ARSD Article 20:61 — EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL

HEALTH HEALTH

Chapter 20:61:01

ARSD 20:61:01:01 Meaning of terms

Words defined in SDCL 36-4B-1 have the same meanings when they are used in this chapter.

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-1.

ARSD 20:61:01:02 Application for license and certification

Any person seeking any emergency medical services personnel license or ambulance operator certification in South Dakota shall apply to the board on applications provided by the board.

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986; 48 SDR 108, effective May 4, 2022; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024; 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-13(2), 36-4B-41(2).

ARSD 20:61:01:03 Required contents of applications for licensure

An application for an emergency medical services personnel license must contain:

(1) An affidavit, with a photograph of the applicant attached, attesting to the applicant's qualifications required by SDCL chapter 36-4B and this chapter;

(2) A list of all states in which the applicant is or has at any time been licensed to perform any type of emergency medical services;

(3) A list of all places where the applicant has previously provided emergency medical services;

(4) A signed statement listing any criminal offense for which the applicant has been convicted; and

(5) The dates and locations of all schooling relating to emergency medical services.

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-13.

ARSD 20:61:01:04 Medical supervision agreement--Advanced life support personnel

An applicant for an advanced life support personnel license shall file with the application an agreement with the physician attesting that the physician assumes the responsibility to supervise, observe, direct, and review the applicant's work record and practice.

An applicant affiliated with an ambulance service that has been granted a hardship exemption in accordance with SDCL 34-11-12.2 may file the required agreement and statement from the program director of the ambulance service.

The advanced life support personnel shall notify the board, in writing, if termination of the medical supervision agreement occurs. An advanced life support personnel may not practice without a medical supervision agreement approved by the board.

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024; 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-15.

ARSD 20:61:01:05 Application for reciprocity

If the application is for an emergency medical services personnel license through reciprocity, the applicant must submit an active and unrestricted emergency medical services personnel license or certificate of endorsement from another state in addition to the documentation required in §§ 20:61:01:03 and 20:61:01:04.

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-14.

ARSD 20:61:01:06 Application based on examination

The applicants taking examinations shall be examined as to proficiency in the areas of knowledge required in SDCL 36-4B-13.

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-13.

ARSD 20:61:01:07 Application for approval of educational programs

Before the board may approve an educational program, the program must submit an application that provides:

(1) The level of emergency medical services training provided by the program;

(2) The names of each instructor employed by the program;

(3) A list of the subjects each instructor will teach;

(4) The name of at least one physician experienced in pre-hospital emergency care who will be on each instructor's staff;

(5) The time and place where instruction will be given;

(6) An outline for each course offered by the program;

(7) The name and professional title of the program's medical director;

(8) The name and professional title of the program's course coordinator;

(9) The name and professional title of the program's clinical supervisor; and

(10) Documentation that:

(a) Each instructor holds at least the level of licensure required for the emergency medical services being taught by the instructor;

(b) Each course offered by the program meets the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) standard requirements; and

(c) Each student accepted to the program meets the NREMT criteria.

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-7.

ARSD 20:61:01:08 Testing team, Repealed

History

• Source: 5 SDR 68, effective February 15, 1979; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 155, effective July 1, 1986; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.

ARSD 20:61:01:09 Required contents of applications for ambulance operator certification

An application for an ambulance operator certification must contain:

(1) An affidavit, with a photograph of the applicant attached, attesting to the applicant's qualifications required by SDCL chapter 36-4B and this chapter;

(2) The dates and locations where the following ambulance operator competency trainings were completed:

(a) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

(b) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act awareness;

(c) Infection control;

(d) Patient movement;

(e) Equipment and communication system knowledge; and

(f) Emergency vehicles operation course;

(3) A signed statement listing any criminal offenses for which the applicant has been convicted; and

(4) Proof of a valid driver's license.

History

• Source: 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024; 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-41.

ARSD 20:61:01:10 Ambulance operator certification renewal

An ambulance operator certified by the board shall renew the certification on or before April thirtieth in the second calendar year after issuance and every two years thereafter on a form approved by the board. The operator shall sign a statement confirming that the operator holds a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification and valid driver's license. The operator must present proof of the current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification and valid driver's license if requested by the board.

History

• Source: 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024; 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-31, 36-4B-41.

