6 Colo. Code Regs. § 1015-3-4-12

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, June 10, 2024

Section 6 CCR 1015-3-4-12 - Minimum Staffing Requirements, Patient Safety, and Safety and Staffing of Crew Members

12.1 Minimum Staffing Requirements

12.1.1 A licensed ambulance service shall comply with the following minimum ambulance staffing requirements:

A) The person responsible for providing direct emergency medical care and treatment to patients transported in an ambulance shall hold a current and valid certification or license as an EMS provider as defined in the Rules Pertaining to EMS Education, Certification or Licensure, and EMR Registration at 6 CCR 1015-3, Chapter One, or have a valid EMS Compact privilege to practice as an EMS provider in Colorado.

B) Each patient transport by a licensed ground ambulance service shall be staffed by a minimum of one (1) emergency medical services (EMS) provider who is licensed or certified in Colorado, or who has a valid EMS Compact privilege to practice as an EMS provider in Colorado, to provide diect patient care, plus a vehicle operator.

1) Pursuant to Section 25-3.5-301(3), C.R.S., an exception to the requirements set forth in Section 12.1.1.B exists solely under the unusual conditions when only a vehicle operator is present to transport the patient. Under these limited circumstances, other individuals who are not licensed or certified as an EMS provider may accompany the patient during transport.

C) Emergency medical services providers shall operate only within their scopes of practice and pursuant to medical protocols, including an EMS provider acting in accordance with a scope of practice waiver granted pursuant to 6 CCR 1015-3, Chapter Two.

D) The vehicle operator shall hold a current and valid driver's license and meet all criteria required by Section 14.4.3.D of these rules.

1) The sole exception to Section 12.1.1.D is in the case of an emergency in an ambulance service area where no person possessing these qualifications is present or available to respond to a call for the emergency transportation of patients by ambulance. Under these circumstances, any person may operate the ambulance to transport any sick, injured, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless person in order to stabilize the medical condition of the person pending the availability of medical care. See Section 25-3.5-202, C.R.S.

12.2 Patient Safety and Safety and Staffing of Crew Members

12.2.1 Each ambulance service shall establish and implement a policy that sets forth the service's staffing pattern and addresses considerations such as patient safety and safety and staffing of crew members, including but not limited to:

A) Fatigue of staff members, including education and training to mitigate fatigue and risks; and

B) Staffing patterns that support the services that the ambulance service provides.

6 CCR 1015-3-4-12

47 CR 02, January 25, 2024, effective 2/14/2024