<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 30.09.04.08" title_num="30" subtitle_num="09" chapter_num="04" heading="Waivers.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>SOCALR may waive any equipment requirements under COMAR 30.09 for any commercial ambulance service which is licensed by Maryland or applying for a license, which demonstrates to the satisfaction of SOCALR that the equipment offered by the commercial ambulance service is equivalent to or superior to the equipment required by this subtitle.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Waiver of Personnel Requirements.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>SOCALR may waive any personnel requirements under COMAR 30.09 for any commercial ambulance service which is licensed by Maryland or applying for a license, which demonstrates to the satisfaction of SOCALR that the personnel offered by the commercial ambulance service is equivalent to or superior to the personnel required by this subtitle, except the requirement for a licensed or certified driver for an ambulance, which may only be waived under §B(2) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>SOCALR may waive the personnel requirements under COMAR 30.09 for a licensed or certified driver for any commercial ambulance service which is licensed by Maryland or applying for a license. The initial waiver shall be for 1 year, subject to renewal.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A commercial ambulance service seeking or maintaining a waiver of the requirement for a licensed or certified driver for an ambulance under COMAR 30.09 shall meet the following requirements:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Submit to SOCALR with the application and on a monthly basis:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The current number of unit hours staffed over a consecutive 7-day period during the most recent 30 days; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>The name and address of each non-EMS individual designated by the commercial service to drive an ambulance;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Ensure that each non-EMS individual designated to drive an ambulance possesses a current and valid For-Hire Driver's license issued by the Public Service Commission prior to use of a non-EMS driver on an ambulance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Provide to SOCALR a photocopy of a current and valid For-Hire Driver's license issued by the Public Service Commission for each non-EMS individual designated to drive an ambulance prior to use of a non-EMS drive on an ambulance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Ensure that each non-EMS individual designated to drive an ambulance obtains an ePINS number prior to use of a non-EMS  driver on an ambulance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Provide the following training to each non-EMS individual it designates to drive an ambulance prior to use of a non-EMS driver on an ambulance:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>COMAR 30.09.02.02 — Patient Rights;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>COMAR 30.09.07.03 — Operational Requirements;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030 to include Personal Protective Equipment and Body Substance Isolation precautions);</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>Lifting, moving, or positioning patients, to include stretcher and stair chair operations;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>CPR certification training, including the use of an AED; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(vi)">
          <text>Driver's training program to include safe road operations, ambulance backing, and city driving;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Provide SOCALR with a copy of the training programs required for the non-EMS driver prior to use of a non-EMS driver on an ambulance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Ensure that any ALS licensed ground ambulance that is staffed with a non-EMS driver is also staffed with at least two individuals who meet the following requirements:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>A CRT or higher who is responsible for the patient as described in COMAR 30.09.07.02A(4)(b); and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>An EMT or higher; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>Ensure that any non-EMS individual designated to drive an ambulance:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Is not subject to a current suspension or revocation of EMS licensure or certification; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Has not been determined by SOCALR to be a threat to the health and safety of patients or the public.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A commercial ambulance service seeking a waiver under this regulation shall apply in writing to SOCALR.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A waiver is not valid unless issued in writing by SOCALR for a specific period of time.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>A commercial ambulance service granted a waiver under this subtitle shall reapply for the waiver 30 days before expiration of the waiver.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>A waiver may be summarily suspended if SOCALR finds the party to whom the waiver has been granted has:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Obtained or attempted to obtain a waiver by fraud or deceit;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Made a material omission or misrepresentation of fact on an application for a waiver;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Made a material omission or misrepresentation of fact in response to an inquiry or investigation by SOCALR;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Defaced, altered, removed, or obliterated any portion of or any official entry on a waiver issued by SOCALR;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Interfered with SOCALR in the performance of SOCALR's duties;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Failed to reapply for a waiver;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Violated any applicable federal, State, or local statute or regulation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Failed to comply with the terms of the waiver; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Continued to use a non-EMS driver that SOCALR has determined, in conjunction with the MIEMSS Office of Integrity, to be a threat to the health and safety of patients or the public.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Failure to comply with the terms of a waiver granted under this regulation may be grounds for further action under COMAR 30.09.09.02.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>