On-Line Applications

The Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS has moved to electronic applications for all licensure and recognition programs, including ambulance, QRS, medical command and training facilities. 

The applications can be accessed here.

Licensure Inspections

At least every three years ambulance services will be inspected for compliance with regulatory requirements

When a service's license to operate an ambulance is due to expire, the service will be contacted to update their licensure application.  Once the application is updated and submitted to our office, an on-site licensure inspection will be scheduled.  If the service has more than one station, several inspectors will be scheduled to inspect each of the stations simultaneously.  Inspections will be based on the Bureau of EMS licensure requirements and include vehicles, equipment and administrative requirements.

Equipment Requirements

Ambulance Licensure Equipment Requirements

Quick Response Service Recognition Equipment Requirements

Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition Equipment Requirements

Inspection Checklists(Coming Soon)

Ambulance Checklist

QRS Checklist

Spot Inspections

On occasion, the region will conduct spot inspections of vehicles and services.  These inspections will typically be unannounced and may occur at hospitals or other locations.  These spot inspections use an abbreviated checklist that verifies continued compliance with licensure requirements.  The spot inspection should not disrupt or delay normal operations and should only take a few minutes to complete.

Update Licensure Applications

The Bureau of EMS requires that changes to licensure information be submitted through a licensure amendment.  This includes changes in officers or contact information, addition or deletion of vehicles and changes in address.  To submit these changes, please update your online application at this link.

Licensure/Recognition Renewal

Services are encouraged to begin the renewal process about six (6) months prior to their expiration date.  Each service will receive correspondence indicating that their license or recognition will expire and that they should update their licensure application and submit it to our office.  The six month period allows time if there are any problems with the licensure application, deficiencies are found in the inspection process or a course of corrective action is required.

Once the completed application is received, the service will be contacted to schedule an on-site inspection.  This inspection will verify equipment, staffing, policies, station requirements and other aspects of the licensure program.  If deficiencies are identified, the service will be notified and required to correct the deficiencies, and provide documentation or be re-inspected once corrected.  A temporary or provisional license may also be recommended and require the service to develop a course of corrective action to resolve the issues identified.

A recommendation will then be provided to the Bureau of EMS who will issue the appropriate license.

Temporary and Provisional Licenses

The licensure process allows for the issuing of Temporary or Provisional licenses to services who substantially meet, but do not meet all licensure requirements when it is in the public's best interest to grant such a license.  The following regulations explain the Provisional and Temporary license.

§ 1005.8. Provisional license.

 (a)  If an ambulance service or an applicant for an ambulance service license fails to meet licensure requirements, the Department may issue it a provisional license, valid for a specific time period of not more than 6 months, when the Department deems it is in the public interest to do so.
 (b)  The Department may renew a provisional license once, for a period not to exceed 6 months except when a longer period of renewal is permitted under subsection (c), if:
   (1)  The ambulance service has substantially, but not completely, complied with applicable requirements for licensure.
   (2)  The ambulance service is making a good faith effort to comply with a course of correction approved by the Department.
   (3)  The Department deems it is in the public interest to do so.
 (c)  The Department may renew a provisional BLS ambulance service license for 12 months for a volunteer ambulance service, or a volunteer fire department or rescue service that operates an ambulance service, which does not meet the minimum standards for staffing at the BLS level of care, but meets the other requirements of this chapter.
 (d)  The Department will require an ambulance service to maintain a duty roster if the Department issues that ambulance service a provisional license because the ambulance service is not meeting staffing standards or is not providing PSAPS notice when it is unable to respond as required by §  1005.10(e) (relating to licensure and general operating standards).

§ 1005.9. Temporary license.

 When an ALS ambulance service or an applicant for an ALS ambulance service license cannot provide service 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, the Department may issue a temporary license for operation of the ALS ambulance service when the Department deems it is in the public interest to do so. The temporary license is valid for 1 year and may be renewed once. The Department will require an ALS ambulance service to maintain a duty roster if the Department issues that ambulance service a temporary license.

 

(c) Southern Alleghenies EMS Council 2009