64J-1.008: Emergency Medical Technician
64J-1.009: Paramedic
64J-1.010: Voluntary Inactive Certification
64J-1.011: Involuntary Inactive Certification
64J-1.012: Examinations
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the rule revisions is to modify DH Form 1583, 08/07, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification, to include the applicant's National Registry of EMT candidate number, further define certification requirements for military trained applicants, replace DH Form 1164, 04/05, Statement of Good Standing, incorporate by reference the updated DH Form 1583 into Rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C., and to allow for online application and renewal process.
SUMMARY: The changes to DH Form 1583 are to facilitate the application process in an easier and quicker manner for applicants. The changes to the rule sections listed above are to reflect the changes to DH Form 1583, delete the name of the vendor for the EMT exams and to allow for online application and renewal process.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 401.211, 401.23, 401.24, 401.27, 401.2715, 401.35 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 381.001, 401.211, 401.23, 401.24, 401.27, 401.2715, 401.35, 401.41, 401.411 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE,TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW(IF NOT REQUESTED, THIS HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD):
DATE AND TIME: April 21, 2009, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
PLACE: Southwood Office Complex – Betty Easley Meeting Rooms, 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 152, Tallahassee, FL 32399
A conference line will be available for those unable to attend in person. We request that parties from the same agency utilize one line if possible to allow other participants to dial in.
Toll free conference number: 1(888)808-6959; Conference code: 1454440
REQUEST FOR HEARING MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING TO: Lisa Walker, Government Analyst II at the address below.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 1 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Alexander Macy, (850)245-4440, ext. 2735 or by email at: Alexander_Macy@doh.state.fl.us. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Lisa Walker, Government Analyst II, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-18, Tallahassee, FL 32399, Phone: (850)245-4440 ext. 2733; or email Lisa_Walker2@doh.state.fl.us
NOTE: If you have written comments that you wish to be added to the record please send them to Lisa Walker before the hearing so your comments may be read into the record. A copy of DH Form 1583 can be found on the Legislation and Rules page at the Bureau of EMS website: http://www.fl-ems.com
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:
64J-1.008 Emergency Medical Technician.
(1) Qualifications and Procedures for Certification pursuant to Section 401.27, F.S. To be qualified for EMT certification, an individual must:
(a)1. Successfully complete an initial EMT training program conducted in accordance with the 1994 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum, which is incorporated by reference and is available for purchase from the Government Printing Office by telephoning (202)512-1800, or writing to the Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Post Office Box 371954, Pittsburg, PA 15250-7954, or
2. If out of state or military trained in accordance with the 1994 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum, currently hold a valid EMT certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians or another U.S. state or territory which has the certifying authority to submit to the department DH Form 1583, 12/08, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification, 1164, April 05, Statement of Good Standing which is incorporated by reference and available from the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(9), F.A.C., or at http://www.FLhealthsource.com,
(b) Apply for and pass Florida EMT certification examination on DH Form 1583, 12/08 8/07, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification which is incorporated by reference and available from the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(9), F.A.C., or at http://www.FLhealthsource.com,
(c) Possess a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) diploma.
(2) Renewal Certification – To maintain an active certificate the EMT shall pay the recertification fee and affirm continued compliance with all applicable requirements contained in paragraphs 64J-1.008(2)(a), (b) or (c), F.A.C., complete the certification renewal notice mailed by the department, To be eligible for renewal certification as an EMT an individual shall submit DH Form 622, October 06, EMT/Paramedic Renewal Certification Application, which is incorporated by reference and available from the department or apply for renewal online at www.flhealthsource.com; and within 2 years prior to the expiration date of his or her EMT certification complete one of the following:
(a) Complete 30 hours of EMT refresher training based on the 1996 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Refresher Curriculum, an additional 2 hours of HIV AIDS refresher training, in accordance with Section 381.0034, F.S.; and maintain a current CPR card as provided in Section 401.27(4)(e)2., F.S., and Rule 64J-1.022, F.A.C., CPR shall be included in the 30 hours of refresher training, provided that the CPR training is taken with a continuing education provider recognized by the department pursuant to Section 401.2715, F.S. The 1996 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Refresher Curriculum shall be the criteria for department approval of refresher training courses. The department shall accept either the affirmation of a licensed EMS provider’s medical director; or a certificate of completion of refresher training from a department approved Florida training program or a department approved continuing education provider as proof of compliance with the above requirements. The 1996 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Refresher Curriculum is incorporated by reference and available for purchase from the Government Printing Office by telephoning (202)512-1800 or writing to the Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Post Office Box 371954, Pittsburg, PA 15250-7954.
