W. Va. Code R. § 64-48-12

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 36, September 6, 2024

Section 64-48-12 - Community Paramedicine Demonstration Projects

12.1. Establishment of community paramedicine demonstration projects. The Director may establish up to six demonstration projects for the purpose of developing and evaluating a community paramedicine program. A demonstration project established pursuant to this section may not exceed two years in duration.

12.2. As used in this section, "community paramedicine" means the practice by an emergency medical services provider primarily in an out-of-hospital setting of providing episodic patient evaluation, advice, and care directed at preventing or improving a particular medical condition which may require emergency medical services providers to function outside their customary emergency response and transport roles, as specifically requested or directed by a physician, in ways that facilitate more appropriate use of emergency care resources and enhance access to primary care for medically vulnerable populations.

12.3. The Director shall establish the requirements and application and approval process of demonstration projects established pursuant to this section. At a minimum, an emergency medical services provider that conducts a demonstration project shall:

12.3.1. Demonstrate the financial sustainability of its project through reliable funding sources;

12.3.2. Work with an identified primary care medical director and have an emergency medical services medical director;

12.3.3. Submit protocols for approval by the MPCC and the Commissioner; and

12.3.4. Collect and submit data and written reports to the Director, in accordance with requirements established by the Director.

12.4. At the end of two years, any demonstration project authorized by the Director will terminate and the Director shall submit a written report to the Commissioner, including specific data on utilization of the program, the improvement in quality of care and care coordination in the community, and the reduction of health care costs with respect to ambulance transportation, hospital emergency department visits, and hospital readmissions. Upon receipt of the annual report, OEMS and the Commissioner shall evaluate the demonstration project and determine how to further develop community paramedicine and whether to expand its scope.

W. Va. Code R. § 64-48-12