§ 10-19-3-3.5 — Appointment of state emergency medical services medical director; qualifications; duties

Indiana § 10-19-3-3.5

• Jurisdiction: Indiana
• Title 10: PUBLIC SAFETY
• Art. 19: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
• Ch. 3: Executive Director

Text

5. (a) For purposes of this section, "EMS"
means emergency medical services.
(b) For purposes of this section, "state EMS medical director" refers
to the state emergency medical services medical director appointed
under subsection (c).
(c) The executive director shall appoint an individual to serve as the
state emergency medical services medical director. The individual must
have the following qualifications:
(1) Thorough knowledge of state EMS laws and administrative
rules and regulations.
(2) At least five (5) years experience in the following:
(A) Medical direction of out of hospital EMS.
(B) Emergency department treatment of acutely ill and injured
patients.
(3) Significant experience and familiarity with the following:
(A) The design and operation of statewide EMS systems.
(B) Working with national and other state EMS committees.
(4) At the time of the individual's appointment, has a valid and
unrestricted license to practice medicine in Indiana.
(5) Be certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine.
(6) Other areas of knowledge and expertise that the executive
director determines essential.
The state EMS medical director shall be an employee of the
department.
(d) The executive director shall submit the name of the individual
whom the executive director would like to appoint as state EMS
medical director to the Indiana emergency medical services
commission created by IC 16-31-2-1. The commission may, by a
majority of the members, vote not later than thirty (30) days after the
submission on whether to approve the appointment. If the commission:
(1) does not take any action; or
(2) by a majority of the commission votes to approve the
appointment of the individual;
not later than thirty (30) days after, the appointment shall become
effective. If a majority of the commission votes not later than thirty (30)
days after the submission of the appointment to not approve the
appointment, the executive director shall restart the appointment
process and submit an alternative individual for appointment.
(e) The state EMS medical director shall oversee all pre-hospital
aspects of the statewide EMS system, including the following:
(1) Medical components for systems of care that interface or
integrate with the statewide EMS system, including the following:
(A) Statewide planning for trauma, burn, cardiac, and stroke
care.
(B) Domestic preparedness.
(C) EMS for children.
(2) For all levels of emergency responders, establishment of the
following:
(A) Statewide model guidelines and best practices for all
patient care activities to ensure delivery of medical care
consistent with professionally recognized standards.
(B) A statewide EMS continuous quality improvement
program.
(C) A statewide EMS advocacy program.
(3) In cooperation with appropriate state and local agencies,
training and certification of all EMS providers.
(f) The state EMS medical director shall assist the executive director
on all issues related to statewide EMS, including the following:
(1) Consulting with EMS medical directors.
(2) In consultation with the Indiana emergency medical services
commission created by IC 16-31-2-1, providing guidance and
assistance on the following matters:
(A) Scope of practice for EMS providers.
(B) Restrictions placed on EMS certifications.
(C) Appropriate corrective and disciplinary actions for EMS
personnel.
(D) Education and training on emerging issues in EMS.
(3) EMS system research.
(4) Coordination of all medical activities for disaster planning and
response.
(5) Improving quality of care, research, and injury prevention
programs.
(6) Partnering with state agencies, including the Indiana
department of health and state educational institutions, to develop
public safety education and outreach programs.

Legislative History

As added by P.L.187-2021, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.77.