What is community paramedicine?
"Community paramedicine" is an umbrella term describing all of the potential innovative and expanded roles that EMS can perform for our healthcare system. It's different for every system and geographical area.
Is this program seeking to expand the scope of practice for EMTs and paramedics?
No. A community paramedicine program seeks to harness the existing scope of practice and apply it to non-emergency settings to meet needs that would otherwise go unfilled.
Does a community paramedic replace other health care systems or compete with other allied health professionals like home health care or visiting nurses?
No. A community paramedic is able to enhance coordination of care between existing prehospital systems, home care resources, and primary care teams.
Is community paramedicine allowed in New York State?
Community paramedicine is largely unaddressed by NYS law and regulations. While some small scale programs could be created within the bounds of existing regulations, there are several regulations in place that assume a narrow role for EMS. Some of these might be interpreted as prohibiting valuable community paramedicine programs. Achieving the full benefit to society of community paramedicine will require support from the state's Department of Health.