Pre-certification may lead to “unnecessary bureaucratic delays in the delivery of health care”, according to the People’s Campaign.

The group outlined its concerns in its Public Evaluation for last month, which was released on Thursday.

The People’s Campaign, a coalition of concerned residents pushing for more equality, jobs and justice, uses its monthly evaluation to assess the activities and work of elected officials to keep residents aware of the decisions made and how they are aligned with public expectations.

The group noted that while there was a need to cut health costs, they “are not convinced” pre-certification can achieve this. Pre-certification means doctors must seek approval — from an insurance company or centralised management agency, for example — before medical diagnostic procedures are performed.

The group highlighted that the Bermuda Medical Doctors’ Association had opposed the move on the grounds that pre-certification does not change physician behaviour and can delay access to treatment.

The evaluation also focused on proposed changes to work permit policies announced by Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy on October 1.

New permit categories were announced, including a new Bermuda Employment Visa (BEV) that will allow exempt companies to employ some foreigners without needing to advertise or to apply for a standard work permit, although companies applying for a BEV will have to be accredited.

A Global Entrepreneur Work Permit will allow entrepreneurs looking to start up a business in Bermuda to obtain a work permit — and the right of residency on the Island — while they are setting up their business, while a New Business Permit will allow brand new companies to Bermuda to obtain work permits without advertising during the first six months of setting up.

The People’s Campaign raised concerns that qualified Bermudians would be “hindered from employment opportunities” if companies were not required to advertise jobs.

The group also said the new policy could potentially limit Bermudians to entry-level positions as more senior posts could be filled by BEVs, and that there were very few closed or restricted job categories that would apply to exempt companies.

“The People’s Campaign is pleased to see the proposal includes training programmes for Bermudians but encourages the Government to continue to collaborate with all stakeholders as balanced work permit policies are an essential element to getting our Bermudians back to work,” the group said.