§ 42-92. Medical director.

With respect to the certificate applicant or certificate holder by which the medical director is retained or employed, the medical director shall have the following authority and responsibilities:

(1)

Protocol responsibilities. To establish and ensure the medical quality of his or her medical protocols once a certificate has been granted.

(2)

Quality assurance. To ensure that a quality assurance program, in accordance with F.S. ch. 401 and Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 64E, is adopted and implemented by each certificate applicant or holder.

(3)

State compliance. To ensure the certificate applicant or holder is in compliance with F.S. ch. 401 and Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 64E to include, but not be limited to, medical direction, equipment, quality assurance, medical and administrative protocols, controlled substances, variances and training.

(4)

Suspension. To temporarily or permanently suspend or prohibit a paramedic or EMT from practicing under the supervision of the medical director and within the applicable agency's emergency medical services system:

a.

When, in the expert opinion of the medical director, there is cause to believe a paramedic or EMT has violated F.S. ch. 401.411 or the medical protocols of the certificate holder (by which the paramedic or EMT is employed or for which he/she volunteers and provides EMS), the medical director may temporarily suspend or prohibit a paramedic or EMT from practicing under the supervision of the medical director pending a hearing to determine whether the suspension should be continued on a temporary or permanent basis.

b.

Each agency shall be responsible for establishing its procedure regarding notice and for the administrative hearing process for any affected paramedic or EMS by appropriate resolution/ordinance.

c.

A paramedic or EMT whose privilege to provide EMS under the supervision of a medical director has been suspended as provided under this section shall be entitled to appeal the decision of the panel as provided in subsection b., may appeal the decision of the panel within 30 days by petition for writ of certiorari to the circuit court. The decision of the panel shall be upheld if there is competent evidence to sustain its holding and the decision is not arbitrary or capricious.

d.

The medical director shall be the final authority as to whether or not a paramedic or EMT practices within the certificate holder's emergency medical services system under the supervision of the medical director.

(Ord. No. 04-48, § 2, 11-30-04)