Q: | Are the Nova Scotia College of Paramedics (NSCP) and the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS) the same organization? |
A: | No. The NSCP is no longer in existence. The Nova Scotia College of Paramedics (NSCP) was an Association. It operated with the intent to eventually become a self-regulating organization. In addition, it was not legislated by the Nova Scotia government. In comparison, The College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS) is a professional College that is legislated and will operate as a self-regulating body by paramedics.
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Q: | What is a professional College? |
A: | A professional College is established to regulate its members by its members. Its purpose is to issue licenses, set standards and ensure public safety. All major professional bodies are self-governing, such as doctors, nurses, dentists and occupational therapists. The College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS) will be the professional body responsible for regulating Nova Scotia paramedics under the laws of Nova Scotia. This means you will be accountable to your peers and to the public to perform your skills competently within your scope of practice.
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Q: | Is the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS) operating today? |
A: | No. EHS, paramedics and former NSCP executive are working cooperatively to develop policies, practices and draft regulations to submit to the Nova Scotia government for approval. Once these are approved, Bill 158 will be proclaimed and become law. This means the College of Paramedics will become the official organization to regulate Nova Scotia paramedics. We anticipate that this can be accomplished by early 2008.
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Q: | What is Bill 158 and where can I get a copy? |
A: | Bill 158, the "Paramedics Act" was passed in the House of Assembly in April 2005. It outlines how the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia will operate. You may get a copy of Bill 158 at the following website: http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/bills/59th_1st/1st_read/b158.htm
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Q: | Why do paramedics need a legislated college? |
A: | Legislation allows Nova Scotia paramedics to operate a professional, self-regulating College under the laws of Nova Scotia. The CPNS will be required to issue paramedic licenses, review paramedic registration, establish and improve professional standards and investigate complaints.
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Q: | Will I be able to work as a paramedic in Nova Scotia without being a member of the College once it is up and running? |
A: | No. The College will replace EHS as the licensing body in Nova Scotia. Therefore anyone wishing to be called a paramedic and/or work as a paramedic must be a member in good standing with the College.
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Q: | Will paramedics run the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia? |
A: | When the College first begins operation, the Minister of Health will appoint the 1st Council. The College will operate under a Registrar (equivalent to a CEO) who will be a paramedic. Paramedics will elect a President, Vice President and other members to the Council. As well, new staff will be hired to manage the business operations of the College. This is normal practice for all colleges.
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Q: | Who are the Paramedics on the CPNS Advisory Committee and how can I contact them? |
A: | The paramedics who are members of the Advisory Committee may be found under the "Contact Us" tab.
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Q: | Do all NS paramedics have to be a member of the College? |
A: | Yes
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Q: | Will EHS Communications Officers need to be members of the College? |
A: | Nova Scotia Communications Officers are not required to maintain a current and active paramedic license. Comm Officers re-register through EHS. If Comm Officers wish to maintain a current paramedic license, they will be required to do so through CPNS.
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Q: | What will the new College re-registration process be? |
A: | EHS is designing a new re-registration process which will take effect January 2007. The CPNS Advisory Committee will review this process and make recommendation to the College that this process be adopted.
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Q: | Will our registration numbers and color tag system stay the same? |
A: | Yes, unless CPNS members wish to make changes.
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Q: | How much will it cost me to re-register? |
A: | The fee hasn't been finalized yet.
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Q: | I don't have to pay a fee now - why will I have to when the CPNS processes registration? |
A: | Fees pay for the CPNS business costs (i.e.: staff salaries, complaint investigation process)
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Q: | Will my registration fees be reimbursed by my employer? |
A: | Not at this time
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Q: | Who is paying for the College staff and office? |
A: | Paramedic registration fees
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Q: | Why do paramedics need a legislated College? |
A: | Paramedics will have the opportunity and right to govern their own profession by having a College.
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Q: | Who will be responsible for writing our protocols? |
A: | The Provincial Medical Director will continue to write protocols for Nova Scotia's ground ambulance service. The CPNS will enforce paramedics' essential competencies based on these protocols. The employer (i.e.: EMC, QEII) will dictate which essential competencies paramedics may practice within their company policies.
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Q: | Who will be responsible for determining paramedics' essential competencies? |
A: | CPNS
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Q: | Will there be major changes to the current scopes of practice? |
A: | CPNS will have the right to review and change the scopes of practice.
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Q: | Will I practice my license under the CPNS or the Provincial Medical Director? |
A: | The CPNS Advisory Committee will review this issue and post a response once it is resolved.
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Q: | Will Dr. Cain still be involved with CPNS after he resigns as Provincial Medical Director? |
A: | Yes, he will be a consultant to both the Steering Committee and the Advisory Committee.
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Q: | Will out-of-province medics be required to write a CPNS provincial exam? |
A: | The CPNS Advisory Committee will review this issue and make recommendations to the College.
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Q: | Who will provide me with liability insurance - CPNS or my employer? |
A: | The Nova Scotia Department of Health is currently reviewing liability insurance and will advise paramedics of its outcome.
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Q: | What logo will be on our uniforms - EHS or CPNS? |
A: | The CPNS logo will not be displayed on paramedics' uniforms. EMC employees will continue to wear EHS badges. Other employers have their own badges and will display them on company uniforms as they feel appropriate.
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Q: | Is CPNS a lobby group? |
A: | No. The former NSCP lobbied to have the Paramedics Act passed.
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Q: | Will CPNS replace the Union? |
A: | No. CPNS will deal with professional issues such as conduct and competency. Unions will deal with employee/employer issues.
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Q: | What other provinces have a professional, legislated College for paramedics? |
A: | Alberta
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Q: | What other health care professionals have a self-regulated College in Nova Scotia? |
A: | Doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, dentists, etc...
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Q: | How can I get involved with the College? |
A: | Members of the Advisory Committee are available to discuss how you can become more involved with the CPNS. Please refer to the "Contact Us" tab for a complete list of committee members.
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