Announcements
Updated MATRIS validation rules begin Tuesday,11/01/22
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The Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is installing the new Schematron file on MATRIS with updated validation rules on Tuesday November 1, 2022 at 9:00AM EST. Any runs that are imported into MATRIS after that time will be validated against this new set of rules. The majority of the updates made existing rules less restrictive. Please work with your vendor to ensure that your ePCR is updated.
The specific updates may be found in the attached files and are posted on the NEMSIS website https://nemsis.org/state-data-managers/state-map-v3/massachusetts
This is also a reminder that the update to the Administrative Requirement 5-403 updating the required number of days to submit from 14 to 7 becomes effective tomorrow November 1, 2022 as well.
Please direct any questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New MassHealth EMS Rates Effective 11/1/22
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The Executive Office of Health and Human Services posted new MassHealth EMS rates, which will go into effect on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. The rates and additional information are available here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/emergency-adoption-date-filed-october-28-2022-3/download
Looking for OEMS Credits? New Classes
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The recertification period is open. If you need credits for your March 31st deadline or are getting a jump on the next cycle, we have classes posted on our Continuing Education page. Check it out.
New presentation available to educate EMS about Monkey Pox
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Dr. Broach, our regional medical director, graciously supplied a short presentation to aid in the education of EMS provider regarding monkey pox. It is located on front page of the training officers portal after login.
Up to date guidance for Monkey Pox
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Please find the attached Clinical and Laboratory Testing Guidance for Monkeypox from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Do you have questions about the proposed AR 5-399?
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An EFR is different than First Responder. This AR only addresses vehicles that have been certified by the Department as an EFR vehicle at the BLS level. It does not apply to first responder vehicles that have not been so certified. “EFR” (which stands for “EMS first response”) has been defined in the Massachusetts EMS statute since 2000, and in the EMS regulations since 2003. The MDPH has jurisdiction over EFR services, which it licenses, as well as EFR vehicles, which it certifies. There is no inspection fee for an EFR vehicle at the BLS level. The concept of EFR is distinct from first responder agencies and first responder vehicles. There are two categories of Department-licensed entities that may have EFR vehicles: 1) EFR services licensed at the BLS or ALS level (there are only a handful of these in the Commonwealth), and 2) ambulance services – which under the EMS regulations may provide EFR service at or below their level of licensure, have chosen to do so, and have certain of their vehicles certified by the Department as an EFR vehicle at the BLS level.
If, for example, a fire department is licensed as an EFR service or ambulance service, and obtains OEMS certification of an EFR vehicle at the BLS level, in order to deploy as an EFR vehicle at the BLS level (which would be staffed by an EMT or EMTs), then this AR would apply to that vehicle.
If you have any additional questions please call the office. 508-854-0111
Temporary EMS Certifications Extended Through 12/31/2022
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In accordance with the Commissioner of Public Health’s COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-15 issued on June 14, 2022, the Department has extended the expiration date for Temporary Certification until December 31, 2022. The Department will continue to issue new temporary certifications only until June 30, 2022. Attached is the updated application which should be posted on our website shortly.
Temporary certifications will be immediately visible at https://madph.mylicense.com/verification/ and may be verified there at any time using provider's first and last name. Please utilize the online verification site in lieu of a physical card.
Temporary EMTs may function in connection with a licensed ambulance service at the full scope of practice for their level, but must do so in accordance with Statewide Treatment Protocols and must have received authorization to practice from the service’s affiliate hospital medical director. Ambulance services are responsible for ensuring Temporary EMTs receive required education/orientation and authorization to practice before they begin to work.
If Temporary EMTs wish to obtain full certification, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Clinical Advisory - Monkey Pox
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Dear Colleagues,
Attached please find an advisory from the Department of Public Health on clinical and laboratory guidance for monkeypox.
Important Memo regarding issues with pediatric BVM devices and ordering configurations
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The MDPH/ OEMS has identified several issues regarding certain pediatric BVM devices and ordering configurations, which in some cases will prevent EMS personnel from providing appropriate treatment to patients, and do not meet the requirements of Administrative Requirement (AR) 5-401. Please see the attached Memorandum, highlighting the problems identified to date, and strongly urge you to check and ensure all your bag-valve masks devices are stocked with the appropriate sized masks in all ambulances.
Read the full MEMO Here
