Implementation of this practice will ensure that the EMS system has the authority, commensurate with the responsibility, to ensure adequate medical direction of all prehospital providers, as well as personnel and facilities that meet minimum criteria to implement medical direction of prehospital services.

The state will develop, recommend, and encourage use of a plan that would assure the standards outlined in this document can be implemented as appropriate at the local, regional, or state level (see Guide F 1086).

This practice is intended to describe and define responsibility for medical directions during transfers. It is not intended to determine the medical or legal, or both, appropriateness of transfers under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and other similar federal and/or state laws.

1.1 This practice covers the qualifications, responsibilities, and authority of individuals and institutions providing medical direction of emergency medical services.

1.2 This practice addresses the qualifications, authority, and responsibility of a Medical Director (off-line) and the relationship of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) provider to this individual.

1.3 This practice also addresses components of on-line medical direction (direct medical control) including the qualifications and responsibilities of on-line medical physicians and the relationship of the prehospital provider to on-line medical direction.

1.4 This practice addresses the relationship of the on-line medical physician to the off-line Medical Director.

1.5 The authority for control of medical services at the scene of a medical emergency is addressed in this practice.

1.6 The requirements for a Communication Resource are also addressed within this practice.