Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia

 

EHS Provincial Medical Director

 

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

APRIL 18, 2000

 

MINUTES


PRESENT: E. Cain, S. Baker, S. Valaire, B. Nickerson, D. Denike, G. Dinn, B. Fitzner, A. MacDonald, T. Fraser

REGRETS: H. Zwanepol, B. Cox, S. Strong, J. Walker, B. Aucoin, J. Pippy, D. Semple, M. McKeage, D. Rawson

As no specific agenda was set for the meeting, each group was to have researched their topic and provide information to the committee. The following topics were addressed after a lengthy discussion took place.

1.0 Definition OF The Profession:

Doug Denike is the chairman of this topic and has had no feed back from his group up to this point in time. He does not have a specific definition of the profession yet. The definition will be general and not give too much detail in what the person does. Doug has a contact name with the RNANS. The APPA Bill 45 has been passed, and you can go on the Website and see the new changes - Health Professions Council.

2.0 Defining The Regulatory Body:

Steve Baker is the chairman of this topic. He had many suggestions and ideas to share with the group.

Some discussion of the group consisted of a structure that is functional. A body structure composed of about 16 to 20 members, government as well as paramedics. Some could be automatic from government. Possibly 25% to 49% public members, with a chairman and sub committees such as advisory and decision making committees. The board could appoint panels for the Conduct & Competency and it would not have to directly involved. How will members be selected or appointed? What makes them eligible or not eligible? The disciplinary process should follow the Medical Act.

3.0 Funding Of The Profession:

Ed Cain is the chairman of this topic.

It was suggested that we contact other professions and see what they do for funding.

4.0 Powers Of The Board:

Shelly Valaire is the chairman of this topic. Some of the following suggestions were discussed.

Council would be the board. College is everybody that is registered. It was noted that the Medical Act was on the Internet. The regulations and the statutes are also on the Internet. What does the government want us to go to them for? Bob explained that the government will decide what will be regulations or statutes.

5.0 Additions:

The following ideas were discussed before the actual individual topics were approached.

  • Currently the Pac Association is active - approximately 80% of the members do not have any knowledge of being part of the Pac Association.
  • Disciplinary process should be similar to the Medical Act
  • The members can be forced to pay for the Association but not force them to be a part of the association
  • We are looking at setting a licencing authority
  • Government will control/delegate its authority to the profession
  • The board can set some regulations but the government will still be involved
  • The College will have Conduct & Competency, Registration, and Appeals
  • The Association and the College should be separate
  • The College is to regulate the province for the protection of the public
  • The College is all members - registration and re-registration
  • The College decides on your scope of practice
  • How would policies and protocols be done?
  • Funding will be expensive

6.0 Next Meeting:

TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2000

10:00 AM. -1:00 PM

1496 Bedford Hwy, Suite 401, Bedford

4th Floor Boardroom

New EHS Office

_______________
Tanya Fraser

Registrar

Email: caine@gov.ns.ca