Section 1170. Provision of care by students

A student enrolled in an approved EMS certification training program may perform the clinical skills and functions of EMS personnel who are certified at the level of the course of instruction while participating in clinical and field internship training as provided for in these regulations when:

1. The student is caring for patients in the affiliated hospitals or other facilities approved by the training program's PCD, provided that the related didactic subject matter and practical skills laboratory have been completed and the students are under the direct supervision of a preceptor who is a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or an EMS provider certified at or above the level of the training program. The affiliated hospital or facility must approve preceptors.

2. The student is caring for patients during a required course internship program with an EMS agency approved by the training program's PCD and EMS agency's OMD, provided that the related didactic subject matter and practical skills laboratory have been completed and the student is under direct supervision of and accompanied by an EMS provider certified at or above the level of the training program, or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.

3. Nothing in subdivision 1 or 2 of this section removes the obligation of the supervising hospital, facility or licensed EMS agency for ultimate responsibility for provision of appropriate patient care during clinical or internship training.

4. Nothing in subdivision 1 or 2 of this section may be construed to authorize a noncertified or unlicensed individual to provide care outside of the approved supervised settings of the training program in which they are enrolled.

5. Nothing in subdivision 1 or 2 of this section may be construed to authorize a noncertified or unlicensed individual to provide care or to operate an emergency medical services vehicle in a county or municipality that has enacted an ordinance pursuant to § 32.1-111.14 A 8 of the Code of Virginia making it unlawful to do so.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 19, Issue 3 and Volume 19, Issue 9, eff. January 15, 2003.

Statutory Authority

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