EMS News Briefs from Mike McEvoy

EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN
NYSAFC EMS Committee

National Registry Opens 60-Day Public Comment Period on Certification Eligibility
At the request of stakeholders from across the country, the National Registry of EMTs board of directors voted to expand the eligibility for initial certification to include state approved programs, in addition to the current requirement (at the paramedic level) for graduation from an accredited program. The draft resolution (available here) is open for a 60-day public comment period. Comments can be submitted here. This change has potential to affect paramedic programs in New York state in the future, as the state has been considering a move to using National Registry exams to spare the expense of continually updating their own tests.

Fire Department Ambulance Billing
Revisions to state law allowing fire departments/districts to bill for ambulance service take effect on July 9, 2022. Considerable misinformation seems to be circulating. NYSAFC hopes to release a brief FAQ document shortly, but suffice it to say, fire departments should read the law carefully. Click here and scroll way down to Section KK for the details. Billing is not a simple process established overnight; professional help is needed, either in the form of an experienced billing company, asking your ALS intercept service to do your billing, or perhaps having your county do it for you. Those experienced in the EMS billing business are fully aware that many departments will take a few months to get established. Keep calm and think clearly through your options.