reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.300 - ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS › Section 61-7.300.304 - Violation Classifications

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Violations of standards in this regulation are classified as
				  follows:
A. Class I violations are
				those that the Department determines to present an imminent danger to the
				health, safety, or well-being of the persons being served, other employees, or
				the general public; or a substantial probability that death or serious physical
				harm could result therefrom. A physical condition or one or more practices,
				means, methods, operations, or lack thereof may constitute such a violation.
				Each day such violation exists may be considered a subsequent
				violation.
B. Class II violations
				are those other than Class I violations the Department determines to have a
				negative impact on the health, safety or well-being of those being served,
				other employees, or the general public. A physical condition or one or more
				practices, means, methods, operations, or lack thereof may constitute such a
				violation. Each day such violation exists may be considered a subsequent
				violation.
C. Class III violations
				are those that are not classified as Class I or II in these regulations or
				those that are against the best practices as interpreted by the Department. A
				physical condition or one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or
				lack thereof may constitute such a violation. Each day such violation exists
				may be considered a subsequent violation.
D. Class IV violations are those that are
				specific to vehicle inspections. These violations may escalate based on the
				frequency and the point value accrued per deficiency identified in the vehicle
				inspections conducted by the Department.
E. The notations "(I)" or "(II)", placed
				within sections of this regulation, indicate that those standards are
				considered Class I or II violations, if they are not met, respectively.
				Standards not so annotated are considered Class III violations. Class IV
				violations are specific to vehicle reinspection which may escalate to Class III
				violations.
F. In arriving at a
				decision to take enforcement actions, the Department shall consider the
				following factors: specific conditions and their impact or potential impact on
				the health, safety, or well-being of those being served, other employees and
				the general public, efforts by the EMT-basic, AEMT, Paramedic, EMS Agency,
				training program or EMT-basic, AEMT, or Paramedic instructor to correct cited
				violations; behavior of the entity in violation that reflects negatively on
				that entity's character, such as illegal or illicit activities; overall
				conditions; history of compliance; and any other pertinent factors that may be
				applicable to current statutes and regulations.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.300 - ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS › Section 61-7.300.305 - Monetary Penalties

