GROUND AMBULANCE REGULATION
For information only: Made by the Minister of Health (M.O. 30/2020) on July 6,
2020 pursuant to section 48 of the Emergency Health Services Act.
Table of Contents
Interpretation
1 Interpretation
2 Code
Provincial Director,
Medical Directors and Registrar
3 Provincial Director
4 Powers, duties and functions of Provincial Director
5 Power to delegate - Provincial Director
6 Medical Directors
7 Duties and functions of Medical Directors
8 Powers, duties and functions of Registrar
9 Power to delegate - Registrar
Ambulance Operator Responsible
10 Ambulance operator responsible
Operator's Licence
11 Application
12 Inspection
Categories of Ambulance Attendants and
Ambulance Staffing Requirements
13 Prohibition
14 Ambulance attendant (dispatcher)
15 Ambulance attendant (ambulance)
16 Direction
17 Ambulance staffing requirements
Dispatch Centres
18 Minister's approval of dispatch centre
19 Dispatch interruption contingency plan
20 Dispatch centre's responsibilities
21 Telephone access
Ambulance Standards, Equipment and Supplies
22 Approval for use
23 Transition to Ambulance Code
24 Age restriction for ambulance
25 Out-of-province ambulances
26 Equipment and supplies
Maintenance and Repair
27 Mandatory repairs
28 Maintenance program
29 Roadworthiness inspection
30 Ambulance defects
31 Replacement parts
Ambulance Operations and Information
32 Ambulance records
33 Patient care report
34 Responsibility
35 Collision report
36 Record keeping
37 Provision of records, etc.
38 Ambulance insurance
39 Malpractice insurance
40 Patient information
41 Patient transportation
42 Physical or mental incapacity
43 Infection prevention and control
44 Ambulance interior temperature
45 Manufacturer's weight ratings
46 Fees for services
Complaints to Registrar
47 Complaints to Registrar
Other Matters
48 Display of the word "ambulance"
49 Transitional - dispatch centres
50 Transitional - Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 ambulances
51 Repeal
52 Expiry
Interpretation
Interpretation
1(1) In this Regulation,
(a) "Act" means the Emergency Health Services Act;
(b) "alternate transport device" means
(i) a scoop stretcher or spine board on which a patient is
secured using a combination of cross straps and
shoulder straps, or
(ii) any other device designated by the Registrar;
(c) "ambulance"
(i) does not include an ambulance that is an aircraft, and
(ii) includes an ambulance that is used to provide
non-emergency patient transport services in accordance
with this Regulation;
(d) "Ambulance Code" means the Ambulance Vehicle Standards
Code adopted under section 2;
(e) "approved facility" means
(i) an approved hospital as defined in the Hospitals Act,
(ii) a nursing home as defined in the Nursing Homes Act,
(iii) a place or a part of a place designated as a facility in the
Mental Health Regulation (AR 19/2004) made under
the Mental Health Act, or
(iv) any other facility approved by the Minister;
(f) "Class 1 Ambulance" means an ambulance that is primarily
dispatched in response to calls from the public for assistance
in emergencies;
(g) "Class 2 Ambulance" means an ambulance that is primarily
dispatched to provide emergency inter-facility patient
transport services;
(h) "Class 3 Ambulance" means an ambulance that may be
dispatched in a response, rescue, transport or support role;
(i) "Class 4 Ambulance" means a vehicle that is dispatched to
provide non-emergency patient transport services;
(j) "Department" means the Department of Health;
(k) "direction" means
(i) medical consultation or advice provided by a Medical
Director to an ambulance attendant or ambulance
operator, including online medical consultation, and
(ii) the Provincial Medical Protocols;
(l) "emergency health services" includes non-emergency patient
transport services in accordance with this Regulation;
(m) "maintenance program" means a written maintenance and
inspection program approved by the Registrar that provides
for a continuous and regular program of inspection,
maintenance and repair of the ambulances and equipment
that are or will be used in an ambulance operator's
ambulance operation;
(n) "Medical Director" means a person employed or engaged as
a Medical Director under section 6(1);
(o) "non-emergency patient transport services" means transport
services arranged, coordinated or dispatched on behalf of the
Minister, when a patient may require medical assistance or
monitoring during the transport;
(p) "online medical consultation" means direction provided by a
Medical Director to an ambulance attendant by means of a
live, 2-way communication device;
(q) "paramedic response unit" means an ambulance approved for
use by a single ambulance attendant (ambulance) to provide
emergency health services;
(r) "Provincial Director" means the Provincial Director
designated under section 3;
(s) "Provincial Medical Protocols" means the protocols
established by the Provincial Director to direct appropriate
patient care by an ambulance attendant or an ambulance
operator when providing emergency health services to a
patient in Alberta;
(t) "vehicle" means a motor vehicle within the meaning of the
Traffic Safety Act.