(b) Successfully pass the EMT certification examination during the current certification cycle; and complete 2 hours of HIV AIDS refresher training, in accordance with Section 381.0034, F.S.; and maintain a current CPR BLS card for the professional rescuer. Prior to taking the examination, a candidate must request approval to sit for the examination. Such approval is requested by submitting DH Form 1583, 12/08 8/07, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification to the department.
(c) Satisfactorily complete the first semester of the paramedic training course at a department approved Florida training center pursuant to Section 401.2701, F.S., within the current 2-year certification cycle. Complete 2 hours of HIV AIDS refresher training in accordance with Section 381.0034, F.S., and also maintain a current CPR card for the professional rescuer.
(d) An individual must provide to the department, upon request, proof of compliance with the requirements in this section.
(3) In the event an applicant or certified EMT changes the mailing address he or she has provided the department, the applicant or certified EMT shall notify the department within 10 days of the address change.
(4) Individuals who document their possession of the following in their application shall be deemed to satisfy subsection 64J-1.012(3), F.A.C., for certification as an EMT only while these criteria are applicable:
(a) Status as a member of the United States military;
(b) Valid EMT certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians; and
(c) Assignment to Florida as part of a training program to operate as an EMT.
Rulemaking Specific Authority 381.0011, 381.0034, 381.0035, 401.23, 401.27, 401.35 FS. Law Implemented 381.001, 401.23, 401.27, 401.34, 401.35, 401.41, 401.411, 401.414 FS. History–New 11-29-82, Amended 4-26-84, 3-11-85, Formerly 10D-66.56, Amended 11-2-86, 4-12-88, 8-3-88, 12-10-92, 11-30-93, 12-10-95, 1-26-97, Formerly 10D-66.056, Amended 8-4-98, 1-3-99, 9-3-00, 4-15-01, 6-3-02, 11-3-02, 10-24-05, 1-11-06, 1-23-07, 10-16-07, Formerly 64E-2.008, Amended________.
64J-1.009 Paramedic.
(1) Qualifications and Procedures for Certification pursuant to Section 401.27, F.S. To be qualified for paramedic certification, an individual must:
(a)1. Successfully complete an initial paramedic training program that was conducted in accordance with the 1998 U.S. DOT EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P) National Standard Curriculum, (NSC), which is incorporated by reference and is available for purchase from the Government Printing Office by telephoning (202)512-1800, or
2. If out of state or military trained in accordance with the 1998 U.S. DOT EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P) NSC, currently hold a valid paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians or be currently certified in another U.S. state or territory which has the certifying authority to submit to the department DH Form 1583, 12/08, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification 1164, April 05, Statement of Good Standing, which is incorporated by reference in Rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C. and available from the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(9), F.A.C., or at http://www.FLhealthsource.com;
(b) Apply for and pass Florida paramedic certification examination on DH form 1583, 12/08 8/07, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification which is incorporated by reference in Rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C.; and available from the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(9), F.A.C., or at http://www.FLhealthsource.com; and
(c) Possess a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) diploma.
(2) Renewal Certification – To maintain an active certificate the paramedic shall pay the recertification fee and affirm continued compliance with all applicable requirements contained in paragraph 64J-1.009(2)(a) or (b), F.A.C., complete the certification renewal notice mailed by the department, To be eligible for renewal certification as a paramedic an individual shall submit DH Form 622, October 06, EMT/Paramedic Renewal Certification Application which is incorporated by reference in subsection 64J-1.008(2), F.A.C. or apply for renewal online at www.flhealthsource.com, and within 2 years prior to the expiration date of his or her paramedic certification complete one of the following:
(a) Complete 30 hours of paramedic refresher training based on the 1998 U.S. D.O.T. EMT-Paramedic NSC, an additional 2 hours of HIV AIDS refresher training in accordance with Section 381.0034, F.S., and also maintain a current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card as provided in Section 401.27(4)(e)2., F.S. and Rule 64J-1.022, F.A.C. ACLS shall be included in the 30 hours of refresher training, provided that the ACLS training includes the continuing education criteria recognized by the department pursuant to Section 401.2715, F.S. The department shall accept either the affirmation of a licensed EMS provider’s medical director; or a certificate of completion of refresher training from a department approved Florida training program, or a department approved continuing education provider as proof of compliance with the above requirements.