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. When
				imposing a monetary penalty against an EMS Agency, EMT-basic, AEMT, or
				Paramedic the Department may utilize the following schedule to determine the
				dollar amount:
FREQUENCY OF VIOLATION
CLASS I
CLASS II
CLASS III
1st
$300 - 500
$100 - 300
$50 - 100
2nd
$500 - 1,500
$300 - 500
$100 - 300
3rd
$1,000 - 3,000
$500 - 1,500
$300 - 800
4th
$2,000 - 5,000
$1,000 - 3,000
$500 -1,500
5th
$5,000 - 7,500
$2,000 - 5,000
$1,000 - 3,000
6th or
								more
$10,000
$7,500
$2,000 - 5,000
B.
				When a licensed Agency fails a vehicle reinspection, a Class IV penalty may be
				levied upon the agency. Pursuant to S.C. Code Section
				44-61-70,
				the following Class IV penalty schedule shall be used when a permitted
				Ambulance or licensed Emergency Medical Responder Agency loses points upon
				reinspection:
FREQUENCY OF VIOLATION
CLASS IV Points
Penalty
1st
0-24
$25-50
2nd
25-50
$50-100
3rd
51-100
$100-300
4th
101-500
$300-500
5th
501-1,000
$500-1,500
6th or
								more
Over 1,000
$1,000-3,000
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.400 - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency
			 shall implement and be in full compliance with its policies and
			 procedures.
B. The EMS Agency shall
			 maintain written policies and procedures to include at least:
1. Staffing patterns to ensure compliance
			 with en route times pursuant to Sections 504.B.2 and 505.A.2;
2. If electing to participate in a tiered
			 response system, policies and procedures and, if necessary, mutual aid
			 agreements in place to identify the acuity of the incoming EMS requests in
			 order to properly triage the response and dispatch the appropriate level of
			 Ambulance;
3. Continuing Patient
			 transport if a vehicle becomes disabled;
4. Employee records retention and conducting
			 background checks for credentialed and non-credentialed personnel;
5. Governing the identification of EMS
			 Personnel while providing care or while responding that includes level of
			 certification;
6. Reporting and
			 investigating Adverse Incidents pursuant to Section 601;
7. Infection control and
			 prevention;
8. Addressing the clean
			 appearance of the EMT-basics, AEMTs, Paramedics, and Drivers;
9. Ensuring all EMS Personnel receive annual
			 blood-borne pathogen training and maintain documentation of the
			 training;
10. Smoking Policy,
			 including prohibiting the use of tobacco products or tobacco-like products
			 (such as electronic cigarettes) in the Patient compartment, the operator
			 compartment of Ambulances, or within twenty (20) feet of the Ambulance or any
			 other apparatus in which oxygen is carried;
11. Recognizing out-of-service vehicles,
			 which includes a highly visible mechanism at the Driver's position;
12. Defining, implementing, and reviewing
			 Quality Assurance and/or process improvement practices with regard to medical
			 care provided by its EMS Personnel;
13. Medication Management to include written
			 Protocols for storage and maintenance of controlled substances; periodic
			 inspection and inventory of maintained controlled substances by the EMS Agency
			 Director, EMS Agency Assistant Director, Medical Control Physician and/or
			 Assistant Medical Control Physician; and
14. Maintaining service in the event of the
			 sudden or unexpected loss of the primary Medical Control Physician.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.501 - General. (I)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency
				shall ensure an EMT-basic, AEMT, or Paramedic is in the Patient compartment at
				all times during Patient transport.
B. The EMS Agency may utilize registered
				nurses and physicians from a transferring or receiving medical facility as
				Ambulance Attendants to assist EMTs in the performance of their duties during
				transport when any of the following requirements are met:
1. The required medical care of the Patient
				is beyond the scope of practice for the certification level of the EMT;
				or
2. The responsible physician,
				transferring or receiving, assumes responsibility of the Patient or provides
				appropriate written orders to the registered nurse for Patient care.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.502 - Medical Control Physician. (I)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency shall retain a Medical
				Control Physician, who shall have independent authority to execute his or her
				duties and responsibilities, to:
1. Provide
				oversight to ensure that all EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics for which he or
				she provides direction are properly educated and certified pursuant to this
				regulation;
2. Provide oversight to
				ensure that an effective method of quality assurance and improvement, with
				assistance of the EMS Agency Director, Data Manager, and other EMS Personnel,
				is integrated into the emergency medical provider services for which he or she
				provides Medical Control; and
3.
				Provide off-line Medical Control by Protocols.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.503 - Driver. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS
				Agency shall:
1. Ensure each Ambulance Driver
				is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
2. Ensure each Ambulance Driver has in their
				possession at the time of vehicle operation a valid driver's license issued by
				the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or from the state of his or her
				residence;
3. Conduct a state
				criminal background check from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
				(SLED) prior to the date of hire on each Ambulance Driver;
4. Secure and review a certified copy of each
				Ambulance Driver's three (3)-year driving record;
5. Not employ an Ambulance Driver who is
				registered or required to be registered as a sex offender with the South
				Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or any national registry of sex
				offenders;
6. Ensure each Ambulance
				Driver has documentation of completion of a nationally accredited driving
				safety course specific to Ambulances, which includes practical skill
				evolutions, within six (6) months of hire; and
7. Ensure each Ambulance Driver has a current
				Department-approved CPR credential and First Aid training.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.504 - Emergency Medical Responder Agency. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The Emergency Medical Responder Agency
				shall ensure the Emergency Medical Responder vehicles are not used for the
				transportation of Patients.
B.
				Personnel. The Emergency Medical Responder Agency shall ensure and document in
				its employee records that each of its EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics holds a
				current Certificate from the Department. The Emergency Medical Responder Agency
				shall:
1. Ensure that vehicles are staffed in
				accordance with Section 504.B.2 and en route to all emergent calls within five
				(5) minutes from the time the call is dispatched and en route within ten (10)
				minutes for non-emergency calls. If the Emergency Medical Responder Agency is
				requested to respond, an EMT-basic must respond on calls for a BLS Agency and a
				Paramedic must respond for an ALS Agency eighty percent (80%) of the
				time.
2. Meet the staffing required
				for each response level as follows:(I)
a. BLS,
				at least one (1) EMT-basic or higher; and
b. ALS, at least one (1) Paramedic.
3. Documentation. The
				Emergency Medical Responder Agency shall maintain the following documentation
				available as requested by the Department:
a.
				Staffing patterns to ensure compliance with en route times;
b. Approved Patient care report forms,
				employee and member rosters, time sheets, call rosters, training records;
				and
c. Dispatch logs that show at
				least the time the call was received, the type of call, and en route
				times.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.505 - Ambulance Service Agency. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				Personnel. The EMS Agency shall ensure all Ambulance Attendants have a valid
				EMT-basic, AEMT, or Paramedic Certificate. The EMS Agency shall maintain
				documentation that each of its EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics holds a
				current certification from the Department. The Ambulance Service Agency shall:
1. Ensure that vehicles are staffed in
				accordance with Section 505.A.2 and en route to all emergent calls within five
				(5) minutes from the time the call is dispatched and en route within ten (10)
				minutes for non-emergency calls.
2.
				Have equipment and staff on all Ambulances to ensure the level of trained and
				qualified personnel coincide with the requirements for its vehicle
				classification:(I)
a. BLS level service shall
				provide care and transport with at least one (1) EMT and one (1)
				Driver.
b. ALS level service shall
				provide care and transport with at least one (1) EMT and one (1) Paramedic. The
				EMS Agency shall ensure Ambulances transporting Patients requiring ALS level
				service are fully equipped as an ALS unit with a Paramedic, physician, or RN in
				the Patient compartment at all times.
3. If the Ambulance Service Agency only has
				one (1) EMT available to staff the Ambulance, the Ambulance Service Agency
				shall ensure that the EMT is the Patient care provider and supervise the care
				being provided.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.506 - Special Response Vehicle (SRV)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The EMS Agency may utilize a non-permitted Special Response
				  Vehicle (SRV) as a first response vehicle. The EMS Agency shall ensure each SRV
				  is staffed with a minimum of one (1) EMT that is credentialed at the BLS or ALS
				  level as determined by the Medical Control Physician. The EMS Agency shall
				  ensure the SRV is equipped as authorized by the Medical Control
				  Physician.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.507 - Tiered Response System. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. An EMS Agency utilizing a tiered response
				system shall have a dispatch process in place to specifically and reliably
				identify the acuity of the incoming EMS request to properly triage the response
				and dispatch the appropriate level of care.
B. The EMS Agency may operate an ALS
				level-equipped Ambulance with BLS level personnel provided an ALS credentialed
				responder intercepts the Ambulance.
C. If an ALS responder intercepts a BLS
				Ambulance, the EMS Agency shall ensure equipment and personnel needed to
				provide ALS care is transferred and onboard the Ambulance prior to commencing
				Patient transport.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.500 - PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS › Section 61-7.500.508 - Volunteer EMS Agencies

