Section 246-976-031 - EMS instructors, initial approval, and recognition(1) EMS instructor types include: (a) "EMS evaluator (ESE)" means a person approved and recognized by the department that is authorized to conduct continuing medical education and ongoing training and evaluate psychomotor skills during initial, refresher, and continuing medical education and ongoing training. The ESE may provide field training and evaluate newly hired providers who are pending certification and are participating in an EMS service field training program. The ESE may function as a clinical preceptor to mentor and evaluate the clinical performance of students enrolled in initial EMS courses.(b) "Senior EMS instructor candidate (SEIC)" means an applicant that has met requirements to start the initial recognition process to become a senior EMS instructor (SEI). The applicant is approved and recognized by the department as an SEIC and may conduct EMS training courses under the supervision of a currently approved and recognized SEI and county medical program director. An SEIC may only conduct courses at or below the level for which they hold a current and valid Washington state EMS certification.(c) "Senior EMS instructor (SEI)" means an applicant that has met the requirements to become approved and recognized by the department as an SEI and may conduct initial EMS training courses and continuing medical education and ongoing training. An SEI may only conduct courses at or below the level for which they hold a current and valid Washington state EMS certification. An SEI is responsible for the overall administration and quality of instruction. The SEI must meet the requirements in this chapter and the department EMS Training Program and Instructor Manual (DOH 530-126) to maintain recognition as an SEI.(d) "Lead instructor" means a person that has specific knowledge, experience, and skills in the field of prehospital emergency care and is approved by the county medical program director to instruct EMS training courses that do not require an SEI.(e) "Guest instructor" means a person that has specific knowledge, experience, and skills in the field of prehospital emergency care and is approved by the county medical program director to instruct course lessons for initial and refresher EMS courses and continuing medical education and ongoing training under the supervision of an SEI or lead instructor.(2) To apply for recognition as an EMS evaluator (ESE), an applicant must: (a) Hold a current and valid Washington state EMS certification;(b) Have a minimum of three years' experience at or above the level of certification being evaluated;(c) Be current in continuing medical education and ongoing training requirements for their primary EMS certification;(d) Submit an application on forms provided by the department;(e) Provide proof of successful completion of a department-approved initial EMS evaluator course within the past three years; and(f) Be recommended by the county medical program director. The county medical program director must sign the application.(3) To apply for recognition as a senior EMS instructor candidate (SEIC), an applicant must:(a) Be a current Washington state certified EMS provider at or above the level of certification being instructed;(b) Have a minimum of three years' experience in direct patient care at or above the level of certification being instructed;(c) Be currently recognized as an EMS evaluator;(d) Hold current recognition as a health care provider level CPR instructor from a nationally recognized training program recognized by the department for CPR, foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), and defibrillation;(e) Provide proof of successful completion of an instructor training course by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an instructor training course from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent instructor course approved by the department;(f) Provide proof of successful completion of a one-hour Washington state EMS instructor orientation provided by the department;(g) Pass a written evaluation developed and administered by the department on current EMS training and certification regulations including the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA), and EMS course administration;(h) Be affiliated with a department-approved EMS training program that meets the standards in WAC 246-976-022;(i) Submit an application on forms provided by the department; and(j) Be recommended by the county medical program director. The county medical program director must sign the application.(4) If approved for recognition as a senior EMS instructor candidate (SEIC), the department will issue the applicant an initial recognition application procedure packet (IRAP). The IRAP must be successfully completed in accordance with department standards and policies, under the oversight of a currently recognized SEI. The SEIC must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to administer, coordinate, and conduct initial EMS courses to apply for and be considered for approval and recognition as an SEI.(5) A SEIC recognition will be issued for three years.(6) An applicant who is an EMS instructor in another state, country, or U.S. military branch may apply to obtain reciprocal recognition as an SEI candidate (SEIC). To become an SEI candidate (SEIC), the applicant must meet the criteria in this section and provide proof of at least three years of instructional experience as an EMS instructor. If approved for recognition as an SEIC, the department will issue the applicant an abridged initial recognition application procedure packet (IRAP) which must be successfully completed in accordance with department standards and policies, under the oversight of a currently recognized SEI to apply for full SEI recognition.(7) To apply for recognition as a senior EMS instructor (SEI), an applicant must: (a) Meet all the criteria in subsection (3) of this section and be currently approved and recognized as a senior EMS instructor candidate (SEIC);(b) Submit the completed initial recognition application procedure packet (IRAP) that was issued by the department; and(c) Be recommended by the county medical program director. The county medical program director must sign the application.(8) If approved, SEI recognition is effective on the date the department issues the recognition card. SEI recognition must be renewed every three years. The expiration date is indicated on the certification card.Wash. Admin. Code § 246-976-031
Amended by WSR 24-15-104, Filed 7/22/2024, effective 9/30/2024Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.71, 18.73, and 70.168 RCW. 11-07-078, § 246-976-031, filed 3/22/11, effective 5/15/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.73.081 and 70.168.120. 02-14-053, § 246-976-031, filed 6/27/02, effective 7/28/02. Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.71, 18.73, and 70.168 RCW. 00-08-102, § 246-976-031, filed 4/5/00, effective 5/6/00.