The State of Michigan Recognizes Ambulance Accreditation In Its Licensing Requirements - December 04

New EMS Rules and Regulations adopted by the State of Michigan in June, 2004, recognize ambulance accreditation by The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) and “other organizations approved by the department as having equivalent expertise and competency in the accreditation of life support agencies” such that those accredited agencies may not be subject to an agency inspection by the state EMS department if the life support agency submits verification of accreditation and maintains that accreditation. (R 325.22127 Life support agency; life support vehicle; inspection; contractor requirements. Rule 127.)

December 6, 2004 -  New EMS Rules and Regulations adopted by the State of Michigan in June, 2004, recognize ambulance accreditation by The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) and “other organizations approved by the department as having equivalent expertise and competency in the accreditation of life support agencies” such that those accredited agencies may not be subject to an agency inspection by the state EMS department if the life support agency submits verification of accreditation and maintains that accreditation. (R 325.22127 Life support agency; life support vehicle; inspection; contractor requirements. Rule 127.)

In announcing the newly adopted rules, John F. Hubinger, Director of the Division of Community Health Policy Development, within the Michigan Department of Community Health, said, “The ability to waive state inspections for accredited life support agencies can save the State both time and financial resources in carrying out its inspection activities while ensuring compliance with quality standards.”

Responding to the new Michigan rules, CAAS Board Chair, Mark Meijer, CEO of Life EMS Ambulance, Grand Rapids, Michigan, stated, “I am pleased that the State of Michigan EMS Division has recognized the value of ambulance accreditation and the level of rigor demanded by the CAAS accreditation standards.”

CAAS accreditation is already recognized in the licensure process in Iowa, North Carolina, Missouri, and Texas, and other states report that they are giving the matter serious consideration. In many local areas of the country, CAAS accreditation is required in order to operate or to bid on ambulance service contracts.

Information about CAAS and its accreditation program is available from staff headquarters by writing: CAAS, 1926 Waukegan Road, Glenview, IL, 60025, or by visiting the CAAS web site at: www.caas.org.