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. A
				Volunteer EMS Agency shall have an EMT-basic, AEMT, or Paramedic attending to
				the Patient at the scene and in the Ambulance while transporting the Patient to
				the hospital.
B. Volunteer
				Emergency Medical Responder Agencies without onsite EMT-basics, AEMTs, or
				Paramedics shall be en route with at least one (1) EMT to all emergent calls
				within ten (10) minutes from the time the call is dispatched.
C. If the Volunteer EMS Agency service has a
				written response policy in place in which an EMT is allowed to respond directly
				to the scene from home or work, the EMS Agency may respond to the scene of the
				Emergency even if an EMT is not on board the Ambulance. The EMS Agency shall
				make the response policy available for inspection by the Department upon
				request.
D. If the Volunteer EMS
				Agency's EMT responding directly to the scene is delayed and another EMS Agency
				is immediately available with the required EMS Personnel, the Patient shall be
				transported by that Agency. If no other service is immediately available, the
				volunteer EMS Agency shall not transport a Patient without at least one (1) EMT
				on board.
E. If only one (1) EMT is
				available to staff the Ambulance crew, the Volunteer EMS Agency shall ensure
				that the EMT is the Patient care provider and/or supervises the Patient care
				being provided. The volunteer EMS Agency shall ensure a sole EMT is not the
				Driver of the Ambulance when a Patient is being transported.
F. The Volunteer EMS Agency shall preplan for
				the lack of staffing by written mutual aid agreements with neighboring agencies
				and by alerting the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) as early as
				possible when it is known that EMT level staffing is not available. The
				Volunteer EMS Agency shall ensure sufficient staffing through preplanning,
				mutual aid agreements, and continual recruitment programs.
G. The Volunteer EMS Agency shall ensure in
				all cases where the level of care is either EMT-basic, AEMT, or Paramedic, the
				transporting unit is fully equipped to perform at that level of care.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.600 - REPORTING › Section 61-7.600.601 - Adverse Incident Reporting

