Iowa Code r. 641-142.3 - EMS providers

(1) Uniform protocol. EMS providers shall act in accordance with the department's OOH DNR protocol when implementing an OOH DNR order. EMS service programs shall incorporate the OOH DNR protocol as part of their service protocols and, using educational materials consistent with the curriculum developed and approved by the department, shall inform and educate EMS providers on the protocol's requirements as well as the requirements of Iowa Code chapter 144A and these rules.

(2) Responsibility of the EMS provider. The EMS provider responding outside a hospital as a member of a service program shall:

a. Evaluate the patient's status and needs through an assessment consistent with the provider's training and certification.

b. Determine the existence of an OOH DNR order or that the patient is wearing an OOH DNR identifier.

c. Honor the OOH DNR order or OOH DNR identifier worn by the patient.

d. Discontinue resuscitation if the OOH DNR order or OOH DNR identifier worn by the patient is discovered after resuscitation has begun.

e. Follow the OOH DNR protocol.

f. Provide comfort care to the patient at all times.

g. Contact on-line medical direction for further instructions as necessary to provide appropriate patient care.

h. If uncertainty exists regarding the validity or applicability of the OOH DNR order or identifier, the EMS provider shall provide the necessary and appropriate resuscitation.

i. Document compliance or noncompliance with the OOH DNR order and the reasons for not complying with the order, including evidence that the order was revoked or uncertainty regarding the validity or applicability of the order.

Notes

Iowa Code r. 641-142.3

ARC 6847C, IAB 2/8/23, effective 3/15/23

Amended by IAB February 8, 2023/Volume XLV, Number 16, effective 3/15/2023 Adopted by IAB April 2, 2025/Volume XLVII, Number 20, effective 6/1/2025