The Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program has increased the number of EMS provider inspections but has not met its inspection goals. Inspections have found a high (62%) deficiency rate, including violations that affect critical lifesaving equipment. In addition, management did not clearly communicate the necessity for unannounced inspections, which resulted in few unannounced inspections and diminished program effectiveness.
The program needs the authority to establish criminal history checks at initial certification to ensure that applicants meet eligibility standards. The program could achieve a biennial cost savings of $32,000 by improving its recertification process.
The program needs to develop the capability to analyze complaints it receives about providers to identify trends and systematic problems that it needs to address. The program also needs to develop performance measures to assess whether its grants are improving statewide EMS services.

Progress Report: EMS Program Has Taken Little Action to Improve Provider Compliance with Safety Standards
Report 05-33 May 2005
Progress Report: Medical Quality Assurance Improves Accountability System; Information Tracking Concerns Persist
Report 04-71 October 2004
While Medical Quality Assurance Improving, Licensure Needs Increased Accountability
Report 03-06 January 2003
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Reports Meeting Goal, Could Recover Additional Revenues
Report 03-02 January 2003

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.