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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/5/2024

Article 1. EMS Agency Licensure and Requirements

12VAC5-31-300. Requirement for EMS agency licensure and EMS certification.

Article 1
EMS Agency Licensure and Requirements

No person may establish, operate, maintain, advertise or represent themselves or any service or organization as an EMS agency or as EMS personnel without a valid license or certification, or in violation of the terms of a valid license or certification, issued by the Office of EMS.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-310. Provision of EMS within Virginia.

A person providing EMS to a patient received within Virginia and transported to a location within Virginia shall comply with these regulations.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-320. General applicability of the regulations.

These regulations have general application throughout Virginia for an EMS agency and an applicant for EMS agency licensure.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-330. Compliance with regulations.

A. A person shall comply with these regulations.

B. An EMS agency, including its EMS vehicles and EMS personnel, shall comply with these regulations, the applicable regulations of other state agencies, the Code of Virginia, and the United States Code.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-340. EMS agency name.

A person may not apply to conduct business under a name that is the same as or misleadingly similar to the name of a person licensed or registered by the Office of EMS.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-350. Ability to pay.

In the case of an emergency illness or injury, an EMS agency may not refuse to provide required services including dispatch, response, rescue, life support, emergency transport and interfacility transport based on the inability of the patient to provide means of payment for services rendered by the agency. An EMS agency's decision to refer or refuse to provide service must be based upon the "prudent layperson" standard for determination of the existence of a medical emergency as defined under "emergency services" in § 38.2-4300 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-360. Public access.

An EMS agency shall provide for a publicly listed telephone number to receive calls for service from the public.

1. The number must be answered in person on a 24-hour basis.

2. Exception: An EMS agency that does not respond to calls from the public but responds only to calls from a unique population shall provide for a telephone number known to the unique population it serves. The number must be answered during all periods when that population may require service and at all other times must direct callers to the nearest available EMS agency.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-370. Designated emergency response agency.

An EMS agency that responds to medical emergencies for its primary service area shall be a designated emergency response agency. A designated emergency response agency shall provide services within its primary service area as defined by the local EMS response plan.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-380. EMS agency availability.

A. An EMS agency shall provide service within its primary service area as defined by the local EMS response plan.

B. Licensed EMS agencies that meet the criteria stated in 12VAC5-31-370 but that operate under special conditions, i.e., time of year, etc., must also meet the criteria outlined in 12VAC5-31-430 A 2 and C 4.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-390. Destination to specialty care hospitals.

An EMS agency shall follow specialty care hospital triage plans established in accordance with § 32.1-111.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-400. Nondiscrimination.

An EMS agency shall not discriminate due to a patient's race, gender, creed, color, national origin, location, medical condition or any other reason.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-410. EMS agency licensure classifications.

An EMS agency license may be issued for any combination of the following classifications of EMS services:

1. Nontransport first response.

a. Basic life support.

b. Advanced life support.

2. Ground ambulance.

a. Basic life support.

b. Advanced life support.

3. Neonatal ambulance.

4. Air ambulance.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-420. Application for EMS agency license.

A. An applicant for EMS agency licensure shall file a written application specified by the Office of EMS.

B. The Office of EMS may use whatever means of investigation necessary to verify any or all information contained in the application.

C. An ordinance or resolution from the governing body of each locality where the agency maintains an office, stations an EMS vehicle for response within a locality or is a Designated Emergency Response Agency as required by § 15.2-955 of the Code of Virginia confirming approval. This ordinance or resolution must specify the geographic boundaries of the agency's primary service area within the locality.

D. The Office of EMS will determine whether an applicant or licensee is qualified for licensure based upon the following:

1. An applicant or licensee must meet the personnel requirements of these regulations.

2. If the applicant is a company or corporation, as defined in § 12.1-1 of the Code of Virginia, it must clearly disclose the identity of its owners, officers and directors.

3. An applicant or licensee must provide information on any previous record of performance in the provision of emergency medical service or any other related licensure, registration, certification or endorsement within or outside Virginia.

4. The applicant must submit a written agreement with the local governing body that states the applicant agency will assist in mutual aid requests from the local government if EMS personnel, vehicles, equipment, and other resources are available.

E. An applicant agency and all places of operation shall be subject to inspection by the Office of EMS for compliance with these regulations. The inspection may include any or all of the following:

1. All fixed places of operations, including all offices, stations, repair shops or training facilities.

2. All applicable records maintained by the applicant agency.

3. All EMS vehicles and required equipment used by the applicant agency.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-430. Issuance of an EMS agency license.

A. An EMS agency license may be issued by the Office of EMS provided the following conditions are met:

1. All information contained in the application is complete and correct; and

2. The applicant is determined by the Office of EMS to be eligible for licensure in accordance with these regulations.

3. The applicant is determined by the Office of EMS to provide emergency medical services to the citizens of the Commonwealth in accordance with this chapter.

