Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

The transfer of funds from the federal government to the provinces for health care is dependent on which of the following?

1. Adherence to the principles of the Canada Health Act

2. Finishing the financial year on budget

3. Presenting the projected expenditure for the coming fiscal year

4. The presence of regional health authorities

The correct answer is: Adherence to the principles of the Canada Health Act

The transfer of funds from the federal government to the provinces for health care is indeed dependent on adherence to the principles of the Canada Health Act. This legislation sets out the framework for Canada's publicly funded health care system, outlining key principles like universality, comprehensiveness, accessibility, portability, and public administration. To ensure that provinces receive federal funding, they must comply with these principles. This adherence is a foundational requirement for the federal government to support health care funding, as it ensures equity and quality of health services across the country. The other options lack the direct connection to the federal funding mechanism outlined in the Canada Health Act. For example, while finishing the financial year on budget may be important for overall financial health, it isn't a condition tied directly to federal funding. Similarly, presenting projected expenditures can be a standard practice in fiscal planning, but it does not specifically influence funding transfers. Lastly, the presence of regional health authorities can impact health service delivery but is not a criterion that governs federal funding under the Canada Health Act. Thus, adherence to the principles of this Act remains the critical factor for federal financial support in health care.