(2) A reference in this Regulation to "ambulance attendant" means an
ambulance attendant (ambulance) or an ambulance attendant
(dispatcher), except where the context requires otherwise.
(3) The following definitions in subsection (1) apply for the purposes
of the Act as it relates to this Regulation:
(a) "ambulance";
(b) "emergency health services".
Code
2 The Ambulance Vehicle Standards Code published by the
Department and dated January 2010 is hereby declared in force as
amended from time to time and forms part of this Regulation.
Provincial Director,
Medical Directors and Registrar
Provincial Director
3 The Minister may designate a Provincial Director to serve as the
provincial medical director referred to in section 48(1)(w) of the Act.
Powers, duties and functions of Provincial Director
4(1) The Provincial Director shall
(a) establish and maintain the Provincial Medical Protocols,
(b) oversee the provision of the direction provided by Medical
Directors to ambulance attendants and ambulance operators,
and
(c) make recommendations to the Minister, Registrar and
ambulance operators on measures to improve the direction
and the compliance with direction provided to ambulance
attendants and ambulance operators.
(2) The Provincial Director may issue directives to, and impose
reporting requirements on, Medical Directors in the exercise of their
powers and in the carrying out of their responsibilities under this
Regulation.
Power to delegate - Provincial Director
5 The Provincial Director may, with the approval of the Registrar,
delegate in writing any power, duty or function of the Provincial
Director under the Act or this Regulation to a qualified employee of
the Department.
Medical Directors
6(1) A regional health authority shall employ or engage persons as
Medical Directors in accordance with this section.
(2) A regional health authority shall
(a) employ or engage the number of Medical Directors
determined by the Registrar, and
(b) ensure that online medical consultation provided by a
Medical Director to an ambulance attendant or an ambulance
operator is available on a 24-hours-a-day basis every day of
the year.
(3) To be employed or engaged by a regional health authority a
Medical Director must
(a) be a regulated member in good standing under the Health
Professions Act who holds a practice permit issued under that
Act, and
(b) meet any other qualifications, experience, or requirements
established by the Provincial Director.
Duties and functions of Medical Directors
7 A Medical Director shall
(a) consult with the Provincial Director on the development and
maintenance of the Provincial Medical Protocols when
requested to do so by the Provincial Director,
(b) provide direction to ambulance attendants and ambulance
operators,
(c) monitor compliance with the direction provided to an
ambulance attendant or an ambulance operator in the form
and manner required by a regional health authority or the
Provincial Director, and
(d) comply with any directive issued or reporting requirement
imposed by the Provincial Director.
Powers, duties and functions of Registrar
8 The Registrar may
(a) monitor the provision of emergency health services by a
regional health authority and an ambulance operator,
(b) make recommendations, as the Registrar considers necessary,
to the Minister, a regional health authority and ambulance
operators on measures to maintain and improve the provision
of emergency health services,
(c) act as a liaison among the Minister, a regional health
authority, ambulance operators, the Provincial Director and
Medical Directors in the administration of the Act and this
Regulation, and
(d) perform any other function or duty set out in this Regulation.
Power to delegate - Registrar
9 The Registrar may, in writing, delegate any power, duty or function
of the Registrar under the Act or this Regulation to a qualified
employee of the Department.
Ambulance Operator Responsible
Ambulance operator responsible
10 Except as authorized in accordance with the Act, an ambulance
operator shall comply with, and shall ensure that the ambulance
operator's ambulance operation, employees and agents comply with,
the requirements of this Regulation and the Act.
