EMS Training Institution Accreditation

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EMS Training Institution Accreditation
Commonwealth of MassachusettsExecutive Office of
Health and Human ServicesMassachusetts
Department of Public HealthOffice of Emergency
Medical Services2 Boylston Street, 3rd
FloorBoston, MA 02116website
http//www.mass.gov/dph/oems
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Why Accredit?

• For prospective EMT students provides
  assurance that the training institution has been
  evaluated and has met accepted standards.
• For ambulance services ensures compliance with
  standards for EMS education established
  nationally, and by the Commonwealth for today's
  EMT jobs.
• For the profession raises standards of practice
  and promotes rigorous preparation.

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Why Accredit?

• For faculty and administrators promotes
  ongoing self-evaluation and continuous
  improvement, and provides an effective system for
  accountability.
• For the training institution enhances reputation
  and represents official recognition. Also
  provides a basis for inter- and
  intra-institutional cooperative practices,
  including admissions and transfer of credit.

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MA Accreditation Practical Benefits

• Only one application submission to OEMS in a
  three-year period for all EMS courses provided.
• As of July 1, 2005, only accredited
  institutions can offer initial EMT training.
• Reduced administrative burden One combined
  application for ALS BLS initial training
  programs. No submission to OEMS of skill
  competency forms.
• Administer the practical examination for
  state certification of EMTs.

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Eligibility for Accreditation

• Organization capable of providing
• QA/QI procedures for assessing performance of
  institution, instructors and students
• Clear accountability for instructors
• Student access to library and other
• research tools
• Classroom space and skills training areas
• Student access to computers and A/V aids
• Administrative support
• Can provide this directly or by contracting with
  an OEMS-accredited training institution or
  post-secondary educational institution.

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Accreditation Process Step-by-Step

• .

• Obtain application packet by either downloading
  one from the OEMS website, http//www.mass.gov/dph
  /oems/emt/accreditation.htm, or contacting OEMS
  directly at [phone].
• Complete application in full, and submit with
  500 accreditation fee. (Fee is annual upon
  accreditation.)
• OEMS reviews application and schedules a training
  institution site visit
• OEMS conducts in- depth program site visit, and
  meets with all critical program staff.

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Accreditation Process Step-by-Step

•  5. OEMS completes program review and makes one
  of four determinations
• List of issues to be corrected is given
• Provisional accreditation is awarded
• Substantially equivalent accreditation is
  awarded
• Department accreditation is awarded

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Non-Accredited EMS Training Programs

• As of July 1, 2005, may not offer initial
  training programs.
• Each course offered must be individually
  approved by OEMS.
• Will need to send their students to accredited
  institutions to take practical exam for state
  certification.

• OEMS will evaluate each course by standards
  pertaining to curriculum, integration of
  Statewide Treatment Protocols, and an effective
  QA/QI program.

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Chief Examiners and Examiners

• Chief Examiners must be OEMS approved, and
  represent OEMS at the practical skills exam. They
  ensure exam administration meets Department
  standards and monitor and evaluate examiners.
• Examiners must be OEMS approved, but are hired
  by the accredited institutions hosting the
  practical skills exams. Examiners work at the
  direction of the Chief Examiner on site.
• Both must meet OEMS conflict of interest
  standards.