Monday, January 5, 2015

New Program to Deal with Prehospital Complaints

(Salt Lake City, UT) – Striving for consistent high quality care in the prehospital experience for anyone who requires emergency medical care in Utah, the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness (BEMSP), Utah Department of Health (UDOH), is pleased to announce the creation of the Complaint, Compliance and Enforcement Unit (CCEU). According to Dennis Bang, Director of the newly created unit, “We will investigate complaints and compliance concerns related to any entity or person who provides emergency medical services in a prehospital setting in the state.” Bang says it will allow the general public and even other state agencies to file complaints against anyone who is licensed or certified by the bureau.

Investigators with the CCEU will also be tasked with investigating compliance issues that are received by other areas of the bureau.  Concerns could range from issues involving improper equipment to licensing or certification concerns about people or EMS providers.

In addition, officials are unveiling a new disciplinary protocol to be used in conjunction with complaint and compliance issues. This creates uniformity for state actions against those who fail to follow the bureau rules and Utah state law.  It’s hoped this will encourage compliance within the profession, increase public trust, and ultimately improve patient care.

The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness is dedicated to the well-being of Utah citizens and the visiting public. Bang adds, “It is our hope that this process will increase EMS performance statewide and reassure the public that we have a dedicated system that can be used to address concerns related to their care.”

You may file a complaint by visiting the bureau’s website at https://health.utah.gov/ems/ or by calling (801) 273-6629 to request a complaint form.
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Media Contact:
Charla Haley
(o) 801-273-4178
(m) 801-230-5927