(b) Successfully pass the paramedic certification examination during the current certification cycle; complete 2 hours of HIV/AIDS refresher training in accordance with Section 381.0034, F.S.; and also maintain a current ACLS card. Prior to taking the examination, a candidate must request approval to sit for the examination. Such approval is requested by submitting DH Form 1583, 12/08 8/07, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification to the department.
(3) An individual must provide to the department, upon request, proof of compliance with the requirements in this section.
(4) In the event an applicant or certified paramedic changes the mailing address he or she has provided the department, the applicant or certified paramedic shall notify the department within 10 days of the address change.
Rulemaking Specific Authority 381.0011, 381.0034, 381.0035, 401.27, 401.35 FS. Law Implemented 381.001, 401.23, 401.27, 401.34, 401.35, 401.41, 401.411, 401.414 FS. History–New 11-29-82, Amended 4-26-84, 3-11-85, Formerly 10D-66.57, Amended 4-12-88, 8-3-88, 12-10-92, 11-30-93, 12-10-95, 1-26-97, Formerly 10D-66.057, Amended 8-4-98, 1-3-99, 9-3-00, 4-15-01, 6-3-02, 11-3-02, 10-24-05, 1-23-07, 10-16-07, Formerly 64E-2.009, Amended________.
64J-1.010 Voluntary Inactive Certification.
An EMT or paramedic who is currently certified can place their certificate on inactive status by sending a written request to the department and paying a fee of $50. Any EMT or paramedic whose certificate has been placed on inactive status shall not function as an EMT or paramedic until such time as he or she has completed the following requirements for reactivating the certificate:
(1) A certificate holder whose certificate has been on inactive status for 12 months or less can activate his or her certificate by submitting a written request to the department for activation and receiving written approval. Pay a late renewal fee of $50.
(a) For an EMT, send verification of having a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course or an American Red Cross Professional Rescuer CPR course completion certificate and meet the continuing education requirements identified in paragraph 64J-1.008(2)(a), F.A.C.
(b) For a paramedic, send verification of a current American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course completion certificate and meet the continuing education requirements identified in paragraph 64J-1.009(2)(a), F.A.C.
(2) An EMT whose certificate has been on inactive status for more than 1 year can activate his or her certificate by completing the following:
(a) 30 hours of EMT refresher training which shall be based on the 1996 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Refresher Curriculum and 2 hours of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV AIDS) training. The 1996 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Refresher Curriculum is incorporated by reference in Rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C. The training:
1. Shall have been completed after the EMT certificate was placed on inactive status and have been completed no more than 2 years prior to the date of receipt of the request for return to active status; and
2. Shall have been completed at a department approved EMT training program or have been approved by the medical director of a licensed EMS provider.
(b) Hold a current CPR card pursuant to Section 401.27(4)(e)1., F.S. and Rule 64J-1.022, F.A.C., or equivalent pursuant to Rule 64E-2.038, F.A.C.
(c) Complete a field internship. The internship shall be completed under the auspices of an EMS training program or a licensed ambulance service’s medical director. Upon completion of the field internship, the certificate holder must provide the department with a signed statement from the medical director attesting that the certificate holder completed a field internship program in which he or she demonstrated the ability to assume patient care responsibilities.
(d) Pass the EMT certification examination. Should the applicant fail the examination, he or she must meet requirements for initial certification.
(e) After completion of the above requirements, submit to the department:
1. The required fee and affirmation of all applicable requirements contained in subsection 64J-1.010(2), F.A.C. DH Form 622, October 06, EMT/Paramedic Renewal Certification Application which is incorporated by reference in subsection 64J-1.008(2), F.A.C. or apply for renewal online at www.flhealthsource.com.
