News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

March 7, 2017

Province Introduces Proposed Amendments to The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Amendment Act



The Manitoba government is introducing proposed changes to The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Act that would support the ongoing work to develop a standardized fee structure for land ambulances, strengthen services and support paramedic self-regulation, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen.

“Since this legislation was introduced in 1985, emergency care has evolved from focusing on transportation to providing advanced pre-hospital care,” said Goertzen.  “These proposed changes would help reduce costs for patients, strengthen service standards and ensure Manitobans receive the best possible care before they get to a hospital.”

The minister noted the proposed changes are consistent with recommendations made through a review of emergency medical services completed in 2013.  The proposed changes would include:

  • allowing a standardized fee structure for land ambulances;
  • formalizing the responsibilities and authority of the provincial medical director and regional medical directors to provide medical oversight for paramedics;
  • enabling the provincial medical director to establish standards and requirements related to drugs, diagnostic devices and clinical-care devices to be carried by emergency medical response vehicles and their use by emergency medical response personnel;
  • updating definitions and outdated provisions about equipment, funding and consultation processes for new proposed services; and
  • enabling the province to stop licensing paramedics when the profession transitions to self-regulation under The Regulated Health Professions Act.

“While further discussions will take place before the proposed college of paramedics moves forward, we’re introducing changes now that would support this work,” said Goertzen.  “We will keep working and consulting with all stakeholders as the self-regulation process continues.”

For more information on emergency medical services in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/ems/.

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