Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Paula AdkisonDeborah Markenson
10/29/08
Regional EMS Committees
“The purpose of the council is to make recommendations to the governor, the general assembly, and the department [DHSS]
on policies, plans, procedures and proposed regulations
on how to improve the statewide emergency medical services system.
The council shall advise the governor, the general assembly and the department on all aspects of the emergency medical services system.”
State Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services
(SAC) (RSMo 190.101)
SAC-EMS
(RSMo 190.101)
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/EMS/Council.html
16 members—appointed by Governor
Lynthia B. Andrews, DO., ChairChair of Emergency MedicineHeartland Regional Medical CenterSt Joseph, MO
Chair may appoint subcommittees that include noncouncil members
DHSS-Bureau of EMS supports SACMeet monthly with minutes posted
on DHSS website
PURPOSE: TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE REGION AND DHSS ON:
1. Coordination of emergency resources in the region;2. Improvement of public and professional education;3. Cooperative research endeavors;4. Development of standards, protocols and policies; and 5. Voluntary multiagency quality improvement committee and
process.
Regional EMS Advisory Committees
RSMo 190.102
Regional EMS Advisory Committees
(RSMo 190.102)
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/EMS/Committees.html
• DHSS designates through regulation EMS regions and committees.
• DHSS Director appoints based on recommendations from recognized professional organizations.
• Appointments for 4 years with individuals serving until reappointed or replaced.
Missouri’s Regional Committee Territories
•19 CSR 30-40.302—State regulations define counties in each region.
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/EMS/Committees.html
1. REVIEW BY FUNCTION
2. BARRIERS
3. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Supports2. Functions
Regional CommitteeDiscussion 9/18/08
Review by Function (9/18/08 discussion)
(1) Coordination of emergency resources in the region
Working: Sharing mutual aid agreements Integration of EMS out-of-hospital servicesAdditional functions: Work on triage and transport for region Work on role of small hospitals Enhance network development
Review by Function (9/18/08 discussion)
(2) Improvement of public and professional educationWorking:• Sharing information and
educational opportunities• Sharing protocols
Additional functions:• Conduct additional education with focus on regulatory
requirements• Share best practices• Coordinate prevention education on a regional basis
Review by Function (9/18/08 discussion)
(3) Cooperative research endeavors
No issues identified on 9/18/08
Review by Function (9/18/08 discussion)
(4) Development of standards, protocols and policies
Additional FunctionsShare best practicesReview regional practices based
on ACS trauma criteriaReview and approve protocols
for care
Review by Function (9/18/08 discussion)
(5) Voluntary multiagency quality improvement committee and process
Additional FunctionsImprove quality improvement functions
with benchmarks for facilty/region/stateAddress lack of EMS peer protection so
can share data for QI
Barriers
StateCommittee appointment
delaysLimited data, limited or no
feedback or data reports from registry data
Lack of timely communication and updates
RegionLack of understanding of
committee functionsLack of participation by
medical directors
Both•Resource and manpower shortage
•Inadequate funding, limited funding opportunities or notices•Lack of EMS peer protection for QI functions
General Support Recommendations Regional Committees-State
Track regional committee appointments and make timely replacements.
Increase diversity of membershipProvide orientation for new committee members.Describe purpose and benefits of regional committees and compile
strategies to promote committee value to increase involvement. Improve data support for QI functions. Provide regular updates & establish accessible website. Increase support for regional committees and functions. Post Regional Committee Member listing.
General Support Recommendations-Region & Both
RegionIncrease involvement of medical directors.Host regional committee meetings with other stakeholder
groups.Establish standard meeting time.
Both• Increase involvement of medical directors.• Explore and use technology for meetings and communication to
decrease travel time and improve information availability.
Recommendations for Regional Committee
Functions
OK
Modify
Delete
Identify ways to enhance network development.
Define and maintain role for small hospitals.
Conduct additional education, focus on regulatory requirements.
Share best practices.
RecommendationsCont. for Regional Committee
Functions
OK
Modify
Delete
Review regional practices based on ACS trauma criteria.
Review and approve protocols for care within region.
Formalize quality improvement (QI) functions with benchmarks for facility/region/state.
Recommendations Cont. for Regional Committee
Functions
OK
Modify
Delete
Additions
Address lack of EMS peer protection so can share data for QI.
Coordinate prevention education on a regional basis.