Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the main objectives of the Food and Drug Act?
What is one of the main objectives of the Food and Drug Act?
Which act clarifies the terms used in drug regulation in Canada?
Which act clarifies the terms used in drug regulation in Canada?
What year was the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act enacted?
What year was the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act enacted?
Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Food and Drug Regulations?
Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Food and Drug Regulations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which entity is responsible for drug control in Canada according to the legislation?
Which entity is responsible for drug control in Canada according to the legislation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one important aspect of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act?
What is one important aspect of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the Food and Drug Act protect consumers regarding food products?
How does the Food and Drug Act protect consumers regarding food products?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect of drug administration do paramedics need to comply with according to Canadian legislation?
What aspect of drug administration do paramedics need to comply with according to Canadian legislation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of the Food and Drug Regulations?
What is the primary purpose of the Food and Drug Regulations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant regulation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act?
What is a significant regulation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) classification system?
What is the primary purpose of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) classification system?
Signup and view all the answers
Which schedules of controlled substances are specifically mentioned as being repealed in the CDSA classification?
Which schedules of controlled substances are specifically mentioned as being repealed in the CDSA classification?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the result of subsection 56(1) of the CDSA for designated paramedics in Ontario?
What is the result of subsection 56(1) of the CDSA for designated paramedics in Ontario?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following medications is NOT included in the exemptions outlined for paramedics under the CDSA?
Which of the following medications is NOT included in the exemptions outlined for paramedics under the CDSA?
Signup and view all the answers
Who can legally prescribe medication within the paramedic setting according to the content provided?
Who can legally prescribe medication within the paramedic setting according to the content provided?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential consequence of a paramedic administering a medication outside of their scope of practice?
What is a potential consequence of a paramedic administering a medication outside of their scope of practice?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements accurately describes medical directives and standing orders (MDSOs)?
Which of the following statements accurately describes medical directives and standing orders (MDSOs)?
Signup and view all the answers
What primary role do the schedules V and VI play in the CDSA classification system?
What primary role do the schedules V and VI play in the CDSA classification system?
Signup and view all the answers
With respect to the CDSA, which of the following activities is prohibited for paramedics without a specific exemption?
With respect to the CDSA, which of the following activities is prohibited for paramedics without a specific exemption?
Signup and view all the answers
What must a paramedic ensure before administering medication according to the medical directives?
What must a paramedic ensure before administering medication according to the medical directives?
Signup and view all the answers
What constitutes valid consent for treatment?
What constitutes valid consent for treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT considered part of informed consent?
Which of the following is NOT considered part of informed consent?
Signup and view all the answers
In which scenario can a paramedic administer treatment without consent?
In which scenario can a paramedic administer treatment without consent?
Signup and view all the answers
What must a paramedic do if directed to perform an action outside their scope of practice?
What must a paramedic do if directed to perform an action outside their scope of practice?
Signup and view all the answers
What must a patient or caregiver do to ensure the paramedic can assist with a specific technology?
What must a patient or caregiver do to ensure the paramedic can assist with a specific technology?
Signup and view all the answers
For consent to be informed, which of the following information is NOT required?
For consent to be informed, which of the following information is NOT required?
Signup and view all the answers
What condition must be met for a paramedic to assume a patient’s consent is valid in emergencies?
What condition must be met for a paramedic to assume a patient’s consent is valid in emergencies?
Signup and view all the answers
When responding to a BHP's direction, what should a paramedic prioritize?
When responding to a BHP's direction, what should a paramedic prioritize?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a patient need to understand for valid consent regarding treatment options?
What does a patient need to understand for valid consent regarding treatment options?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true regarding emergency consent procedures?
Which of the following is true regarding emergency consent procedures?
Signup and view all the answers
If a patient does not meet the MDSO for NTG, but a physician directs the paramedic to administer it, what is the primary legal concern for the paramedic?
If a patient does not meet the MDSO for NTG, but a physician directs the paramedic to administer it, what is the primary legal concern for the paramedic?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the provided context, which statement accurately reflects the legal responsibility of a paramedic regarding medication administration?
According to the provided context, which statement accurately reflects the legal responsibility of a paramedic regarding medication administration?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of "Medical Delegation Case Studies," what is the key difference between Case 1 and Case 2 from a legal perspective?
In the context of "Medical Delegation Case Studies," what is the key difference between Case 1 and Case 2 from a legal perspective?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'informed consent' mean in the context of paramedic treatment?
What does the term 'informed consent' mean in the context of paramedic treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the elements required for consent to treatment to be legally valid?
What are the elements required for consent to treatment to be legally valid?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the medical directives mentioned in the text?
What is the purpose of the medical directives mentioned in the text?
Signup and view all the answers
Based on the provided content, what is the primary responsibility of a paramedic regarding medication administration?
Based on the provided content, what is the primary responsibility of a paramedic regarding medication administration?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the provided content, what is an example of implied consent in a medical context?
According to the provided content, what is an example of implied consent in a medical context?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential consequence for a paramedic who administers medication outside of their scope of practice or established protocols, even with a physician's order?
What is a potential consequence for a paramedic who administers medication outside of their scope of practice or established protocols, even with a physician's order?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the "CARDIAC ISCHEMIA PROTOCOL (ALS PCS)" mentioned in the text?
What is the purpose of the "CARDIAC ISCHEMIA PROTOCOL (ALS PCS)" mentioned in the text?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Medical-Legal Considerations
- Review the presentation "Medical-Legal Considerations" on Brightspace.
