EMS certification.
(1) Certification is effective on the date the department issues the certificate. Certifications must be renewed every three years. The expiration date is indicated on the certification card.
(2) The secretary may extend the certification period to accommodate the efficient processing of recertification applications. Requests to extend the certification period must be coordinated through the county medical program director. The expiration date will be indicated on the certification card issued by the department.
(3) An EMS certification is valid only:
(a) In the county or counties where recommended by the MPD and approved by the secretary;
(b) In other counties where department-approved medical program director agreements are in place;
(c) In other counties when accompanying a patient in transit or when encountering an incident and stopping to render aid when returning to a home county. In these cases, 911 should be contacted to engage the local EMS system; or
(d)(i) While responding to other counties for mutual aid purposes, mass care, or other incidents in an episodic manner. In these situations:
(ii) The EMS provider will provide patient care following the prehospital patient care protocols of their supervising MPD.
(4) A certified AEMT or paramedic may function at a lower certification level in counties other than those described in subsection (3)(a) through (d) of this section, with approval of that county's MPD and the department.
(5) EMTs who hold an IV therapy or supraglottic airway training endorsement may use those skills only when following approved county MPD protocols that permit EMTs with such training to perform those skills.
(6) When certified EMS personnel change or add membership with an EMS agency, EMS service supervisory organization (ESSO), or department-approved training program, or their contact information changes, they must notify the department within 30 days of the change. Changes submitted must be made on forms provided by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
18.71.205,
18.73.081,
43.70.040,
70.168.050, 2017 c 70, 2017 c 295, 2020 c 76, 2021 c 276, 2019 c 314, 2021 c 69, and 2022 c 136. WSR 24-15-104, § 246-976-144, filed 7/22/24, effective 9/30/24. Statutory Authority: Chapters
18.71, 18.73, and
70.168 RCW. WSR 11-07-078, § 246-976-144, filed 3/22/11, effective 5/15/11.]