EMS Commission

LDH Disciplinary Action

Please find below a list of EMS licenses that have been disciplined by the EMS Commission.

Deferred Decision Matrix

The EMS Commission utilizes a Deferred Decision Matrix as a starting point in making licensing or disciplinary decisions and is therefore provided only for general informational and guidance purposes. Each applicant has unique and individual circumstances which may involve aggravating, mitigating, or other factors. Additionally, patterns of conduct may affect any final decision. Please consult your attorney if you have questions.

Predetermination Consideration Eligibility

An individual convicted of a crime may request at any time, including before obtaining any required education or training, a determination as to whether the individual’s criminal conviction(s) disqualify the individual from licensure or certification by the bureau.

The individual making the request shall provide to the bureau all pertinent information and documents pertaining to the conviction(s), including any information relevant to the factors provided in R.S. 37:2950.

The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services considers various factors determine whether a conviction directly relates to the license sought or the license identified by a pre-licensing application eligibility requestor and as provided by La. R.S. 37:2950 as well as LAC Tit. 46.XXXVIII §306.

When determining whether a conviction directly relates to the EMS profession, the commission shall consider:

1. the nature and seriousness of the offense;
2. the nature of the specific duties and responsibilities of licensed EMTs, Advanced EMTs, paramedics, and emergency medical responders.
3. the amount of time since the conviction;
4. facts relevant to the circumstances of the underlying offense, including any aggravating or mitigating circumstances, or social conditions surrounding the commission of the offense; and
5. evidence of rehabilitation or treatment undertaken by the applicant since the conviction.

Any student, candidate, licensed EMS practitioner, EMS Educator, EMS Provider, or EMS Employer should report having direct knowledge of facts known regarding the incompetent, unethical, or illegal practice or conduct, including criminal conduct, arrest, or conviction, of any EMS practitioner, including any practice or conduct that violates any provision, requirements, or prohibition contained in  LA R.S. 40:1131 (et seq.) or Administrative Code Title 46 XXXVIII: Emergency Medical Services, which may include any of the following violations:

• EMS Practice Act LA R.S. 40:1131 et seq.
• Administrative Code Title 46 XXXVIII Professional and Occupational Standards: Emergency Medical Services
• Bureau of EMS Policy and Procedures
• Patient Care
• Unprofessional Conduct
• Moral Turpitude
• EMS Rules
• Scope of Practice
• National Registry Rules
• National EMS Education Guidelines
• Education/Educator Violations
• Failed or refused drug screening
• Any act that results in arrest, summons, criminal charges, indictments, or bills of information, regardless of disposition or expungement.

Reports must be in writing and can be accomplished by fax, postal service, or electronic means to the contact below.

EMS Commission
c/o Stacy Barbay
7273 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-925-4022
Fax: 225-925-7244
Email: EMS.Commission@la.gov

Public Comment at Commission Meetings

At every open meeting of the commission, members of the public shall be afforded an opportunity to make public comments addressing any matters set by the agenda for discussion at that meeting.  Concerns and public comments shall be limited to five minutes per individual unless the time limitations are waived by a majority of the EMS Commission members present.

Anyone wishing to speak on a specific item must present the request prior to the convening of the meeting. Cards shall be available to place the request for public comment, along with the requestor’s name and for whom the requestor is appearing.

Scope of Practice

The EMS Commission will determine the Scope of Practice for each EMS Practitioner level.  The commission retains the authority to modify, expand, limit, or change the Scope of Practice by passing a resolution.  Upon the passing of a resolution, the Bureau of EMS will publish the resolution and update the Scope of Practice matrix on the Bureau of EMS website and the Louisiana Boards and Commissions Emergency Medical Services Commission web page.

The Emergency Medical Services Commission revised the expansion to the Louisiana EMS Scope of Practice on October 16, 2020. Please note that the expansion of skills will remain in effect during the COVID-19 crisis or until rescinded by the Louisiana EMS Commission.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The EMS Commission, at the August 21, 2020, regular meeting, adopted the Louisiana Department of Health Diversity & Inclusion Statement as noted below: 

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) characterizes diversity as representing the differences and similarities of all of us that include, for example, individual characteristics (e.g. disability, age, education level, poverty status, rural/urban setting, race, ethnicity, and orientation, values, beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. LDH also characterizes inclusion as creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the work of our agency. This is inclusive of LDH also building its capacity to create, support, and/or fund (i.e., via programming projects and contracts) efforts that do not discriminate against people, populations, and/or communities due to disability, age, education level, poverty status, rural/urban setting, race, ethnicity, and orientation. LDH believes that diversity and inclusion aid it more equitably in achieving its mission – “…protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for citizens of the State of Louisiana”. 

Contact

For more info, email EMS.Commission@la.gov.

Open Meetings Law

• In compliance with LA R.S. 42:12(B), the Commission provides Louisiana’s “Open Meetings Law.”
• Please note: by clicking on the “<” and “>” symbols on either side of the statutory citation, a viewer can read the entire Chapter.