(a) Scope of practice.--A paramedic is a higher-level EMS provider than an advanced EMT. A paramedic performs basic and advanced EMS 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 authorized by regulation of the department.

(b) Paramedic training.--To be eligible to enroll in a paramedic training course required for certification as a paramedic, an individual must satisfy all of the following:

(1) Be at least 18 years of age when the course commences.

(2) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

(3) Be currently certified by the department as an EMT or advanced EMT.

(c) Certification.--The department shall certify as a paramedic an EMT or advanced EMT who meets all of the following:

(1) Is at least 18 years of age.

(2) Has successfully completed a paramedic training course which:

(i) teaches basic life support skills;

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

(iii) is approved by the department.

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

(4) Has passed a paramedic skills practical examination approved by the department.

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

(d) Biennial registration.--A paramedic'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, a paramedic must register the paramedic 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 a paramedic certification to a paramedic 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 secures continuing education credits for paramedic biennial registration as required by the department in continuing education programs approved by the department.

(2) A paramedic whose registration of a paramedic 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 8117 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.