12VAC5-31-2300. Purpose of designated regional EMS councils.
For the purposes of these regulations regional EMS councils shall be designated by the Board of Health, adhere to policy direction established by the Office of EMS and carry out the development and implementation of an efficient and effective statewide regional EMS system.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2310. Provision of regional EMS council services within Virginia and compliance with these regulations.
An organization or person providing designated regional EMS council services within Virginia must comply with these regulations, the applicable regulations of other state agencies, the Code of Virginia and the United States Code. The Office of EMS will publish the Virginia Regional EMS Council Designation Manual, a document that describes and provides guidance on how to comply with these regulations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2320. Requirement for regional EMS council designation.
Any organization or person establishing, operating, maintaining, advertising or representing itself or any services as a designated regional EMS council must have a valid designation issued by the Board of Health.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2330. Designation of a regional EMS council.
A. The Board of Health will designate a regional EMS council that satisfies the representation requirements in these regulations.
B. The designation of a regional EMS council will be based on:
1. The "Regional EMS Council Designation Manual" application process.
a. Completed application. Submitted applications missing any information requested will be considered incomplete and will not be processed for designation;
b. Completed Regional EMS Council Self-Assessment Checklist; comply with all indicated standards consistent with these regulations;
c. Current roster of the membership of the applicant organization's board of directors. The roster needs to show all members of the board of directors for the applicant, their addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and the constituency they represent;
d. Current approved bylaws. A copy of the most recently approved bylaws complete with adoption date;
e. Scope of services. This shall include data and information that demonstrates the qualifications of the applicant to plan, initiate, expand or improve the regional EMS delivery system;
f. Budget. A proposed budget for the first year of designation must illustrate costs associated with the applicant's proposed operations and programs as a designated regional EMS council;
g. EMS involvement. Documentation demonstrating how the applicant organization interacts with EMS agencies and personnel;
h. Policies and guidelines. Up-to-date policies and guidelines covering all aspects of the applicant's regional EMS councils operations, must show revision date of all changes made and be consistent with these regulations;
i. Directory of localities, hospitals and EMS agencies. A comprehensive directory of the localities, hospitals and EMS agencies the applicant organization will be serving.
2. A listing of all hospitals within the applicant's proposed geographic service delivery area.
3. The demonstrated capability to establish communitywide and regional programs.
4. An evaluation of prior performance as a designated regional EMS council.
C. The Office of EMS will evaluate the performance and effectiveness of a regional EMS council on a periodic basis.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-2340. Application process for designation.
A. An applicant for regional EMS council designation shall file a written application specified by the Office of EMS.
B. 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.
C. An applicant must provide information on any previous record of performance in the provision of related EMS services or any other related licensure, registration, certification or endorsement within or outside Virginia.
D. Completed application packages must be received in the Office of EMS no later than October 1 to be considered for designation commencing July 1 of the following year.
E. The application and preliminary review process is to be completed prior to a site review visit.
F. The Office of EMS may use whatever means of investigation necessary to verify any or all information contained in the application.
G. If the applicant organization does not comply with the required standards for designation as a regional EMS council, the agent of the applicant organization will be notified of the deficiencies by the Office of EMS.
H. If the applicant organization complies with the required standards, the agent of the applicant organization will be notified and arrangements will be made for a site visit by a review team as designated by the Office of EMS.
I. The Office of EMS will conduct a site review of the applicant.
J. The applicant organization will receive the written report of the visiting team reviewing its findings and recommendations in accordance with the criteria.
K. If a deficiency is reported, the Office of EMS may order the designated regional EMS council to correct the deficiency by issuing a written correction order.
L. If a deficiency requires a revisit by a site review team, a fee commensurate with direct costs will be paid by the applicant.
M. The site review process will be completed prior to the Office of EMS forwarding a recommendation for designation or denial to the Board of Health.
N. The Office of EMS will then forward a recommendation for designation or denial to the Board of Health.
O. Acting upon the favorable recommendation of the site review team and the Office of EMS, the Board of Health may designate the applicant organization as a regional EMS council.
