64J-1.009. Paramedic

(1) Qualifications and Procedures for Certification pursuant to section 401.27, F.S. To be qualified for paramedic certification, an individual must:

(a)1. Successfully complete an initial Florida paramedic training program that was conducted in accordance with the January 2009 U.S. DOT National EMS Education Standards incorporated by reference and is available at https://www.ems.gov/education.html and http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-09951, or

2. If out of state or military trained in accordance with the 1998 U.S. DOT EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P) NSC or the January 2009 U.S. DOT National EMS Education Standards, currently hold a valid paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The 1998 U.S. DOT EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P) NSC is incorporated herein by reference and available at https://www.ems/gov/education.html and https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-10238 (Parts 1-2 of 4 parts) and http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-10240 (Parts 3-4 of 4 parts).

(b) Each applicant must submit to the department DH Form 1583, 04/2017, Application for EMT/Paramedic Certification (see rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C.).

(c) For those applicants subject to subparagraph (1)(a)1., file the completed application form described in paragraph (1)(b) to apply for certification and pass the department-required paramedic certification examination within 2 years of completing the initial Florida training program. The department will accept a passing score for this exam if taken within the 2-year period, whether the exam is taken before or after the application is filed.

(2) Renewal Certification – To maintain an active certificate the paramedic shall pay the recertification fee and affirm continued compliance with all applicable requirements contained in paragraph 64J-1.009(2)(a) or (b), F.A.C., complete and submit the applicable certification renewal notice, “Recertification Notice and Application” DH-MQA 1212, 06/17, incorporated by reference in rule 64J-1.008, F.A.C., and the form may also be obtained or at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-09954, and within 2 years prior to the expiration date of his or her paramedic certification complete one of the following:

(a) Complete 30 hours of paramedic refresher training based on criteria in the January 2009 U.S. DOT National EMS Education Standards, to include adult and pediatric education with a minimum of 2 hours in pediatric emergencies, maintain a current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card as provided in section 401.27(4)(e)2., F.S., and rule 64J-1.022, F.A.C. ACLS training may be included in the 30 hours of refresher training, provided that the ACLS training includes the continuing education criteria recognized by the department pursuant to section 401.2715, F.S. The department shall accept either the affirmation of a licensed EMS provider’s medical director, a certificate of completion of refresher training from a department approved Florida training program, or a department approved continuing education provider as proof of compliance with the above requirements; or

(b) Successfully pass a paramedic certification examination required by the department during the current certification cycle and maintain a current ACLS card.

(3) An individual must provide to the department, upon request, proof of compliance with the requirements in this section.

(4) In the event an applicant or certified paramedic changes the mailing address he or she has provided the department, the applicant or certified paramedic shall notify the department within 10 days of the address change.

Rulemaking Authority 381.0034, 381.0035, 401.27, 401.35, 456.013 FS. Law Implemented 381.001, 401.23, 401.27, 401.2715, 401.34, 401.35, 401.41, 401.411, 401.414, 456.013, 456.017 FS. History–New 11-29-82, Amended 4-26-84, 3-11-85, Formerly 10D-66.57, Amended 4-12-88, 8-3-88, 12-10-92, 11-30-93, 12-10-95, 1-26-97, Formerly 10D-66.057, Amended 8-4-98, 1-3-99, 9-3-00, 4-15-01, 6-3-02, 11-3-02, 10-24-05, 1-23-07, 10-16-07, Formerly 64E-2.009, Amended 11-22-09, 5-27-10, 1-28-19.