I’m going to pursue two lines of thinking in this post. First I will lay out some of the things I feel are important for us to achieve. Second I will articulate what I believe is the purpose of the EMSEPA.
Looking forward, what are our goal and objectives? Short term, six month goals include completing bylaws, establishing non-profit and tax exempt status, and preparing to set up a 501(c)3.
We all need to read the new act. Then we need to think about how it will impact EMS education. The goal is to be an active participant in the Rules and Regulations (R&R) development process. The process will likely last 18-24 months. We need to be at the table.
There are several aspects of the Act that the R&R must address such as continuing education requirements, bridge programs, and curricula. I also believe the DOH must improve the process for certifying EMS Educators, create a credential or certification for preceptors at both the BLS and ALS levels, and create a practical skills evaluator credential or certification. Who better than the EMSEPA to drive towards these goals? The R&R process provides the opportunity to influence such improvements.
Even if the DOH does not accept the idea of new certifications (the act specifically leaves room for new certifications by-the-way), the value of creating a resource and a process to certify someone has met a set of competencies remains and such a goal is still valid.
The purpose of the EMSEPA is twofold. On the one hand, we will provide a venue for communication and sharing so together we can improve the quality of instruction we provide. WE can push the bar up, working together to make us all better.
On the other hand, the EMSEPA will take a lead role politically to ensure the laws and R&R support the education and training of competent EMS practitioners.
Ultimately, our purpose is to ensure that what we do as educators leads to EMS practitioners with the skills, knowledge, and attitude to provide high quality service and who strive to continue to grow and learn.
This purpose leads us back to goals. The EMSEPA will create and deliver professional development programs for the EMS educators in our commonwealth.
What do we do now?
1. We complete the process of becoming a real organization by completing the bylaws, holding a meeting, approving the bylaws and electing a board.
2. We draft a “white paper” that describes the our position relative to the Act and the Rules and Regulations and then participate in writing process to ensure our position is heard and acted upon.
3. We design professional development programs starting with a Preceptor Program, and following on with others as we identify educators’ needs.
I agree with the goals and plan for formal organization! Let me know what you need and I am willing to help out! (bobbyg@rggerlach.com)
This is all good, it seems we need to get formal 501(c) 3 status a develope a membership. I see a handfull of people posting on the website so this group seems to be the driving for for now. We will then need to develope materials and generate membership.
I like the idea of us being at the table for the R&R but, an organization with no members will have no influence. do you think we can get this accomplished in reasonable amount of time? I as well am willing to take part in the effort jlightne@wpahs.org
oh real quick, almost forgot fund development…. this will cost money right? We certenly need to look at that.
I agree with much of what is posted above. However I think we need to consider breaking it into 2 smaller bites than trying one big bite.
I think the number one priority before getting into alot of the rules and regulations is establishing ourselves. Once we as EMSEPA are established lets appoint some committees to work thru these ideas. They are very good but without having the ficitious name filed, the 501(3c), membership, and B of D ,we are just a few fish swimming in a school in a large ocean.
I think this is a great idea, Mike whatever you need from me to help out.
I am new to starting an organization and don’t understand everything that needs to be done but I am willing to help out as much as I can. I am a full time student so I have some extra time that I can dedicate to the organization. Let me know what I can do to help, you just may have to explain it though….
И я с этим столкнулся….
Looking forward, what are our goal and objectives? Short term, six month goals include completing […….