P. The Office of EMS may schedule unannounced site visits at its discretion.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2350. Inspection.
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 and training facilities;
2. All applicable records maintained by the applicant agency; and
3. All vehicles and required equipment used by the applicant agency.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2360. Designation approval.
A. The Office of EMS will review and make recommendations to the Board of Health determining whether an applicant is qualified for designation based upon the applicant meeting the requirements of these regulations.
B. The Board of Health will make the final determination on regional EMS designation.
C. The designated regional EMS council or applicant has the right to appeal any decision or order of the Board of Health regarding approval or denial of regional EMS designation in accordance with the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2370. Designation periods.
The designation is for a period of three years, effective July 1, after completion of the designation process.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2380. Regional EMS councils requesting undesignation.
Regional EMS councils desiring to become undesignated by the Board of Health must provide the Office of EMS a minimum of 30 days written notice of intent. Upon review the Office of EMS will forward the request to the Board of Health with its recommendation. Only the Board of Health can grant or remove regional EMS council designation.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2390. Powers and procedures of regulations not exclusive.
The Board of Health reserves the right to authorize any procedure for the enforcement of these regulations that is not inconsistent with the provisions set forth herein or the provisions of §§ 32.1-27 and 32.1-111.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2400. Exceptions.
Exceptions to any provision of these regulations are specified as part of the regulation concerned. Any deviation not specified in these regulations is not allowed except by variance or exemption.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2410. Variances.
A. The commissioner is authorized to grant variances for any part or all of these regulations in accordance with the procedures set forth herein. A variance permits temporary specified exceptions to these regulations. A designated regional EMS council may file a written request for a variance with the Office of EMS on specified forms.
1. The written variance request must be submitted for review and recommendations to the governing body of all localities in the service delivery area of the applicant or the designated regional EMS council prior to submission to the Office of EMS.
2. Issuance of a variance does not obligate localities to allow the conditions of such variance if they conflict with local ordinances or regulations.
B. Both the written request and the recommendation of the governing bodies must be submitted together to the Office of EMS.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2420. Issuance of a variance.
A request for a variance may be approved and issued by the commissioner provided all of the following conditions are met:
1. The information contained in the request is complete and correct;
2. The regional EMS council concerned is designated by the Board of Health;
3. The Office of EMS determines the need for such a variance is genuine, and extenuating circumstances exist;
4. The Office of EMS determines that issuance of such a variance would be in the public interest and would not present any risk to, or threaten or endanger the public health, safety or welfare;
5. The Office of EMS will consider the recommendation of the governing body provided all of the above conditions are met; and
6. The agent of the designated regional EMS council making the request will be notified in writing of the approval and issuance within 30 days of receipt of the request unless the request is awaiting approval or disapproval of a designation. In such case, notice will be given within 30 days of the issuance of the designation.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2430. Content of variance.
A variance shall include but not be limited to the following information:
1. The name of the designated regional EMS council to which the variance applies;
2. The expiration date of the variance;
3. The provision of the regulations that is to be varied and the type of variations authorized; and
4. Any special conditions that may apply.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2440. Conditions of variance.
A variance shall be issued and remain valid with the following conditions:
1. A variance will be valid for a period not to exceed one year unless and until terminated by the commissioner;
2. A variance is neither transferable nor renewable under any circumstances.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2450. Termination of variance.
A. The commissioner may terminate a variance at any time based upon any of the following:
1. Violations of any of the conditions of the variance;
2. Falsification of any information;
3. Suspension or revocation of the designation; and
4. A determination by the Office of EMS that continuation of the variance would present a risk to or threaten or endanger the public health, safety or welfare.
B. The Office of EMS will notify the agent of the designated regional EMS council of the termination by certified mail to his last known address.
C. Termination of a variance will take effect immediately upon receipt of notification unless otherwise specified.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2460. Denial of a variance.
