EMS Commission
The Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Commission, created pursuant to LA R.S. 40:1133.3, is comprised of twelve voting members appointed by the governor. LA R.S. 40:1133.4 et seq. grants to the commission the power and duty to, among other things, establish and publish standards of out-of-hospital practice, regulate the scope of practice of Emergency Medical Services Practitioners, discipline and regulate the practice of Emergency Medical Services Practitioners, and establish standards for education programs preparing individuals for out-of-hospital practice.
Please direct EMS Commission inquiries to EMS.Commission@la.gov
EMS Commissioners
American College of Emergency Physicians: Christopher B. Willoughby, MD
EMS Private Administrator: Casey McBeath, NRP - Secretary
Paramedic: Carl Flores, NRP
American Academy of Pediatrics: Megan Marino, MD
American College of Surgeons: Navdeep Samra, MD
Emergency Medical Technician: vacant
EMS Public Administrator: Otha Schamburg, NRP - Chair
Louisiana Emergency Nurses Association: vacant
Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association: Toby Henry, NRP
Louisiana Municipal Association: Kirk Lacour, JD NRP
Louisiana State Medical Society: Scott Thames, Jr., MD - Vice-Chair
Professional Firefighters Association of Louisiana: Brandon Lee, NRP
EMS Commission Meeting Schedule
The Emergency Medical Services Commission’s regular meetings are at 9:00 a.m. at the office of the Louisiana Bureau of EMS, unless otherwise noted.
2024 Regular Meeting Dates:
February 16, 2024
April 5, 2024
June 21, 2024
August 23, 2024
October 18, 2024
December 6, 2024
Commission Meeting Agendas/Notices and Minutes can be found on the Louisiana Boards & Commissions website.
Click here for all commission agendas/notices.
Click here for all commission minutes.
Disciplinary Action
Please find below a list of EMS licenses that have been disciplined by the EMS Commission.
CLICK HERE for 2023 Disciplinary Decisions
CLICK HERE for 2022 Disciplinary Decisions
CLICK HERE for 2021 Disciplinary Decisions
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:
- the nature and seriousness of the offense;
- the nature of the specific duties and responsibilities of licensed EMTs, Advanced EMTs, paramedics, and emergency medical responders.
- the amount of time since the conviction;
- 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
- evidence of rehabilitation or treatment undertaken by the applicant since the conviction.
Click here to learn how to apply for Criminal History Predetermination
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.
CLICK HERE to view the Deferred Decision Matrix
Complaints
What to Report?
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.
Who Should Report?
Any student, candidate, licensed EMS practitioner, EMS Educator, EMS Provider, or EMS Employer having direct knowledge.
How to Report
Reports must be in writing and can be accomplished by fax, postal service, or electronic means.
CLICK HERE to complete an EMS Commission Complaint Form
To Whom to Report
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.
CLICK HERE for the Scope of Practice (updated July 2024)
CLICK HERE for the Scope of Practice Clarification (updated January 2022)
CLICK HERE for the Position Statement Regarding Advanced Practice Providers Performing Under Medical Direction (updated June 2023)
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.
CLICK HERE for the Louisiana EMS Scope of Practice Expansion Due to the Pandemic.
CLICK HERE for Public Health Emergency Extension
CLICK HERE for CLIA Waived Testing information.
CLICK HERE for Temporary Registration Rule
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”.
Open Meetings Law
LA R.S. 42:12(B) requires the Commission to post Louisiana’s “Open Meetings Law”. In compliance therewith, the following link to Chapter 1-A of LA R.S. Title 42 is provided: http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=727656 .
Please note: by clicking on the “<” and “>” symbols on either side of the statutory citation, a viewer can read the entire Chapter.
Statutes: EMS Commission
LRS 40:1133.4 Powers and Duties of the Commission
LRS 40:1133.7 Grounds for Disciplinary Proceedings
LRS 40:1133.8 Hearings of the Commission
Statutes: Emergency Medical Services
LRS 40:1131 Emergency Medical Services
LRS 40:1133.1 Emergency Medical Personnel
LRS 40:1133.5 Powers and Duties of the Bureau
LRS 40:1133.6 License Requirements
LRS 40:1141 Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA)