Current through 2024 Legislative Session Act Chapter 510
Section 9817 - Mobile-integrated healthcare and community paramedicine programs(a) An organization licensed as or actively seeking licensure as an emergency medical services provider agency may apply to the Office to establish a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program.(b) The Office shall review an application filed under subsection (a) of this section and make a recommendation on the application to the Director of the Division of Public Health.(c) The Director of the Division of Public Health shall approve an application filed under subsection (a) of this section if the application meets the requirements of this section.(d) The Office shall establish standards, approved by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, for the establishment and operation of a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program.(e) On filing of an application under subsection (a) of this section, an organization must be licensed as or actively seeking licensure as an emergency medical services provider agency.(f)(1) A mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program must have a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine medical director and a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program coordinator.(2) A mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine medical director has the responsibilities of an EMS medical director under § 9806(b) of this title.(g) An individual employed to work in a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program shall meet the requirements for certification or licensure imposed by this State and the organization employing the individual.(1) A mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program may include physicians, nurse practitioners, advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physician assistants, physical or occupational therapists, mental health providers, paramedics, or other emergency medical services providers.(2) A paramedic or other emergency medical services provider providing care through a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program is subject to discipline as provided under § 9811 of this title.(3) An individual other than a paramedic or other emergency medical services provider providing care through a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program is subject to discipline by the body certifying or licensing the individual.(h)(1) A mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program must have a structured education program, approved by the Office, which includes didactic and clinical components.(2) Performance, skills, and continuing education must be documented by an organization's mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program for each emergency medical services provider in the organization's mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program.(i) An emergency medical services provider employed to work in a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program shall complete the State's mandatory recertification education for the emergency medical services provider's specific level of training and any recertification education required by the mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program.(j) An organization shall develop protocols for the organization's mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program specific to the program's community healthcare needs.(k)(1) An organization's mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program may not exceed the scope of practice of an emergency medical services provider without the approval of the Office and Director of the Division of Public Health.(2) A request to expand the scope of practice of an emergency medical services provider must be approved by the Office and the Director of the Division of Public Health, with input from the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.(l)(1) Section 9813 of this title does not apply to a paramedic's provision of care through a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program.(2) An organization shall ensure the appropriate liability protection for a paramedic providing care through a mobile-integrated healthcare or community paramedicine program.(m) The Office may adopt regulations to administer, enforce, and implement this section.Added by Laws 2023, ch. 419,s 4, eff. 9/24/2024.