Paramedics Act Introduced Today

Safer patient care is the goal of legislation introduced today, April 20, by Health Minister Angus MacIsaac.

The proposed legislation protects the public by requiring that paramedics meet standards set out by a self-regulated professional body. It also establishes a College of Paramedics with the legislative authority to regulate the practice of paramedicine.

"The government is firmly committed to ensuring all Nova Scotians have access to highly trained and competent health-care providers, including paramedics," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "As is the case with other health professions, we want to ensure paramedics meet specific quality standards."

"We are pleased the government has taken this action," said Michael Kellock, president of the Nova Scotia paramedics' professional association. "Our organization has been working towards the creation of this legislation over the past number of years. We commend the Department of Health for ensuring our voice -- and the voices of other health professionals -- is reflected in the legislation."

The College of Paramedics' governing council will consist of eight professional members, four public members and, during the first two years, two doctors and a registered nurse. The council will have the authority to implement and enforce registration requirements and practice standards, and address the concerns of patients through a complaints process.

All paramedics throughout the province will be members of the college, once it is established.

The Department of Health currently operates a registration system for paramedics who provide services through contractors of Emergency Health Services as well as other paramedics who seek registration. The provincial medical director for Emergency Health Services currently manages this system. Under the proposed Paramedics Act this authority will be transferred to the governing council.