EMS News Briefs from Mike McEvoy

EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN
NYSAFC EMS Committee

National EMS Scope of Practice Changes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a revised National Scope of Practice document in April 2019. The document lists the skills needed for competence at each level of EMS certification. Many of the changes reflect skills already being performed, but not included in original EMS education. These include naloxone administration, tourniquets and hemostatic dressings. However, there are some new additions, like CPAP and BiPAP at the EMT level. Access the complete document here.

DOH Warns Hospitals on HIPAA
Long used as a reason not to share patient outcome information with EMS, HIPAA is no excuse, according to a warning letter sent by DOH. In a letter to all New York hospitals, DOH advised that it is NOT a HIPAA violation to share patient information with EMS. If you need metrics for your quality improvement programs, ask. Should you encounter a kerfuffle, this should help set things straight.