2/9/2016 EMT License Renewals, Dr. Martens on Federal DEA Legilslation

This webcast of EMS Live in Wisconsin was recorded on Tuesday, February 9, 2016.

Our first guest at 5:00 minutes into the program was EMS Office Licensing Coordinator Helen Pullen with the State of Wisconsin.  We discussed what is required to renew your EMT, paramedic, or emergency medicala responder liccense as all state licenses expire as of June 30, 2016.  The license renewal website is https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/licensing/renewal.htm.

At 20 minutes into the program State of Wisconsin EMS and Trauma Medical Director Dr. Suzanne Martens joined us to explain House of Representatives bill 4365, Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medication Act.  It has been recognized that EMS technically operates outside of the current DEA rules for controlled substances for pain and seizures.  The DEA has allowed this to continue, but has stated it cannot do so without a change in the actual regulations.  A draft bill to change these regulations has been written and proposed.  The House of Representatives is processing it, and will vote in the near future.  Without this bill change, all administration of controlled substances will require radio/phone contact for an order with medical control; and the ordering and stocking of these medications will be complex and costly, with potentially every ambulance being considered an "office".  Since the majority of requests for paramedic intercepts involves controlled substances, this impacts all levels of care.  >> Click for HR4365 Toolkit and how to contact your local elected federal representative.

Co-hosts included Joe Covelli and Patrick Ryan, and the program lasted 30 minutes.

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