2. DH Form 1583, 12/08 August 07, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification, which is incorporated by reference in Rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C. and available from the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(9), F.A.C., or at http://www.FLhealthsource.com
(3) A paramedic whose certificate has been on inactive status for more than 1 year can activate his or her certificate by completing the following:
(a) 30 hours of paramedic refresher training which shall be based on the 1998 U.S. DOT EMT-Paramedic NSC, which is incorporated by reference in Rule 64J-1.009, F.A.C., and 2 hours of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV AIDS) training. The training:
1. Shall have been completed after the paramedic certificate was placed on inactive status and have been completed no more than 2 years prior to the date of receipt of the request for return to active status; and
2. Shall have been completed at a department approved paramedic training program or have been approved by the medical director of a licensed EMS provider.
(b) Hold a current ACLS card pursuant to Section 401.27(4)(e)2., F.S. and Rule 64J-1.022, F.A.C., or equivalent pursuant to Rule 64J-1.022, F.A.C.
(c) Complete a field internship. The internship shall be completed under the auspices of an EMS training program or a licensed ambulance service’s medical director. Upon completion of the field internship, the certificate holder must provide the department with a signed statement from the medical director attesting that the certificate holder completed a field internship program in which he or she demonstrated the ability to assume patient care responsibilities.
(d) Pass the paramedic certification examination. Should the applicant fail the examination, he or she must meet the requirements for initial certification.
(e) After completion of the above requirements, submit to the department:
1. The required fee and affirmation of all applicable requirements contained in subsection 64J-1.010(3), F.A.C. DH Form 622, October 06, EMT/Paramedic Renewal Certification Application which is incorporated by reference in subsection 64J-1.088(2), F.A.C. or apply for renewal online at www.flhealthsource.com.
2. DH Form 1583, 12/08, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification, 1977, April 05, Paramedic Initial Certification Application which is incorporated by reference in Rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C., and available from the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(9), F.A.C., or at http://www.FLhealthsource.com.
Rulemaking Specific Authority 401.27, 401.35 FS. Law Implemented 401.27, 401.34, 401.35 FS. History–New 8-4-98, Amended 1-3-99, 9-3-00, 4-21-02, 6-3-02, 11-3-02, 10-24-05, 1-23-07, 10-16-07, Formerly 64E-2.0094, Amended________.
64J-1.011 Involuntary Inactive Certification.
(1) An EMT or paramedic certificate that is not renewed at the end of the 2-year certification period shall automatically revert to an inactive status for a period of 180 days.
(2) Such certificates may be reactivated if the applicant submits the renewal certification fee required by Section 401.34, F.S., and a late renewal fee of $25 and the following items to the department:
(a) The required fees and affirmation of all applicable requirements, contained in subsection 64J-1.008(2) or 64J-1.009(2), F.A.C. DH Form 622, April 05, EMT/Paramedic Renewal Certification Application, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 64J-1.008(2), F.A.C.
(b) Verification of having met one of the recertification requirements contained in subsection 64J-1.008(2) or 64J-1.009(2), F.A.C. The requirements for recertification shall be completed before the end of the 180-day inactive certification period.
(3) An application for recertification received by the department more than 180 days after the expiration date of the certificate shall be denied. Such certificate holder is ineligible for recertification and must meet the requirements for initial certification.
Rulemaking Specific Authority 401.27, 401.35 FS. Law Implemented 401.27, 401.34, 401.35 FS. History–New 8-4-98, Amended 1-3-99, 9-3-00, 4-15-01, 10-24-05, Formerly 64E-2.0095, Amended ________.
64J-1.012 Examinations.
(1) Grade Notification – The department shall notify each candidate of the examination results. The department may post scores electronically on the internet in lieu of mailing the scores to the candidate. The date of receipt is the date the examination scores are posted electronically (official score release date). If a candidate fails the certification examination developed or required by the department, he or she shall be notified by the department of examination review, and appeal rights and procedures.
(2) Post-Examination Review.
(a) A candidate who failed the examination shall notify the department or designee, in writing, that he or she desires a an post-examination review within 21 days of the official score release date indicated on the failure notice and include the required review fee of $50 payable by cashier’s check or money order to the department or designee. Upon receipt of payment, the department or designee shall notify the candidate of a review appointment.
