Field notes.

• Author: Kellogg, Karin

Editors' Note

This edition of the Health Law Review kick starts a new initiative: a brief piece to be written by staff of the Health Law Institute on the papers included in the issue, or on their thoughts on a timely topic in the area of health law. We will no longer include our "At the Institute"; for information on our current research, publications, talks, events and the latest news in health law, please see our website at www.law.ualberta.ca/centres/hli.

Tracey M. Bailey and Timothy Caulfield

As this issue of the Health Law Review goes to press, the Ontario agency tasked with "harnessing information technology and innovation to improve patient care, safety and access" is rocked by scandal. (1) EHealth Ontario's Chief Executive and Chair have both resigned amidst allegations of bloated expenses and untendered contracts.

Closer to home--the Health Law Institute's home, that is--evidence abounds of more deep-seated concerns regarding ehealth. In January, a panel assembled by the HLI to discuss amendments to Alberta's Health Information Act--amendments that will implement, by compelling disclosure to, the province's electronic health record (EHR)--attracted a standing room only audience. And in March, a call by the Standing Committee on Health to make written submissions on these same amendments was answered by no fewer than sixty-nine groups and individuals. In "New Frontiers for Electronic Health Records and Research Databases--Alberta's Bill 52: Submission of the Health Law Institute on Bill 52," Executive Director Tracey Bailey reproduces the input the HLI was pleased to provide.

Three of our five...