Self Governance

As practitioners, we have a responsibility to the public we serve. We have a duty to safeguard the public's trust in us and to govern ourselves justly while maintaining the highest ethical standards as outlined by our Code of Ethics.

Under the Health Professions Act (HPA), health professions are organized into their respective fields and given the power to self-govern under the title of 'College'. While the Alberta College of Paramedics is close to obtaining self-regulatory status under the HPA, it is important to remember that regulatory colleges are not professional associations.

"True self-governance can only exist when practitioners establish the policies and set the direction for the organization. Only then is the College working in the best interest of the public," says Council Past-President Renee Linssen. "It is the responsibility of all of us as practitioners to understand the role of the College, and more importantly to support and participate in its governance and regulatory function."

Colleges must serve the public interest through its governing decisions. Although colleges are self-governing, their duties are mandated by the Health Professions Act. As your governing body, the College:

approves standards for paramedicine education programs
sets entry requirements
approves standards for professional practice
establishes continuing competence requirements
investigates complaints of professional misconduct

The College must also establish clear roles with minimal redundancy, separate governance role from day-to-day administration, deliver in-depth orientation on effective governance, implement sound policies and procedures, and re-focus its priorities as required.

Members of Council are able to identify priority issues and rely on their own capabilities to determine if they are effectively leading the organization. Elected members must determine if the leadership is working in the best interest of the public while respecting the distinct voice of registered practitioners. Good governance is the ability to trust the people and the processes in place in order to achieve the organization's strategic goals. Click here for more on Council's roles and responsibilities.