FINAL

 

 

STATE BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2003

 

Chaired by:   Mark Resanovich

 

Board Meeting Date and Location:  December 17, 2003 at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43218.

 

Board Members in Attendance:  Mr. Carl Jordan, Mr. Mark Marchetta, Dr. Andrew Hawk, Dr. William Rogers, Mr. Mark Burgess, Mr. Curtis Chandler, Mr. James Holcomb, Mr. David Fiffick, Ms. Kathryn Haley, Dr. William Cotton, Mr. Martin Mace, and Mr. Mark Mankins    

 

Board Members Absent:  Mr. Raymond Walendzak, Mr. Joseph Toth, Ms. Charlene Mancuso, Ms. Darla Cooper, and Ms. Nancy Dragani

 

Staff Members Present:  Richard Rucker, Dr. J. D. Polk, Barbara Petrella, Heather Reed, Ellen Owens, John Kennington, Alan Boster, Melissa Vermillion, Doug Orahood, Mike Glenn, Tim Erskine, Rick Heironimus, Anne Bacon, Diane Walton, Gary Whited, Pam Woods, Carol MacDowell, Dennis Pike, Walt Ashbridge, Cheryl Hupp, Angela Emanuel, and Brenda Shaffer

 

Guest and Public Attendance:  Carolyn Lingel, Bob Walker, Jim Baird, Robert Audet, Jim Cress, Dr. Joe Luria

 

Mr. Resanovich welcomed everyone and called the December 17, 2003 meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.

 

GOLDMAN HEARINGS

The hearings were called to order at 9:01 a.m. to conduct Goldman Hearings in the cases of Deborah S. Ash, Joseph Kuzma, and Melissa Miller.  The three hearings were conducted in the presence of a court reporter and full transcripts are available.

 

Roll Call

Mr. Raymond Walendzak                    

Mr. Joseph Toth

Mr. Carl Jordan                                    Here

Mr. Mark Resanovich                           Here

Mr. Mark Marchetta                            Here

Dr. Andrew Hawk                                Here

Dr. William Rogers

 

Mr. Mark Burgess                                Here

Mr. Curtis Chandler                              Here

Mr. James Holcomb                             Here

Mr. David Fiffick                                  Here

Ms. Kathryn Haley                               Here

Dr. William Cotton                               Here

Ms. Charlene Mancuso

Mr. Martin Mace                                  Here

Mr. Mark Mankins                               Here

Ms. Darla Cooper

Ms. Nancy Dragani

 

*****Dr. Rogers arrived at 9:15 a.m.*****

 

*****Dr. Polk arrived at 9:50 a.m.*****

 

ACTION:       The Board moved for Executive Session in order to deliberate and make final adjudication and disciplinary rulings in the cases of Deborah S. Ash, Joseph Kuzma, Melissa Miller, and the Report and Recommendation in the case of Richard A. Howell.  Burgess first.  Jordan second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

Roll Call for Executive Session at 9:55 a.m.

Mr. Raymond Walendzak

Mr. Joseph Toth

Mr. Carl Jordan                                    Here

Mr. Mark Resanovich                           Here

Mr. Mark Marchetta                            Here

Dr. Andrew Hawk                                Here

Dr. William Rogers                               Here

Mr. Mark Burgess                                Here

Mr. Curtis Chandler                              Here

Mr. James Holcomb                             Here

Mr. David Fiffick                                  Here

Ms. Kathryn Haley                               Here

Dr. William Cotton                               Here

Ms. Charlene Mancuso

Mr. Martin Mace                                  Here

Mr. Mark Mankins                               Here

Ms. Darla Cooper

Ms. Nancy Dragani

 

*****Board returned from Executive Session at 10:15 a.m.*****

 

*****Break 10:15 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.*****

 

ACTION:       In the matter of Deborah S. Ash, EMS Case No. 2002-165-101, EMT Certificate No. 3429, the Board recommends to permanently revoke her certificate to practice as an EMT.  Rogers first.  Burgess second.  None opposed.  Jordan abstained.  Motion approved.

 

ACTION:       In the matter of Joseph J. Kuzma, EMS Case No. 2002-286-304, EMT Certificate No. 81703, the Board recommends to revoke his certificate to practice as an EMT.  Rogers first.  Chandler second.  None opposed.  Jordan abstained.  Motion approved.

