The number of provisional EMS Provider Licences issued by Manitoba Health has been steadily increasing over the past year or two, and the way in which this policy is being used is of great concern to the Paramedic Association of Manitoba.
According to the MHES licensing manual, a provisional provider license may only be issued to personnel currently licensed in another province. Theoretically the purpose would be to allow a practitioner already licensed in another jurisdiction to seek employment in Manitoba and work until such time as they were able to take our provincial licensing exam. The provisional license is quite restrictive in that it really only allows that individual to drive the ambulance, and provide patient care only under the direct supervision of another paramedic.
For the past 18 months Manitoba Health has been granting provisional EMS licenses to anyone graduating from a CMA accredited program and hired by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service while they await an opportunity to take the provincial licensing exam. Initially I had expressed concern to MHES about this practice, as it seemed to me that it contravened their existing policy on the use of these licenses. The explanation I received, however, was logical...these individuals graduated from an accredited program, and should not be unduly penalized for having to wait any extended period of time to take the exam. Other health professions practice in the same manner, allowing new graduates to work while waiting for their certification exam...why should we not consider the same opportunity for paramedics. At the same time, it was agreed that Manitoba needed to review this process and set reasonable standards to balance our graduates rights with public safety.
Unfortunately the issuance of provisional licenses has escalated, and I have real concern about how the process is being administered. On numerous occasions, provisional licenses have been issued, these individuals have subsequently taken and failed the provincial exam twice and the licenses are still in effect. While I respect and support the rights of new graduate's to seek employment, I question how the regulator can ensure public safety is not jeopardized when an individual that has twice failed a licensing exam is allowed to continue practicing under the cloak of a provisional license.
Our new Emergency Response and Stretcher Transportation Act allows any graduate of an approved EMS course to take the provincial licensing exam prior to seeking employment. There is no longer any need to issue provisional EMS Provider Licenses that remain in effect for an extended period of time. I have no problem with establishing a practice that is fair for the graduate...but our primary interest has to be public safety!
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