A request for a variance will be denied by the commissioner if any of the conditions of 12VAC5-31-2430 fail to be met.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2470. Exemptions.
A. The Board of Health is authorized to grant exemptions from any part or all of these regulations in accordance with the procedures set forth herein. An exemption permits specified or total exceptions to these regulations for an indefinite period.
B. A designated regional EMS council may file a written request for an exemption with the Office of EMS on specified forms.
1. The written exemption request must be submitted for review and recommendations to the governing body of all localities in the service delivery area of the applicant or the designated regional EMS council prior to submission to the Office of EMS.
2. The written exemption request must be submitted to the Office of EMS a minimum of 30 days before the scheduled review by the governing bodies. At the time of submission, the applicant or designated regional EMS council must provide the Office of EMS with the date, time and location of the scheduled review by the governing bodies.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2480. Public notice of request for exemption.
Upon receipt of a request for an exemption, the Office of EMS will cause notice of such request to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area wherein the service delivery area of the applicant or designated regional EMS council making the request and in other major newspapers of general circulation in major regions of the Commonwealth. The cost of such public notices will be borne by the applicant or designated regional EMS council making the request.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2490. Public hearing for exemption request.
If the Board of Health determines that there is substantial public interest in a request for an exemption, a public hearing may be held.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2500. Issuance of an exemption.
A. A request for an exemption may be approved and an exemption issued provided all of the following conditions are met:
1. The information contained in the request is complete and correct;
2. The need for such an exemption is determined to be genuine; and
3. The issuance of an exemption would not present any risk to, threaten or endanger the public health, safety or welfare of citizens.
B. The Board of Health may accept the recommendation of the governing bodies provided all of the conditions in subsection A of this section are met.
C. The agent of the designated regional EMS council making the request will be notified in writing of the approval or denial of a request.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2510. Content of exemption.
An exemption includes but is not limited to the following information:
1. The name of the applicant or designated regional EMS council to whom the exemption applies;
2. The provisions of the regulations that will be exempted; and
3. Any special conditions that may apply.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2520. Conditions of exemption.
A. An exemption remains valid for an indefinite period of time unless and until terminated by the Board of Health unless an expiration date is specified.
B. An exemption is neither transferable nor renewable.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2530. Termination of exemption.
A. The Board of Health may terminate an exemption at any time based upon any of the following:
1. Violation of any of the conditions of the exemption;
2. Suspension or revocation of designation; and
3. A determination by the Office of EMS that continuation of the exemption would present risk to, or threaten or endanger the public health, safety or welfare.
B. The Office of EMS will notify the agent of the designated regional EMS council to whom the exemption was issued of the termination by certified mail to his last known address.
C. Termination of an exemption takes effect immediately upon receipt of notification unless otherwise specified.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2540. Denial of an exemption.
A request for an exemption will be denied by the Board of Health if any of the conditions of these regulations fail to be met.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2550. Right to enforcement.
A. The Office of EMS may use the enforcement procedures provided in this article when dealing with any deficiency or violation of these regulations or any action or procedure that varies from the intent of these regulations.
B. The Office of EMS may determine that a deficiency or violation of these regulations or any action or procedure that varies from the intent of these regulations occurred.
C. The enforcement procedures provided in this article are not mutually exclusive. The Office of EMS may invoke as many procedures as the situation may require.
D. The commissioner empowers the Office of EMS to enforce the provisions of these regulations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2560. Enforcement actions.
An enforcement action must be delivered to the agent of the affected designated regional EMS council and must specify information concerning the violations, the actions required to correct the violations and the specific date by which correction must be made as follows:
1. Warning: a verbal notification of an action or situation potentially in violation of these regulations.
2. Citation: a written notification for violations of these regulations.
3. Suspension: a written notification of the deactivation and removal of authorization issued under a designation.
4. Civil penalty: The commissioner (or designee) may impose a civil penalty to an agency or entity that fails or refuses compliance with these regulations. Civil penalties may be assessed up to $1,000 per offense. Violations shall be a single, different occurrence for each calendar day the violation occurs and remains uncorrected.
a. Subsequent violations of the same type may be subject to a civil penalty of $500 per calendar day, per violation.
b. Civil penalties will not exceed a combined total of $10,000.
