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<chapter num="11" heading="ALS Service" title_num="30" subtitle_num="09">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope.">
    <text>This chapter defines additional requirements for ALS services.</text>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Additional Operational Requirements.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>An ALS commercial ambulance service shall retain at least one licensed paramedic to function as an ALS coordinator who:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Is approved by the ALS service medical director;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Participates on the ALS service's quality review committee; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Oversees:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>ALS operations; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>The submission of patient care reports and EMS data in accordance with COMAR 30.03.04.04.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>An ALS commercial ambulance service may provide BLS service with an ambulance licensed as either:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>ALS; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>BLS.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>An ALS commercial ambulance service may not provide scheduled ALS service with a BLS-licensed commercial ambulance vehicle unless:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>It uses a BLS-licensed ambulance for a period of not more than 30 calendar days for reasons related to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>Routine maintenance; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Mechanical failure of an ALS-licensed commercial ambulance vehicle;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>The BLS-licensed ambulance has, in addition to the equipment required in COMAR 30.09.10, all the equipment required in this chapter; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>It has notified SOCALR of the proposed use before its occurrence and has been issued a confirmation number verifying authorization.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Additional Equipment Required for ALS Ambulances.">
    <text>In addition to the equipment required under COMAR 30.09.10, the following equipment and supplies shall be carried in commercial ambulances licensed to provide ALS service:</text>
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>An onboard oxygen system that meets the requirements of COMAR 30.09.10.09;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Cardiac monitoring/defibrillating/transcutaneous pacing equipment including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>One monitor/defibrillator which has:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>Direct current capability,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Paper print out capability,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>Synchronized cardioversion and unsynchronized defibrillation,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(d)">
          <text>Two adult and one pediatric defibrillator pads,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(e)">
          <text>Defibrillator pads with quick look capability,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(f)">
          <text>One set of EKG leads, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(g)">
          <text>Transcutaneous pacing; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Supplies related to EKG monitoring to include the following items:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>18 ECG electrodes,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Spare set of EKG leads or equivalent,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>Spare monitor/defibrillator batteries,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(d)">
          <text>Two spare EKG paper rolls,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(e)">
          <text>Two adult transcutaneous pacing pads,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(f)">
          <text>One pediatric transcutaneous pacing pad, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(g)">
          <text>One tube of electrode paste or two packages of electrolyte pads for use in defibrillation;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>Medications including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>All the medications listed in the Maryland Medical Protocols for Emergency Medical Services Providers in sufficient quantities to treat and care for each patient that they respond to and care for;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Sufficient quantities to provide:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>At least the maximum dosage for one 100 kilogram patient for a period of 30 minutes, or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>An adequate quantity to treat and care for the patient if the transport time is expected to exceed 30 minutes;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Controlled substances which are stored in a controlled access system acceptable to SOCALR; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>Two nebulizers for medication administration;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>Intravenous equipment and supplies including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Two 16 gauge 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long intravenous catheters with needles;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Two 18 gauge, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long intravenous catheters with needles;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Two 20 gauge, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long intravenous catheters with needles;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>Two 22 gauge, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long intravenous catheters with needles;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(5)">
        <text>Two 24 gauge, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long intravenous catheters with needles;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(6)">
        <text>Two 10 or 20 drops/milliliter or equivalent intravenous administration sets;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(7)">
        <text>Two 60 drops/milliliter or equivalent intravenous administration sets;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(8)">
        <text>Two 1000 cubic centimeter bags or equivalent of Ringer's lactate intravenous solution;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(9)">
        <text>Site preparation materials; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(10)">
        <text>Roof-mounted hooks for hanging intravenous solutions;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="E.">
      <text>Parenteral administration equipment including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Four 1 milliliter syringes with 25 gauge needles;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Four 3—5 milliliter syringes with 1-inch, 18—21 gauge needles for IM injection;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Four 10 milliliter syringes; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>Four 18, 19, or 20 gauge needles;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="F.">
      <text>Blood specimen collection equipment including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Two red top blood tubes;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Two purple top blood tubes; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Two vacutainer barrels;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="G.">
      <text>Ventilation and airway maintenance equipment including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Laryngoscope equipment and supplies:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>One of each size 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 Miller laryngoscope blades,</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>One of each size 1, 2, 3, and 4 MacIntosh laryngoscope blades, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>One each adult and pediatric laryngoscope handles;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Endotracheal tubes:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>One of each size 6, 7, 8, and 9 millimeter cuffed, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>One of each size 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 millimeter uncuffed;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>One adult flexible stylette;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>One pediatric flexible stylette;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(5)">
        <text>One roll of 1-inch adhesive tape;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(6)">
        <text>One 10 milliliter syringe;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(7)">
        <text>One pair adult McGill forceps;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(8)">
        <text>One pair pediatric McGill forceps;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(9)">
        <text>One 4-ounce tube or four 3-gram packets of water soluble surgical lubricant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(10)">