(b) Each candidate, who has taken and failed the examination, shall have the right to post-examination review of those the examination questions answered incorrectly and the correct answers to those examination questions only booklet and a copy of his or her answer sheet.
(c) The candidate’s attorney may can be present at the review.
(d) Examination reviews shall be conducted in the presence of a representative of the department or designee and scheduled at a location designated by the department or designee. The review shall be conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding official state holidays. A candidate shall attend only one review per examination administration. If the candidate is scheduled for an examination review date and fails to appear, the review fee shall be forfeited.
(e) The candidate shall be allowed one-half the time allowed for the original administration of the examination to review the examination materials provided. Neither the candidate nor the attorney shall be allowed to bring any material for documenting or recording any test material into the review session.
(f) A representative of the department or designee shall remain with the candidate throughout the review process. The representative shall inform the candidate that the representative cannot defend the examination, attempt to answer or refute any question during the review.
(g) The candidate shall be instructed that he or she is exercising his or her right of review.
(h) Any candidate who fails the examination and attends an examination review, pursuant to this section, shall not be eligible for reexamination for at least 30 days after the examination review.
(3) Examination Requirements:
(a) Pursuant to paragraph 401.27(4)(d), F.S., the examination required for certification as an EMT is the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) EMT-Basic Examination, and the examination required for certification as a paramedic is the Florida Paramedic Certification Examination. Such examinations must be administered by the Department or the Department’s authorized representatives.
(a)(b) The following grades are the minimum scores required to pass the below-listed examinations:
1. Florida Paramedic Certification Examination, 80 percent or higher.
2. NREMT EMT-Basic Examination, 70 percent or higher.
(4) To be scheduled for a reexamination the requestor shall submit DH Form 1583, 12/08, Application for Examination for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic Certification 1975, April 05, Emergency Medical Technicians Re-exam, or Form 1978, Paramedics Re-exam, which is incorporated by reference and available from the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(9), F.A.C., or at http://www.FLhealthsource.com. The request shall be submitted so as to be received by the department in accordance with the published deadlines for examinations which may be obtained by contacting the department, as defined by subsection 64J-1.001(8), F.A.C.
(5) An EMT candidate must document successful completion of 24 hours of department-approved refresher training based on the 1994 U.S. DOT EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum prior to being scheduled for another attempt at the examination after three failures. An EMT applicant who has failed the examination six times is disqualified from certification and must successfully complete a full EMT training program, pursuant to paragraph 64J-1.008(1)(a), F.A.C., prior to being considered for subsequent examination and certification.
(6) A paramedic candidate must document successful completion of 48 hours of department-approved refresher training based on the 1998 U.S. DOT EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum prior to being scheduled for another attempt at the certification examination after three failures. A paramedic applicant who has failed the examination six times is disqualified from certification and must successfully complete a full paramedic education program, pursuant to paragraph 64J-1.009(1)(a), F.A.C., prior to being considered for subsequent examination and certification.
(7) Persons with documented learning disabilities in the areas of reading decoding or reading comprehension or some form of documented disability or cognitive processing deficit specifically in the reading area which would negatively impact on the candidate’s performance on the written or computer based examination may be eligible for special accommodations with the written certification examination. The person requesting the accommodation must provide documentation of the diagnosis before any decision shall be made by the department or designee for accommodation in the administration of the paramedic examination and by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for accommodation in the administration of the EMT examination.
(a) Individuals who qualify for special accommodation on the written or computer based examination due to a documented learning disability as described above shall be required to take the standard format of the examination, but shall receive additional time in which to complete the examination based on the department’s or designee’s assessment of the severity of the learning disability.
(b) Other types of accommodations to meet the needs of applicant’s disabilities shall be granted with appropriate documentation of disability as determined by the department or designee.
Rulemaking Specific Authority 381.0011, 401.27, 401.35 FS. Law Implemented 381.001, 401.27, 401.35 FS. History–New 4-26-84, Amended 3-11-85, Formerly 10D-66.575, Amended 4-12-88, 12-10-92, 12-10-95, 1-26-97, Formerly 10D-66.0575, Amended 8-4-98, 6-3-02, 11-3-02, 10-25-04, 10-24-05, Formerly 64E-2.010, Amended________.