B. The issuance of a license hereunder may not be construed to authorize any agency to operate any emergency medical services vehicle without a franchise or permit in any county or municipality which has enacted an ordinance pursuant to § 32.1-111.14 of the Code of Virginia making it unlawful to do so.

C. An EMS agency license may include the following information:

1. The name and address of the EMS agency;

2. The expiration date of the license;

3. The types of services for which the EMS agency is licensed; and

4. Any special conditions that may apply.

D. An EMS agency license will be issued and remain valid with the following conditions:

1. An EMS agency license is valid for a period of no longer than two years from the last day of the month of issuance unless and until revoked or suspended by the commissioner.

2. An EMS agency license is not transferable.

3. An EMS agency license issued by the Office of EMS remains the property of the Office of EMS and may not be altered or destroyed.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-440. Display of EMS agency license.

An EMS agency license is publicly displayed in the headquarters of the EMS agency and a copy displayed in each place of operations.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-450. EMS agency licensure renewal.

A. An EMS agency license renewal may be granted following an inspection as set forth in these regulations based on the following conditions:

1. The renewal inspection results demonstrate that the EMS agency complies with these regulations.

2. There have been no documented violations of these regulations that preclude a renewal.

B. If the Office of EMS is unable to take action on a renewal application of a license before expiration, the license remains in full force and effect until the Office of EMS completes processing of a renewal application.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-460. Denial of an EMS agency license.

A. An application for a new EMS agency license or renewal of an EMS agency license may be denied by the Office of EMS if the applicant or agency does not comply with these regulations.

B. An application for a new agency license or renewal of an EMS agency license shall not be issued by the Office of EMS to any firm, corporation, agency, organization, or association that does not intend to provide emergency medical services as part of its operation to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-470. Modification of an EMS agency license.

A. Any change in the classifications of the EMS vehicles or medical equipment packages permitted to an EMS agency or in any of the conditions that may apply to the EMS agency requires the notification of the Office of EMS and the modification of the EMS agency license.

B. The procedure for modification of a license is as follows:

1. The licensee shall request the modifications in writing on a form prescribed by the Office of EMS.

2. The Office of EMS may use the full provisions of these regulations in processing a request as an application.

3. Upon receiving a modified license, an EMS agency shall return the original license to the Office of EMS within 15 days and destroy all copies.

4. The issuance of a modified license hereunder may not be construed to authorize an EMS agency to provide emergency medical services or to operate an EMS vehicle without a franchise in any county or municipality that has enacted an ordinance requiring it.

C. A request for modification of an EMS agency license may be denied by the Office of EMS if the applicant or agency does not comply with these regulations.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-480. Termination of EMS agency licensure.

A. An EMS agency terminating service shall surrender the EMS agency license to the Office of EMS.

B. An EMS agency terminating service shall submit written notice to the Office of EMS at least 90 days in advance. Written notice of intent to terminate service must verify the following:

1. Notification of the applicable OMDs, regional EMS councils or local EMS resource agencies, PSAPs and governing bodies of each locality served.

2. Termination of all existing contracts for EMS services, Mutual Aid Agreements, or both.

3. Advertised notice of its intent to discontinue service has been published in a newspaper of general circulation in its service area and to be posted on the Office of EMS section of the Virginia Department of Health's website.

C. Within 30 days following the termination of service, the EMS agency shall provide written verification to the Office of EMS of the following:

1. The return of its EMS agency license and all associated vehicle permits to the Office of EMS.

2. The removal of all signage or insignia that advertise the availability of EMS to include but not be limited to facility and roadway signs, vehicle markings and uniform items.

3. The return of all drug kits that are part of a local or regional drug kit exchange program or provision for the proper disposition of drugs maintained under a Board of Pharmacy controlled substance registration.

4. The maintenance and secure storage of required agency records and prehospital patient care reports for a minimum of six years from the date of termination of service.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-490. EMS agency insurance.

A. An EMS agency shall have in effect and be able to furnish proof on demand of contracts for vehicular insurance as follows:

1. Insurance coverage for emergency vehicles shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements as set forth in § 46.2-920 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Insurance coverage for nonemergency vehicles shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements as set forth in § 46.2-472 of the Code of Virginia.

3. Insurance coverage for both classes of aircraft shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements as set forth in § 5.1-88.2 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Nothing in this section prohibits an authorized governmental agency from participating in an authorized "self-insurance" program as long as the program provides for the minimum coverage levels specified in this section.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-500. Place of operations.

A. An EMS agency shall maintain a fixed physical location. Any change in the address of the primary business location and any satellite location require notification to the Office of EMS before relocation of the office space.

