Section 1040. Operational medical director authorization to extend priviledges for EMS practice

A. EMS personnel as defined in § 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia may only provide emergency medical care while acting under the authority of the operational medical director for the EMS agency for which they are affiliated and within the scope of the EMS agency license. Privileges to practice must be on the agency's official stationery or indicated in the agency records which are signed and dated by the OMD.

B. Agencies shall establish a written policy that identifies the selection, response criteria, utilization, and approval process for (i) EMS personnel to carry and administer an epinephrine auto injector or medically accepted equivalent for emergency cases of anaphylactic shock, and (ii) the possession and administration of oxygen carried on personally owned vehicles (POV). The policy shall also include:

1. Annual approval and authorization by EMS agency and OMD.

2. Drug storage criteria to include:

a. Compliance with all applicable temperature requirements specified by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

b. Requirements that describe how the cylinder or device is to be secured in a manner to prevent any free movement within the occupant or storage compartment of the vehicle.

c. Evidence of approval by personal vehicle insurance carrier must be on file with EMS agency for all EMS personnel authorized to carry oxygen on personally owned vehicles.

3. The personal vehicle utilized to carry oxygen may be subject to inspection by the Office of EMS.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 19, Issue 03, eff. January 15, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 01, eff. October 10, 2012.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.