Advice on managing budgets until funding letters are received

AFHTO met with MOHLTC’s Primary Health Care Branch to discuss questions around funding for FHTs and NPLCs.  From this we can provide the follow advice for members:

• Funding approval process:  The process for approving any one-time funding or increases to base is still underway in the ministry. Meanwhile, FHTs and NPLCs can be confident in planning for and using their base budgets.

• Definition of “base budgets”: While many teams experienced adjustments in their base funding last fiscal, PHC Branch has not recommended any further adjustment this year. Base budget is equal to what you currently received each month, times twelve.

• Make full use of available funds: The ministry reports that a large number of teams are still returning unspent funds, and at the same time, requesting additional funding in their yearly budget submission.
  • FHTs and NPLCs have the right to request re-allocation of funds as needed during the fiscal year.
  • Q1 recoveries are coming soon – plan ahead and make your requests to re-purpose funds for other needs.
  • To make a request, EDs are encouraged to submit an accurate budget forecast in their quarterly financial reports, along with a request to re-purpose funds, supported by the justification for the request.
  • Ministry consultants are to collaborate with EDs to ensure that relevant program needs can be met within current budget by allowing flexibility in allocation of existing funds.
    • Example: Funding for OTN replacement equipment. OTN funding came through eHealth Ontario, and funding is no longer available. Primary Health Care Branch does not fund OTN equipment, however, they have worked with groups to re-allocate existing budgets to cover the cost.

• Physiotherapy funding requests are still in process:  Funding for approved PT positions will be added to base. As a result, notice of approval for these positions should come just before the FHT/NPLC funding letters.

  Reminder:  Registration is still open for Leadership and Governance events

• For board chairs, Lead MD/NPs and EDs
• Take place immediately before AFHTO Conference at the Westin Harbour Hotel, Toronto
• NO COST to participate.
• Effective Governance for Quality workshop, October 14 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Leadership Session – Towards the next Ministry contract – on October 15 from 10 AM – 12 noon
  • Session will be informed by results of a survey sent out to board chairs, Lead MD/NPs and EDs. Please respond by Sept.26.