La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-6053

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-6053 - Quality Assurance [Formerly section 6043]

A. The ambulance service shall have an on-going comprehensive, integrated, self-assessment quality improvement process that provides assurance that patient care is provided at all times in compliance with accepted standards of professional practice.

B. The ambulance service shall have written plans, policies, and procedures addressing quality assurance.

C. The ambulance service shall follow a written plan for continually assessing and improving all aspects of operations which include:

1. goals and objectives;

2. the identity of the person responsible for the program;

3. a system to ensure systematic, objective regular reports are prepared and distributed to the ambulance service/ provider's governing body and any other committees as directed by the governing body;

4. the method for evaluating the quality and the appropriateness of care;

5. a method for resolving identified problems; and

6. a method for implementing practices to improve the quality of patient care.

7. a method to document EMS Practitioner skills competencies including a process for demonstrating correct use of pediatric-specific equipment based on the agency or local protocols/guidelines.

D. The plan shall be reviewed at least annually and revised as appropriate by the ambulance service's medical director and director of operations.

E. Quality assessment and improvement activities shall be based on the systematic collection, review, and evaluation of data which, at a minimum, includes:

1. services provided by professional and volunteer staff;

2. audits of patient charts;

3. reports from staff, volunteers and patients/clients about services;

4. concerns or suggestions for improvement in services;

5. organizational review of the ambulance service program;

6. patient/family evaluations of care; and

7. high-risk, high volume and problem-prone activities.

F. When problems are identified in the provision of ambulance care, there shall be:

1. evidence of corrective actions, including ongoing monitoring;

2. revisions of policies and procedures, as appropriate; and

3. educational intervention and changes in the provision of services.

G. The effectiveness of actions taken to improve services or correct identified problems shall be evaluated.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-6053

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 35:477 (March 2009), Amended by Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, LR 49895 (5/1/2023).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 35:254, R.S. 40:1135.1 and 40:1135.2.