5. Action of the commissioner: the commissioner may command a designated regional EMS council operating in violation of these regulations or state law pursuant to the commissioner's authority under § 32.1-27 of the Code of Virginia and the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) to halt such operation or to comply with applicable law or regulation. A separate and distinct offense will be deemed to have been committed on each day during which any prohibited act continues after written notice to the offender.
6. Criminal enforcement: the commissioner may elect to enforce any part of these regulations or any provision of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia by seeking to have criminal sanctions imposed as authorized by § 32.1-27 of the Code of Virginia. A separate and distinct offense will be deemed to have been committed on each day during which any prohibited act continues after written notice by the commissioner to the offender.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2570. Correction order.
A. The Office of EMS may order the designated regional EMS council to correct a deficiency, cease any violations or comply with these regulations by issuing a written correction order as follows:
1. Correction orders may be issued in conjunction with any other enforcement action in response to individual violations or patterns of violations.
2. The Office of EMS will determine that a deficiency or violation exists before issuance of any correction order.
B. The Office of EMS will send a correction order to the agent of the designated regional EMS council by certified mail to his last known address or via personal service with written receipt. Notification will include, but not be limited to, a description of the deficiency or violation to be corrected, and the period within which the deficiency or situation must be corrected, which shall not be less than 30 days from receipt of such order, unless an emergency has been declared by the Office of EMS.
C. A correction order takes effect upon receipt and remains in effect until the deficiency is corrected or until the designation is suspended, revoked, or allowed to expire or until the order is overturned or reversed.
D. Should the designated regional EMS council be unable to comply with the correction order by the prescribed date, it may submit a request for modification of the correction order with the Office of EMS. The Office of EMS will approve or disapprove the request for modification of the correction order within 10 days of receipt.
E. The designated regional EMS council shall correct the deficiency or situation within the period stated in the order.
1. The Office of EMS will determine whether the correction is made by the prescribed date.
2. Should the designated regional EMS council fail to make the correction within the time period cited in the order, the Office of EMS may invoke any of the other enforcement procedures set forth in this part.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-2580. Suspension of a designation.
A. The commissioner may suspend a designation without a hearing if the agency, organization or any of its personnel are found to be operating in a manner that presents a risk to, threatens, or endangers the public health, safety or welfare.
1. The commissioner may suspend the designation for failure to adhere to the standards set forth in these regulations.
2. The commissioner may suspend the designation for violation of federal or state laws resulting in a civil monetary penalty.
3. The commissioner may suspend the designation for conviction of criminal acts.
B. The Office of EMS will notify the agent of the designated regional EMS council of the suspension in person or by certified mail to his last known address.
C. A suspension takes effect immediately upon receipt of notification unless otherwise specified. A suspension remains in effect until the commissioner further acts upon the designation or until the order is overturned on appeal as specified in the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
D. The designated regional EMS council shall abide by any notice of suspension.
E. The commissioner may invoke any procedure set forth in this part to enforce the suspension.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2590. Revocation of a designation.
A. The Board of Health may revoke the designation of a regional EMS council after a hearing or waiver thereof. Reasonable cause for revocation must exist before such action by the Board of Health. The Board of Health may revoke designation for the following:
1. Failure to adhere to the standards set forth in these regulations;
2. Violation of a correction order or for engaging in or aiding, abetting, causing, or permitting any act prohibited by these regulations;
3. Violation of federal or state laws resulting in a civil monetary penalty; and
4. Conviction of criminal acts.
B. The Office of EMS will notify the agent of the designated regional EMS council of the intent to revoke by certified mail to his last known address.
