§ 20-71. Credentialing of technicians and paramedics.

(a)

Required; purpose. No person shall be permitted to function as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or as a paramedic within the county's emergency medical services system without first being credentialed by the county medical director or a medical director for a basic life support service or advanced life support service that has executed an interlocal agreement. The purpose of credentialing is to provide the medical director with continuous information as to those persons who desire to operate within the county's emergency medical services system to determine if such persons have met all requirements as provided for in Chapter 401, Florida Statutes and rules and regulations of the department of health or other applicable regulatory agency.

(b)

Criteria; credentialing. Any person operating as an EMT or paramedic within the emergency medical services system of the county shall meet the requirements set forth by the county medical director or a medical director for a basic life support service or advanced life support service that has executed an interlocal agreement for credentialing. If such person has met all requirements as set forth in Chapter 401, Florida Statutes and the rules and regulations of the state agency having jurisdiction, the medical director may credential such an individual to serve within the county's emergency medical services system when, in the opinion of the medical director, the paramedic or EMT meets the standards of performance required by the medical director. Any person operating as an EMT or paramedic employed by a basic life support service or advanced life support service that contracts with its own medical director and has executed an interlocal agreement with the board of county commissioners may be credentialed by such medical director, provided such person has met all requirements as set forth in Chapter 401, Florida Statutes and the rules and regulation of the state agency having jurisdiction.

(c)

Term. Credential shall be valid for a period of time not to exceed two (2) years. The credential holder shall agree to any conditions specified by the medical director.

(d)

Suspension or revocation. The medical director shall have the authority to temporarily or permanently suspend or prohibit a paramedic or EMT from practicing under the supervision of the medical director and within the county's emergency medical services system, except any person operating as an EMT or paramedic employed by a basic life support service or advanced life support service that contracts with its own medical director and has executed an interlocal agreement with the board of county commissioners.

(Code 1965, § 12A-3.1; Ord. No. 83-34, § 11(16), (17), 8-8-83; Ord. No. 96-24, § 1, 8-27-96; Ord. No. 2001-09, § 8, 5-1-01)

State law reference

State regulation and certification of emergency medical service personnel, F.S. §§ 401.27, 401.281.