N.J. Admin. Code § 8:41-3.21

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:41-3.21 - Communications failure protocols

(a) Communications failure exists only when:

1. Standard biotelemetry communications equipment fails;

2. Back-up biotelemetry equipment fails, including cellular and/or wireless telephones;

3. The crewmembers cannot access any medical command physician by the Hospital Emergency Ambulance Radio (HEAR) system;

4. Telephone service is not available or is inoperative; and

5. The crewmembers cannot access any medical command physician by any means.

(b) In the event of communications failure, attempts shall be made to immediately correct the problem. If correction is successful and contact is established, the medical command physician shall be advised as to all treatments or procedures that occurred during the period of communications failure.

(c) Each provider shall develop and maintain communications failure protocols that are to be followed in the event of communications failure. These protocols shall bear the approval signature of the provider's medical director and shall be approved by the Department prior to implementation, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. Additional protocols may be adopted based upon the recommendations of the United States Department of Transportation and the American College of Emergency Physicians provided such protocols do not conflict with the requirements of this Chapter. Communications failure protocols shall be reviewed annually and updated as necessary. The medical director shall confirm that such review has been accomplished by signing and dating the protocols following each annual review and update.

(d) In the event that communications failure protocols are utilized, the crewmember who utilized the protocols shall prepare a report indicating the call on which the protocols were utilized, treatment rendered, a description of the communications problem(s), a list of alternate means attempted, problems encountered, and attempts to remedy the problem. This report shall be forwarded to the provider's director or specialty care coordinator, as applicable, within 24 hours of the incident.

(e) The director or specialty care coordinator, as applicable, shall maintain a file of all communications failure reports for a period of one year, and shall make such reports available to Department staff upon demand.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:41-3.21