ARSD 20:61:01:11 Fees

The application fees for emergency medical services personnel licensure

are:

(1) Initial licensure:

(a) Emergency medical responder, zero dollars;

(b) Emergency medical technician, zero dollars;

(c) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/85, fifty dollars;

(d) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/99, fifty dollars;

(e) Advanced emergency medical technician, fifty dollars; and

(f) Paramedic, fifty dollars;

(2) Licensure by reciprocity:

(a) Emergency medical responder, zero dollars;

(b) Emergency medical technician, zero dollars;

(c) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/85, seventy-five dollars;

(d) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/99, seventy-five dollars;

(e) Advanced emergency medical technician, seventy-five dollars; and

(f) Paramedic, seventy-five dollars;

(3) Licensure renewal:

(a) Emergency medical responder, zero dollars;

(b) Emergency medical technician, zero dollars;

(c) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/85, fifty dollars;

(d) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/99, fifty dollars;

(e) Advanced emergency medical technician, fifty dollars; and

(f) Paramedic, fifty dollars;

(4) Reissuance of a lost or destroyed license, ten dollars; and

(5) Reinstatement of a license within twelve months after expiration:

(a) Emergency medical responder, zero dollars;

(b) Emergency medical technician, zero dollars;

(c) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/85, fifty dollars;

(d) Emergency medical technican-intermediate/99, fifty dollars;

(e) Advanced emergency medical technician, fifty dollars; and

(f) Paramedic, fifty dollars.

History

• Source: 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024; 52 R 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-29.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-29.

ARSD 20:61:01:12 Emergency medical services personnel allowable skills and techniques

The allowable skills and techniques for all levels of emergency medical services personnel are contained in the South Dakota Scope of Practice Guide for Emergency Medical Services Personnel, revised March 21, 2025. The board shall review the guide at least annually.

Collateral Reference: South Dakota Scope of Practice Guide for Emergency Medical Services Personnel, revised March 21, 2025. South Dakota Department of Health. Copies may be obtained free of charge at https://www.sdbmoe.gov/professions-emergency-medical-services/.

History

• Source: 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024; 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-16 to 36-4B-16.2, inclusive, 36-4B-17.

Chapter 20:61:02

ARSD 20:61:02:01 Definitions

Terms defined in SDCL chapter 36-4B have the same meaning when used in this chapter.

History

• Source: 50 SDR 12, effective August 10, 2023.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-1, 36-4B-18.1.

ARSD 20:61:02:02 Educational requirements -- Subjects covered

The board shall approve a program of study for a critical care or flight paramedic that focuses on providing patient care in the pre-hospital, inter-hospital, and hospital settings. The program must include courses on:

(1) Critical care transport methods and safety;

(2) Assessing and packaging a critically ill patient for safe transport;

(3) Demonstrating skill competencies while performing:

(a) Surgical and needle cricothyrotomy;

(b) Chest tube insertion;

(c) Pericardiocentesis;

(d) Central venous access; and

(e) Focused assessment with sonography for trauma exams and intraosseous access;

(4) Analyzing and interpreting diagnostic laboratory and x-ray results;

(5) Identifying and managing blood and blood products and the following common critical care medications:

(a) Antibiotic;

(b) Anticoagulant;

(c) Antiepileptic;

(d) Immunological;

(e) Vasoactive; and

(f) Fibrinolytic;

(6) Interpreting invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic pressures, waveforms, and values;

(7) Maintaining patients on an intra-aorta balloon pump and left ventricular assist device in a transport setting;

(8) Understanding the purpose and maintenance of

(a) Chest tubes;

(b) Central lines;

(c) Intravenous pumps;

(d) Medication pumps; and

(e) Hemodynamic monitoring devices and equipment;

(9) Recognizing proper mechanical ventilator settings, modes, and parameters;

(10) Applying a ventilator with proper settings; and

(11) Assessing and managing common critical care conditions in all patient populations.

History

• Source: 50 SDR 12, effective August 10, 2023; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.1.

ARSD 20:61:02:03 Educational requirements -- Structure

In addition to the requirements in § 20:61:02:02, the program of study must be either an in-person course or a combination of online and in-person instructor facilitated lectures. An in-person course must have a minimum of thirty-six hours of instruction. A blended course must have a minimum of twenty-two hours of in-person instruction. The course or program must have a written examination at the conclusion of the program to prove competency.