- Read textbook chapters 2 (pp.18-20) and 3 (pp.37-48). Note that these chapters, while UK-specific, cover mirrored concepts in Canadian law.
Objectives
- Identify regulations under the Food and Drug Act and Food and Drug Regulations applicable to paramedics.
- Identify laws under which paramedics carry and dispense medications.
- Identify special regulations for storage, transport, documentation, and administration of controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act.
- Discuss forms of medical delegation.
- Explain how physicians may delegate to paramedics.
- Discuss the structure of a medical directive or standing order.
Canadian Regulations and Legislation
- Canadian legislation began in 1875.
- Two acts of Parliament (Food and Drug Act [1941] and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act [1996]) form the basis of drug laws.
- The Department of National Health and Welfare is responsible for drug control in Canada.
Canadian Regulations and Legislation (Specific Acts)
- Food and Drug Act: Protects consumers from contaminated, adulterated or unsafe food and drugs; addresses falsely labelled or misleading products; and regulates drug manufacture & sale.
- Food and Drug Regulation: An annex to the Food and Drug Act, explicitly defining terms used in the Act, and covering importing, preparing, treating, processing, labeling, advertising, and selling of food, drugs, cosmetics, natural health products (including herbal products), and medical devices.
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA): Addresses drug possession, sale, manufacture, distribution, production, import, and export of controlled drugs, their precursors, and other controlled substances; and describes drug record keeping, documentation, and dispensing procedures.
CDSA Classification
- CDSA classifies drugs into 8 categories based on safety risk, potential for dependence, and medical use.
- Schedule V & VI: Precursors required to produce controlled substances.
- Schedule VII & VIII: Repealed.
- Schedule IX: Pill making equipment.
- (See Table I, Schedules of Controlled Substances within the CSA for specific details on each schedule and examples.)*
CDSA Exemptions for Paramedics
- Ontario paramedics (Primary Care, Advanced Care, and Critical Care) employed by certified ambulance services are exempted from some CDSA regulations, effective May 16, 2019 (subsect. 56(1)).
- Exemptions pertain to possession of certain controlled substances (fentanyl, hydromorphone, ketamine, morphine, pethidine).
- Also, exemptions regarding controlled substance selling, giving, transfer, etc. (diazepam, fentanyl, hydromorphone, ketamine, lorazepam, midazolam, morphine, pethidine).
- Benzodiazepine possession also exempted (diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam).
Medical Delegation
- Only physicians can prescribe medications in a clinical setting.
- Paramedics are delegated the ability to administer certain medications, with specific medical criteria.
- Administering medication outside their scope is considered practicing medicine without a license; MDSO's (Medical directives and standing orders) are crucial in such cases.
General Structure of a Medical Directive (MDSO)
- Provides guidelines for when a paramedic may administer a medication.
- Outlines conditions under which medication may be administered and specific clinical requirements.
- Medical directives will indicate if/when a patch to online medical control is required.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) / Nitroglycerin Administration
- For ACS, specific conditions must be met before initiating Nitroglycerin administration (e.g., patient age, MAP, heart rate, alertness),
- Specific contraindications exist (e.g., nitrate allergy, use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors within 48 hours).
Cardiac Ischemia Protocol (ALS PCS)
- Protocol outlines conditions and considerations for treatment of cardiac ischemia, including potential use of ASA and nitroglycerin. Key considerations include age requirements, vital signs, and potential contraindications.
Responsibilities of the Paramedic
- Maintain up-to-date information on medications and side effects.
- Assess patient needs accurately and appropriately manage medication.
- Employ appropriate interventions based on assessment.
- Ensure accurate medication administration and maintain proper documentation.
Medical Delegation Case Studies
- Case 1: Paramedic is asked to administer NTG, but patient does not meet MDSO criteria. Legal implications are discussed.
- Case 2: Paramedic is asked for advice on a sick child. Legal responsibility is discussed.
- Case 3: Paramedic tasked with escorting a patient with complex medical needs to a destination. Legal requirements are discussed.
- Case 4: Paramedic called for an elderly patient with DNR. Patient refusing transport and wishes to die at home. Legal implications are discussed.
Consent for Treatment
- Paramedics must obtain consent prior to treating a patient, except in emergency situations. Informed or implied consent is acceptable.
- Informed consent includes disclosing treatment nature, expected benefits, potential risks/side effects, alternatives, possible consequences of refusing treatment, and responding to patient questions/requests for further information.
- Emergency situations allow for treatment without consent when the delay would prolong suffering/risk/bodily harm. Delay of treatment and ability to give consent should also be considered.
Determining Competence
- Valid consent requires a patient's capacity to provide consent.
- A patient is considered competent if able to understand relevant information, make decisions, and appreciate the consequences of their decisions/lack thereof.
Care Outside of Scope
- Paramedics cannot provide care that exceeds their authorized skill set. Knowledge of technology/medication is assumed once it's verified the patient or caregiver has the corresponding training. Exceeding paramedic scope of practice must be communicated, and further direction requested of a higher medical authority.
Additional Notes
- Information is based on the provided images.
- Specific dosages, conditions, and examples are included where applicable.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the medical-legal regulations and acts applicable to paramedics in Canada. You'll learn about the Food and Drug Act, Controlled Substances Act, and the structure of medical directives. Understanding these laws is crucial for safe and legal practice in emergency medicine.
