(a) Scope of practice.--An advanced EMT performs basic EMS and ALS skills which include interventions and administration of medications with basic and advanced equipment found on an EMS vehicle as follows:

(1) For an EMS agency as a member of the crew of an ambulance.

(2) For an EMS agency as a member of a QRS to stabilize and improve a patient's condition in an out-of-hospital emergency until an ambulance arrives at the scene and then may assist the ambulance crew.

(3) As a first aid or safety officer, or in a similar capacity, for or independent of an EMS agency, as prescribed by regulation of the department.

(4) For an EMS agency in another capacity as authorized by regulation of the department.

(b) Certification.--The department shall certify as an advanced EMT an individual who meets all of the following:

(1) Is at least 18 years of age.

(2) Has successfully completed a course under subparagraph (i) or (ii):

(i) An advanced EMT training course which:

(A) teaches basic life support skills;

(B) teaches advanced life support skills deemed appropriate by regulation of the department; and

(C) is approved by the department.

(ii) An EMT course and secured training and education, through continuing education courses, in skills included in the scope of practice for an advanced EMT for which the applicant did not receive training in the EMT course.

(3) Has a current certificate evidencing successful completion of a CPR course acceptable to the department.

(4) Has passed an advanced EMT skills practical examination approved by the department.

(5) Has passed a written advanced EMT certification examination approved by the department.

(c) Biennial registration.--An advanced EMT's certification is deemed registered when the certification is issued. The initial registration shall expire as set forth in section 8113(n) (relating to emergency medical services providers). Except for the initial registration period, an advanced EMT must register the advanced EMT certification at two-year intervals by completing an application for biennial registration on a form or through an electronic process, as prescribed by regulation of the department. The following shall apply:

(1) The department shall issue a biennial registration of an advanced EMT certification to an advanced EMT who meets all of the following:

(i) Has a current registration and applies for a new registration no later than:

(A) 30 days before the current registration is to expire; or

(B) a lesser time established by regulation of the department.

(ii) Successfully:

(A) completes advanced EMT biennial registration practical skills and written knowledge examinations approved by the department; or

(B) secures continuing education credits for advanced EMT biennial registration as required by the department in continuing education programs approved by the department.

(2) An advanced EMT whose registration of an advanced EMT certification has expired must qualify for a biennial registration of the certification as prescribed by regulation of the department.

Effective Date. Section 9(1) of Act 37 of 2009 provided that section 8116 shall take effect 180 days after the publication of the notice in section 7. The notice was published October 12, 2013, at 43 Pa.B. 6093.