 

ACTION:       In the matter of Melissa D. Miller, EMS Case No. 2002-217-304, EMT Certificate No. 81885, the Board recommends to revoke her certificate to practice as an EMT.  Rogers first.  Burgess second.  None opposed.  Jordan abstained.  Motion approved.

 

ACTION:       In the matter of Richard A. Howell, EMS Case No. 2002-225-102, EMT Certificate No. 20321, the Board accepts the Report and Recommendation, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and the Recommendation of the Hearing Examiner to permanently revoke his certificate to practice as an EMT.  Rogers first.  Holcomb second.  None opposed.  Jordan abstained.  Motion approved.

 

Roll Call for Executive Session at 10:20 a.m.

Mr. Raymond Walendzak

Mr. Joseph Toth

Mr. Carl Jordan                                    Here

Mr. Mark Resanovich                           Here

Mr. Mark Marchetta                            Here

Dr. Andrew Hawk                                Here

Dr. William Rogers                               Here

Mr. Mark Burgess                                Here

Mr. Curtis Chandler                              Here

Mr. James Holcomb                             Here

Mr. David Fiffick                                  Here

Ms. Kathryn Haley                               Here

Dr. William Cotton                               Here

Ms. Charlene Mancuso

Mr. Martin Mace                                  Here

Mr. Mark Mankins                               Here

Ms. Darla Cooper

Ms. Nancy Dragani

 

*****Board returned from Executive Session at 10:45 a.m.*****

 

 

 

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 19, 2003 BOARD MEETING MINUTES

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve the November 19, 2003 Board minutes.  Burgess first.  Mace second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

ACTION:       Motion to issue a Notice of Opportunity for Hearing for EMS Case No. 2003-177-308.  Rogers first.  Marchetta second.  None opposed.  Jordan abstained.  Motion approved. 

 

ACTION:       Motion to accept Consent Agreement for Columbus State Community College, EMS Case No. 2003-394-308 as proposed with the contingencies stipulated therein and allow the institution to be accredited for the EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic levels.  Rogers first.  Burgess second.  None opposed.  Jordan and Rogers abstained.  Motion approved.

 

ACTION:       Motion to accept Consent Agreement for Lancaster Fire Department Training Academy, EMS Case No. 2003-414-308 as proposed with the contingencies stipulated therein and allow the institution to be accredited for the EMT-Paramedic.  Rogers first.  Burgess second.  None opposed.  Jordan abstained.  Motion approved.

 

ACTION:       Motion to accept Consent Agreement for Northwest Ohio Paramedic Program at MCO, EMS Case No. 2003-471-308 as proposed with the contingencies stipulated therein and allow the institution to be accredited for First Responder level.  Rogers first.  Burgess second.  None opposed.  Jordan abstained.  Motion approved.

 

OPEN FORUM

No comments were brought forward.

 

CHAIR’S REPORT, MARK RESANOVICH

·      Outgoing Comments

Mr. Resanovich stated the past two years have been very educational and he thanked the Board for their support.  Mr. Resanovich also thanked the EMS staff for their hard work and added that he hoped he had met the goals and expectations of the Board.

 

·      EMT Training for High School Seniors

Mr. Resanovich reported that there have been some problems with high school seniors who take the EMT training.  National Registry’s policy is that the tests will not be graded until the individual has reached the age of eighteen.  This creates problems for seniors who graduate from high school prior to their eighteenth birthday and who rely on that test for their final completion grade in high school.  Mr. Resanovich recommended revisiting this issue at the January Board retreat. 

 

 

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT, RICHARD RUCKER

Mr. Rucker began by saying that he has enjoyed working with Mr. Resanovich and thanked him for everything he has done for the Board.

 

·      New Legislation Proposed by First Lady Hope Taft

Mr. Rucker noted that First Lady Hope Taft and Director Kenneth Morckel requested the EMS Board to review the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Uniform Accident and Sickness Policy Provision Law 3923.05.

 

Dr. Polk addressed the Board regarding his discussion with the Trauma Committee on this issue.  The doctor explained that currently the legislation is written so that insurance companies can deny payment in cases involving drinking and driving.  The legislation was initially intended to affect the people who were actually drinking and driving; however, in reality it has had an impact on the hospitals.  Payment may even be denied to those who are injured by a drunken drive.  It is First Lady Hope Taft’s position to repeal this legislation.

 

Dr. Luria stated the Trauma Committee cautioned that repealing this law should be viewed as one step in a larger, more comprehensive program for identifying substance abuse prevention and treatment.

