Section 1200-12-05-.04 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN- PARAMEDIC -CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC TRAINING PROGRAMS(1) Definitions. Within this Rule, the following terms shall apply: (a) Approval: Means the process of training program approval used to assure compliance with the requirements of the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Board and the policies of the Division of Emergency Medical Services.(b) Approved Program: Means a training program approved by the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Board.(c) Contract or Agreement: Means a written agreement between the training program and the cooperating agency.(2) All programs offered by facilities, institutions, or agencies desiring to qualify applicants for EMT-P Critical Care endorsement shall conform to the standards approved by the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Board and such rules as shall be promulgated by the Department.(a) Purpose of Approval 1. To insure the safety and quality of practice by the Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic - Critical Care (EMT-P CC) by setting standards for each program preparing the critical care provider.2. To insure graduates of approved programs eligibility for endorsement.(3) Approval shall be categorized, and awarded or revoked in accordance with the following criteria. (a) Initial approval is granted a new program that has not been in operation long enough to complete its first class but demonstrates its eligibility for full approval. The program shall be reviewed after one year or when the first students complete the program.(b) Full approval is granted a program for a period of four (4) years that has met the requirements that are set forth by the EMS Board and the policies of the Division of EMS.(c) Conditional approval may be accorded a program which has failed to maintain minimum standards and has been notified that it must meet the requirements within a specified time period.(d) Approval shall be denied or may be revoked or conditioned for failure to comply with the standards established by the board.(e) Renewal of approval. Renewal for a period of four (4) years shall be based on recommendations of the Division to the Board utilizing surveys, site visits, conferences, review of documentation instructor student ratio, instructor qualifications and related evidence of continuing compliance with the regulations of the Board and policies of the Division. If deficiencies are not corrected within the specified time, and until such action is approved by the board, the program shall not convene a subsequent class.(4) Philosophy, Purpose, Capabilities and Organization(a) All facilities, institutions, or agencies seeking initial and continuing approval shall have a written statement of the educational philosophy and purpose of the program.(b) Capabilities. The facilities, institutions, or agencies shall:1. Maintain liaison with a hospital which is capable of supporting Critical Care Paramedic Clinical training; and,2. Ensure the financial support, equipment, facilities, and leadership which will provide for a sound educational program; and,3. Ensure student competency in knowledge and experience and shall endorse participants for eligibility to complete endorsement examinations.(c) Organization: 1. The facilities, institutions, or agencies shall demonstrate effective organization and shall be administered in ways conducive to the management of training programs.2. An accurate, comprehensive records system shall be maintained for all phases of the program and shall be available for inspection during survey visits.(5) Faculty: The faculty shall be experienced in the field area for course content, such as , but not limited to, critical care professionals, attorneys, and Registered Respiratory Therapists.(6) Medical Director (a) Each program shall have a licensed physician who serves as the medical advisor.(7) Student admission: (a) Each student must hold a current license as a Paramedic in Tennessee with a minimum of two years experience as an Advanced Care Provider; and,(b) Must hold current certification in an Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and an advanced Trauma Care course.(8) Training Facilities (a) Classrooms, Laboratories, Offices. Facilities, institutions, or agencies shall provide adequate teaching facilities and laboratories and clinical facilities sufficient for instruction.(b) Clinical Facilities: The clinical facilities must provide for student learning experiences as identified in the Board approved curriculum.(9) Curriculum Review: A copy of the complete curriculum, statements of course objectives, copies of course outlines, class schedules, schedules of supervised clinical experience, and teaching plans shall be on file and available for review and inspections by an authorized representative of the EMS Division with other information as follows:(a) Evidence of student competency in achieving the performance of the educational objectives of the program shall be kept on file.(b) Procedures for evaluation of teaching effectiveness and instruction shall be established by the program.(10) Only students from Tennessee approved programs or those who have completed an equivalent curriculum in other states, as determined by the board or the Division shall be eligible for State endorsement.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-12-05-.04
Original rule filed August 24, 2006; effective November 4, 2006.Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 68-140-504, 68-140-506, 68-140-508, and 68-140-517.