§ 1029.2. Operational requirements.
The operational requirements of a medical command facility are as follows:
(1) It shall continue to satisfy all requirements under § 1029.1 (relating to general provisions).
(2) It shall satisfy the following communication and recordkeeping requirements:
(i) Compatibility with regional telecommunication systems plans, if in place.
(ii) Communication by way of telecommunications equipment/radios with EMS providers providing EMS for an EMS agency within the area in which medical command is exercised.
(iii) Audio recording of medical command communications or, when medical command is provided at the scene, otherwise documenting medical command sessions.
(iv) Maintenance of the recording of a medical command session, or documentation of a medical command session when medical command is provided at the scene, for 7 years.
(v) An appropriate program for training emergency department staff in the effective use of telecommunication equipment.
(vi) Protocols to provide for prompt response to requests from EMS providers for both radio and telephone medical guidance, assistance or advice.
(vii) Documentation that each medical command physician has been educated on all updates to Statewide EMS protocols.
(3) It shall accurately and promptly relay information regarding patients to the appropriate receiving facility.
(4) It shall adhere to EMS protocols approved by the Department except when a departure is required for good cause.
(5) It shall establish a process whereby the medical command facility medical director or the director’s designee identifies problems to EMS providers and instructs how to correct those problems.
(6) It shall obtain a contingency agreement with at least one other medical command facility to ensure availability of medical command at all times, including during mass casualty situations, natural disasters and declared states of emergency.
(7) It shall establish internal procedures that comply with the Statewide EMS protocols.
(8) It shall notify PSAPs, through which it routinely receives requests for medical command, when it will not have a medical command physician available to provide medical command.
(9) It shall participate in the regional EMS council’s quality improvement program.
(10) It shall employ sufficient administrative support staff to enable the institution to carry out its essential duties, including audits, equipment maintenance, and processing and responding to complaints.
(11) It shall establish a program of training for medical command physicians, EMS providers and emergency department staff and establish a method to ensure that each medical command physician receives education about all updates and changes to the Statewide EMS protocols.
(12) It shall provide medical command to EMS providers whenever they seek direction.
Cross References This section cited in 28 Pa. Code § 1031.11 (relating to discipline of medical command facilities).
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