 

Dr. Polk clarified that, for the short term, the law would be repealed to remove the current legislation from the books.  Other legislation is being drafted on the behest of First Lady Hope Taft that will require emergency departments to start identifying and screening alcohol and drug-related incidents, to offer counseling, etc.

 

The Board discussed the pros and cons of repealing the law or having an alternative law in place and it was the general consensus of the Board that the appropriate action is to repeal the existing law.  Dr. Polk added that other states have also repealed this legislation due to the financial strain it has placed on trauma centers.

 

ACTION:       Motion for the State Board of Emergency Medical Services to support the repealing of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Uniform Accident and Sickness Policy Provision Law 3923.05.  Burgess first.  Marchetta second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

·      State of Ohio Security Task Force

Mr. Rucker advised that the SOSTF Training Committee recommended training for first responders, i.e. police, fire and EMT’s and Chief Melvin House will give a PowerPoint presentation later in the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

·      House Bill 321

Ms. Reed explained House Bill 321 is the new EMS legislation which includes redrawing EMS regions, giving the Division subpoena power and summary/automatic suspension.  Ms. Reed went on to say that legislation has been drafted; however, concerns have been raised about redrawing the regions.  This portion only is being pulled from the bill and will be discussed in more detail at the January retreat.

 

Dr. Polk added there was concern that the redrawing of regions would interfere with referral patterns when, in fact, it does not.  The doctor explained that the purpose is to align our regions with homeland defense.  Ms. Reed also pointed out that it was the original intent to make the regions more equitable in size.  Dr. Hawk emphasized that the Board should have a voice in this issue.

 

·      State I.D. Badges

Mr. Rucker noted he was unable to obtain I.D. security badges for each Board member since they are not State employees.

 

·      New Staff

Mr. Rucker introduced Angela Emanuel who has taken the position of Grants Coordinator 1.

 

STAFF REPORTS

·      CE Sites, Rick Heironimus

 

Recommendation of Continuing Education Site Approvals

Renew Site Without Reservation

 

Program Name

 

 

County

 

Approval #

 

Lake Hospital System, Inc.                                            Lake                             1061

Ottawa Hills Fire Department                                        Lucas                           1035

Huron Fire Division                                                       Erie                              1049

Mercy Memorial Hospital                                              Champaign                    1141

Madison Fire District                                                     Lake                             1082

Greenville Area Rescue                                                 Darke                           1045

City of Huber Heights Fire Div.                                      Montgomery                 1013

Jacoson-Forest EMS                                                     Hardin                          2048

Jefferson Twp - Bellville EMS                                       Richland                       1052

North Canton Fire & EMS                                             Stark                            1092

 

ACTION:       Motion to renew above continuing education sites.  Burgess first.  Holcomb second.  None opposed.  Jordan and Resanovich abstained from North Canton

Fire & EMS.  Motion approved.

 

 

 

 

Recommendation of Continuing Education Site Approvals

New Site Without Reservation

 

Program Name

 

 

County

 

Address

 

 

Carroll Twp EMS CE Program                      Ottawa             11080 W. Toussaint E Road

                                                                                                Oak Harbor      43449

                                                                                                419-898-9621

 

Program Coordinator:  Ken Mapes, M.D.

Medical Director:  Ken Mapes, M.D.

Provisions:      No provisions noted at this submission

 

******************************

 

Occupational Safety Group, LLC                   Clermont           P. O. Box 911

                                                                                                Milford             45150

                                                                                                513-575-3473

 

Program Coordinator:  Dana Smith

Medical Director:  Timothy W. Smith

Provisions:      No provisions noted at this submission

 

******************************

 

Sebring Fire Dept.                                          Mahoning          235 East Ohio Avenue

                                                                                                Sebring             44672

                                                                                                330-938-9619

 

Program Coordinator:  Wayne L. Bailey

Medical Director:  William Resinger, D.O.

Provisions:      No provisions noted at this submission

 

******************************

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve new CE site applications as listed above.  Burgess first.  Jordan second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommendation of Continuing Education Site Approvals

Sites Wishing to be Removed from Approval Listing

 

Program Name

 

 

County

 

Address

 

 

 

Wayne Twp. Fire Department                                    Warren                         165 Miami Street

                                                                                                            Waynesville      45068

Reason:  No certified instructors or special topic instructors – and utilize outside instructors and schools.

