Terminology
Terms and Definitions
Common terms used in the United States EMS Compact and its associated rules and processes.
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
- An individual licensed with cognitive knowledge and a scope of practice corresponding to the AEMT level in the National EMS Education Standards and National EMS Scope of Practice Model.
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- Adverse Action
- Any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state’s laws that may be imposed against licensed EMS personnel by a state EMS authority or court. Examples include revocation, suspension, probation, consent agreements, monitoring, limitations or encumbrances on practice, letters of reprimand or admonition, fines, criminal convictions, and court judgments enforcing EMS authority actions.
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- Alternative Program
- A voluntary, non-disciplinary substance use recovery program approved by a state EMS authority.
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- Certification
- The successful verification of entry-level cognitive and psychomotor competency using a reliable, validated, legally defensible examination.
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- Commission
- The national administrative body of which all states that have enacted the Compact are members. (Formal name: Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice.)
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- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- An individual licensed with cognitive knowledge and a scope of practice corresponding to the EMT level in the National EMS Education Standards and National EMS Scope of Practice Model.
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- Home State
- A member state where an individual is licensed to practice emergency medical services.
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- License
- The authorization by a state for an individual to practice as an EMT, AEMT, Paramedic, or a level between EMT and Paramedic. Note: Some states use the term “state certification.” For purposes of the EMS Compact, a state certification is treated as a state license.
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- Medical Director
- A physician licensed in a member state who is accountable for the care delivered by EMS personnel.
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- Member State
- A state that has enacted the EMS Compact.
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- National EMS ID Number
- The EMS-ID is a unique 12-digit identification number (####-####-####) issued for free to all EMS professionals and students seeking to enter the profession. It is generated by the National Registry when an individual creates an account. The EMS-ID is randomly generated and does not encode personal or credential data.
Locate your EMS-ID by logging into your National Registry account (website), your Home State’s licensure portal, or by contacting your state EMS office. Learn more about the history of the EMS-ID here. If your EMS-ID is not found in NEMSCD, check your Home State’s database integration status. - ↑ Back to Top
- Privilege to Practice
- An individual’s authority to deliver emergency medical services in Remote States as authorized under the EMS Compact.
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- Paramedic
- An individual licensed with cognitive knowledge and a scope of practice corresponding to the Paramedic level in the National EMS Education Standards and National EMS Scope of Practice Model.
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- Remote State
- A member state in which an individual is not licensed.
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- Restricted
- The outcome of an adverse action that limits a license or the Privilege to Practice.
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- Rule
- A written statement by the Interstate Commission promulgated under Section 12 of the Compact that implements or interprets a policy or provision of the Compact, or sets an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the Commission. A rule has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing rule.
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- Scope of Practice
- The defined parameters of duties or services that may be provided by an individual with specific credentials. Whether set by rule, statute, or court decision, it represents the limits of services an individual may perform.
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- Significant Investigatory Information
- Investigatory information that a state EMS authority, after a preliminary inquiry (including notification and an opportunity to respond if required by state law), has reason to believe, if proved true, would result in an adverse action on a license or Privilege to Practice; or investigatory information indicating an immediate threat to public health and safety, regardless of whether the individual has been notified and had an opportunity to respond.
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- State
- Any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States.
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- State EMS Authority
- The board, office, or other agency with the legislative mandate to license EMS personnel.
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