| (3) Persons holding EMS information operator instructor certification from any department-approved training program prior to the effective date of this rule are considered to have met the requirements as set forth in this section and may apply for certification by submitting to the department: (A) a written application with a nonrefundable fee of $60, except a fee shall not be required if the candidate is not to be compensated for providing EMS information operator training; and (B) documentation of current EMS information operator instructor certification. (4) Retesting. (A) A certificant who does not pass the department's written examination may retest after: (i) submitting an application to retest; and (ii) paying a nonrefundable fee of $30, if applicable. (B) A certificant who does not pass a retest shall meet the requirements in subsection (k)(1) of this section. (k) EMS information operator instructor recertification. (1) Prior to the expiration of an EMS information operator instructor certification, the department shall send a notice of expiration to the certificant at the address shown in the current records of the department. It is the responsibility of EMS information operator instructor to notify the department of any change of address. (2) If an EMS information operator instructor has not received notice of expiration from the department 45 days prior to the expiration, it is the duty of the EMS information operator instructor to notify the department and request an application for recertification. Failure to apply for recertification shall result in expiration of the certificate. (3) To be eligible for recertification, the EMS information operator instructor shall: (A) maintain current active certification or licensure as an EMT or above; (B) maintain current active EMS Instructor certification; (C) maintain an agreement or affiliation with sponsoring agency or organization as defined in subsection (j)(1)(D) of this section; (D) submit an application for recertification with a nonrefundable fee of $60, except a fee shall not be required if the candidate is not to be compensated for providing EMS information operator instructor training; and (E) instruct at least one EMS information operator training program each year. (4) After verification by the department of the information submitted, the EMS information operator instructor who meets the requirements of paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be recertified for two years beginning on the date following the expiration of the last certificate. (5) An EMS information operator instructor who has not met all requirements for recertification prior to the end of the certification period is not certified and shall not perform the duties of an EMS information operator instructor. (6) An EMS information operator instructor whose certification has been expired for 90 days or less may renew the certificate by meeting the provisions in paragraph (3)(A) - (C) of this subsection and submitting an application and a renewal fee that is equal to 1-1/2 times the normally required application renewal fee. (7) An EMS information operator instructor whose certification has been expired for more than 90 days but less than one year may renew the certificate by meeting the provisions in paragraph (3)(A) - (C) of this subsection and submitting an application and a renewal fee that is equal to two times the normally required application renewal fee. (8) An EMS information operator instructor whose certification has been expired for one year or more shall complete the requirements in subsection (j)(1) of this section. (l) EMS information operator instructor training. (1) All EMS information operator instructor training courses shall be conducted by a regionally accredited post-secondary educational institution which is approved as an EMS education program. (2) EMS information operator instructor training courses shall follow a department-approved curriculum. (m) Responsibilities of an EMS information operator instructor. The responsibilities of an EMS information operator instructor shall be to: (1) process student applications and select students; (2) schedule courses and assign instructors; (3) verify the certification, license, or other proper credentials of all personnel who instruct in the program's courses; (4) meet at least the minimum requirements for course curriculum established by the department for EMS information operator initial and refresher training; (5) maintain in conjunction with the sponsoring agency or organization, all EMS information operator training course records for a minimum of 5 years; (6) attest to the successful course completion of all students who meet the program's requirements for completion; (7) provide candidates who have satisfied the requirements in subsection (d)(1) of this section with documentation on a form approved by the department, of certification that meets the requirements established by the department. Documentation shall include the candidate's name, a unique identification number, date of successful completion of the EMS information operator training and the training program's approval number; (8) maintain in conjunction with the sponsoring agency or organization, a list of the names, addresses, social security numbers and the date the training was completed of each individual who successfully completes EMS information operator training for a minimum of five years; (9) verify EMS information operator certification upon request of a certificant, a licensed EMS provider, a public safety agency, the department, or another individual or entity authorized by law; (10) provide the department with information and reports necessary for planning, administrative, regulatory, or investigative purposes; and (11) provide certified EMS information operators who have met the requirements in subsection (f) of this section, relating to recertification, with documentation on a form approved by the department renewing the certification. (n) Disciplinary Action. An EMS information operator instructor shall be subject to the same disciplinary actions set forth in §157.44 of this title (relating to Emergency Medical Service Instructor Certification). (o) For all applications and renewal applications, the department is authorized to collect subscription and convenience fees, in amounts determined by texas.gov, to recover costs associated with application and renewal application processing through texas.gov. |
| Source Note: The provisions of this §157.49 adopted to be effective December 10, 2000, 25 TexReg 12174; amended to be effective June 1, 2004, 29 TexReg 4492; amended to be effective September 11, 2011, 36 TexReg 5689 |