 

Submitted by:  Chief Paul Scherer

 

ACTION:       Motion to remove the above site from the approval list.  Burgess first.  Holcomb second.  None opposed.  Motion approved. 

 

 

·      Reciprocity, Rick Heironimus

 

NAME                                                            STATE                        LEVEL

 

123234            Begin, Michael P.                                 Military             EMT-Basic

123561            Anthony, Debra L.                                KS                               Paramedic

77108              Baker, Michael A.                                WV                              Paramedic

                        Baker, Robert P.                                  IN                                Paramedic

123562            Bennett, Mark K.                                 Military             Paramedic

123549            Boyer, Valerie C.                                 WV                              EMT-Basic

123364            Buquoi, Andrea S.                                LA                               EMT-Basic

123245            Burd, Gregoey A.                                 WV                              EMT-Basic

123402            Cafego, Franklin W.                             WV                              Paramedic

123246            Campbell, Thomas W.              MI                               Paramedic

123564            Coss, Laura L.                                     WV                              EMT-Basic

123548            Costain, Raymond W.                          WV                              EMT-Basic

123457            Cutter-McVay, Joy L.                          KY                              Paramedic

123362            Dellinger, Steven J.                               WV                              Paramedic

123257            Fabrizio, Christopher M.                       WV                              Paramedic

67478              Flinn, Timothy J.                                   WV                              Paramedic

123400            Foster, Paul F.                                      WV                              Paramedic

123216            Franchock III, Neal J.                          PA                               Paramedic

123563            Johnson II, Roger L.                             WV                              Paramedic

123541            Laird, James B.                                    WV                              Paramedic

123401            Lewis, Bryan J.                         WV                              Paramedic

123546            McConnell, Robert J.                           WV                              EMT-Basic

123560            Miller, Lisa J.                                        WV                              EMT-Basic

121258            Murray, Ian W.                                    IN                                EMT-Basic

123215            Perry, Jason R.                         KY                              EMT-Basic

 

123550            Phillips, Melinda L.                               WV                              EMT-Basic

123458            Pickett, Kimberly D.                             KY                              Paramedic

123456            Salyers, Michael L.                               KY                              First Resp.

123363            Sikon, Lee C.                                       NC                              EMT-Basic

82563              Smith, Grace A.                                    WV                              EMT-Basic

123547            Snyder, Sean M.                                  WV                              EMT-Basic

123544            Stanley, Susan M.                                 WV                              EMT-Basic

123244            Stork, Jennifer J.                                   MI                               EMT-Basic

123545            Sutton, Randy L.                                  WV                              EMT-Basic

105023            Taylor, Debra E.                                   TX                               Paramedic

112786            True, Nicholas A.                                 Military             Paramedic

                        Weekley, Dwane B.                             WV                              Paramedic

                        Wriston II, David A.                             WV                              EMT-Basic

 

ACTION:       Motion to ratify.  Burgess first.  Jordan second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

 

·      Accreditations, Ellen Owens

 

Initial Accredited School         EMS Coordinator         Location          Level of Accreditation

Hudson EMS                            James Baird                  Summit Co.       EMT-Basic

 

Recommend approval contingent upon:

OAC 4765-7-02 (A) (4) provide complete list of names and affiliations for EMS Education Advisory Committee.

OAC 4765-7-02 (A) (5) provide signed affiliation agreements with clinical locations.

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve above initial accreditation with contingencies.  Burgess first.  Holcomb second.  None opposed.  Marchetta and Resanovich abstained.  Motion approved.

 

 

 

Accredited School Renewal    EMS Coordinator         Location          Level of Accreditation

Cincinnati State Technical &      Debra Lierl                   Hamilton Co.     FR, EMT-B & EMT-P

Community College

Effective 11/01/03:  School chose not to renew at the EMT-Intermediate accreditation level.

Recommend approval

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve the above accredited school for renewal for First Responders, EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic.  Burgess first.  Jordan second.  None opposed.  Chandler abstained.  Motion approved.