B. Adequate, clean and enclosed storage space for linens, equipment and supplies shall be provided at each place of operation.

C. The following sanitation measures are required at each place of operation established by the CDC and the Virginia occupational safety and health laws (Title 40.1 of the Code of Virginia):

1. All areas used for storage of equipment and supplies shall be kept neat, clean, and sanitary.

2. All soiled supplies and used disposable items shall be stored or disposed of in plastic bags, covered containers or compartments provided for this purpose. Regulated waste shall be stored in a red or orange bag or container clearly marked with a biohazard label.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-510. Equipment and supplies.

A. An EMS agency shall hold the permit to an EMS vehicle or have a written agreement for the access to and use of an EMS vehicle. An EMS agency that does not use an EMS vehicle shall maintain the required equipment and supplies for a nontransport response vehicle.

B. Adequate stocks of supplies and linens shall be maintained as required for the classes of vehicles in service at each place of operations. An EMS agency shall maintain a supply of at least 25 triage tags of a design approved by the Office of EMS on each permitted EMS vehicle.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-520. Storage and security of drugs and related supplies.

A. An area used for storage of drugs and administration devices and a drug kit used on an EMS vehicle shall comply with requirements established by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and the applicable drug manufacturer's recommendations for climate-controlled storage.

B. Drugs and drug kits shall be maintained within their expiration date at all times.

C. Drugs and drug kits shall be removed from vehicles and stored in a properly maintained and locked secure area when the vehicle is not in use unless the ambient temperature of the vehicle's interior drug storage compartment is maintained within the climate requirements specified in this section.

D. An EMS agency shall notify the Office of EMS in writing of any diversion of (i.e., loss or theft) or tampering with any controlled substances, drug delivery devices, or other regulated medical devices from an agency facility or vehicle. Notification shall be made within 15 days of the discovery of the occurrence.

E. An EMS agency shall protect EMS vehicle contents from climate extremes.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-530. Preparation and maintenance of records and reports.

An EMS agency is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of records that shall be available for inspection by the Office of EMS as follows:

1. Records and reports shall at all times be stored in a manner to ensure reasonable safety from water and fire damage and from unauthorized disclosure to persons other than those authorized by law.

2. EMS agency records shall be prepared and securely maintained at the principal place of operations or a secured storage facility for a period of not less than five years.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-540. Personnel records.

A. An EMS agency shall have a current personnel record for each individual affiliated with the EMS agency. Each file shall contain documentation of certification, training and qualifications for the positions held.

B. An EMS agency shall have a record for each individual affiliated with the EMS agency documenting the results of a criminal history background check conducted through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the National Crime Information Center via the Virginia State Police, a driving record transcript from the individual's state Department of Motor Vehicles office, and any documents required by the Code of Virginia, no more than 60 days prior to the individual's affiliation with the EMS agency.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-550. EMS vehicle records.

An EMS agency shall have records for each vehicle currently in use to include maintenance reports demonstrating adherence to manufacturer's recommendations for preventive maintenance, valid vehicle registration, safety inspection, vehicle insurance coverage and any reportable motor vehicle collision as defined by the Motor Vehicle Code (Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia).

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-560. Patient care records.

A. An original PPCR shall specifically identify by name the personnel who meet the staffing requirements of the EMS vehicle.

B. The PPCR shall include the name and identification number of all EMS Personnel on the EMS vehicle and the signature of the attendant-in-charge.

C. The required minimum data set shall be submitted on a schedule established by the Office of EMS as authorized in § 32.1-116.1 of the Code of Virginia. This requirement for data collection and submission shall not apply to patient care rendered during local emergencies declared by the locality's government and states of emergency declared by the Governor. During such an incident, an approved triage tag shall be used to document patient care provided unless a standard patient care report is completed.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-570. EMS agency status report.

A. An EMS agency must submit an "EMS Agency Status Report" to the Office of EMS within 30 days of a request or change in status of the following:

1. Chief executive officer.

2. Training officer.

3. Designated infection control officer.

B. The EMS agency shall provide the leadership position held, to include title, term of office, mailing address, home and work telephone numbers, other available electronic addresses for each individual, and other information as required.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-580. Availability of these regulations.

An EMS agency shall have readily available at each station a current copy of these regulations for reference use by its officers and personnel.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-590. Operational Medical Director requirement.

A. An EMS agency shall have a minimum of one operational medical director (OMD) who is a licensed physician holding endorsement as an EMS physician from the Office of EMS.

An EMS agency shall enter into a written agreement with an EMS physician to serve as OMD with the EMS agency. This agreement shall at a minimum specify the following responsibilities and authority:

1. This agreement must describe the process or procedure by which the OMD or EMS agency may discontinue the agreement with prior notification of the parties involved pursuant to 12VAC5-31-1910.