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				The requirements of Section 601 will take effect (1) year following the date of
				publication of this regulation in the
State
				Register
.
B. The EMS
				Agency shall maintain a record of each Adverse Incident. The EMS Agency shall
				retain all documented Adverse Incidents reported pursuant to this section two
				(2) years after the Patient contact or transport.
C. The EMS Agency shall report Adverse
				Incidents to the Department via the Department's electronic reporting system or
				other format as determined by the Department as soon as possible, but not to
				exceed seventy-two (72) hours from becoming aware of the Adverse Incident.
				Failure to report the following Adverse Incidents may result in a Class II
				violation: (II)
1. Confirmed or suspected
				Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation against a Patient by EMS Personnel;
2. Crimes committed against Patients by any
				EMS Personnel;
3. Unexpected or
				unexplained death of a Patient while under the care of the EMS
				Agency;
4. Any suspected overdose
				reversal administered to on duty EMS Personnel;
5. Elopement of Patient;
6. Any injury caused by EMS Personnel,
				including injuries involving the use of physical and/or chemical
				restraints;
7. Medication error
				with adverse effects or that would cause potential harm to the
				Patient;
8. Suicide and/or
				attempted suicide while under the EMS Agency's care;
9. Any Patient that is dropped or falls while
				under the care of an EMS Agency, including where no injury occurs, to include
				stretcher drops due to malfunction or operator error; and
10. Any suspected or confirmed use of illicit
				or un-prescribed medications or alcohol by a crew member while on duty, to
				include providing Patient care and/or the operation of an EMS Agency
				vehicle.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.600 - REPORTING › Section 61-7.600.602 - Collisions

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The EMS Agency shall notify the Department within seventy-two
				  (72) hours of any collision involving any EMS Agency's vehicle or aircraft used
				  to provide emergency medical services that results in any degree of injury to
				  personnel, pedestrians, Patients, passengers, observers, students, or other
				  persons. The EMS Agency shall submit the Ambulance Permit, if applicable, to
				  the Department if the damage renders the Ambulance out of service for more than
				  two (2) weeks. The EMS Agency shall submit the investigating law enforcement
				  agency's accident report regarding the collision to the Department upon the EMS
				  Agency's receipt.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.600 - REPORTING › Section 61-7.600.603 - Administration Changes

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS
				Agency shall notify the Department in writing within seventy-two (72) hours of
				any expansion or contraction of the service, level of care, upgrade or
				downgrade, or if the physical locations are changed.
B. The EMS Agency shall notify the Department
				in writing or a means as otherwise determined by the Department within
				seventy-two (72) hours of any change in status of the EMS Director or EMS
				Training Officer. The EMS Agency shall provide the Department in writing within
				ten (10) calendar days the name of the person(s) appointed or hired into those
				positions and the effective date of the appointment or hire.
C. The EMS Agency shall within twenty-four
				(24) hours notify the Department of any change in status to the Medical Control
				Physician. The EMS Agency shall notify the Department in writing or other means
				as determined by the Department the name of the newly appointed Medical Control
				Physician, the effective date, the authorized medication list, Protocols, and
				standing orders within ten (10) calendar days after the change.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.600 - REPORTING › Section 61-7.600.604 - Accounting of Controlled Substances. (I)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Any EMS Agency registered with the Department's Bureau of
				  Drug Control and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration shall report
				  any theft or loss of Controlled Substances to local law enforcement and to the
				  Department's Bureau of Drug Control within seventy-two (72) hours of the
				  discovery of the loss and/or theft. Any Agency permitted by the South Carolina
				  Board of Pharmacy shall report the loss or theft of drugs or devices in
				  accordance with S.C. Code Section
				  40-43-91.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.600 - REPORTING › Section 61-7.600.605 - Agency Closure

