Article 3. Educational Programs and Management
12VAC5-31-1409. Course curriculum.
Article 3
Educational Programs and Management
A. Course coordinators (EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator) shall utilize curricula or educational standards authorized and approved by the Office of EMS when conducting EMS education programs.
B. CE topics must be submitted for review and approval in a format as approved 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 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1410. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1411. BLS certification programs.
BLS certification programs authorized for issuance of certification in Virginia are:
1. EMS First Responder.
2. EMS First Responder Bridge to EMT.
3. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).
4. Emergency Medical Responder Bridge to EMT.
5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
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.
12VAC5-31-1413. Advanced life support certification programs.
ALS certification programs authorized for issuance of certification in Virginia are:
1. EMT-Enhanced.
2. EMT -Enhanced Bridge to Intermediate.
3. Advanced EMT.
4. Advanced EMT Bridge to Intermediate.
5. Intermediate.
6. Intermediate Bridge to Paramedic.
7. Paramedic.
8. RN Bridge to Paramedic.
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.
12VAC5-31-1415. Nationally recognized continuing education programs.
A. In order for a provider to receive continuing education in Virginia for an auxillary program, the national parent organization must be recognized by the Board of Health.
B. The instructor approved by the national parent organization referenced in subsection A of this section may award Category 1 continuing education credit for providers successfully completing an approved course. The instructor is not required to be an EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or an EMS education coordinator in order to submit for course approval.
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.
12VAC5-31-1417. Approved courses in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
A. Recognized programs for certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the purposes of testing for all certification levels are based upon programs approved by the Board of Health.
B. Completion of an approved course that tests the following skills is required:
1. One and two rescuer CPR - adult, child, infant resuscitation.
2. Complete airway obstruction - unconscious victim - adult, child, infant.
3. Complete airway obstruction - conscious victim - adult, child, infant.
4. Automated external defibrillation.
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.
12VAC5-31-1419. Continuing education programs.
The programs must utilize the approved format for the corresponding level of certification as designed by the Office of EMS:
1. Category 1 (required) are topic areas that are required as part of the recertification criteria.
2. Category 2 (approved) are topic areas that support EMS activities.
3. Category 3 are topic areas that are delivered through a multimedia format as approved by the Board of Health.
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.
12VAC5-31-1420. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1421. Teaching materials and approved texts.
A. EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or an EMS education coordinator shall use teaching materials and textbooks that reflect current EMS practices.
B. All textbooks and primary teaching materials utilized in a program shall be reviewed and receive written approval prior to the start of the program by the physician course director (PCD) or OMD and shall be maintained with other course records in accordance with the Virginia Public Records Act (Chapter 7 (§ 42.1-76 et seq.) of Title 42.1 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 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1423. Course announcement requirements.
A. BLS certification courses and continuing education programs that award Category 1 (required) continuing education credits shall be announced by an EMT instructor or EMS education coordinator. An EMT instructor or EMS education coordinator shall be present in the classroom at all times except:
1. In courses offered by the Office of EMS accredited programs, or
2. In BLS continuing education programs.
B. ALS certification courses and continuing education programs that award Category 1 (required) continuing education credits shall be announced by an ALS coordinator or EMS education coordinator.
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.
12VAC5-31-1425. EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator responsibilities as employee or contractor.
A. An EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator conducting training programs as an employee or contractor for any other person as defined in § 1-230 of the Code of Virginia, whether or not for profit, shall retain responsibility for compliance with the Office of EMS regulations.
B. Any other person as defined in § 1-230 of the Code of Virginia who operates an organization for the purpose of providing an EMS training program that employs or contracts with an EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator to conduct a training program may not vary from or direct the EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator to vary from compliance with Office of EMS regulations.
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.
12VAC5-31-1427. Course approval request submission.
A. An EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall submit a course approval request in a format approved by the Board of Health prior to the beginning date of a certification or continuing education course.
1. Any approved course requesting funding through the EMS training fund requires that the course approval request and funding contract must be post marked or received, and date and time stamped, by the Office of EMS no less than 45 days prior to the begin date for the course.
2. Courses shall not start prior to receiving course number and topic or topics from the Office of EMS.
B. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall use only those topic numbers assigned for the course as approved 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 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1429. Course approval request changes.
The course coordinator shall immediately notify the Office of EMS in writing of any changes in the information submitted on the Course Approval Request form.
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.
12VAC5-31-1430. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1431. Student course enrollment.
For courses leading to certification at a new or higher level, the EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall have each student complete a "Virginia EMS Training Program Enrollment" form at the first meeting of the course.
1. These forms must be reviewed by the EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator and submitted to the Office of EMS no later than five business days following the first meeting of the course.
2. Any student who starts the program at a later date shall complete an enrollment form the first date of attendance providing 15% or more of the entire course has not been completed.
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.
12VAC5-31-1433. Instructor participation records.
The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall maintain the following information: instructor/provider level, subject taught, and participation of each certified EMT instructor, ALS course coordinator, EMS education coordinator, or other individual who instructs in the program.
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.
12VAC5-31-1435. Student records for certification courses.
A. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall maintain records of class dates, topics instructed, attendance and performance for all students attending a certification course.
B. Student records shall be maintained in accordance with the Virginia Public Records Act (Chapter 7 (§ 42.1-76 et seq.) of Title 42.1 of the Code of Virginia) from the end date of the program and shall include but not be limited to:
1. Signed student acknowledgment forms collected upon completion of review of the appropriate BLS or ALS enrollment requirements.
