Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is a fundamental principle of the Canada Health Act?

1. Universal access to health services.

2. Decentralization of health services.

3. Privatization of health care.

4. Financial incentive for providers.

The correct answer is: Universal access to health services.

A fundamental principle of the Canada Health Act is universal access to health services. This principle ensures that all Canadians have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services, regardless of their financial situation. The act aims to eliminate barriers to access such as income, geography, or other factors that might restrict individuals from receiving necessary care. This commitment to universality means that every Canadian citizen should be able to receive care when needed without facing financial hardship or discrimination. The other concepts, while related to aspects of health care, do not align with the core objectives of the Canada Health Act. Decentralization refers to the distribution of decision-making across various levels of government and is not a defining principle of the Act. Privatization, which involves shifting health services to private providers, contradicts the principle of universal access, as it could create disparities in who receives care. Lastly, financial incentives for providers are not a fundamental principle of the Act, as the focus is on the availability of services rather than incentivizing provider participation. Thus, the emphasis on universal access is central to the law's intent and structure.