 

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Accredited School Renewal    EMS Coordinator         Location          Level of Accreditation

Columbus State Community       Carolyn Lingel               Franklin Co.      FR, EMT-B

College

Recommend approval

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve the above accredited school for renewal.  Burgess first.  Rogers second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

******************************

Accredited School Renewal    EMS Coordinator         Location          Level of Accreditation

Lancaster Fire Department        Fredrick Destadio          Fairfield Co.      FR, EMT-B

Training Academy

Recommend approval

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve the above accredited school for renewal.  Burgess first.  Rogers second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

******************************

Accredited School Renewal    EMS Coordinator         Location          Level of Accreditation

Northwest Ohio Paramedic        Jim Cress                      Lucas Co.         EMT-B, EMT-I,

Program at Medical College of Ohio                                                       EMT-P

Recommend approval

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve the above accredited school for renewal.  Jordan first.  Rogers second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

 

Ms. Owens reported that St. Joseph Health Center OH-220; Warren, Ohio chose not to renew all accreditation levels and close accreditation:  EMT-Intermediate, effective December 1, 2003.  Program Coordinator:  Paul Minton

 

 

Offsite Training                        County             Accredited School       Level(s) of Instruction

Port William FD & Life Squad   Greene             Greene Co. CC             EMT-Basic

Recommend approval

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve above listed offsite training.  Burgess first.  Jordan second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

******************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

Offsite Training                        County             Accredited School       Level(s) of Instruction

North Central EMS                   Erie                  Northwest Ohio             EMT-Intermediate

                                                                        Paramedic Program at MCO

Recommend approval

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve above listed offsite training.  Burgess first.  Jordan second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

******************************

Offsite Training                        County             Accredited School       Level(s) of Instruction

Wyandot Co. EMS                    Wyandot           Vanguard-Sentinel JVS  EMT – Intermediate

Mid-County/Carroll Twp. EMS  Ottawa             same                            same

Recommend approval

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve above listed offsite training.  Jordan first.  Burgess second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

 

EMS Instructor Knowledge Re-Test Issue

EMS Instructor candidate, Certificate No. 11669, requesting permission to attempt the EMS Paramedic Knowledge exam after three previous unsuccessful endeavors.  An EMT-Paramedic refresher course along with a PEPP, BTLS and ACLS renewal were completed during January and February of 2003.  Per OAC 4765-18-03 (effective 10/02/03) Paragraph (A) (3) (a) If an applicant is unable to pass the written examination within three attempts, the applicant must wait for a time period of six months (11-07-03) and complete a board approved course at the appropriate level before attempting the examination again.

 

Staff Recommendation:

Individual has attended several remedial courses, including an EMT-Paramedic Refresher course, therefore recommendation is:

·       He is permitted to test 3 additional attempts if needed.

·       He must pass with a 70% or higher per OAC 4765-18-03.

·       The deadline to complete the Knowledge exam is June 30, 2004, after the deadline, the candidate must remediate by attending again a State Approved 48 Hour EMT-Paramedic Refresher course prior to an additional attempt.

 

ACTION:       Motion to approve the individual to re-test for the EMS Paramedic Knowledge exam with the above listed contingencies.  Burgess first.  Mankins second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

Proposed EMS State Board/Division of EMS Policy:

The staff requested  Board approval of the following policy to be used in future cases:

 

The Board approved course provided for in OAC 4765-18-03 shall be a refresher course as outlined in rule, at the candidate’s level of certifiction, conducted through an accredited or approved institution.  The instructor candidate will be permitted up to 3 additional attempts at the exam to be compled within six month os of their date of eligibility.

 

ACTION:       Motion to accept the policy regarding OAC 4765-18-03 as presented by staff.           Burgess first.  Mankins second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

 

·      Extensions, John Kennington

 

NAME                                   CERT. #                 EXTENSION LEVEL            LENGTH                EXTENSION TYPE

Aring, Charles E.           0093462            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Arnett, Gregg G.           0022266            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Atkins, Chris L.             0073413            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Atkins, Edith A. 0075169            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Burrier, Jeffrey W.        0091220            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Cline, Timothy D.          0020826            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Clouse, John T.             0024594            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Colonel, Timothy A.       0088107            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Conaway, Michael A.    0108511            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Cosari, Steven J.           0083719            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Crozier, Charles D.        0025033            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Denbow, Steven C.       0098026            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Ely, Harold H.               0009168            Intermediate                  180                   Functioning

Fende, Lorraine M.        0007465            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Finkler, Ellen                 0107370            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Ford, Harold K.             0079211            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Gard, Lawrence E.        0029643            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Gibson, Patrick H.         0033008            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Hanenkrath, Lori A.      0014562            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Hoover, Michael D.       0024293            Intermediate                  180                   Functioning