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Prior
				to the permanent closure of an EMS Agency, the Licensee shall notify the
				Department in writing of the intent to close and the effective closure date.
				Within ten (10) calendar days of the closure, the EMS Agency shall notify the
				Department of the provisions for the maintenance of all records including the
				custodian of the Patient care reports. On the date of closure, the EMS Agency
				shall return its License and all Ambulance Permits to the Department.
B. In instances where an EMS Agency
				temporarily closes, the Licensee shall notify the Department in writing within
				fifteen (15) calendar days prior to temporary closure. In the event of
				temporary closure due to an emergency, the EMS Agency shall notify the
				Department within twenty-four (24) hours of the closure via telephone or email.
				At a minimum, this notification shall include, but not be limited to, the
				reason for the temporary closure, the manner in which the records and Patient
				care reports are being stored, and the anticipated date for
				reopening.
C. If the EMS Agency is
				closed for a period longer than six (6) months and there is a desire to reopen,
				the EMS Agency shall reapply to the Department for licensure and shall be
				subject to all licensing requirements at the time of that
				application.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.700 - PATIENT CARE › Section 61-7.700.701 - General

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency
				shall create and submit an ePCR for each Patient contact regardless of Patient
				transport decision.
B. The EMS
				Agency shall ensure the primary Attendant documents all ePCRs within
				twenty-four (24) hours of the completion of the call.
C. The EMS Agency shall submit all completed
				ePCRs into the Department's EMS data system within seventy-two (72) hours of
				the completion of the call.
D. The
				EMS Agency shall make available each ePCR to the receiving facility within
				sixty (60) minutes of the completion of the call. The EMS Agency may substitute
				a paper information sheet, provided the ePCR is made available to the receiving
				facility no later than twenty-four (24) hours from completion of the call. The
				EMS Agency may use a custom Preliminary Patient Transfer Form as long as the
				following minimum components are documented:
1. Incident type, date, location, and
				tracking number;
2. EMS Agency
				name;
3. Ambulance
				identifier;
4. EMS personnel
				name(s) and certification number(s);
5. Time of Dispatch, at-patient time, scene
				departure time, and destination arrival time;
6. Patient information to include Patient
				name, address, and date of birth;
7. Assessment and/or Treatment information to
				include the chief complaint; vital signs, including Rapid Artery oCclusion
				Evaluation (RACE), Glascow Coma Score (GCS), and Revised Trauma Score (RTS) if
				applicable; signs, symptoms, procedures, and interventions with pertinent
				times; medications with times; and a brief narrative; and
8. Transfer of care information to include
				the receiving nurse, physician, or EMS Personnel with signature.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.700 - PATIENT CARE › Section 61-7.700.702 - Data Manager

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The EMS Agency shall appoint a Data Manager to ensure
				  accuracy, HIPAA compliance, security, and timely submission of ePCRs and to
				  ensure the ePCRs reflect all the Attendants, including Drivers. The EMS Agency
				  shall notify the Department of any change in the Data Manager within ten (10)
				  calendar days.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.700 - PATIENT CARE › Section 61-7.700.703 - Content

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency
				shall ensure each ePCR reflects services, treatment, and care provided directly
				to the Patient including information required to properly identify the Patient,
				a narrative description of the call from time of first Patient contact to final
				destination, all EMS Personnel and non-EMS responders on the call, and other
				information as determined by the Department.
B. The EMS Agency shall ensure all ePCRs are
				coherently written, authenticated by the author, and time stamped.
C. The EMS Agency shall ensure EMS Personnel
				complete ePCRs involving refusals that include the following: details of any
				assessment performed; information regarding the Patient's capacity to refuse;
				information regarding an informed refusal by the Patient; information regarding
				EMS Personnel's efforts to convince the Patient to accept care; and any efforts
				by the EMS Personnel to protect the Patient after the refusal if the Patient
				becomes incapacitated.
D. The EMS
				Agency shall ensure all data submissions from the ePCR software maintain a
				minimum quality score as determined by the Department. The EMS Agency shall
				have ninety (90) calendar days from the Department's notification to
				successfully correct data quality.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.700 - PATIENT CARE › Section 61-7.700.704 - Report Maintenance

