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IDHS > About IDHS > Certification > Emergency Medical Services > EMS Commission Briefs EMS Commission Briefs

March 2013

On March 22, 2013, the EMS Commission held its second meeting for 2013. In brief, the following rulings were made:

  • A waiver was submitted on behalf of all Indiana providers so that the Indiana specific data requirements no longer need to be submitted to the state. Only the NEMSIS data requirements must now be submitted.
  • All training institution and provider waivers to teach and practice above the minimum standards were tabled until the Attorney General’s office issues an interpretation of the current rule. Waivers may not be needed.
  • The new EMR and EMT skills sheets have been approved by the EMS Commission. ALL skills practicals must test using the new skills sheets by May 1, 2013. Until then, the new skills stations will have to be validated by the training institution and then submitted to the state. For more information on this point, contact Liz Fiato at efiato@dhs.in.gov.
  • The EMS Commission ruled that for the State written test, the accommodations for a student with a disability will mirror that of the national Registry. They will be given half the amount above the standard time to complete their exam. Students must make this known at the time of scheduling their test.
  • ALS training institutions who are not accredited but wish to teach a bridge course may apply for a State waiver of that rule. National Registry will permit students to test as long as they have taken a state approved bridge course.
  • Through confirmation by National Registry, the only Bridge students who do not need to take the Registry practical are those who have current I-85 or I-99 National Registry Certifications. They do not consider the Indiana only certifications to be sufficient to bypass the practical skills exam. This practice cancels our previous understanding that ALL bridge students would not need to take the practical portion of their National Registry test.

January 2013

On January 18, 2013, the EMS Commission held its first meeting for 2013. In brief, the following rulings were made:

  • The National Education Standards (NES) represent the national minimum standards that all EMS responders should be trained. The State of Indiana Advanced EMT curriculum will follow the NES with only the addition of Adult IO. This curriculum does not allow for the teaching or practice of EKG application, interpretation, or transmission. Any Basic-Advanced Providers transitioning to Advanced EMT will have to request waivers to practice EKG skills.
  • Any training institution wishing to teach above the NES or any provider wishing to practice above the NES will have to apply for a waiver with the EMS Commission.
    • Training Institutions must demonstrate how they will test and validate the skills above the NES since they will not be tested in the State or Registry tests.
    • Providers must demonstrate the need for these additional skills and show how they will teach the skills, who will teach them, and how they will test and validate the additional skills.
    • It is recommended that data driven proof accompany your waiver request for any addition of skills, medications, etc.
  • Paramedic Training Institutions who are not currently accredited but wish to begin Paramedic training courses must apply for and receive a waiver for the EMS Commission. They must also submit their courses to the State for approval according to the requirements approved by the EMS Commission. See page http://www.in.gov/dhs/3778.htm.

    • Meeting Minutes