Houser, Ronald K.         0031050            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Kiwala, Richard J.         0077454            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Kmetz, Kenneth            0014691            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Mandell, Brad               0104156            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Micheletti, Joseph S.      0077387            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Orshoski, Greg D.         0011138            Intermediate                  180                   Functioning

Pertuset, Deborah K.     0073393            Intermediate                  180                   Functioning

Schulze, Michael A.       0074847            Basic EMT                   180                   Non-Functioning

Slater, Daniel R.            0083706            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Taylor, Christine R.       0083534            Paramedic                    180                   Functioning

Vance, Philip J.             0002092            Basic EMT                   180                   Functioning

Williams, Goebel E.       0048598            Intermediate                  180                   Functioning

Yungbluth, Frederick A.     0088434                  Intermediate                          180                          Functioning

           

ACTION:       Motion to ratify extension as requested.  Burgess first.  Mace second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

 

·      Certifications, John Kennington

 

ACTION:       Motion to ratify 729 active EMS Certifications issued for the period of 11/1/03 to 11/30/03.  Burgess first.  Holcomb second.  None opposed.  Motion approved.

 

STATE EMS MEDICAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT, J. D. POLK, D.O

Dr. Polk reported that Region V’s Fayette County Medical Director would be resigning at the first of the year; there is no suitable replacement to date.  The doctor pointed out that the rules state the RPAB would be the default medical control and direction for that particular EMS unit; however, this is in conflict with other legislation which states that EMT’s will operate under a physician’s license rather than a group of physicians.  Dr. Polk met with the Fayette County Chief and two Captains and drafted a Memorandum of Understanding between Fayette County and the RPAB.  This Memorandum will be in effect until 30 days after a new Medical Director is found.  Dr. Polk went on to explain that the RPAB members in Region V would rotate responsibilities until a new Medical Director is appointed.  The question will be whether a group of RPAB members or physicians can actually sign the pharmacy certificate, etc. and act as one medical license when in fact multiple medical licenses are involved.  Legal counsel will review and make any necessary changes.  Dr. Polk strongly recommended having a template of a contract in place in the event of similar situations arising in the future. 

 

Dr. Polk shared that Director Morckel has approved the initiative for CPR and AED training in the 10th grade.  The doctor will meet with the Director of Public Health to begin working with some members of the Senate and House Health and Services Committees.  They will also garner support from various groups, i.e. American Heart Association, etc. for letters of approval for this initiative. 

 

Dr. Polk advised that Southwest General Health Center is dropping from a Level II to Level III Trauma Center due to lack of orthopedic surgical support.  As malpractice suits continue to rise, the doctor cautioned that this may be a future trend.  Concern was voiced as to whether the hospital provided notification to the EMS services.  Dr. Polk stated that he has notified their region, the region’s chair and the squads in the area but was not

aware of the type of notification given by the hospital.  The doctor assured the Board that the information would be disseminated. 

 

Mr. Glenn clarified that the provisional trauma center designation law passed last summer and required any trauma center to notify the Department of Health, ODPS and the RPAB of the changed status.  Mr. Glenn acknowledged that there may be some situations where the EMS services are not notified.  Currently, the changes are posted on

 

 

the EMS web site; however, Mr. Glenn commented that the Board may want to review this situation further. 

 

Dr. Polk noted that he has asked the RPAB members throughout the state to submit their recommendations and suggestions as to changes in the protocols.  These recommendations will then be discussed at the January Board retreat with a report back to the RPAB members after the retreat. 

 

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL’S REPORT, BARBARA PETRELLA

Ms. Petrella reported that Mr. Jaros has filed an appeal and the Board will file a record. 

In the case of Kathleen Kearney-Eisenmann, the appellant’s brief is due today and Ms. Petrella stated that she received a phone call from Ms. Eisenmann’s attorney asking for more time.  If the case has been continued, Ms. Petrella said the Board’s brief would be due sometime in February.

 

EMS STAFF LEGAL COUNSEL, HEATHER REED

Ms. Reed advised that a public hearing will be held on Rule 4765-10-03 at the January Board retreat.  The remainder of the 5-year rules will be filed in January and will not require a public hearing due to the fact that there are no changes.  Ms. Reed added that 4765-16-05 will be filed on December 22nd and will be effective January 6, 2004; the emergency rule is still in effect until January 5th.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS