Previous reporting:
NREMT resolution may lead to change in certification requirements
NEMSMA objects to state-level accreditation option in NREMT resolution
Analysis:
Opinion: The NREMT proposal is a step backward for EMS education
EMS certifications: How the draft NREMT resolution could impact the profession
By Leila Merrill
CLINTON, Miss. — In response to NREMT’s Resolution on Updated Eligibility Criteria for Initial EMS Education, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians board of directors released a statement Sunday saying that it supports having more accreditation options for paramedic education programs: “We do not support the option for states to approve these programs absent accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency.”
In the resolution, NREMT proposes expanding eligibility requirements. Public comments on it can be made through Aug. 17 here.
The board also stated it has been disappointed in the outcomes of CAAHEP accreditation of paramedic education programs.
“The current EMS workforce shortage in the United States has reached a critical juncture, and while employee retention and competition with other healthcare sectors are factors, we believe that the restriction of the National Registry Paramedic exam to only graduates of CAAHEP accredited programs has contributed to the workforce shortage,” the board said in part. “NAEMT recognizes that there are costs associated with accreditation from any accrediting agency, but we believe that having more than one option for accreditation would create more competitive pricing opportunities for paramedic program accreditation.”
Read the full NAEMT statement here.
https://www.facebook.com/NAEMTfriends/photos/a.146673548857598/2032937886897812