Chapter 31. Virginia Emergency Medical Services Regulations

The certification is valid for a period of three years from the end of the month of issuance.Statutory Authority§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

(Repealed.)

Article 2 Certification Process and Practice An EMS certification is valid for the prescribed period as defined in Article 1 of this part for each level of certification unless suspended or revoked by the commissioner.Statutory Authority§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Vi…

In order to function as an EMS provider in the Commonwealth of Virginia, providers must hold a valid certification as issued by the commissioner and as defined in 12VAC5-31-1040.Statutory Authority§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Candidates must successfully complete an approved Virginia certification course to be eligible for the certification examination. B. Candidates must then successfully complete the certification examination to receive Virginia certification at the level for which the course is …

(Repealed.)

A person holding valid EMS certification from another state or a recognized EMS certifying body with which Virginia has a formal written agreement of reciprocity or possessing a National Registry certification at the EMR, EMT, Advanced EMT, Intermediate 99 or Paramedic level shal…

A person holding valid EMS certification from another state or a recognized EMS certifying body who does not meet the criteria in 12VAC5-31-1391 shall apply to the commissioner for legal recognition upon demonstration of Virginia residency, Virginia EMS agency affiliation, or a r…

A practical nurse, registered nurse to include those recognized through the Nurse Licensure Compact (§ 54.1-3030 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), physician assistant, dentist, or chiropractor who holds a current license to practice in Virginia; military corpsman with current cre…

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. 3. The issuance of an exempt…

(Repealed.)

A. An EMS provider requesting recertification must complete the continuing education hour requirements, as identified in 12VAC5-31-1403, for the level at which the EMS provider is requesting to be recertified. The Office of EMS must receive documentation of the EMS provider's com…

A. Recertification of EMS credentials requires each individual to complete continuing education requirements as approved by the Board of Health and fulfill the recertification process before the expiration date of an applicable certification or reentry period. B. The Board of Hea…

A. Continuing education credit is only awarded to courses announced to the Office of EMS in a format as approved by the Office of EMS prior to the course being conducted and other programs approved by the Office of EMS for award of CE. B. Award of credit for attendance in a CE pr…

A. Individuals whose certification has expired may regain certification through completion of the reentry program within two years of the specific certification's expiration date. To reenter the person must fulfill the requirements as applicable in this chapter including all requ…

Article 3 Educational Programs and Management A. Course coordinators (EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator) shall utilize curricula or educational standards authorized and approved by the Office of EMS when conducting EMS education programs. B. CE topics …

(Repealed.)

BLS certification programs authorized for issuance of certification in Virginia are: 1. EMS First Responder. 2. EMS First Responder Bridge to EMT. 3. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). 4. Emergency Medical Responder Bridge to EMT. 5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).Statutory A…

ALS certification programs authorized for issuance of certification in Virginia are: 1. EMT-Enhanced. 2. EMT -Enhanced Bridge to Intermediate. 3. Advanced EMT. 4. Advanced EMT Bridge to Intermediate. 5. Intermediate. 6. Intermediate Bridge to Paramedic. 7. Paramedic. 8. RN Bridge…

A. In order for a provider to receive continuing education in Virginia for an auxillary program, the national parent organization must be recognized by the Board of Health. B. The instructor approved by the national parent organization referenced in subsection A of this section m…

A. Recognized programs for certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the purposes of testing for all certification levels are based upon programs approved by the Board of Health. B. Completion of an approved course that tests the following skills is required: 1. On…

The programs must utilize the approved format for the corresponding level of certification as designed by the Office of EMS: 1. Category 1 (required) are topic areas that are required as part of the recertification criteria. 2. Category 2 (approved) are topic areas that support E…

(Repealed.)

A. EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or an EMS education coordinator shall use teaching materials and textbooks that reflect current EMS practices. B. All textbooks and primary teaching materials utilized in a program shall be reviewed and receive written approval prior to the sta…

A. BLS certification courses and continuing education programs that award Category 1 (required) continuing education credits shall be announced by an EMT instructor or EMS education coordinator. An EMT instructor or EMS education coordinator shall be present in the classroom at a…

A. An EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator conducting training programs as an employee or contractor for any other person as defined in § 1-230 of the Code of Virginia, whether or not for profit, shall retain responsibility for compliance with the Office …

A. An EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall submit a course approval request in a format approved by the Board of Health prior to the beginning date of a certification or continuing education course. 1. Any approved course requesting funding through …

The course coordinator shall immediately notify the Office of EMS in writing of any changes in the information submitted on the Course Approval Request form. Statutory Authority§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

(Repealed.)

For courses leading to certification at a new or higher level, the EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall have each student complete a "Virginia EMS Training Program Enrollment" form at the first meeting of the course. 1. These forms must be reviewed …

The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall maintain the following information: instructor/provider level, subject taught, and participation of each certified EMT instructor, ALS course coordinator, EMS education coordinator, or other individual who in…

A. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall maintain records of class dates, topics instructed, attendance and performance for all students attending a certification course. B. Student records shall be maintained in accordance with the Virginia Publ…

The course coordinator shall submit the CE records in a format approved by the Office of EMS within 15 days of the student's attendance.Statutory Authority§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Verification of student eligibility on the Course Student Disposition Record by the EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator for certification testing requires that each student successfully complete a certification program that meets the competency and perfo…

(Repealed.)

A. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, or EMS education coordinator shall inform the PCD or OMD of the progress of the training program to include: 1. Any program schedule changes. 2. Individual student performances. 3. Any student or instructor complaints. 4. The general progre…

EMS certification courses utilizing an approved alternative course presentation format using two-way video interactive technology shall comply with the following: 1. Use electronic media as real time two-way audio and video transmissions. 2. The EMT instructor, ALS coordinator, o…

Courses schedules shall reflect the minimum hours for the course of instruction of all required lessons of the program's curriculum prior to the course end date as approved by the Office of EMS. Statutory Authority§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Initial and bridge certification course size shall be limited to a maximum of 30 enrolled students. 1. Additional students seeking continuing education credit may be admitted as reasonably allowed by facility size and instructional staff availability. 2. The group size for pra…

A. In addition to the lead instructor for each lesson, arrangements must be made to provide for instructor aides to assist in all practical skill sessions. Instructor aides shall be providers certified at or above the level of instruction. B. Course coordinators who are certified…

(Repealed.)

All programs and courses approved for issuance of certification or award of continuing education shall allow unannounced monitoring by the Office of EMS. Failure to comply with such course monitoring may result in the following disciplinary actions to include, but not be limited …

A. An EMT instructor or EMS education coordinator for BLS programs shall ensure the following for documentation of eligibility for certification testing: 1. Submit a completed Course Student Disposition Report (CSDR) in a manner as prescribed by the Office of EMS. 2. Maintain wit…

Article 4 Certification Testing A. The person desiring to take the certification examination must present the following: 1. The Virginia certification eligibility letter. 2. Current government issued photo identification. 3. If a retest, the latest testing results. B. The person …

A. An Office of EMS written and practical examination process is required by the following: 1. Any candidate who completes an initial program at the following levels: a. First Responder/EMR. b. Emergency Medical Technician. c. Emergency Medical Technician-Enhanced. d. Advanced EM…

A. Office of EMS certification examinations are required by all providers unless otherwise described in these regulations. B. Primary certification testing is the first attempt at the certification examination process. 1. This process includes both the written and practical exami…

Certification eligibility will be demonstrated by the possession of a valid eligibility letter from the Office of EMS by the candidate.Statutory Authority§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.