Who Regulates the Ambulance Industry?

The ambulance industry is regulated by the states. Different states have different laws and rules when it comes to ambulances. For example, in Florida, when it comes to air ambulances, the form 64j-1.005 talks about how each applicant for an air ambulance license has to pay a fee and that the license only lasts for 2 years. According to the form , they also have to keep a minimum of 100,000 for a one person accident or 300,000 dollars for a more than one person accident. They also have to have their paramedics who work for them complete an initial air crew member education program. Also, the air ambulance provider has to have a safety committee. They also require that they have at least one person who is a paramedic and that the air ambulance meet certain requirements. They also have to have certain medical equipment.  The Florida Department of Health has a special Emergency Medical Program, it is responsible for the statewide regulation of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics; EMT and paramedic training programs; 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator  Program; and ambulance services and their vehicles.  New jersey has a long sheet that you can find online that outlines some of their ambulance services procedures. In New Jersey, if you want to be licensed to operate an MAV or BLS ambulance service, you have to complete an OEMS application and demonstrate all sorts of other things that they have on their list such as making sure your personnel files meet certain standards and that you have proof of insurance. There are all sorts of fees that you have to pay and renewal fees that you have to pay to run an ambulance service. They have everything down, you even have to be careful how you advertise. According to Colorado state law, ground ambulances are licensed in each county where the ambulance operates. Their department of public Health and Environment handles all the certification of the EMS technicians.

Of course there are also the private ambulance companies. The largest private ambulance provider, American Medical Response, are also answering 911 calls. They offer communities rescue services at little or no charge and so they are an offer that’s hard to refuse. Also, firefighters are known to moonlight as EMS providers too. Although these companies tend to only go into communities where they are wanted because ambulance providers are governed by strict regulations.