After receiving feedback from the first PAT committee meeting and in light of the strong interest expressed by the EMS community during the public hearing held on February 25, 2008, Karen Remley, MD, MBA, FAAP, State Health Commissioner, decided that a delay in designation of the regional councils is prudent.
Dr. Remley has issued a variance to the regulations that will have the effect of extending the application deadline for entities seeking designation as a Regional EMS Council from October 1, 2008 to March 1, 2009, as well as extending the current regulatory deadline for designation of Regional EMS Councils from July 1, 2009 to July 1, 2010.
§ 32.1-111.11 of the Code of Virginia establishes Regional EMS Councils, and defines their function and purpose. Specific code language can be found at the following link: Code of Virginia
Regulations governing Regional EMS Councils were promulgated by the State Board of Health, with an effective date of January 1, 2008. The regulations can be found in sections 2300 through 2740 at the following link: EMS Regulations
The Board of Health shall designate regional emergency medical services councils which shall be authorized to receive and disburse public funds. Each council shall be charged with the development and implementation of an efficient and effective regional emergency medical services delivery system. The Board of Health shall review those agencies that were the designated regional emergency medical services councils. The Board shall, in accordance with the standards established in its regulations, review and may renew or deny applications for such designations every three years. In its discretion, the Board may establish conditions for renewal of such designations or may solicit applications for designation as a regional emergency medical services council.
Regional EMS Council Designation Process Guidance Documents