News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 1, 2020

Province to Hold Public Consultation on Paramedic Self-Regulation Amendments



The Manitoba government is holding public consultations to support legislative changes that would transition paramedics and emergency medical responders to self-regulation under The Regulated Health Professions Act, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.  

“Our government committed in 2016 to establish paramedicine as a self-regulated health profession to improve the quality of care provided to Manitobans,” said Friesen. “The move to self regulation will also support the professional growth of paramedics and increase transparency in the regulation of the profession. I encourage the public to take part in this consultation.”

The amendments to the regulation would transition paramedics and emergency medical responders to work under regulations outlined by the College of Paramedics of Manitoba, and would set out the categories of procedures that members of the profession are authorized to perform.

Currently, paramedicine is not a self-regulating profession like other health professions. Instead, paramedics and emergency medical responders are licensed by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living (MHSAL) under The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Act. The Practice of Paramedicine Regulation was enacted on June 1, 2018, to:  
•    designate the profession of paramedicine as a regulated health profession,
•    establish the College of Paramedics of Manitoba, and
•    set out the scope of practice of the profession.

In addition, the Council of the College of Paramedics is seeking public feedback on a proposed College of Paramedics of Manitoba General Regulation.

“We are appreciative of the opportunity for the public consultation to commence. We value the opinion of the public, paramedics, and other stakeholders related to the proposed regulation,” said Trish Bergal, executive director/registrar, College of Paramedics of Manitoba. “This is an important step to becoming a self-regulated profession in Manitoba.”

This regulation defines who is able to register with the college and practice as a paramedic or an emergency medical responder, defines what type of health-care procedures paramedics can perform and the terms and conditions on the performance of those procedures, and sets out standards of practice for the profession and continuing competency requirements.

Due to COVID-19 and restrictions under current public health orders, the public is encouraged to review the proposed amendments and provide feedback online until June 29.

To view the Practice of Paramedicine Regulation and provide feedback, visit https://reg.gov.mb.ca/home.

To view the College of Paramedics of Manitoba General Regulation and provide feedback, visit:
www.collegeparamb.ca.

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