PARAMEDICS LEGISLATION PROCEEDS

Saskatchewan is taking another step toward improving emergency medical services in communities across the province. The Paramedics Act, which has passed third reading and received Royal Assent, will allow self-regulation of the profession.

The Act will govern approximately 1,800 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, including paramedics, Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and EMT-advanced. The Saskatchewan College of Paramedics will assume responsibility for registering, licensing and disciplining members, once the transition of the member registry from Saskatchewan Health and finalization of bylaws are completed over the next few months.

"This legislation supports improved emergency medical services, by promoting consistent professional standards and conduct for this vital group of health care providers," Health Minister Len Taylor said. "Self-regulation is an important development for emergency medical services professionals, and affirms our government's broader goal of improving the quality of health services and access to care."

For the past 20 years, paramedics have been licensed by Saskatchewan Health under The Ambulance Act. The Paramedics Act not only gives the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics the authority to regulate the profession, but includes several other key elements:

• It establishes that it is the duty of the College to serve and protect the public and to carry out its responsibilities in the public interest, and not in the interest of its members;
• Public representatives will now be included on the College's council and discipline committee;
• Discipline hearings will be open to the public;
• The Association will file an annual report with the Minister of Health; and
• Bylaws which potentially affect the public will require the Minister's approval.

"Saskatchewan people rely on emergency medical services when they are sick or injured, and we are committed to providing them with services of the highest possible quality," Taylor said. "This legislation is another tool we can use to promote high professional standards and strong, consistent practice."

The College is expected to assume its full role as the regulatory body for EMS professionals by 2008. Until then, members must keep their registration up to date with Saskatchewan Health. The College will be following up with more detailed information for members and stakeholders in the coming weeks.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca