Important Update: Connect Care Access for Non-U of A Personnel Supporting Clinical Research

Dear Clinical Researchers,

We are writing jointly from the Vice-President (Research) and the Clinical Trials Office (College of Health Sciences) to provide important information about Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) recent determination regarding eligibility for Connect Care access for individuals who are not formally an employee of AHS or the University of Alberta.

AHS has now confirmed that, in light of changes within the evolved health care system, and under the current requirements of the Health Information Act (HIA), Connect Care access can only be provisioned to eligible individuals at the University, which currently includes:

●      University Employees

●      University Students

●      University Postdoctoral Scholars
 

AHS will not grant Connect Care access to:

●      Individuals employed by University researchers through their private professional corporations; or

●      Individuals employed by University researchers through personal service contracts paid by research funds administered by AHS or the U of A.

University researchers are encouraged to review their hiring practices and ensure it aligns with the University’s policies & procedures regarding signing authority for contracts related to University work. For example, Schedule A to the UAPPOL Contract Review & Signing Authority Policy provides a complete list of roles who are authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the University.

Options Available to University Clinical Investigators

University Clinical Investigators who require research coordination support currently have two compliant pathways:

1. Utilize University or AHS-affiliated research coordination services

The Clinical Trials Office (CTO) and the AHS Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) offer models for hiring or contracting study coordination personnel as University-affiliated or AHS-affiliated employees. Individuals hired through these mechanisms are eligible to obtain access to Connect Care.

2. Hire support personnel directly through the University

If funds are held at the University, University Clinical Investigators may hire coordinators directly through the University of Alberta HR or contracting processes rather than through private or external entities. Once employed or contracted by the University, these individuals could be provisioned access to Connect Care under the current framework. Contact your Faculty / Department HR Partner to discuss.

We recognize these options may require operational adjustments; however, at present, they are the only pathways that comply with AHS’ obligations under the HIA and the University’s current agreements with AHS.

We fully recognize the importance of uninterrupted access to health information for the safe conduct of clinical trials. We are seeking clarification from AHS on whether individuals who are outside the options presented above and currently have provisioned access to CC will have any limitations imposed on their access, now or in the near future.  Further updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.

If you require assistance with transition planning, staffing alternatives, or have immediate concerns about your study operations, please contact:

●      College of Health Sciences: Lawrence Richer, Associate Dean Research, lricher@ualberta.ca

●      Vice-President (Research): Jason Acker, AVP, Research Integrity Support jacker@ualberta.ca

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in clinical research and for your patience as we work through this provincial systems issue in partnership with AHS.

Sincerely,

Jason Acker MBA PhD FCAHS
Associate Vice President (Research Integrity Support)
Office of the Vice-President (Research), University of Alberta

Lawrence Richer MD, MSc
Associate Dean Research, College of Health Sciences
Center Director, Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Center