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The
				EMS Agency shall ensure data submissions from ePCR software into the
				Department's EMS data system meet the Department's requirements.
B. The EMS Agency shall provide
				accommodations and equipment for the protection, security, and storage of
				Patient care reports.
C. The EMS
				Agency shall maintain a copy of the original data, all attachments, and
				appended versions of each ePCR for no less than ten (10) years for all adult
				Patients and thirteen (13) years for minor Patients. The EMS Agency shall
				ensure attachments to ePCRs include EKGs, waveform capnography records, code
				summaries, short reports, and other forms of recorded media.
D. In the event of a change of ownership, the
				EMS Agency shall ensure Patient care reports are transferred to the new
				Licensee.
E. The EMS Agency shall
				ensure the ePCRs are made available only to individuals authorized by the
				Licensee and/or state and federal laws.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.700 - PATIENT CARE › Section 61-7.700.705 - Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics shall
				not use any Resuscitative Treatment when called to render emergency medical
				services if the Patient has a DNR Order and the document is presented to the
				EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic upon their arrival or if the Patient is wearing a
				Bracelet.
B. EMT-basics, AEMTs, and
				Paramedics shall provide the degree of Palliative Care called for under the
				circumstances that exist at the time treatment is rendered.
C. EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics shall
				give full resuscitative measures as are medically indicated in all cases in the
				absence of a DNR Order or a Bracelet.
D. EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics shall
				follow the request of the Patient and shall not provide resuscitative measures
				when the Patient has a DNR Order or is wearing a Bracelet, except where the:
1. DNR Order is revoked pursuant to S.C. Code
				Section
				44-78-60;
				or
2. Bracelet, when applicable,
				appears to have been tampered with or removed.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.700 - PATIENT CARE › Section 61-7.700.706 - Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST). (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics shall
				deem a POST form executed in South Carolina as provided in the POST Act or a
				similar form executed in another jurisdiction in compliance with the laws of
				that jurisdiction. EMT-basics, AEMTs, and Paramedics shall accept a completed,
				executed, and signed POST form deemed as valid expression of a Patient's wishes
				as to health care.
B. EMT-basics,
				AEMTs, and Paramedics may accept a properly executed POST form as a valid
				expression of whether the Patient consents to the provision of health care in
				accordance with Section
				44-66-60
				of the Adult Health Care Consent Act.
C. An EMT-basic, AEMT, or Paramedic who is
				unwilling to comply with an executed POST form based on policy, religious
				beliefs, or moral convictions shall contact the Patient's health care
				representative, health care agent, or the person authorized to make health care
				decisions for the Patient pursuant to Section
				44-66-30
				of the Adult Health Care Consent Act, and the EMT-basic, AEMT, or Paramedic
				shall allow the transfer of the Patient pursuant to S.C. Code Section
				44-80-40.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1200 - MEDICATIONS › Section 61-7.1200.1201 - General. (I)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The EMS Agency shall manage medications, including controlled
				  substances, medical supplies, and those items necessary for the rendering of
				  first aid, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
				  The EMS Agency shall ensure such medication management includes securing,
				  storing, administering, and disposal of discontinued or expired drugs,
				  including controlled substances.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1200 - MEDICATIONS › Section 61-7.1200.1202 - Medication Orders. (I)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The
				EMS Agency shall ensure medications are administered to Patients only upon
				orders of a physician. All verbal and written orders for controlled substances
				shall be signed and dated by a physician no later than fourteen (14) days after
				the order is given. A physician's signature shall be present on all controlled
				substance administrations or if an electronic record is utilized the controlled
				medication section must have a separate and distinct approval utilizing
				electronic digital signatures, separate from the ePCR content.
B. The EMS Agency shall ensure all orders for
				controlled substances are documented, signed, and dated by the approving
				physician. EMS Agencies employing electronic signatures or computer-generated
				signature codes shall ensure orders for controlled substances are authenticated
				by the prescribing Physician. The EMS Agency shall ensure each ePCR includes
				either the emergency room physician or local Medical Control Physician approval
				using electronic digital signatures. The EMS Agency shall not utilize a phrase
				such as "Per Protocol" in lieu of the approving physician's
				signature.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1200 - MEDICATIONS › Section 61-7.1200.1203 - Administering Medication and/or Treatments. (I)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The EMS Agency shall ensure doses of medication, including
				  controlled substances, are administered by the same EMS Personnel who prepared
				  them for administration. The EMS Agency shall maintain records of receipt,
				  administration, and disposition of all medications, including controlled
				  substances, to enable an accurate reconciliation including:
A. The first and last name of the EMS
				personnel who administered the medication using either of the following
				methods:
1. An electronic signature in a
				computerized recordkeeping system; or
2. A legible manual signature of a hard copy
				record.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1200 - MEDICATIONS › Section 61-7.1200.1204 - Medication Storage

