Legalities

Question 1

What does the Health Professions Act include regarding EMS providers?

Answer 1

It includes the Emergency Medical Technician Regulation, which describes the parameters of care for registered EMS providers in Alberta.

Question 2

What is the role of the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP)?

Answer 2

The ACP is required to govern its members to protect the public and advise the Health Disciplines Board on scope of practice, educational requirements, and competencies.

Question 3

What are some responsibilities of regulated members of the ACP?

Answer 3

• Assess and diagnose
• Provide treatment and interventions
• Make referrals and transport
• Promote health and injury prevention
• Coordinate, supervise, monitor, and evaluate paramedic health services
• Educate and conduct research

Question 4

What protection does the Emergency Medical Aid Act provide?

Answer 4

It protects individuals from legal action if they provide medical care to the best of their abilities, regardless of the outcome.

Question 5

What is the minimum staffing requirement for Advanced Life Support (ALS) in Alberta?

Answer 5

Minimum of one ACP and one PCP.

Question 6

What information can an ambulance attendant disclose to a peace officer?

Answer 6

• Name of a patient
• Date of birth
• Nature of injury or illness
• Time and date of dispatch
• Location of emergency service
• Observations of the scene

Question 7

What are the penalties for contravening the Emergency Health Services Act?

Answer 7

• Individuals: fine up to $10,000
• Corporations: fine up to $100,000

Question 8

What circumstances require notification of the Medical Examiner according to the Fatalities Inquiry Act?

Answer 8

• Deaths that are unexplained
• Deaths from violence or accident
• Maternal deaths related to pregnancy
• Deaths from improper treatment
• Deaths during or after operative procedures

Question 9

What does the Traffic Safety Act state regarding emergency vehicles?

Answer 9

Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from distracted driving legislation and must use sirens during emergency responses.

Question 10

What does the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) protect?

Answer 10

It protects personal information and patient confidentiality.

Question 11

What is the purpose of the Personal Directives Act?

Answer 11

It allows Albertans to choose their medical care in advance, including living wills or do not resuscitate orders.

Question 12

What is the definition of a ‘person in care’ under the Protection of Persons in Care Act?

Answer 12

Any adult/patient/resident/client of a publicly funded care facility.

Question 13

What does the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act regulate?

Answer 13

It regulates the control of certain drugs and their precursors.

Question 14

What does the Mental Health Act govern?

Answer 14

It governs the admission of individuals to psychiatric hospitals against their will, their rights while detained, and their discharge.

Question 15

What is the purpose of the Occupational Health and Safety Act?

Answer 15

To ensure the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.

Question 16

What is the objective of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act?

Answer 16

To protect the public and the environment from leaks and spills during the transport of dangerous goods.

Question 17

What must healthcare facilities and EMS personnel report under the Gunshot & Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act?

Answer 17

• Patient’s name
• Type of injury (gunshot or stab)
• Location of treatment

Question 18

What is the role of a medical director in an EMS service?

Answer 18

To provide medical control, protocols, and ongoing medical audit for registered EMS providers.

Question 19

What constitutes patient confidentiality?

Answer 19

No medical information about a patient may be shared without consent from those requiring the information for further medical care.

Question 20

What is scene preservation and why is it important?

Answer 20

It involves not disturbing a crime scene to avoid compromising evidence.

Question 21

What is a PCP’s duty regarding patient care?

Answer 21

To respond when called and provide care safely and to the best of their ability.

Question 22

What is negligence in the context of a PCP’s responsibilities?

Answer 22

Knowing what is required and having the resources to do it, but failing to do so.

Question 23

What distinguishes gross negligence from regular negligence?

Answer 23

Gross negligence potentially causes greater harm to the patient.

Question 24

What is the process for cancellation of care by a PCP?

Answer 24

Requires documentation that the patient was informed of risks and advised to seek further medical attention.

Question 25

What is implied consent in emergency situations?

Answer 25

The assumption that a patient would want help in an emergency, allowing treatment without explicit consent.

Question 26

What is the standard of care in EMS?

Answer 26

How similarly qualified practitioners would manage patient care in similar circumstances.

Question 27

What are the two categories of law in Canada?

Answer 27

* Criminal law * Civil law

Question 28

What are the three types of consent in healthcare?

Answer 28

1. Informed consent 2. Implied consent 3. Parental consent ## Footnote Informed consent involves parents being contacted and giving consent after understanding potential risks. Implied consent is assumed when parents cannot be contacted.

Question 29

What is the standard of care?

Answer 29

How similarly qualified practitioners would have managed the patients’ care under the same or similar circumstances. ## Footnote This standard helps to determine if the care provided meets the expected level of practice.

Question 30

What are the two categories of law in Canada?

Answer 30

1. Criminal law 2. Civil law ## Footnote Criminal law deals with crimes and punishments, while civil law concerns the rights of private citizens.

Question 31

What is the legal obligation of an EMS professional regarding unlawful activities?

Answer 31

An EMS professional is bound by law to report any activity that may have violated any of the statutes involved in criminal and/or civil law. ## Footnote This ensures accountability and adherence to legal standards.

Question 32

What is a Patient Care Report (PCR)?

Answer 32

An essential document outlining the patient condition, physical findings, and treatment provided. ## Footnote The PCR is filed with the patient’s medical records and may be used in legal contexts.

Question 33

What is the purpose of risk management in healthcare?

Answer 33

To manage risks in a project through processes, methods, and tools. ## Footnote Key actions include assessing risks, determining important risks, and implementing strategies.

Question 34

What should be documented when a patient refuses transport to a hospital?

Answer 34

1. Reason for refusal 2. Explanation of potential adverse effects 3. Option to call back 911 4. Recommendation to visit a doctor/hospital 5. Signed release document with a witness ## Footnote Documentation is crucial for legal protection and ensuring patient understanding.

Question 35

What actions can be taken against a PCP providing care beyond their scope of practice?

Answer 35

1. Complaint filed with the Alberta College of Paramedics 2. Review by the Conduct and Competency Board 3. Possible suspension, fines, or termination of registration 4. Criminal charges may be laid ## Footnote Actions depend on the severity of the offense.

Question 36

True or False: A complaint against a PCP can only be filed by the patient.

Answer 36

False ## Footnote Complaints can be filed by coworkers or other healthcare providers as well.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: Risk management provides a disciplined environment for _______.

Answer 37

[proactive decision making] ## Footnote This approach is essential for anticipating and managing potential risks.

Question 38

What is required for a patient to be considered competent to make their own medical decisions?

Answer 38

The patient must be legally able to make their own decisions regarding their medical health. ## Footnote Competence is assessed based on the patient's understanding and ability to make informed choices.