The West Virginia Department
of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Office of Emergency Medical Services
(OEMS) plans to file an emergency amendment on Thursday to modify a legislative
rule which allows certified fire departments that provide rapid response
services to operate under an affiliation agreement with an Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) agency. EMS licensure requirements for certified fire department rapid
response agencies will be temporarily suspended for the duration of the
declared State of Emergency due to COVID-19.
Legislative Rule 64CSR48 outlines the
requirements that EMS agencies must meet to provide emergency medical services
treatment. These rules set the protocols followed by DHHR’s Office of Emergency
Medical Services.
“We value and
appreciate the work that our first responders perform every day,” said Bill J.
Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “These dedicated workers are vital to the
state’s COVID-19 response and we acknowledge their deep commitment to serving
West Virginians.”
Several weeks ago, it came to the
attention of DHHR’s Office of Emergency Medical Services that some entities
were not operating under the rules currently in place. “By allowing rapid
response agencies to operate under an affiliation agreement, we are ensuring that
the state has the complete emergency response coverage needed during the
pandemic,” said Crouch. Once the State of Emergency is lifted, these agencies
will have 30 days to begin the licensure application process.
It is important to note that the
individuals providing the services in question are qualified and certified
individuals.
“We are very dependent and thankful of our
first responders throughout the state who keep us all safe and who are there
for us in emergency situations,” added Crouch. “We never want to impede their
efforts to perform lifesaving procedures when they are needed.”