OEMS Deadline Extensions and Emergency Waiver Related to EMS for COVID19
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to work with state, federal and local partners on the outbreak of novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, and we continue to appreciate the essential role you have in responding to this evolving situation.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, OEMS is releasing the following documents which will achieve the following:
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EMT Recertification and CPR/ACLS Credential Extensions
The Department has updated all necessary Administrative Requirements to extend the expiration date for EMS personnel whose certification expires in 2020 to June 30, 2020, paralleling the extensions announced by the National Registry of EMTs, and to similarly extend the expiration dates of those EMS personnel holding CPR/ACLS credentials expiring during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Continuing Education Limits on Distributive Education
The Department has updated Administrative Requirement 2-212, to allow EMS personnel with certifications expiring in 2020 to complete all their remaining continuing education through distributive education.
Emergency Waiver:
The Department is issuing a waiver to sections of 105 CMR 170.305 to reduce required staffing of each ambulance to one EMT and/or one Paramedic, depending on level of ambulance, with a driver who is a first responder, as defined in MGL c. 111, section 111C and 105 CMR 171.000 (excluding lifeguards).