C. The designated regional EMS council will have the right to a hearing.
1. If the designated regional EMS council desires to exercise its right to a hearing, it must notify the Office of EMS in writing of his intent within 10 days of receipt of notification. In such cases, a hearing must be conducted and a decision rendered in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
2. Should the designated regional EMS council fail to file such notice, he will be deemed to have waived the right to a hearing. In such case, the Board of Health may revoke the designation.
D. A revocation takes effect immediately upon receipt of notification unless otherwise specified. A revocation order is permanent unless and until overturned on appeal.
E. The designated regional EMS council shall abide by any notice of revocation.
F. The Office of EMS may invoke any procedures set forth in this part to enforce the revocation.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2600. Judicial review.
A. The procedures of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) control all judicial reviews.
B. The designated regional EMS council or applicant has the right to appeal any decision or order of the Office of EMS except as may otherwise be prohibited, and provided such a decision or order was not the final decision of an appeal.
C. The designated regional EMS council or applicant shall abide by any decision or order of the Office of EMS, or he must cease and desist pending any appeal.
D. If the designated regional EMS council or applicant who sought the appeal is aggrieved by the final decision, that person may seek judicial review as provided in the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2610. Submission of complaints.
A. The Office of EMS will investigate complaints related to designation, operation and the delivery of services by regional EMS councils.
B. Any person may submit a complaint. A complaint is submitted in writing to the Office of EMS, signed by the complainant and includes the following information:
1. The name and address of the complainant;
2. The name of the designated regional EMS council or person involved; and
3. A detailed description of the complaint, including the date, location and conditions and the practice or act that exists or has occurred.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2620. Investigation process.
A. The Office of EMS may investigate complaints received about conditions, practices, or acts that may violate any provision of either Article 2.1 (§ 32.1-111.1 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia or provision of these regulations.
B. If the Office of EMS determines that the conditions, practices, or acts cited by the complainant are not in violation of applicable sections of the Code of Virginia or these regulations; then the Office of EMS will investigate no further.
C. If the Office of EMS determines that the conditions, practices, or acts cited by the complainant may be in violation of applicable sections of the Code of Virginia or these regulations, the Office of EMS will investigate the complaint fully in order to determine if a violation took place.
D. The Office of EMS may investigate or continue to investigate and may take appropriate action on a complaint even if the original complainant withdraws his complaint or otherwise indicates a desire not to cause it to be investigated to completion.
E. The Office of EMS may initiate a formal investigation or action based on an anonymous or unwritten complaint.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2630. Action by the Office of EMS.
A. If the Office of EMS determines that a violation has occurred, it may apply all provisions of these regulations that it deems necessary and appropriate.
B. At the completion of an investigation and following any appeals, the Office of EMS will notify the complainant.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2640. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2650. Composition of designated regional EMS councils.
A designated regional EMS council shall include, if available, representatives of the participating local governments, fire protection agencies, law-enforcement agencies, emergency medical services agencies, hospitals, licensed practicing physicians, emergency care nurses, mental health professionals, emergency medical technicians and other appropriate allied health professionals.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2660. Governing body of a designated regional EMS council.
A. A regional EMS council shall be organizationally independent of any other entity.
B. A regional EMS council shall be governed by a board.
C. Articles of incorporation and bylaws shall be in force that specify:
1. Designated regional EMS council representation;
2. Method of designated regional EMS council appointments and/or elections;
3. Governing board representation;
4. Method of governing board appointments and/or elections;
5. Tenure of representatives;
6. Officers, their roles, responsibilities and terms of office;
7. Quorum requirements;
8. Meeting attendance requirements and enforcement policies;
9. Indemnification of officers and directors; and
10. Dissolution of assets.
D. There shall be a minimum of five members with full voting privileges comprising a governing board.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2670. Regional EMS plan.
A designated regional EMS council, in cooperation with the Governor's EMS Advisory Board, shall develop, maintain, and distribute a comprehensive regional EMS plan for coordinating and improving the delivery of EMS in the regional service area, in accordance with §§ 32.1-111.3 and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
1. The plan shall be submitted for approval by the Office of EMS within one year of designation.
2. The approved plan shall be distributed to the Office of EMS, all localities, EMS agencies, hospitals and EMS physicians within its service delivery area.