Operator's Licence
Application
11(1) A person wishing to obtain or to renew an operator's licence
shall submit an application to the Registrar in the form and manner
required by the Registrar.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), if an applicant for an operator's
licence is not a regional health authority, the applicant shall include
with the application
(a) proof of an agreement under section 6 of the Act to operate
an ambulance operation, and
(b) a statement as to the class or classes of ambulance that the
applicant proposes to operate.
Inspection
12 Before issuing or renewing an operator's licence, an authorized
person may exercise powers of inspection in accordance with Part 5 of
the Act.
Categories of Ambulance Attendants and
Ambulance Staffing Requirements
Prohibition
13 No person shall be employed or engaged to provide emergency
health services for an ambulance operation unless that person is an
ambulance attendant and meets the requirements of the Act and this
Regulation.
Ambulance attendant (dispatcher)
14(1) The category of ambulance attendant (dispatcher) is established
and consists of ambulance attendants who receive requests for
emergency health services in a dispatch centre and direct responses to
the requests.
(2) An ambulance attendant (dispatcher) shall have the qualifications
established by the Provincial Director.
Ambulance attendant (ambulance)
15(1) The category of ambulance attendant (ambulance) is established
and consists of the persons approved by the Registrar who hold the
following qualifications:
(a) registration as an emergency medical responder under the
Health Professions Act;
(b) registration as a primary care paramedic under the Health
Professions Act;
(c) registration as an advanced care paramedic under the Health
Professions Act.
(2) A person who holds the qualifications referred to in subsection
(1)(a) to (c) may act as an ambulance attendant (ambulance) only as
authorized under this Regulation and in any circumstances further
specified by the Registrar in the terms and conditions of an operator's
licence.
Direction
16 Despite any other enactment, an ambulance attendant and an
ambulance operator shall comply with the direction provided to the
ambulance attendant or ambulance operator.
Ambulance staffing requirements
17(1) A Class 1 ambulance shall be staffed with a minimum of 2
ambulance attendants (ambulance),
(a) one of whom shall be a primary care paramedic, and
(b) one of whom shall be either a primary care paramedic or an
advanced care paramedic.
(2) A Class 2 ambulance shall be staffed with a minimum of 2
ambulance attendants (ambulance),
(a) one of whom shall be a primary care paramedic, and
(b) one of whom shall be either a primary care paramedic or an
advanced care paramedic.
(3) A Class 3 ambulance that is transporting a patient on a multi-level
cot shall be staffed with a minimum of 2 ambulance attendants
(ambulance),
(a) one of whom shall be a primary care paramedic, and
(b) one of whom shall be either a primary care paramedic or an
advanced care paramedic.
(4) A Class 3 ambulance that is functioning as a paramedic response
unit shall be staffed with one ambulance attendant who is an advanced
care paramedic.
(5) A Class 3 ambulance that is dispatched as the first response to a
request for emergency health services and transports only patients
seated in a mobility aid or a standard passenger seat shall be staffed
with one ambulance attendant who is either a primary care paramedic
or an advanced care paramedic.
(6) A Class 4 ambulance shall be staffed with a minimum of 2
ambulance attendants, one of whom is a primary care paramedic.
(7) A Class 4 ambulance that is transporting a patient in a recumbent
position shall be staffed with a minimum of 2 ambulance attendants.
(8) A Class 4 ambulance that is transporting only patients seated in a
standard passenger seat shall be staffed with a minimum of one
ambulance attendant who is an emergency medical responder.
Dispatch Centres
Minister's approval of dispatch centre
18(1) A person seeking approval under section 14(1) of the Act to
operate a dispatch centre shall submit to the Registrar, in the form and
manner specified by the Registrar,
(a) a dispatch interruption contingency plan in respect of the
proposed dispatch centre, and
(b) any other information specified or requested by the Minister
in the form and manner specified by the Registrar.
(2) The Minister may
(a) approve the dispatch centre in whole or in part and on any
terms and conditions that the Minister considers appropriate,
or
(b) decline to approve the dispatch centre, providing notice in
writing of that fact to the person referred to in subsection (1)
and the regional health authority.