        <text>One spare laryngoscope bulb for both MacIntosh and Miller blades;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(11)">
        <text>One spare set of laryngoscope batteries for both adult and pediatric handles; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(12)">
        <text>One end title carbon dioxide (ETCO2) detector.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="H.">
      <text>One direct current to alternating current inverter power supply capable of providing proper wattage to power equipment used on an ALS ambulance; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="I.">
      <text>Miscellaneous equipment and supplies as follows:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>One glucometer;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>One pulse oximeter for each in-service ALS ambulance; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>One current, printed within last 2 years, copy of a drug reference.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Additional Requirements for Obstetrical Transports.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>An ALS-licensed ambulance may not transport an obstetrical patient from one hospital to another for a higher level of obstetrical care unless:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>The admitting hospital:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>Is a perinatal center;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Before designation of perinatal centers by the EMS Board, has a certificate of need issued by the Maryland Health Resources Planning Commission for its neonatal intensive care unit or approval from the Health Services Cost Review Commission for a neonatal intensive care cost center; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>Before the EMS Board has completed the process of entering into an agreement with an out-of-State hospital to serve as an out-of-State perinatal referral center, possesses all government approvals required to operate a neonatal intensive care unit under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is located including, if required, a certificate of need and all necessary licenses;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>The additional equipment required under §B of this regulation is onboard; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>In addition to the staffing required under COMAR 30.09.07.02A(4), there is a registered nurse or physician experienced in the care of obstetrical patients onboard.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Equipment Requirements.</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>The additional equipment required under §B(2) of this regulation may be provided by the referring or admitting hospital and shall be onboard when transporting an obstetrical patient.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>In addition to the equipment required under COMAR 30.09.10 and this chapter, the following shall be onboard:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>One doppler;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>One reflex hammer;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>One neonatal bag valve mask with manometer and newborn and premature infant size masks;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(d)">
          <text>One IV infusion pump; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(e)">
          <text>The following medications:</text>
          <paragraph num="(i)">
            <text>Four vials oxytocin (10 units/milliliter);</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(ii)">
            <text>Two vials methergine (0.2 milligram/milliliter);</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(iii)">
            <text>Two vials 10 percent calcium gluconate (10 milliliters);</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(iv)">
            <text>Three vials terbutaline (1 milligram/milliliter); and</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(v)">
            <text>Eight vials 50 percent magnesium sulfate (10 milliliters).</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>Additional Record Keeping Requirements.</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>In addition to the requirements in COMAR 30.09.08, the following information shall be documented on the patient report:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>Name of the referring hospital;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Name of the referring physician;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>Name of the receiving hospital;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(d)">
          <text>Name of the receiving physician;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(e)">
          <text>Names and license or certification level of the commercial ambulance driver and commercial ambulance personnel;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(f)">
          <text>Time the request for transport was received by the commercial ambulance service;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(g)">
          <text>Time en route to the referring hospital;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(h)">
          <text>Time of arrival at the referring hospital;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Time of departure from the referring hospital;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(j)">
          <text>Time of arrival at the admitting hospital;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(k)">
          <text>Maternal gestational age;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(l)">
          <text>Reason for transport; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(m)">
          <text>Care provided during transport.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Patient care reports and EMS data shall be submitted in accordance with COMAR 30.03.04.04.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>The additional requirements for obstetrical transports listed in §§A and B of this regulation may be waived when an ALS-licensed commercial ambulance is transporting an uncomplicated obstetrical patient from a hospital without an obstetrical service.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Specialty Care Transport Restrictions.">
    <text>A licensed commercial ambulance service may not provide specialty care transport unless:</text>
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Licensed as a specialty care transport ambulance service; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>No more than ten times a year, if a licensed specialty care transport ambulance service is not available within a clinically reasonable time as determined by the referring physician:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>The sending facility provides health care personnel authorized by law to provide the level of care required by the patient during transport, which may include a nurse meeting the requirements of COMAR 10.27.09.04C(2);</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Required specialty equipment is available;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>The ambulance used is licensed as at least an ALS ambulance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>Notice is made to SOCALR within 24 hours of the transport; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(5)">
        <text>A report, reviewed and signed by the medical director, is submitted to SOCALR within 7 days of the transport, documenting the patient’s condition, the care rendered, crew configuration and efforts made by the referring physician, and the service to secure appropriate SCT resources.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">Education Article, §13-515, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: October 12, 1992 (19:20 Md. R. 1816)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02 repealed and new Regulations .02—.06 adopted as an emergency provision effective January 6, 1997 (24:2 Md. R. 114); adopted permanently effective July 7, 1997 (24:10 Md. R. 711)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Chapter recodified from COMAR 14.22.11 to COMAR 30.09.11, August, 1997</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02F amended as an emergency provision effective July 1, 1998 (25:15 Md. R. 1189); amended permanently effective October 5, 1998 (25:20 Md. R. 1534)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.06, Specialized Service, repealed and new Regulations .01—.05, ALS Service, adopted effective January 10, 2000 (26:27 Md. R. 2017)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02A amended effective November 1, 2010 (37:21 Md. R. 1437); December 12, 2013 (40:24 Md. R. 2017)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03 amended effective January 15, 2005 (31:26 Md. R. 1866)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04C amended effective November 1, 2010 (37:21 Md. R. 1437)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation o5 adopted effective January 15, 2005 (31:26 Md. R. 1866)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05B amended effective September 1, 2014 (41:17 Md. R. 971)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>