{"id":349,"date":"2016-05-13T18:57:00","date_gmt":"2016-05-13T18:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/emergency-medical-services\/?page_id=349"},"modified":"2025-10-15T17:10:43","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T21:10:43","slug":"virginia-standards-of-excellence-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/emergency-medical-services\/virginia-standards-of-excellence-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Standards of Excellence Program"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Promoting excellence and accountability in Virginia\u2019s EMS system<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether an EMS agency is career, volunteer, governmental, or private (for-profit or not-for-profit), it is still a business committed to providing quality prehospital care to the millions of citizens and visitors of the Commonwealth of Virginia each day.<\/p>\n

All EMS agencies in Virginia must comply with the Virginia EMS Regulations (12VAC5-31)<\/strong><\/a> in order to operate and serve their communities.<\/p>\n

The Virginia Standards of Excellence (SoE) Program is designed to identify and recognize EMS agencies that demonstrate a commitment to operating above and beyond the minimum regulatory requirements. It serves as an excellent tool for agencies to self-evaluate their operations, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement while helping them become better, stronger, and more resilient in serving their communities.<\/p>\n

The program evaluates key areas of agency operations from multiple perspectives to highlight those that exemplify best practices and continuous improvement in EMS service delivery.<\/p>\n


\nCore Areas of Excellence<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Standards of Excellence Program evaluates EMS agencies across several core areas of excellence that reflect key components of effective and accountable EMS system operations. Each area is supported by measurable criteria based on recognized best practices used to assess and strengthen agency performance.<\/p>\n

The core areas of excellence include:<\/p>\n

- Leadership and Management
\n- Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
\n- Clinical Care Measures
\n- Life Safety
\n- Operational Medical Direction
\n- Community Support and Involvement
\n- Recruitment and Retention
\n- Performance and Risk Management<\/p>\n

Through this structured evaluation, agencies can identify both strengths and opportunities for improvement within their organization. The program provides a voluntary and objective framework for agencies to assess how they operate, maintain compliance, and pursue continuous improvement.<\/p>\n

Agencies are encouraged to use the SoE self-assessment as a roadmap for internal growth and to request guidance from OEMS staff if additional support or clarification is needed during the process.<\/p>\n

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Apply to the Program<\/p><\/strong><\/h3>\n

All EMS agencies are encouraged to participate in the Standards of Excellence (SoE) Program should complete the SoE Agency Self-Assessment Survey, which serves as the program\u2019s application and initial review tool.<\/p>\n

The self-assessment can also be used as a roadmap for internal growth, helping agencies identify strengths and areas for improvement. OEMS staff are available to provide guidance or clarification as needed throughout the process.<\/p>\n

Virginia Office of EMS \u2013 Standards of Excellence Agency Survey<\/a><\/p>\n

Note: The Standards of Excellence self-assessment survey is currently under review and will be updated to align with forthcoming program revisions. See the Program Update section below for additional information.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Virginia Agencies of Excellence:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n