Dispatch interruption contingency plan
19 The operator of a dispatch centre shall submit to the Registrar, in
the form and manner specified by the Registrar, an updated dispatch
interruption contingency plan
(a) every 5 calendar years,
(b) if the dispatch centre is to be relocated, before the relocation
occurs, or
(c) at any time as requested by the Registrar.
Dispatch centre's responsibilities
20 An operator of a dispatch centre shall comply with, and shall
ensure that the operator's dispatch centre, employees and agents
comply with, the requirements of the Act and this Regulation.
Telephone access
21 In areas of the province where a 911 service is not available, the
regional health authority responsible for providing emergency health
services in the area shall ensure that
(a) the public can call for emergency health services in the area
through a dedicated telephone line on a 24-hour basis, and
(b) the telephone number for calling for emergency health
services is advertised in a manner that provides notice of the
telephone number in the communities in which the services
are provided.
Ambulance Standards,
Equipment and Supplies
Approval for use
22(1) A regional health authority or an ambulance operator shall not
use a vehicle to provide emergency health services unless the vehicle is
approved by the Registrar for regular use as an ambulance.
(2) Despite subsection (1), the Registrar may authorize the use of an
ambulance in the situations specified by the Registrar, subject to any
terms or conditions the Registrar considers appropriate.
(3) An ambulance operator shall apply to the Registrar in the form and
manner required by the Registrar for an approval for use of an
ambulance that will be used in providing emergency health services.
(4) The Registrar may inspect an ambulance or cause it to be inspected
on receipt of an application under subsection (3).
Transition to Ambulance Code
23(1) An ambulance that was approved for use on or after March 15,
2010 must meet the requirements of the Ambulance Code.
(2) If an ambulance was approved for use on or before March 14,
2010 and was reapproved for use on or after March 15, 2010 because
the ambulance's original patient compartment was mounted on a new
chassis, the ambulance must meet the requirements of section 16 of the
Ambulance Code.
Age restriction for ambulance
24(1) No ambulance operator shall operate an ambulance whose
chassis or patient compartment is 12 or more years old unless the
ambulance operator has obtained an exemption from the Registrar.
(2) The Registrar may authorize an exemption of not more than 2
years to an ambulance operator to operate an ambulance that is 12 or
more years old.
Out-of-province ambulances
25 An ambulance that is approved for use in another jurisdiction and
that meets the requirements for operating as an ambulance in that other
jurisdiction is authorized to enter Alberta for the purpose of
(a) transporting a patient from the jurisdiction into Alberta,
(b) transporting a patient from an approved facility located in
Alberta to another jurisdiction, or
(c) aiding Alberta in providing emergency health services to
Albertans in exceptional circumstances, as determined by the
Registrar.
Equipment and supplies
26(1) An ambulance operator shall ensure that every ambulance is
equipped with the equipment and supplies required by the Provincial
Medical Protocols.
(2) Ambulance operators and ambulance attendants shall ensure that
all equipment, supplies and medications used to provide emergency
health services that have a specified shelf life are removed from the
ambulance on or before the expiry date and
(a) disposed of in accordance with any waste management
guidelines and standards prescribed by any enactment of
Alberta or Canada, or
(b) in the case of sterile reusable equipment, cleaned, resterilized
and repackaged.
(3) Ambulance operators and ambulance attendants shall ensure that
all equipment and supplies in an ambulance are properly secured when
an ambulance is moving.
Maintenance and Repair
Mandatory repairs
27 The Registrar may establish criteria or requirements for
mandatory repairs and may, in addition to any other consequence or
penalty authorized by the Act that applies with respect to an ambulance
or ambulance operator, require that an ambulance be removed from
service until the mandatory repairs are completed to the satisfaction of
the Registrar.
Maintenance program
28(1) An ambulance shall be maintained and inspected in accordance
with an ambulance operator's maintenance program.
(2) An ambulance operator shall ensure that the ambulance attendants
(ambulance) and vehicle maintenance personnel of the ambulance
operator's ambulance operation are informed of and familiar with the
requirements of the maintenance program.
Roadworthiness inspection
29 An ambulance shall be inspected for roadworthiness at intervals
established by the Registrar by a person who is a certified
journeyperson in the trade of automotive service technician or by a
certified journeyperson in the truck and transport mechanic branch of
the trade of heavy equipment technician under the Apprenticeship and
Industry Training Act.
Ambulance defects
30(1) In this section and sections 31, 32 and 33, "ambulance"
includes the equipment for an ambulance as required by the Provincial
Medical Protocols.
(2) An ambulance attendant, employee or agent of an ambulance
operator shall immediately notify the ambulance operator if the person
becomes aware of
(a) a defect that may affect the safe operation of an ambulance,
or
(b) the need for a mandatory repair referred to in section 27.
(3) An ambulance operator shall immediately address any defect or
mandatory repair of which the ambulance operator is aware so that the
ambulance may be operated safely.
(4) If the manufacturer of an ambulance has provided specific
instructions regarding a defect or mandatory repair of an ambulance,
the defect or mandatory repair shall be addressed in accordance with
those instructions.
Replacement parts
31 A person who repairs an ambulance shall ensure that a
replacement part used in the repair of an ambulance
(a) is designed for the particular purpose for which it is used, and
(b) is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
Ambulance Operations and Information
Ambulance records
32(1) An ambulance operator shall retain the following records in
respect of each of the ambulance operator's ambulances:
(a) the identifying information for each ambulance, including
(i) the manufacturer and model number of the chassis and
patient compartment,
(ii) the year of manufacture of the chassis and patient
compartment,
(iii) the vehicle identification number, and
(iv) any ambulance identification provided by the
Department;
(b) a record of the inspection, repair and maintenance of each
ambulance, including
(i) the nature of the inspection, repair or maintenance
performed on it,
(ii) the date on which the inspection, repair or maintenance
took place and the odometer reading of the ambulance
at that time, and
(iii) the name and contact information of the individual who
carried out the inspection, repair or maintenance;
(c) any notification under section 30 or any notice of a
manufacturer's defect received with respect to an ambulance
and the corrective work done as a result of the notification or
notice.
(2) For every ambulance, a copy of the records set out in subsection
(1) shall be retained
(a) in the case of the ambulance itself, for a period of 10 years
from the date they are recorded or for a shorter period
approved by the Registrar, and
(b) in the case of the equipment for the ambulance, for a period
of 5 years from the date they are recorded or for a shorter
period approved by the Registrar.
(3) If an ambulance is transferred to a new owner, the new owner shall
be provided with a copy of the records described in subsection (1)(b).
(4) The records shall be retained or made available at the ambulance
operator's main place of business in Alberta in accordance with section
36.
Patient care report
33(1) An ambulance operator shall ensure that
(a) an ambulance attendant (ambulance) who attends a patient
completes a patient care report in the form approved by the
Registrar immediately after attending the patient,
(b) if the patient is transported to an approved facility, one copy
of the patient care report is given for inclusion in the
patient's medical chart to a person at that facility who has the
authority to receive patient information,
(c) if requested by the Registrar, a completed patient care report
must be forwarded to the Department at a place and within
the time specified by the Registrar, and
(d) the patient care data set specified by the Registrar is
submitted to the Department in a manner and within the time
specified by the Registrar.
(2) An ambulance operator shall retain for a period of 10 calendar
years from the date the patient was attended to
(a) a copy of the patient care report, and
(b) the patient care data set referred to in subsection (1)(d).
Responsibility
34 A regional health authority with which an ambulance operator has
an agreement to operate an ambulance operation shall ensure that
provision is made for the custody and control of the ambulance
operator's patient care reports in the event that an ambulance operator
ceases to provide emergency health services.
Collision report
35(1) A person who is driving an ambulance and who is involved in a
collision shall complete a collision report in the form approved by the
Registrar and submit the report to the Registrar within the time
specified by the Registrar, if any of the following circumstances occur:
(a) any person is injured or dies as a result of the collision;
(b) the ambulance's emergency lights or sirens are on at the time
of the collision;
(c) the collision causes damage to the ambulance above the
amount established by the Registrar;
(d) any other circumstance as may be specified by the Registrar.
(2) An ambulance operator shall retain a copy of a collision report for
a period of 10 calendar years from the date the collision occurs.
Record keeping
36 The contents of a record required to be maintained
(a) under section 32(2), or
(b) for 10 calendar years under sections 33, 34 and 35
may be stored electronically, and the original record may be destroyed
not less than 2 years after the record is created.