2. Student signed class rosters.
3. Scores on all course quizzes, exams, and other didactic knowledge or practical skill evaluations.
4. Skill proficiency records in a format as approved by the Office of EMS:
a. For BLS programs, BLS individual age and clinical and skill performance verification information in a format as approved by the Office of EMS.
b. For ALS coordinator or EMS education coordinator programs, on forms or documents as approved by the ALS coordinator, EMS education coordinator, or an accredited program.
5. All hospital or field internship activities including dates, locations, competencies performed, student evaluations, preceptor name and certification level as applicable.
6. All corrective or disciplinary actions taken during the training program to include dates, findings supporting the need for corrective or disciplinary action, and all applicable details of steps taken to determine the degree and nature of the actions taken.
7. Copy of the course student disposition report (CSDR).
8. All other records requested to be maintained by the PCD or OMD for the program.
9. Any other records or reports as required 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 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1437. Continuing education record submission.
The course coordinator shall submit the CE records in a format approved by the Office of EMS within 15 days of the student's attendance.
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.
12VAC5-31-1439. Verification of student course completion.
Verification of student eligibility on the Course Student Disposition Record by the EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator for certification testing requires that each student successfully complete a certification program that meets the competency and performance requirements contained within the applicable course requirements and all other guidelines and procedures for the course and state certification testing eligibility.
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.
12VAC5-31-1440. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1441. Communications with PCD or OMD.
A. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall inform the PCD or OMD of the progress of the training program to include:
1. Any program schedule changes.
2. Individual student performances.
3. Any student or instructor complaints.
4. The general progress of program activities.
B. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator will assist the PCD or OMD with fulfillment of their course duties as required by Office of EMS regulations.
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.
12VAC5-31-1443. Alternative course presentation format.
EMS certification courses utilizing an approved alternative course presentation format using two-way video interactive technology shall comply with the following:
1. Use electronic media as real time two-way audio and video transmissions.
2. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator must indicate in writing the desire to use such media which shall accompany the Course Approval Request form.
3. Any other requirements established by, but not limited to, the Office of EMS and, if applicable, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and the Virginia Department of Education.
4. For sites using one-way video and two-way audio, a proctor who is certified at or above the level of the program shall be present at each remote site during the entire broadcast for all didactic portions of the program.
5. Any lab activities at the remote site shall have direct on-site supervision by a course faculty member at or above the level of instruction. If the faculty member acts as the remote site proctor, he assumes the responsibility of the class roster.
6. In cases where the remote site proctor is absent or when the remote site electronics are not fully operational (transmit and receive audio or video) the students do not receive credit for attending and the session shall be rescheduled.
7. All course tests for the program whether at the origin or remote site must comply with subdivision 4 of this section.
8. The course coordinator must maintain records of student participation in the approved alternative presentation format and submit continuing education records for each involved student for programs used for continuing education purposes.
9. Noncompliance with these regulations shall result in removal of Office of EMS approval and students shall lose eligibility for certification testing at the level of program certification.
10. The Guidelines for Videobroadcasting of EMS Educational Programs document must be signed by the EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator and PCD or OMD and accompany any request for electronic transmission of a program with the Course Approval Request form.
11. Letter of agreement from the remote site or sites confirming and agreeing to the guidelines.
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.
12VAC5-31-1445. Course scheduling.
Courses schedules shall reflect the minimum hours for the course of instruction of all required lessons of the program's curriculum prior to the course end date as approved 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 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1447. Maximum BLS or ALS course enrollment.
A. Initial and bridge certification course size shall be limited to a maximum of 30 enrolled students.
1. Additional students seeking continuing education credit may be admitted as reasonably allowed by facility size and instructional staff availability.
2. The group size for practical or lab skill sessions shall not exceed six students per instructor aide (6:1 ratio).
B. Office of EMS accredited institutions or organizations may exceed the maximum of 30 enrolled students, with demonstrated resources to meet class size. The group size for practical or lab skill sessions shall not exceed six students per instructor aide (6:1 ratio).
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.
12VAC5-31-1449. Lesson instructors.
A. In addition to the lead instructor for each lesson, arrangements must be made to provide for instructor aides to assist in all practical skill sessions. Instructor aides shall be providers certified at or above the level of instruction.
B. Course coordinators who are certified EMTs may be used for instruction of basic skill stations in advanced life support programs. Basic skills are those procedures not requiring invasive activities or use of ALS equipment.
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.
12VAC5-31-1450. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 3, eff. January 15, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-1451. Course monitoring.
All programs and courses approved for issuance of certification or award of continuing education shall allow unannounced monitoring by the Office of EMS. Failure to comply with such course monitoring may result in the following disciplinary actions to include, but not be limited to:
1. Revocation of the training program's course approval.
2. Suspension or revocation of the training program's authority to award continuing education credits.
3. Revocation of the enrolled student's eligibility for certification testing.
4. Suspension or revocation of the EMS instructor , ALS-coordinator, or EMS educational coordinator.
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.
12VAC5-31-1453. EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, and EMS educational coordinator responsibilities for initial student testing.
A. An EMT instructor or EMS education coordinator for BLS programs shall ensure the following for documentation of eligibility for certification testing:
1. Submit a completed Course Student Disposition Report (CSDR) in a manner as prescribed by the Office of EMS.
2. Maintain with the course materials the completed individual parental permission form for students between 16 and 18 years of age on the beginning date of the course.
3. Maintain with the course materials the original copy of the completed and signed Basic Life Support Individual Age, Clinical and Skill Performance Verification Record.
B. An ALS coordinator or EMS education coordinator coordinating ALS programs shall submit the CSDR for certification testing eligibility.
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.