As many of you may be aware the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services sent out a letter informing all EMS Licensed Personnel, Instructor-Coordinators, Education Programs, Life Support Agencies, and Medical about the elimination of the requirement for Practical CE’s.  The letter said         

 “Effective for those EMS providers with a license expiration date of January 31, 2018 and later, practical continuing education credits will no longer be required.  The only exception to this will be Special Considerations: Pediatric Medication Administration for Specialist/AEMT and Paramedic.  There will not be any changes to the Instructor- Coordinator CE requirements.”

                We have received several inquiries about the change from our members. Here is some background on how the changes came about.  At the May 19, 2017 Meeting of the Emergency Medical Services Coordination Committee (EMSCC) the Education Subcommittee of the EMSCC made a motion to drop the requirement for the Practical CE’s siting that lack of evidence or data of better pt. outcomes with practical requirements for CE's.. The MPFFU has 3 members on the EMSCC and all three argued vigorously in opposition to the motion. It was and is our opinion that all skills, unless practiced on a regular basis, are perishable and finite. Over the objections of our members on the EMSCC the motion passed. Since the letter came out the State has received many calls in opposition to the change.

                Just a few points of clarification. If your license is scheduled to expire prior to January 31, 2108 you will still be required to have the Required Practical CE credits even if don’t apply for re-licensure after January 31. There is still one Practical Credit required for Specialist/AEMT and Paramedics: Pediatric Medication Administration. According to Terrie S. Godde, EMS Education Coordinator for MDHHS-Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness “While they will no longer be required for renewal of license, the skills are still important and should be practiced.  You just no longer have to identify the practical portion of the CE on the application or CHIT”.  CE classes can now be all lecture, practical or a combination both.

                If you have any addition questions or concerns you may contact the MDHHS-Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness, Division of EMS & Trauma - MAIN PHONE LINE: 517-241-3025