2. This agreement must identify the specific responsibilities of each EMS physician if an EMS agency has multiple OMDs.

3. This agreement must specify that EMS agency personnel may only provide emergency medical care and participate in associated training programs while acting with the authorization of the operational medical director and within the scope of the EMS agency license in accordance with these regulations.

4. This agreement must provide for EMS agency personnel to have access to the agency OMD in regards to discussion of issues relating to provision of patient care, application of patient care protocols or operation of EMS equipment used by the EMS agency.

5. This agreement must ensure that the adequate indemnification or insurance coverage exists for:

a. Medical malpractice; and

b. Civil claims.

B. EMS agency and OMD conflict resolution.

1. In the event of an unresolved conflict between an EMS agency and its OMD, the issues involved shall be brought before the regional EMS council or local EMS resource's medical direction committee (or approved equivalent) for review and resolution.

2. When an EMS agency determines that the OMD presents an immediate significant risk to the public safety or health of citizens, the EMS agency shall attempt to resolve the issues in question. If an immediate risk remains unresolved, the EMS agency shall contact the Office of EMS for assistance.

C. Change of operational medical director.

1. An EMS agency choosing to secure the services of another OMD shall provide a minimum of 30 days advance written notice of intent to the current OMD and the Office of EMS.

2. An OMD choosing to resign shall provide the EMS agency and the Office of EMS with a minimum of 30 days written notice of such intent.

3. When extenuating circumstances require an immediate change of an EMS agency's OMD (e.g., death, critical illness, etc.), the Office of EMS shall be notified by the OMD within one business day so that a qualified replacement may be approved. In the event that the OMD is not capable of making this notification, the EMS agency shall be responsible for compliance with this requirement. Under these extenuating circumstances, the Office of EMS will make a determination whether the EMS agency will be allowed to continue its operations pending the approval of a permanent or temporary replacement OMD.

4. When temporary circumstances require a short-term change of an EMS agency's OMD for a period not expected to exceed one year (e.g., military commitment, unexpected clinical conflict, etc.), the Office of EMS shall be notified by the OMD within 15 days so that a qualified replacement may be approved.

5. The Office of EMS may delay implementation of a change in an EMS agency's OMD pending the completion of any investigation of an unresolved conflict or possible violation of these regulations or the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-600. Quality management reporting.

An EMS agency shall have an ongoing Quality Management (QM) Program designed to objectively, systematically and continuously monitor, assess and improve the quality and appropriateness of patient care provided by the agency. The QM Program shall be integrated and include activities related to patient care, communications, and all aspects of transport operations and equipment maintenance pertinent to the agency's mission. The agency shall maintain a QM report that documents quarterly PPCR reviews, supervised by the operational medical director.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

12VAC5-31-610. Designated emergency response agency standards.

A. A designated emergency response agency shall develop or participate in a written local EMS response plan that addresses the following items:

1. The designated emergency response agency shall develop and maintain, in coordination with their locality, a written plan to provide 24-hour coverage of the agency's primary service area with the available personnel to achieve the approved responding interval standard.

2. A designated emergency response agency shall conform to the local responding interval, or in the absence of a local standard the EMS agency shall develop a standard in conjunction with OMD and local government in the best interests of the patient and the community. The EMS agency shall use the response time standard to establish a time frame the EMS agency complies with on a 90% basis within its primary service area (i.e., a time frame in which the EMS agency can arrive at the scene of a medical emergency in 90% or greater of all calls).

a. If the designated emergency response agency finds it is unable to respond within the established unit mobilization interval standard, the call shall be referred to the closest available mutual aid EMS agency.

b. If the designated emergency response agency finds it is able to respond to the patient location sooner than the mutual aid EMS agency, the EMS agency shall notify the PSAP of its availability to respond.

c. If the designated emergency response agency is unable to respond (e.g., lack of operational response vehicle or available personnel), the EMS agency shall notify the PSAP.

d. If a designated emergency response agency determines in advance that it will be unable to respond for emergency service for a specified period of time, it shall notify its PSAP.

B. A designated emergency response agency shall have available for review a copy of the local EMS response plan that shall include the established EMS Responding Interval standards.

C. A designated emergency response agency shall document its compliance with the established EMS response capability, unit mobilization interval, and responding interval standards.

D. A designated emergency response agency shall document an annual review of exceptions to established EMS response capability and time interval standards. The results of this review shall be provided to the agency's operational medical director and local governing body.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.

12VAC5-31-630. Designated emergency response agency mutual aid.

A. A designated emergency response agency shall provide aid to all other designated emergency response agencies within the locality.

B. A designated emergency response agency shall maintain written mutual aid agreements with adjacent designated emergency response agencies in another locality with which it shares a common border. Mutual aid agreements shall specify the types of assistance to be provided and any conditions or limitations for providing this assistance.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

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