EMSKY

FAQ

General Questions

There are many pathways and career opportunities through EMS. In Kentucky, there are four certifications each with different requirements. You can find the checklist for each certification here.

The four levels of EMS Clinicians are

 

Additional opportunities for providers include advancing to new levels, becoming instructors, and specialized training. Find more info here.

Find out the specific continuing education (CE) requirements for each level here.
You can apply for Kentucky Reciprocity by following these instructions.
If you want to use your current Kentucky certifications to apply for another state’s certification. You’ll need to follow these instructions here.
You can follow the reinstatement process outlined here.

Education Based FAQ from KBEMS

Go to the Kentucky Board of EMS web page and click on the gold pentagon “KEMSIS” and follow the directions.

Or this link will take you directly to the login page

You will submit the document through your KEMSIS account using the individual verification application.

You will need to complete a Form 2464-A application through your KEMSIS account.

Please make sure you are not using a mobile phone or tablet to complete the application through KEMSIS.

Go to the Kentucky Board of EMS web page and click on the education tab.

Go to the Kentucky Board of EMS web page and under the education tab click on the EMS Classes/Schdulds.

There are a number of considerations to be taken into account, including the offense and time sense the offense. You may send an inquiry to KBEMS legal KBEMS.Legal@ky.gov or call the KBEMS office at 1-866-975-2367.

HIPAA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for EMS

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It is a federal law that establishes standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.
Yes, EMS agencies are considered covered entities under HIPAA because they handle protected health information (PHI) during the provision of patient care and billing processes.
PHI includes any information that identifies a patient and relates to their health, treatment, or payment for healthcare services. Examples include: Name, address, and phone number; Medical records; Social Security number; Dispatch information tied to a patient.
EMS agencies must comply with the following: Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and Breach Notification Rule.
Yes, HIPAA allows EMS agencies to share PHI with hospitals and other healthcare providers for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without obtaining patient consent.
Common violations include: Discussing patient information in public areas where it can be overheard; Leaving patient care reports (PCRs) unsecured; Accessing patient information without a work-related reason; Sharing patient details on social media, even without names.
Yes, but only the minimum necessary information should be transmitted, and steps should be taken to limit unauthorized access to those communications.
Yes, but only when the information is de-identified or directly necessary for educational purposes. Ensure that patient identifiers are removed whenever possible.

Yes, but only when the information is de-identified or directly necessary for educational purposes. Ensure that patient identifiers are removed whenever possible.

Suspected violations should be reported to the EMS agency’s HIPAA compliance officer immediately. The agency is responsible for investigating and addressing the issue.
Penalties depend on the severity and whether the violation was intentional. Fines can range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with a maximum annual penalty of $1.5 million. Criminal charges can also be filed in extreme cases.
Store paper PCRs in locked cabinets with restricted access. Use secure, encrypted software for electronic PCRs (ePCRs). Limit access to authorized personnel only.
Yes, HIPAA requires each covered entity to designate a privacy and security officer responsible for ensuring compliance.
Immediately report the breach to the agency’s compliance officer. Document all details surrounding the breach. Work with the agency to follow breach notification protocols.
EMS personnel should receive HIPAA training upon hire and annually thereafter. Additional training may be required if significant changes to HIPAA regulations occur.
Avoid discussing PHI in public areas. Use secure methods for storing and transmitting PHI. Access PHI only when necessary for job duties. Follow agency policies and procedures related to HIPAA.
For detailed information, visit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website or consult your agency’s HIPAA compliance officer.

Sources:
1. Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS): https://kbems.kctcs.edu/
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html