A review of primary care networks (PCNs) by Alberta Health found some are spending public money inappropriately, and some physicians are receiving duplicate payments.

"We are making it incredibly clear that is not OK moving forward," said Health Minister Sarah Hoffman.

PCNs are groups of family doctors — whether in one clinic or spread out over several — and other health care professionals who work with Alberta Health to coordinate the delivery of primary care.

Alcohol, presents and grants

Hoffman said the government put out a new policy on grants, donations and gifts after the review found some improper spending.

"For example, buying alcohol and consuming it at meetings and expensing that. Providing Christmas presents or grants and donations, those types of things. Certainly that money is intended to be focused on patients," said Hoffman.

Dr. Phillip van de Merwe is the provincial executive that represents all of Alberta's 42 PCNs.

"That is clearly poor judgment," he said. "That has nothing to do with the PCN movement as a whole. And the report does not suggest that those behaviours were widespread and rife."

Double pay

The same goes for another funding inconsistency in the way some doctors were paid.

"All the physicians do basically fee-for-service and some were also receiving additional top-ups through the PCN, so arguably they were getting paid twice," said van de Merwe.

Hoffman said this may have been happening for years, but because policies weren't clear enough physicians are not required to pay that money back.