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Rulemaking Activity

EMS and Trauma Systems Rulemaking Activity

Information relating to rulemaking actions by the EMS and Trauma Systems program can be accessed below and includes information on current Rule Advisory Committees (RACs) in progress as well as how a person or community affected by EMS regulatory functions may apply to serve on a Rule Advisory Committee (RAC). RACs are an important process that allow members of the public and communities to provide input and suggestions during the development of new rules or amending current rules. 

The following rules have been recently adopted or amended:

Revised Field Triage Guidelines (Exhibit 2) and Trauma Team Activation Criteria (Exhibit 3) 

The EMS and Trauma Systems program has revised OAR chapter 333, division 200 and corresponding Exhibit 2 to align with the revised 2021 National Guideline for Field Triage of Injured Patients. Exhibit 3 has been amended based on the changes to the field triage criteria and the American College of Surgeons, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient (2022 Standards.) These amendments are effective October 15, 2024 at which time ambulance service agencies and trauma hospitals must comply with the revised standards. The current rules remain in effect until that date. 

Transitional Paramedic License and Military Service Member/Spouse or Domestic Partner Provisions​

The EMS & Trauma Systems program has made the following amendments to administrative rules: 
  • ​Modified the associate degree requirement for a person seeking Paramedic licensure, replacing the Provisional Paramedic license with a Transitional Paramedic license;
  • Revised the work experience necessary for an out-of-state licensee to be eligible for reciprocity; 
  • Adopted rules allowing the program to issue a license to a military servicemember or the spouse or domestic partner of a servicemember that is stationed in Oregon and who has a license to practice as an EMS provider in another state. 

​There are no temporary rules in place at this time.

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Notice of Proposed Rulemakings​

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​​OAR 333-264 and 265 - Education Requirements for Persons Seeking EMS Provider Licensure​


​The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division, EMS & Trauma Systems program is proposing to permanently amend and repeal Oregon Administrative Rules in chapter 333, division 265 and permanently adopt and amend Oregon Administrative Rules in chapter 333, division 264 relating to the education requirements for persons seeking licensure as an emergency medical services (EMS) provider. The EMS and Trauma Systems Program is proposing these changes based on changes to certification examination policies and practices of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), 2019 National EMS Scope of Practice Model and the 2021 National EMS Education Standards. Due to the changes implemented by the NREMT, psychomotor testing for all EMS provider levels is being replaced with competency verification in the classroom. As such, the administrative rules relating to provider exams and the requirement for exams to be overseen by an EMS licensing officer who must be approved by OHA are being repealed. The OHA is proposing the adoption of a competency-based assessment program that will align educational and certification practices to assure a statewide assessment system that facilitates student development and achievement of realistic expectations for entry-level competence. Additionally, the two separate rules regarding field internships have been repealed and one new rule adopted that describes the clinical or field experience requirements as well as requirements for a field internship for Paramedics.

Please see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking referenced below for further details.

You are invited to review these proposed rules and to comment on them. If you wish to present oral testimony, a public hearing will be held via video/teleconference on September 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. To provide oral testimony during the hearing, please contact publichealth.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov to sign-up and receive the link for the Microsoft Team video conference. Alternatively, you may dial 971-277-2343, Phone Conference ID 533 951 594# for audio only. You may also join by video conference by clicking on the “Meeting URL” link in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking under “Remote Meeting Details” (see link below.)

You may also file written comments before 5:00 P.M. PDT on September 23, 2024, by e-mailing them to the Public Health Division Rules Coordinator at publichealth.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov.  

Written comments may also be sent by regular mail and must be postmarked by 5:00 P.M. PDT on September 23, 2024. Please mail comments to:

OHA, Public Health Division
Brittany Hall, Administrative Rules Coordinator
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 930
Portland, Oregon 97232

You may also send comments by fax to: (971) 673-1299.
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Final rules will be filed after consideration of all comments. 

For more details, please see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, including the Statement of Need and Fiscal and Racial Equity Impact, and the full text of these proposed rules: 
If you have any questions or would prefer to receive a hardcopy, please contact Mellony Bernal at mellony.c.bernal@oha.oregon.gov. 
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PLEASE NOTE – The filing document includes Exhibits 1 and 2 based on rule filing procedures. No changes have been made to either of these exhibits.
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​​​OAR 333-200 and 205 - Trauma Hospital Categorization and Resource Standards​


The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division, Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems Program is proposing to permanently amend Oregon Administrative Rules in chapter 333, divisions 200 and 205; replace Exhibit 4 in entirety relating to trauma hospital categorization and resource standards; and modify Exhibit 1 for purposes of clarifying trauma systems and zip codes served. 

In accordance with ORS 431A.060, OHA is responsible for the development of a comprehensive statewide trauma system which includes the development of state trauma objectives and standards, and the criteria and procedures utilized in categorizing and designating trauma hospitals. OHA is directed to categorize hospitals according to trauma care capabilities using standards modeled after the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Committee on Trauma Standards (COT). In March 2022, the ACS, COT Verification Review Subcommittee published the revised, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient, 2022 Standards (revised December 2023) and as such OHA has amended the rules adopting these latest standards and replaces Exhibit 4 in entirety to align with the revised standards for trauma centers categorized as a Level I, II, III, or IV.  

OHA is also proposing changes to clarify processes and procedures and correcting errors.

Please see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking referenced below for further details.

You are invited to review these proposed rules and to comment on them. If you wish to present oral testimony, a public hearing will be held via video/teleconference on September 17, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. To provide oral testimony during the hearing, please contact publichealth.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov to sign-up and receive the link for the Microsoft Team video conference. Alternatively, you may dial 971-277-2343, Phone Conference ID 524 005 814# for audio only. You may also join by video conference by clicking on the “Meeting URL” link in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking under “Remote Meeting Details” (see link below). 

You may also file written comments before 5:00 P.M. PDT on September 23, 2024, by e-mailing them to the Public Health Division Rules Coordinator at publichealth.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov.  

Written comments may also be sent by regular mail and must be postmarked by 5:00 P.M. PDT on September 23, 2024. Please mail comments to:

OHA, Public Health Division
Brittany Hall, Administrative Rules Coordinator
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 930
Portland, Oregon 97232

You may also send comments by fax to: (971) 673-1299.

Final rules will be filed after consideration of all comments. 

For more details, please see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, including the Statement of Need and Fiscal and Racial Equity Impact, and the full text of these proposed rules: 
If you have any questions or would prefer to receive a hardcopy, please contact Mellony Bernal at mellony.c.bernal@oha.oregon.gov.
 
PLEASE NOTE – The filing document includes Exhibits 2, 3 and 5 based on rule filing procedures. No changes have been made to these exhibits.


Accessibility Statement: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Public Health Division at 971-673-1222, 711 TTY or publichealth.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 



The following rule advisory committees (RACs) are in progress. RAC meetings are not subject to the public meetings law. Members of the public may attend in person or virtually to listen to the dialogue but may not participate or offer public comment during the meeting (see agenda for location & meeting link). Members of the public may submit comments or questions at the conclusion of the RAC meeting to mellony.c.bernal@oha.oregon.gov​ and information will be shared with appropriate staff. After the RAC process has concluded, information will be posted under "Proposed Rules Out for Public Comment" including time and location of public hearing and deadline for providing oral or written comments.  

OAR 333-200 and 205 - Oregon Trauma Hospital Resource Standards 
(Exhibit 4) RAC

The purpose of this RAC is to consider replacing the current Exhibit 4 based on the American College of Surgeons, Resources for the Optimal Care of the Injured Patient (2014) with the updated version from 2022. The EMS and Trauma Systems program is currently seeking persons and communities affected by these rules to serve on a Rule Advisory Committee. RAC process is complete and proposed rule out for comment. ​

Meeting date(s), agendas and meeting notes
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The following meetings will held from 2pm-4pm PDT.

OAR 333-264 and 265 - EMS Provider Initial Education RAC

The purpose of this RAC is to consider amendments to initial education requirements for persons seeking licensure as an EMS provider based on changes to the certification examination policies and practices of the National Registry of EMTs, 2019 Scope of Practice Model and the 2021 National EMS Education Standards. RAC process is complete and proposed rules out for comment.  

Meeting date(s), agendas and meeting notes

  • ​May 29, 2024 - AGENDA - MINUTES​
  • June 7, 2024​ - Canceled 

OAR 333-250 & 255 - Ambulance Service and Ambulance Vehicle Licensing Requirements

The purpose of this RAC is to discuss licensing requirement updates for an ambulance service and an ambulance vehicle. RAC meetings will be convened in the Spring of 2024. (The RAC application process closed on December 15, 2023.) 

Meeting date(s), agendas and meeting notes

  • Meeting dates - To be determined


RECENTLY COMPLETED ​​​

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OAR 333-200-0080 - Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients (Exhibit 2) and Trauma Team Activation (Exhibit 3) RAC

The purpose of this RAC is to review proposed amendments to OAR 333-265-0080 and Exhibit 2 and the adoption of the 2021, National Guideline for Field Triage of Injured Patients. This RAC will also consider amendments to the Trauma Team Activation Criteria in Exhibit 3 which includes changes to align with Exhibit 2 and the addition of findings-based criteria to activate a trauma team. (The RAC process is complete and final rules were filed on 4/5/2024. Final rules are available under 'Recently filed new and amended rules.')

Meeting date(s), agendas and meeting notes:


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The EMS and Trauma Systems Program is seeking persons and communities who would be affected by administrative rules relating to any of EMS and Trauma System's regulatory functions and who would be interested in serving on a RAC.

RACs are an important process​ that allow members of the public and communities to provide input and suggestions during the development of new administrative rules, amending or repealing existing rules, and identifying the potential fiscal impact on small business as well as the effect on racial equity in Oregon. Diverse opinions and viewpoints are an important part of the rulemaking process.

The following is a list of administrative rules pertaining to the regulatory and licensing functions of the EMS and Trauma System Program. Persons interested in serving on future RACs relating to any of these topics are encouraged to send the completed RAC Interest Application form to mellony.c.​bernal@oha.oregon.gov​ 

Applications will be saved and applicants contacted when future RACs are convened. 

Regulatory Functions

  • Ambulance Service Licensing (OAR 333-250)
  • Ambulance Vehicle Licensing (OAR 333-255)
  • County Ambulance Service Area Plans (OAR 333-260)
  • Emergency Medical Services and Systems/Trauma Hospital Designation (OAR 333-200)
  • Emergency Medical Services Providers (OAR 333-265)
  • Oregon POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Registry (OAR 333-270)
  • Training on Lifesaving Treatments (OAR 333-055)
  • Trauma System Hospital Designation in Trauma Area #1 (OAR 333-205)