Provision of records, etc.
37 An ambulance operator shall, as required by the Registrar, provide
the Registrar with records and other information in the ambulance
operator's possession or under the ambulance operator's control that
are relevant to the provision of emergency health services.
Ambulance insurance
38 An ambulance operator shall maintain, in respect of an ambulance
used in the provision of emergency health services, automobile
insurance that
(a) includes an endorsement giving the ambulance operator
permission to carry passengers for compensation, and
(b) insures, to a limit in respect of each collision of not less than
$2 000 000 exclusive of interest and costs, against liability
resulting from bodily injury to or the death of one or more
persons and loss of or damage to property.
Malpractice insurance
39 An ambulance operator shall have malpractice insurance under
which
(a) the ambulance operator and each ambulance attendant
engaged by the ambulance operator are insured against
liability for personal injury resulting from negligent acts or
omissions in carrying out their duties,
(b) the minimum liability for which the ambulance operator and
each ambulance attendant is insured is $2 000 000 for each
negligent act or omission, and
(c) the policy includes an annual aggregate limit of at least
$3 000 000.
Patient information
40 When an ambulance is used to transfer a patient from one
approved facility to another, the sending facility shall provide the
ambulance attendant (ambulance) with the following:
(a) the patient's name;
(b) a summary of the patient's medical history prior to the
transfer, including information that is relevant to
complications that may arise during the transfer;
(c) any orders by the attending physician for treatment of the
patient during transportation;
(d) the reason for the transfer;
(e) the name of the receiving physician, the receiving facility and
confirmation that the receiving facility has been notified of
the transfer.
Patient transportation
41(1) A patient who is being transported in a Class 1 or 2 ambulance
shall be transported only in the patient compartment of the ambulance.
(2) A patient who is to be transported in a recumbent position in a
Class 1, 2 or 3 ambulance shall be transported on a multi-level cot.
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), but subject to subsection (4), a
patient may be transported in a recumbent position on an alternate
transport device in an ambulance if
(a) the ambulance is designed, equipped and tested to secure an
alternate transport device, and
(b) the alternate transport device is secured to the ambulance.
(4) A patient shall not be transported in a recumbent position on an
alternate transport device in a Class 3 ambulance except when it is
necessary to move the patient from a location where a Class 1
ambulance cannot access the patient to a location where a Class 1
ambulance can access the patient.
(5) The siren and warning lights of a Class 4 ambulance shall not be
operated when the ambulance is being used to transport a patient.
(6) A patient shall be secured with a safety device appropriate to the
patient's condition and size.
(7) A patient who is being transported on a cot shall at all times be
secured using a restraint system that includes 3 cross straps and 2
shoulder straps, in accordance with the instructions supplied by the
manufacturer of the cot, unless
(a) access to the patient's upper torso is required for medical or
resuscitative procedures, or
(b) the patient's size or health condition is such that the restraint
system described in this subsection is not appropriate for
transporting the patient.
(8) An ambulance may transport more than one patient at the same
time when the ambulance operator or ambulance attendant
(ambulance) considers it safe to do so.
Physical or mental incapacity
42 No ambulance attendant shall provide or attempt to provide
emergency health services if the ambulance attendant
(a) is unable to meet the physical requirements of providing the
emergency health services in question, or
(b) is suffering from diminished capacity by reason of injury,
illness, fatigue, drugs, alcohol or any other factor in such a
way that the safety of a patient or any other person may be
endangered.
Infection prevention and control
43(1) An ambulance operator shall
(a) keep every ambulance that the ambulance operator operates
and all equipment and supplies required in the operation of
the ambulance in a hygienic and safe condition, and
(b) develop and post in a conspicuous location an infection
prevention and control program.
(2) The Registrar may establish criteria or requirements for the
infection prevention and control programs referred to in subsection (1),
either generally or as to specific classes of ambulances or ambulance
operators.
(3) An infection prevention and control program referred to in
subsection (1) shall comply with any criteria or requirements
established by the Registrar that apply to the ambulance operator.
