EMS News Feed | Department of Health

Due to the hospital and health care facilities staffing crises, the State of Rhode Island has promulgated regulations to allow currently licensed EMTs, Advanced EMTs, Advanced EMT-Cardiacs and Paramedics in good standing to work within a licensed healthcare facility, per [216-RICR-20-10-2], which states: "Notwithstanding any Regulation or statewide protocol to the contrary, EMS practitioners are authorized to perform functions based upon his or her level of education and licensure in a licensed healthcare facility for the duration of the State of Emergency declaration arising out the 2019 novel coronavirus. (1) In performing his or her functions and responsibilities, the EMS practitioner must follow orders from a licensed physician, provided said orders are within the scope of practice of the EMS practitioner, and be under the supervision of an on-site physician, physician assistant, advance practice registered nurse or registered nurse." a. For those who are currently employed full-time or on a per diem basis, or volunteer, in an EMS agency, the expectation is that applicants will continue to honor their commitments to their EMS agency. Hospital shifts should be in addition to, not in substitution of, your normal EMS commitments. 2. A licensed EMS Practitioner may also choose to seek an emergency 90 day temporary license as a nursing assistant. Applicants are required to complete a 16-hour online course before submitting the application. Further information regarding the course and the application form can be found on the Department of Health web site. Thank you. If you have any questions, please email Jason Rhodes at Jason.Rhodes@health.ri.gov