Coastal Valleys EMS Agency News
July 2017 Revisions to CCR for EMTs
Revisions to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22 Div.9 Chapter 2 Emergency Medical Technician made by the California EMS Authority (EMSA) took effect on July 1, 2017. There are a number of changes to EMT scope of practice that will require new policy development and Treatment Guidelines revisions, including the addition of EMT-administered epinephrine, naloxone and EMT use of glucometers within the EMS system.
The revised regulations require all EMTs to provide proof of completion of expanded scope of practice training when renewing their certification on or after July 1, 2019. CVEMSA is looking forward to working with our EMS system partners as we develop the Treatment Guidelines and training to meet the expanded scope of practice requirements.
Although the training deadline is two years away, local EMS systems may develop and implement training and protocol revisions starting July 1, 2017. In preparation for the new scope of practice additions, EMSA has released an updated Skills Verification Form to accommodate competency verification of naloxone and epinephrine. Because the new form is incorporated by reference into the regulations, CVEMSA is changing the link on our website to the new form, although we will continue to accept Skills Verifications documented prior to September 1, 2017 on the previous version of the form. Skills verification signers should begin using the new Skills Verification form now, leaving the naloxone/epinephrine verification section blank until such time as the training is completed and approved for delivery.
One other immediate change that will only impact EMTs with expired certificates; EMS continuing education (CE) must be completed within 24 months of the date of the receipt of reinstatement application. Those EMTs allowing their certificate to lapse for extended periods may need to complete additional CE to fit the required hours into the required timeframe. The CVEMSA EMT application has been updated to include this information.
There are other changes within the EMT regulations; EMS system stakeholders are encouraged to review and connect with CVEMSA Agency staff with any questions or concerns. EMT Regulations changes will be on CVEMSA Counties' EMCC and regional MAC agendas for discussion in the months going forward, and we will be relying on our partners' input to help inform our implementation plans.