July 2005 and at the latest on 1 January 2005, the Minister shall report to the Government on the application of sections 13.1 and 28.1 and on the advisability of amending them.

The report shall be tabled in the National Assembly within the next 15 days or, if the Assembly is not sitting, within 15 days of resumption. It shall be examined by the appropriate committee of the Assembly.

2002, c. 27, s. 30.

87. The Minister of Health and Social Services is responsible for the administration of this Act.

1996, c. 32, s. 87.

CHAPTER VII AMENDING PROVISIONS

HEALTH INSURANCE ACT

88. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 1).

1996, c. 32, s. 88.

89. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 3).

1996, c. 32, s. 89.

90. (Omitted).

1996, c. 32, s. 90.

91. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 10).

1996, c. 32, s. 91.

92. (Omitted).

1996, c. 32, s. 92.

93. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 15).

1996, c. 32, s. 93.

94. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 22.0.2).

1996, c. 32, s. 94.

95. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 21.1.0.1).

1996, c. 32, s. 95.

96. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 22.2).

1996, c. 32, s. 96.

97. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 37).

1996, c. 32, s. 97.

98. (Omitted).

1996, c. 32, s. 98.

99. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 66.0.1).

1996, c. 32, s. 99.

100. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 67).

1996, c. 32, s. 100.

101. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 69).

1996, c. 32, s. 101.

102. (Amendment integrated into c. A-29, s. 69.0.2).

1996, c. 32, s. 102.

103. (Omitted).

1996, c. 32, s. 103.

ACT RESPECTING THE COMMISSION DES AFFAIRES SOCIALES

104. (Amendment integrated into c. C-34, s. 21).

1996, c. 32, s. 104.

ACT RESPECTING THE RÉGIE DE L’ASSURANCE-MALADIE DU QUÉBEC

105. (Amendment integrated into c. R-5, s. 20).

1996, c. 32, s. 105.

106. (Amendment integrated into c. R-5, ss. 37.1-37.15).

1996, c. 32, s. 106.

107. (Amendment integrated into c. R-5, ss. 40.1-40.9).

1996, c. 32, s. 107.

108. (Amendment integrated into c. R-5, s. 42).

1996, c. 32, s. 108.

ACT RESPECTING HEALTH SERVICES AND SOCIAL SERVICES

109. (Amendment integrated into c. S-4.2, s. 116).

1996, c. 32, s. 109.

ACT RESPECTING HEALTH SERVICES AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR CREE NATIVE PERSONS

110. (Amendment integrated into c. S-5, s. 150).

1996, c. 32, s. 110.

111. (Omitted).

1996, c. 32, s. 111.

CHAPTER VIII TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

112. The Government may, not later than 31 December 1996, make a regulation under section 78 or section 113 even if the regulation has not been published as required by section 8 of the Regulations Act (chapter R-18.1). Such a regulation shall come into force, notwithstanding section 17 of that Act, on the date of its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date fixed in the regulation. Such a regulation may, if it so provides, apply to any class of eligible persons it determines and from any date not prior to 20 June 1996.

1996, c. 32, s. 112.

113. The Government may make any transitional provision to prescribe, with regard to the persons or classes of persons referred to in Division I of Chapter III of this Act, for the reference period it determines,

(1)  what is to be done with the contributions referred to in section 14.3 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29), as it read before being repealed by section 92 of chapter 32 of the statutes of 1996, paid by a beneficiary from a date determined in the regulation;

(2)  the date of the expiry of a proof of exemption issued by the Board during a period determined in the regulation in accordance with sections 14.7 and 14.8 of the Health Insurance Act, as they read before being repealed by section 92 of chapter 32 of the statutes of 1996;

(3)  the cases in which the Board shall issue proof of exemption and the validity period of such proof;

(4)  the amount of and cases in which the Board shall effect a reimbursement to an eligible person referred to in section 15;

(5)  the conditions to be met by a pharmacist to be entitled to remuneration from the Board for the pharmaceutical services and medications referred to in section 8 provided by the pharmacist;

(6)  the percentage of the cost of pharmaceutical services and medications that remains chargeable to an eligible person and the amount of the maximum contribution payable by the person, and to provide for cases of exemption with or without conditions; the coinsurance percentage and the maximum contribution for a reference period may vary according to classes of persons and within classes of persons.

1996, c. 32, s. 113.

114. The provisions of the regulations made by the Government or by the Minister under the third paragraph of section 39, subparagraphs f and u of the first paragraph of section 69 and section 69.1 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29) that are repealed by chapter 32 of the statutes of 1996 shall continue to have effect until they are amended, replaced or repealed under this Act.

The list of medications drawn up by the Minister before 1 August 1996 is valid until replaced pursuant to this Act.

1996, c. 32, s. 114.

115. The Conseil consultatif de pharmacologie established under the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29) is continued and its members remain in office until the appointment of the members of the new council established under section 53 of this Act.

1996, c. 32, s. 115.

116. The Government may, by regulation, not later than 1 August 1997, make any other transitional provision to remedy any omission and ensure the implementation of the basic prescription drug insurance plan as soon as possible after the plan is established by this Act.

A regulation made under this section is not subject to the publication requirements set out in section 8 of the Regulations Act (chapter R-18.1). It shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date fixed in the regulation, notwithstanding section 17 of that Act. A regulation may, once published and where it so provides, apply from any date not prior to 1 August 1996.

1996, c. 32, s. 116.

117. Where, by reason of the first paragraph of section 37.10 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec (chapter R-5), enacted by section 106,

(1)  section 1025 of the Taxation Act (chapter I-3) applies, for 1997, for the purpose of computing the payments payable for the year by an individual referred to in section 37.6 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec, enacted by section 106, Division I.1 of Chapter IV of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec, enacted by section 106, is deemed, for the purposes of the said section 1025, to have been in force since 1 January 1996;

(2)  section 1026 of the Taxation Act applies, for 1997 and 1998, for the purpose of computing the payments payable for the year by an individual referred to in section 37.6 of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec, enacted by section 106, Division I.1 of Chapter IV of the Act respecting the Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec, enacted by section 106, is deemed, for the application of the said section 1026

(a)  to 1997, to have been in force since 1 January 1995;

(b)  to 1998, to have been in force since 1 January 1996.

1996, c. 32, s. 117.

118. When ordering the coming into force of a provision of this Act, the Government may determine the date or dates on which the provision takes effect in respect of the classes of persons it determines.

1996, c. 32, s. 118.

119. (Omitted).

1996, c. 32, s. 119.

REPEAL SCHEDULE

In accordance with section 9 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes and regulations (chapter R-3), chapter 32 of the statutes of 1996, in force on 1 March 1997, is repealed, except section 119, effective from the coming into force of chapter A-29.01 of the Revised Statutes.