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The
				EMS Agency shall ensure all medications are stored at the temperature range
				established by the manufacturer.
B.
				The EMS Agency shall store all medications in accordance with applicable state
				and federal laws. The EMS Agency shall maintain an inventory of the stock and
				distribution of all controlled substances in a manner that the disposition of
				any particular item is readily traced and pursuant to Regulation 61-4,
				Controlled Substances.
C. The EMS
				Agency shall ensure controlled substances listed in Schedules II, III, IV, and
				V shall be stored in a double locked system and kept in a manner consistent
				with Regulation 61-4 and federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
				regulations. The EMS Agency shall ensure medications are monitored and attended
				to prevent access by unauthorized individuals. The EMS Agency shall ensure
				expired or discontinued medications are not to be stored with current
				medications.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1200 - MEDICATIONS › Section 61-7.1200.1205 - Disposition of Controlled Substances

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency shall dispose and destroy
				Controlled Substance in accordance with requirements of the federal Drug
				Enforcement Administration.
B. The
				EMS Agency shall upon closure notify the federal Drug Enforcement
				Administration and the Department's Bureau of Drug Control and surrender
				controlled substances registrations.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1500 - RESERVED › Section 61-7.1500.1501 - Fines and Monetary Penalties

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. When a decision is made to impose monetary
				penalties, the following schedule shall be used as a guide to determine the
				dollar amount:
MONETARY PENALTY RANGES
FREQUENCY
CLASS I
CLASS II
CLASS III
1
st
$300 - 500
$100 - 300
$50 - 100
2
nd
$500 - 1,500
$300 - 500
$100 - 300
3
rd
$1,000 - 3,000
$500 - 1,500
$300 - 800
4
th
$2,000 - 5,000
$1,000 - 3,000
$500 -1,500
5
th
$5,000 - 7,500
$2,000 - 5,000
$1,000 - 3,000
6
th
or more
$10,000
$7,500
$2,000 - 5,000
B.
				When a licensed agency fails a vehicle reinspection, a Class IV penalty may be
				levied upon the agency. Pursuant to S.C. Code Section
				44-61-70,
				the following Class IV fine schedule shall be used when a permitted ambulance
				or licensed rapid responder service loses points upon reinspection:
Frequency of violation of standard within a thirty-six (36)
				  month period:
MONETARY PENALTY RANGES
FREQUENCY
CLASS IV Points/Penalty
1
st
0-24 $25-50
2
nd
25-50 $50-100
3
rd
51-100 $100-300
4
th
101-500 $300-500
5
th
501-1000 $500-1500
6
th
or more
Over 1000 $1000-3000
C.
				There may be multiple occurrences of a violation (Class I, II, and III) within
				a one (1) day period that would constitute multiple fineable occurrences. (For
				example, in allowing uncertified personnel to render patient care, each patient
				treated is an "occurrence" and thus a separate fineable offense.)
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1701 - General

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency
				shall maintain and implement personnel practices that promote conditions that
				prevent the spread of infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases,
				including but not limited to standard precautions, transmission-based
				precautions, contact precautions, airborne precautions, and isolation
				techniques. The EMS Agency shall ensure proper disposal of toxic and hazardous
				substances. The EMS Agency shall ensure the preventive measures and practices
				are in compliance with applicable guidelines of the Bloodborne Pathogens
				Standard of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; the Centers for
				Disease Control and Prevention; R.61-105, Infectious Waste Management; and
				other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
B. The EMS Agency shall ensure the practice
				of hand hygiene to prevent the hand transfer of pathogens, and the use of
				barrier precautions such as gloves in accordance with established
				guidelines.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1702 - Exterior Ambulance Surfaces

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				The EMS Agency shall ensure the exterior of the vehicle has a reasonably clean
				appearance.
B. The EMS Agency shall
				ensure exterior lighting is kept clear of foreign matter (insects, road grime,
				or other) to ensure adequate visibility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1703 - Interior Ambulance Surfaces Patient Compartment

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency shall ensure interior
				surfaces of each Ambulance are of a nonporous material to allow ease of
				cleaning and that carpet-type materials are not used on any surface of the
				patient compartment.
B. The EMS
				Agency shall ensure:
1. The floors of each
				Ambulance are free from sand, dirt, and other residue that may have been
				tracked into the compartment;
2.
				The wall, cabinet, and bench surfaces of each Ambulance are kept free of dust,
				sand, grease, or any other accumulated surface matter;
3. The interiors of cabinets and compartments
				of each Ambulance are kept free from dust, moisture, or other accumulated
				foreign matter;
4. Bloodstains,
				vomitus, feces, urine, and other similar matter are cleaned from each Ambulance
				and all equipment after each call, using an agent or sodium hypochlorite
				solution described in Section 1703.C;
5. Window glass and cabinet doors of each
				Ambulance are clean and free from foreign matter;
6. Each Ambulance is equipped with a
				receptacle provided for the deposit of trash, litter, and all used items;
				and
7. A container specifically
				designed for the safe deposit and secure retainment of contaminated needles or
				syringes and a second container for contaminated or infectious waste is
				provided on each Ambulance that is easily accessible from the Patient
				compartment.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1704 - Linen

