S.C. Code Regs. § ch. 61, 61-7, 61-7.400

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

Section 61-7.400 - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (II)

A. The EMS Agency shall implement and be in full compliance with its policies and procedures.

B. The EMS Agency shall maintain written policies and procedures to include at least:

1. Staffing patterns to ensure compliance with en route times pursuant to Sections 504.B.2 and 505.A.2;

2. If electing to participate in a tiered response system, policies and procedures and, if necessary, mutual aid agreements in place to identify the acuity of the incoming EMS requests in order to properly triage the response and dispatch the appropriate level of Ambulance;

3. Continuing Patient transport if a vehicle becomes disabled;

4. Employee records retention and conducting background checks for credentialed and non-credentialed personnel;

5. Governing the identification of EMS Personnel while providing care or while responding that includes level of certification;

6. Reporting and investigating Adverse Incidents pursuant to Section 601;

7. Infection control and prevention;

8. Addressing the clean appearance of the EMT-basics, AEMTs, Paramedics, and Drivers;

9. Ensuring all EMS Personnel receive annual blood-borne pathogen training and maintain documentation of the training;

10. Smoking Policy, including prohibiting the use of tobacco products or tobacco-like products (such as electronic cigarettes) in the Patient compartment, the operator compartment of Ambulances, or within twenty (20) feet of the Ambulance or any other apparatus in which oxygen is carried;

11. Recognizing out-of-service vehicles, which includes a highly visible mechanism at the Driver's position;

12. Defining, implementing, and reviewing Quality Assurance and/or process improvement practices with regard to medical care provided by its EMS Personnel;

13. Medication Management to include written Protocols for storage and maintenance of controlled substances; periodic inspection and inventory of maintained controlled substances by the EMS Agency Director, EMS Agency Assistant Director, Medical Control Physician and/or Assistant Medical Control Physician; and

14. Maintaining service in the event of the sudden or unexpected loss of the primary Medical Control Physician.

C. The EMS Agency shall establish a time period for review, not to exceed two (2) years, of all policies and procedures, and such reviews shall be documented and signed by the EMS Agency director. The EMS Agency shall ensure all policies and procedures are accessible to the EMS Agency personnel, printed or electronically, at all times.

S.C. Code Regs. ch. 61, 61-7, 61-7.400

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