16- 163 C.M.R. ch. 4, § 6 - Licensing Standards for Restricted Response Air Ambulance Services

1. An application will not be accepted as complete unless it includes all materials required to be evaluated for licensure. To obtain a new license, an applicant must:

A. Apply on forms available from Maine EMS.

B. Demonstrate to Maine EMS that:

1. The applicant has made a detailed manual of policies and procedures available for reference, which shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Education, clinical experience, and competency requirements of the medical crew commensurate with the scope of care to be provided;

(b) Notification phone numbers and access dispatch procedure, including identification of those who may request a mission and those who will approve missions;

(c) Type of aircraft vehicle(s) used and operational protocols specific to type;

(d) Coordination of operating practices with hospital and pre-hospital providers and other public safety agencies;

(e) Preparation and stabilization of the patient;

(f) A safety program of policies and procedures specific to patient care;

(g) Procedures for acceptance of requests, referrals, and/or denial of service for medically-related reasons;

(h) Criteria for the medical conditions and indications or medical contraindications for flight;

(i) Acceptable destinations and landing areas;

(j) Written policy that ensures that air medical personnel shall not be assigned or assume cockpit duties concurrent with patient care duties and responsibilities; and

(k) Written plan that addresses the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency or patient crisis during transport operations.

2. Applicants for licensure must demonstrate liability coverage for injuries to persons and for loss or property damages resulting from negligence by the service or medical crew. A license holder should immediately notify Maine EMS and cease operations if the coverage required by this section is cancelled or suspended. Maine EMS will not issue a Restricted Response Air Ambulance service license unless the applicant for a license or the licensee has:

a. Evidence of medical professional liability insurance that requires the insurer to compensate for injuries to persons or unintentional damage to property.

b. Worker's compensation coverage is required as defined by individual state regulating bodies.

3. The applicant meets the quality assurance/quality improvement requirements of Chapter 18 of these Rules.

4. The service has either (1) guaranteed continuity of care for the patient by entering into written agreements with the ambulance services that will transport its patients or (2) otherwise addressed these concerns in a plan approved by Maine EMS that includes as a component a written agreement of this nature with at least one ambulance service.

2. Except as provided in paragraph 3 below, a service license is issued for a period of 12 months. Maine EMS may issue a license that expires prior to the twelfth month if it is determined that such a change is in the best interest of the service and the system.

3. Maine EMS may issue a temporary service license for up to 60 days to an applicant if Maine EMS determines that issuance of the temporary license will avert the disruption of emergency medical services in the primary service area(s) listed in the applicant's application.

Notes

16- 163 C.M.R. ch. 4, § 6