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency
				shall ensure that each Ambulance stores and maintains dry, clean
				linen.
B. The EMS Agency shall
				ensure each Ambulance is equipped with at least six (6) sets of freshly
				laundered or disposable linens to be used on cots and pillows and changed after
				each Patient is transported.
C. The
				EMS Agency shall ensure soiled linen is transported on the Ambulance in a
				closed plastic bag or container and removed from the Ambulance as soon as
				possible.
D. The EMS Agency shall
				ensure each Ambulance maintains blankets and towels that are intact, in good
				repair, and cleaned or laundered after each Patient use. The EMS Agency shall
				ensure that the blankets are a hypoallergenic material designed for easy
				maintenance.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1705 - Oxygen Administration Apparatus. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The EMS Agency shall ensure oxygen
				administration devices such as masks, cannulas, and delivery tubing are
				disposable and only used once.
B.
				The EMS Agency shall ensure all masks, cannulas, and delivery tubing are
				individually wrapped and unopened until used on a Patient.
C. The EMS Agency shall ensure oxygen
				humidifiers are only filled with distilled or sterile water upon use and
				cleaned after each use. The EMS Agency may utilize disposable single-use oxygen
				humidifiers in lieu of multi-use types.
D. The EMS Agency shall ensure each Ambulance
				that carries portable oxygen tanks maintains a non-sparking oxygen wrench for
				use with the oxygen tanks.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1706 - Resuscitation Equipment. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The
				EMS Agency shall ensure bag mask assemblies and masks are free from dust,
				moisture, and other foreign matter and stored in the original container, jump
				kit, or a closed compartment on the Ambulance. The EMS Agency shall ensure each
				Ambulance maintains additional equipment needed to facilitate the use of a bag
				valve mask, such as a syringe, stored with the bag mask assembly. The EMS
				Agency shall ensure all masks, valves, reservoirs, and other items or
				attachments for bag mask assemblies are clean and manufacturer's
				recommendations on single-use equipment are followed where indicated.
B. The EMS Agency shall utilize an
				EPA-recommended germicidal and viricidal agent or a sodium hypochlorite
				solution of ninety-nine (99) parts water and one (1) part bleach to clean
				resuscitation equipment not specifically addressed as single-use. The EMS
				Agency shall utilize alcohol or sodium hypochlorite solution to clean
				resuscitation equipment surfaces where such an EPA solution is
				recommended.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1707 - Suction Unit. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The
				EMS Agency shall ensure suction hoses are clean and free from foreign matter
				and manufacturers' recommendations on single-use equipment are followed where
				indicated.
B. The EMS Agency shall
				ensure the suction reservoir of each suction unit is clean and dry.
C. The EMS Agency shall ensure suction units
				are clean and free from dust, dirt, or other foreign matter.
D. The EMS Agency shall ensure tonsil tips
				and suction catheters are of the single-use disposable type and stored in
				sealed sterile packaging until used.
E. The EMS Agency shall ensure suction units
				with attachments are cleaned and sanitized after each use.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL › Subchapter 61-7 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES › Sec2 61-7.1700 - SANITATION AND INFECTION CONTROL › Section 61-7.1700.1708 - Splints. (II)

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The EMS Agency shall ensure:
A. Padded splints are neatly covered with a
				non-permeable material and clean, and when the outside cover of the splint
				becomes soiled, they are thoroughly cleaned or replaced;
B. Commercial splints are free of dust, dirt,
				or other foreign matter;
C.
				Traction splints with commercial supports are clean and free from accumulated
				material;
D. All splinting
				materials are stored in such a manner as to promote and maintain
				cleanliness;
E. Splints are in
				functional working order with the recommended manufacturer's attachments;
				and
F. Manufacturer's
				recommendations on single-use splint equipment are followed where
				indicated.