10A NCAC 13P .0502       INITIAL CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS FOR EMR, EMT, AEMT, PARAMEDIC, AND EMD

(a)  In order to be credentialed by the OEMS as an EMR, EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic, individuals shall:

(1)           Be at least 18 years of age. An examination may be taken at age 17; however, the EMS credential shall not be issued until the applicant has reached the age of 18.

(2)           Complete an approved educational program as set forth in Rule .0501 of this Section for their level of application.

(3)           Complete a scope of practice performance evaluation that uses performance measures based on the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective educational objectives set forth in Rule .0501 of this Section and that is consistent with their level of application, and approved by the OEMS. This scope of practice evaluation shall be completed no more than one year prior to examination. This evaluation shall be conducted by a Level I or Level II EMS Instructor credentialed at or above the level of application or under the direction of the primary credentialed EMS instructor or educational medical advisor for the approved educational program.

(4)           Within 90 days from their course graded date as reflected in the OEMS credentialing database, complete a written examination administered by the OEMS. If the applicant fails to register and complete a written examination within the 90-day period, the applicant shall obtain a letter of authorization to continue eligibility for testing from his or her EMS Educational Institution's program coordinator to qualify for an extension of the 90-day requirement set forth in this Paragraph. If the EMS Educational Institution's program coordinator declines to provide a letter of authorization, the applicant shall be disqualified from completing the credentialing process. Following a review of the applicant's specific circumstances, OEMS staff will determine, based on professional judgment, if the applicant qualifies for EMS credentialing eligibility. The OEMS shall notify the applicant in writing within 10 business days of the decision.

(A)          a maximum of three attempts within six months shall be allowed.

(B)          if unable to pass the written examination requirement after three attempts, the educational program shall become invalid and the individual may only become eligible for credentialing by repeating the requirements set forth in Rule .0501 of this Section.

(5)           Submit to a criminal background history check as set forth in Rule .0511 of this Section.

(6)           Submit evidence of completion of all court conditions resulting from any misdemeanor or felony conviction(s).

(b)  An individual seeking credentialing as an EMR, EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic may qualify for initial credentialing under the legal recognition option set forth in G.S. 131E-159(c). Individuals seeking credentialing as an AEMT or Paramedic shall submit documentation that the credential being used for application is from an educational program meeting the requirements as set forth in Rule .0501 of this Section.

(c)  In order to be credentialed by the OEMS as an EMD, individuals shall:

(1)           be at least 18 years of age;

(2)           complete the educational requirements set forth in Rule .0501 of this Section;

(3)           complete, within one year prior to application, an AHA CPR course or a course determined by the OEMS to be equivalent to the AHA CPR course, including infant, child, and adult CPR;

(4)           submit to a criminal background history check as defined in Rule .0511 of this Section;

(5)           submit evidence of completion of all court conditions resulting from any misdemeanor or felony conviction(s); and

(6)           possess an EMD nationally recognized credential pursuant to G.S. 131E-159(d).

(d)  Pursuant to G.S. 131E-159(h), the Department shall not issue an EMS credential for any person listed on the Department of Public Safety, Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry, or who was convicted of an offense that would have required registration if committed at a time when registration would have been required by law.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131E-159(a); 131E-159(b); 131E-159(g); 131E-159(h); 143-508(d)(3); 143B-952; Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 2002;

Eff. February 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2009;

Readopted Eff. January 1, 2017;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2021.