Understanding the Protocol Process

1
Understanding the Protocol Process

• K Don Edwards DO
• FACEP/ FACOEP

2
Development

• Public Health Code Act 368
• MCL Section 303.20919
• Local medical control authority shall establish
  written protocols for the practice of life
  support agencies and licensed emergency services
  personnel within its region.

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Specific Protocols

• Ensure appropriate dispatching
• DNR procedure act compliance
• Defining process that holds life support
  personnel accountable
• Immediate medical control removal and a hearing
  within 3 business days
• QI program in place (PSRO)

4
Continued

• Epi-pens
• AEDs for all dispatched vehicles
• Due Process/ Appeals Process

5
Development

• Different Options Available
• State Model Protocols
• Develop individual protocols
• Combination State Model and Individual for
  special needs.

6
Format
7
Procedure for Adoption

• Circulate a written draft 60 days prior to all
  significantly affected persons in the MCA
• Submit protocols to the department.
• Department reviews for consistency with existing
  protocols and consider any written comments
  received from interested parties.

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Adoption (continued)

• Department (state) provides comments and
  recommendations to the MCA within 60 days of
  receiving protocols.
• If the department does not respond within 60 days
  the protocol is considered approved by the
  department.
• Medical control may formally adopt the protocol.

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Protocol Fillets

• Emergency protocol to preserve health or safety
  to individuals in response to a present medical
  emergency or disaster. (these are for specified
  time period)
• MCA may require life support agencies to have
  additional requirements than required by state.

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Compliance

• Process to ensure protocols are followed.
• Administrative rules require protocols be
  reviewed every 3 years.

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MDCH
Protocol submitted
EMS QA Task Force
MDCH
MCA
Major changes
approved
MCA
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State Model Protocol
State Model Protocol
MDCH
MCA
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Format

• Cover letter states MCA is adopting state model
  protocols.

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Format if not Adopting State Model

• Type the MCA in place of State Model Protocol
• Identify in cover letter what changes are made to
  state model protocol.
• Specify the specific line/ treatment that is
  different.

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FAQ

• Can we add our own protocols to the State Model
  Protocols?

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Yes

• You must state the changes in the cover letter.
• You must remove State Model at the top and
  place your MCA.
• Realize the protocol may take longer to review.

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FAQ

• If want to adopt the State Model Protocols do
  they have to be reviewed by the entire EMS QA
  Task Force?

18

• No, they are reviewed by the department as these
  are already approved protocols.

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Questions???

• Thank you