History

• Source: 50 SDR 12, effective August 10, 2023.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.1.

ARSD 20:61:02:04 Educational requirements -- Proof of completion

Before a paramedic may be issued a critical care endorsement, the paramedic must provide documentation to the board, showing that the paramedic has successfully completed a board-approved program of study.

History

• Source: 50 SDR 12, effective August 10, 2023; 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.1.

Chapter 20:61:03

ARSD 20:61:03:01 Continuing education requirements

To qualify for renewal of a license, an applicant for renewal must maintain current certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians or complete the number of continuing education hours required for the type of licensure the applicant holds, as follows:

(1) Emergency medical responder, eight hours in basic life support studies;

(2) Emergency medical technician, twenty hours in basic life support studies;

(3) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/85, forty hours in advanced life support studies;

(4) Emergency medical technician-intermediate/99, sixty hours in advanced life support studies;

(5) Advanced emergency medical technician, forty hours in advanced life support studies; or

(6) Paramedic, sixty hours in advanced life support studies.

History

• Source: 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-26.

ARSD 20:61:03:02 Reporting continuing education

Each applicant for an emergency medical services personnel license shall submit a signed statement confirming the applicant's current certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians or completion of the continuing education hours, pursuant to § 20:61:03:01, along with the renewal application. The applicant must present proof of the applicant's current certification or completion of the required number of continuing education hours if requested by the board.

History

• Source: 51 SDR 56. effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-26.

ARSD 20:61:03:03 Waiver of continuing education requirements

The board may waive any required continuing education hours if the applicant submits an affidavit to the board that the applicant was prevented from completing the continuing education hours because of illness or undue hardship.

History

• Source: 51 SDR 56, effective November 19, 2024.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-26.

Chapter 20:61:04

ARSD 20:61:04:01 Definitions

Terms defined in SDCL chapter 36-4B have the same meaning when used in this chapter.

History

• Source: 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-1, 36-4B-18.2, 36-4B-18.3.

ARSD 20:61:04:02 Educational requirements--Subjects covered

The board shall approve a program of study for a community paramedic that focuses on increasing access to primary and preventative care. The program must include courses on:

(1) Community-based needs;

(2) Multidisciplinary collaboration;

(3) Patient-centric care;

(4) Community paramedic wellness and safety;

(5) Preventative care and education for patient and caregiver; and

(6) Ethical and legal considerations.

History

• Source: 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.2.

ARSD 20:61:04:03 Educational requirements--Structure

The program must have a minimum of one hundred and fourteen didactic hours and one hundred and ninety-six clinical hours. A written examination must be included at the conclusion of the program to prove competency.

History

• Source: 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.2.

ARSD 20:61:04:04 Educational requirements--Proof of completion

Before a paramedic may be issued a community paramedic endorsement through completion of a community paramedic education program, the paramedic must provide documentation to the board, showing that the paramedic has successfully completed a board-approved program.

History

• Source: 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.2.

ARSD 20:61:04:05 Supervisory standards

(1) Have the patient fill out initial consents and any additional paperwork as required;

(2) Obtain a complete history and physical, including vital signs;

(3) Provide additional assessments as indicated by the patient's medical needs or as requested by the patient or provider; and

(4) Schedule follow up visits as necessary.

The community paramedic shall at each follow up visit:

(1) Provide services as outlined in the patient care plan; and

(2) Document any additional services provided if indicated upon arrival.

Upon completion of an initial or follow up visit, the community paramedic shall document the visit notes in the patient health record within twenty-four hours of the completed visit.

History

• Source: 52 SDR 18, effective August 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.3.

ARSD 20:61:04:06 Supervisory standards. The paramedic who has been issued a community paramedic endorsement by the board shall have on file with the board a medical supervision agreement as required by § 20:61:01:04. Source: 52 SDR 18, effective Augsut 25, 2025. General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35. Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.3

Supervisory standards. The paramedic who has been issued a community paramedic endorsement by the board shall have on file with the board a medical supervision agreement as required by § 20:61:01:04.

History

• Source: 52 SDR 18, effective Augsut 25, 2025.
• General Authority: SDCL 36-4B-35.
• Law Implemented: SDCL 36-4B-18.3.