S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-7.100.116

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-7.100.116 - Endorsement of Specialty Credentials

A. A Department-endorsed specialty credential may include, but is not limited to, the following areas of specialized training:

1. Community Paramedic;

2. Critical Care Paramedic; and

3. Tactical Paramedic.

B. The applicant for Endorsement shall meet the minimum educational and clinical guidelines as established by the Department and submit a complete application in a format as determined by the Department that includes:

1. Documentation of the Department-required training;

2. Documentation that he or she is currently employed by an EMS Agency in one of the specialized training areas pursuant to Section 116.A; and

3. Documentation that he or she has successfully passed the International Board of Specialty Certification examination or other Department-approved national certifying board requirements.

C. Endorsement Renewal. The Department-endorsed Paramedic shall complete twenty-four (24) hours of Department-approved continuing education above the NREMT certification requirements. The Department-endorsed Paramedic shall submit documentation of the continuing education with each Certificate renewal application.

D. Endorsement Reciprocity. A Paramedic seeking Endorsement through reciprocity shall submit a complete application in a format as determined by the Department that includes:

1. Documentation of training and/or certification in his or her current state. The Department may issue a one (1) year provisional Endorsement provided the Paramedic meets the minimum educational and clinical guidelines as established by the Department prior to expiration of the provisional specialty Endorsement; and

2. Documentation that the applicant is currently employed by or has a conditional employment offer from a Licensed Agency to provide the level of service.

E. The Endorsement shall only be granted by the Department to Paramedics that are currently certified by the Department. If a Paramedic's Certification is expired, suspended, or revoked by the Department, the Endorsement follows the same status as their certification.

F. The specialty endorsed Paramedic shall only practice their skills within the scope of practice of their Department-approved agency, under a South Carolina licensed Medical Control Physician. Specialty endorsed Paramedics are not independent healthcare practitioners.

G. The types of care rendered by specially endorsed Paramedics shall include, but are not limited to, critical care interfacility services, prehospital services, preventative care, social service referrals, chronic care support, follow-up care and maintenance, and tactical medical support of law enforcement.

H. Licensed Agencies providing these specialized services shall:

1. Be licensed at the ALS level and provide Community Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, or Tactical Paramedic services;

2. Have specific Protocols approved by the Department;

3. Develop and implement a Department-approved written training plan for training new employees and providing continuing education for each specialty endorsed Paramedic; and

4. Ensure at least one (1) crew member on each ground Ambulance providing Critical Care is a certified EMT and two (2) advanced level personnel (Paramedic, RN, Physician, or Respiratory Therapist) are in the Patient compartment during transport.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-7.100.116

Added by State Register Volume 46, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/27/2022.