37.104.507    EMS AGENCY GENERAL SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this subchapter, no person may: 

(a) advertise the provision of an emergency medical service without first having obtained a license from the department; or

(b) advertise, allow advertisement of, or otherwise imply provision of emergency medical services at a level of care higher than that for which the service is licensed.

(2) An emergency medical service must store, handle, and dispose of infectious waste in accordance with the Infectious Waste Management Act, 75-10-1001, et seq., MCA.

(3) Each emergency medical service must develop and adhere to a written sanitation policy that includes at least a method to dispose of contaminated materials meeting the requirements set forth in (2) and the following standards:

(a) Products used for cleaning must be EPA registered disinfectants.

(b) Disposable equipment must be disposed of after use.

(c) Any equipment that comes into contact with body fluids or secretions must be cleaned using an EPA registered disinfectant.

(d) Linens must be changed after each use.

(e) Oxygen humidifiers must be single service and disposable.

(f) Needles must not be recapped, bent, or broken, and must be disposed of in a container that provides protection to personnel from a needle puncture.

(4) The use of smoking and vaping products is prohibited in all ambulances.

(5) With the exception of a physician or the circumstances described in ARM 37.104.514, individual personnel must not provide a level of care higher than the level and type for which the emergency medical service is licensed. The emergency medical service must be licensed or authorized to operate at the highest level it plans to allow individuals to provide care.

(6) Each emergency medical service approved for a BLS license with authorization for advanced life support or advanced life support level shall have a service medical director. The requirements and responsibilities of the service medical director are described in ARM 37.104.505.

(7) An emergency medical service must have a two-way communication system that enables online medical direction.

(8) If a licensed ambulance service is not reasonably available, occasional and infrequent transportation by other means is permitted.

(9) In a disaster or major emergency when licensed ambulances are insufficient to render services required, non-licensed emergency medical services may be used.

History: 50-6-323, MCA; IMP, 50-6-323, MCA; NEW, 2023 MAR p. 1020, Eff. 9/9/23.