Registering Emergency Medical Services Agencies Under the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017
Published Date: 2/5/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 9, 2026, emergency medical services (EMS) agencies must register under new rules that make it easier and safer to handle emergency medicines like controlled substances. These changes let EMS pros give important meds without a doctor right there, while keeping better track of storage and delivery. This update affects EMS agencies nationwide and helps patients get faster, safer care without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
EMS Can Administer Controlled Drugs Without Doctor Present
Starting March 9, 2026, emergency medical services professionals of a registered EMS agency may administer controlled substances in Schedules II–V outside the physical presence of a medical director if State law allows and the administration is done pursuant to valid standing or verbal orders. This change is intended to let EMS personnel give needed emergency medicines more quickly at the scene or during transport.
New State-Level EMS Registration
If you run or operate an EMS agency, the rule creates a new DEA registration category for EMS agencies and lets an agency obtain a single DEA registration for each State in which it operates instead of registering each separate location. The rule also requires an EMS agency to be registered in every State where it administers controlled substances.
Jump Bags and Carrying During Active Response
The rule allows EMS personnel to carry controlled substances on their person or in a jump bag while they are actively responding to an emergency, and such items are not treated as 'stored' during that active response. Controlled substances carried this way must be returned to approved secure storage when personnel are not engaged in a response.
Storage, Locking, and Vehicle Security Rules
The rule requires registered EMS agencies to store controlled substances in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet or safe or an automated dispensing machine, and EMS vehicles storing controlled substances must be locked when parked outside an enclosed registered or designated location unless personnel are present or at the scene of an emergency. Controlled substances must be kept in locked, non-removable storage when vehicles are unattended.
Recordkeeping ID Rule Made Flexible
If your EMS agency keeps records of controlled substance administrations, the rule requires records to reflect the last name or initials (not mandatory personal initials) of the person who administered the drug, the medical director or authorizing professional, the person who disposed of a drug, and any witness. The rule also requires EMS agencies to retain records of administrations, disposals, acquisitions, distributions, and deliveries and make them readily retrievable.
Licensing and Restock Flexibility
The rule requires EMS personnel who administer controlled substances to be licensed or certified by the State in which they practice. The rule also allows EMS vehicles to restock controlled substances at hospitals other than the hospital whose registration the EMS vehicle is using, provided the restock conditions and recordkeeping in Sec. 1307.14 are met.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2026-14286, Importer of Controlled Substances Application: Catalent Greenville, Inc.
Catalent Greenville, Inc. wants to become an official importer of some powerful controlled substances, including LSD and related drugs. People and companies involved with these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by August 17, 2026. This move could impact how these substances enter the U.S., but no costs or fees are mentioned yet.
2026-14136, Barlow St-Clair Lynch, M.D.; Decision and Order
Dr. Barlow St-Clair Lynch from Maine lost his DEA registration because he no longer has the legal right to handle controlled substances in his state. He didn’t ask for a hearing, so the DEA moved forward and officially revoked his registration. This means he can’t prescribe or manage controlled drugs anymore, effective immediately, impacting his medical practice and any related income.
2026-14135, David Enright, M.D.; Decision and Order
Dr. David Enright from Maine lost his DEA registration because he no longer has the legal right to handle controlled substances in his state. He didn’t ask for a hearing, so the DEA moved forward and officially revoked his registration. This means he can’t prescribe or manage controlled drugs anymore, effective immediately.
2026-14137, Shane Lydon, M.D.; Decision and Order
Dr. Shane Lydon's license to handle controlled substances in Maine has been revoked because he lost his state authority and didn’t ask for a hearing. This means he can no longer prescribe or manage these drugs, effective immediately. Anyone relying on his registration should update their records and note this change to avoid legal trouble.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02284, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Starting February 4, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear is temporarily banned for catcher vessels 60 feet or longer in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This stop helps keep the 2026 catch limits from being broken, protecting fish stocks and the fishing industry. The closure lasts until September 1, 2026, so big boats need to plan their fishing carefully to avoid penalties.
Next: 2026-02290, Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; 2026 Commercial Accountability Measure for Gulf of America Greater Amberjack
Fishermen who catch greater amberjack in the Gulf of America will face lower catch limits in 2026 because they caught too many fish in 2025. The government is cutting the allowed commercial catch by 8,184 pounds to help protect the amberjack population. This new rule starts February 5, 2026, and lasts through the end of the year, keeping the fishery healthy for the future.