The HCPC’s new Standards of Proficiency for Paramedics come into effect today, 1 September 2023. Most changes are subtle, but some are both brand new and substantial. The most significant (in my view) are:
New Standard 2.1 – maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct [this principle has never featured as a Standard of Proficiency i.e. what paramedics must be able to demonstrate at the point of first registration – will this impact on University fitness to practise proceedings?]
New Standard 2.3 – understand the importance of safeguarding by actively looking for signs of abuse, demonstrating understanding of relevant safeguarding processes and engaging in these.
New Standard 2.11 – recognise the power imbalance which comes with being a health care professional, and ensure they do not abuse this for personal gain.
New Standard 3 – 3.1 – look after their health and wellbeing, seeking appropriate support where necessary, identify anxiety and stress in themselves and recognise the potential impact on their practice, understand the importance of their own mental and physical health and wellbeing strategies in maintaining fitness to practise.
New Standard 5.2 – 5.4 – understand equality legislation and apply it to their practice, understand the duty to make reasonable adjustments in practice and be able to make and support reasonable adjustments in theirs and others’ practice.
New Standard 6.5 – recognise that the concepts of confidentiality and informed consent extend to all mediums, including illustrative clinical records such as photography, video and audio recordings and digital platforms.
New Standard 8.10 – act as a role model for others.
New Standard 15.2 – understand how social, economic and environmental factors (wider determinants of health) can influence a person’s health and well-being.
A link to the full new Standards appears here.