Ambulance interior temperature
44(1) An ambulance shall not be used to respond to a request for an
emergency health service until the interior temperature of the
ambulance is 10§C or more.
(2) The interior temperature of an ambulance shall be kept within the
temperature range specified by the manufacturer of any and all
equipment and supplies in an ambulance.
Manufacturer's weight ratings
45 An ambulance shall not be operated in any situation if the
manufacturer's ratings for gross axle weight or gross vehicle weight
are exceeded.
Fees for services
46(1) Subject to subsection (2), an ambulance operator may charge a
patient the fees established by the Minister for the services provided.
(2) An ambulance operator shall not directly bill a patient who is
enrolled in a Government of Alberta program that is identified by the
Minister.
Complaints to Registrar
Complaints to Registrar
47(1) A person may submit a complaint to the Registrar regarding the
provision of an emergency health service by an ambulance operator.
(2) The complaint shall be made in writing to the Registrar and shall
include
(a) the name and contact information of the complainant,
(b) the particulars of the complaint,
(c) any information or facts supporting the complaint,
(d) the signature of the complainant or of the complainant's
authorized representative, and
(e) any other information as required by the Registrar.
(3) On receipt of a complaint, the Registrar may
(a) dismiss the complaint,
(b) investigate the complaint, or
(c) if the complaint relates to a matter that is also within the
jurisdiction of another person or body, refer the complaint to
that person or body.
(4) If the Registrar dismisses the complaint or refers the complaint to
another person or body under subsection (3), the Registrar shall notify
the complainant and the ambulance operator of that fact and, in the
case of a referral, provide the complainant and the ambulance operator
with the name of the person or body.
(5) If the Registrar commences an investigation, the Registrar shall
(a) notify the complainant, and
(b) notify the ambulance operator who is the subject of the
complaint of the nature of the complaint and that an
investigation will be conducted.
(6) On completing an investigation, the Registrar may
(a) dismiss the complaint,
(b) exercise any of the powers set out in section 30(2) of the Act,
or
(c) refer the complaint to another person or body described in
subsection (3).
(7) The Registrar shall notify the complainant and the ambulance
operator as to the outcome of an investigation referred to in subsection
(6) and, in the case of a referral, provide the complainant and the
ambulance operator with the name of the person or body.
Other Matters
Display of the word "ambulance"
48 No vehicle shall display the word "ambulance" unless
(a) the vehicle is operated by a licensed ambulance operator, and
(b) the Registrar has authorized the display of the word
"ambulance" for that type of vehicle.
Transitional - dispatch centres
49 The operator of a dispatch centre that was approved before the
coming into force of this Regulation shall, within 3 months after the
coming into force of this Regulation, submit to the Registrar a dispatch
interruption contingency plan in respect of the dispatch centre.
Transitional - Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 ambulances
50(1) Subject to this section, an ambulance operator may continue to
operate a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 ambulance that does not meet the
requirements of this Regulation for 180 days after the coming into
force of this Regulation.
(2) An ambulance operator who wishes to operate a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4
ambulance referred to in subsection (1) must apply to the Registrar in
the form and manner specified by the Registrar for permission to
operate the ambulance.
(3) An application under subsection (2) must include proof that the
ambulance
(a) passes a mechanical safety inspection, the criteria for which
are set out in the Ambulance Safety Inspection Manual
published by the Department,
(b) complies with the testing standards set out in the Ambulance
Code for any patient restraint devices,
(c) complies with the requirements of the Canadian Standards
Association for any mobility aid lifts, ramps and access
doors, and
(d) meets the requirements for exterior color and graphics set out
in section 16 of the Ambulance Code.
(4) Sections 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the Act apply with respect to
(a) an application under this section, and
(b) the Registrar's approval given under this section, as if the
approval were a licence.
Repeal
51 The following regulations are repealed:
(a) Emergency Health Services (Interim) Regulation
(AR 76/2009);
(b) Licensing and Ambulance Maintenance Regulation
(AR 46/99);
(c) Staff, Vehicle and Equipment Regulation (AR 45/99).
Expiry
52 For the purpose of ensuring that this Regulation is reviewed for
ongoing relevancy and necessity, with the option that it may be
repassed in its present or an amended form following a review, this
Regulation expires on June 30, 2030.