3. The plan shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, every three years and redistributed to the Office of EMS, all localities, EMS agencies, hospitals and EMS physicians within its service delivery area.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2680. Regional trauma triage plan.
A designated regional EMS council, in corporation with the Governor's EMS Advisory Board, shall develop, maintain, and distribute a regional trauma triage plan in accordance with §§ 32.1-111.3 and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
1. The plan shall be submitted for approval by the Office of EMS within one year of designation.
2. The approved plan shall be distributed to the Office of EMS, all localities, EMS agencies, hospitals and EMS physicians within its service delivery area.
3. The plan shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, every three years and submitted for approval by the Office of EMS.
4. The approved revisions shall be distributed to the Office of EMS, all localities, EMS agencies, hospitals and EMS physicians within its service delivery area.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2690. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2700. Financial assistance for emergency medical services.
A. A designated regional EMS council shall participate in the Virginia financial assistance for emergency medical services program and assist eligible EMS agencies and organizations needing funding within the service area.
B. The designated regional EMS council participation in the Virginia financial assistance for emergency medical services program process shall have written guidelines and procedures, approved by the Office of EMS, that meet the requirements stated in 12VAC5-31-2810 through 12VAC5-31-2900.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2710. Base funding of designated regional EMS councils.
A. Required services provided by a designated regional EMS council may be funded by the state.
B. A designated regional EMS council may receive annual base funding by the state to assist with infrastructure development and maintenance in providing required regional services.
C. A designated regional EMS council shall submit documentation, as required, demonstrating a 25% match for base funding to the Office of EMS. Moneys received directly or indirectly from the Commonwealth shall not be used as matching funds.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2720. Matching funds.
For the purposes of these regulations, approved matching funds are monetary and/or in-kind services as approved by the Office of EMS and only apply to base funding.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2730. Performance standards.
A. The Office of EMS may enter into performance-based contracts that establish standards for the delivery of specific identified services and projects with designated regional EMS councils. These services and projects shall include, but not be limited to, performance standards for:
1. Regional medical direction;
2. Regional EMS plan;
3. Trauma triage plan;
4. EMS performance improvement program;
5. Regional trauma performance improvement program;
6. Technical assistance and review for Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant applications;
7. Regional infrastructure; and
8. Criteria for matching funds.
B. The contracts will be based upon the specific needs of the regional service delivery area and the requirements of the Office of EMS as described in § 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2740. Accountability for public funds.
A. A designated regional EMS council shall maintain a current operating statement, reflecting revenue and expenditures, available for review.
B. A designated regional EMS council shall have a current income and expenditure statement available at all governing board meetings.
C. A designated regional EMS council shall have an independent annual audit of financial records with management letters conducted by a certified public accountant.
D. A designated regional EMS council shall have an independent review of financial records conducted by a certified public accountant upon change of an executive director.
E. A designated regional EMS council shall retain all books, records, and other documents relative to public funds for six years after the close of the fiscal year the funds were received. The Office of EMS, its authorized agents, and/or state auditors shall have full access to and the right to examine any materials related to public funds during said period.
F. A designated regional EMS council shall follow generally accepted accounting principles for financial management.
G. A designated regional EMS council's governing board shall approve its annual fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) budget by July 15 of each year.
H. A designated regional EMS council shall comply with all appropriate federal and state tax-related reporting.
I. A designated regional EMS council shall follow generally accepted fund raising practices in the charitable field.
J. A designated regional EMS council shall have written policies that indicate by position, signatories of executed financial and contractual instruments.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-111.4, and 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 1, eff. October 10, 2012.
12VAC5-31-2750. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2760. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2770. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2780. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2790. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
12VAC5-31-2800. [Reserved].
Historical Notes
Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008.