While the information contained in this news article was current and accurate when we posted it,
it may not necessarily represent current WVOEMS policy or procedure. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 304-558-3956.
- What will be the effective date for WV to become a
National Registry State?
Implementation is scheduled for January 1, 2019. Replica,
however, is a secondary piece that will need to be legislated.
- Will any initial EMT class starting prior to the
effective date for WV to become a National Registry state still
have the state option test?
All courses completed prior to December 31, 2018 will have the
state test option. Any program completing after that date will be
required to take National Registry regardless of start date of the
class. This includes all individuals who may require retesting etc.
All participants should be encouraged to take National Registry
from this point forward.
- Will passing the National Registry test be required to
obtain initial EMR and EMT Certification?
Yes. Candidates seeking National EMS Certification at the
Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and
Paramedic level take a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). The advantage
of using CAT is that it allows for the construction of a shorter,
more precise test that is individualized to each candidate's level
of knowledge and skills. A passing standard, identical for all
candidates at their level of certification, is used to determine
whether a candidate passed or failed the cognitive exam.
- Will National Registry open more test centers?
We have been working with National Registry to identify and open
additional test sites as necessary. It is top priority that testing
sites be available during the weekend and evening hours that are
most beneficial to our EMS community. We will continue to update
you on advancements.
- Will National Registry make more evening and weekend
hours available for testing?
See number 4
- Will EMS Providers who are currently state certified,
but not National Registry certified, be required to take the
National Registry Test?
There is always the opportunity for state certified EMS
providers to take the National Registry exam and obtain
certification, however, this is not required. Individuals who only
have a state certification will be entered into the National
Registry database but not issued a National Registry certification,
submit all recertification material online as a National Registry
certified individual would, and become eligible to renew state
certification.
- Will all people with current WV certifications at all
levels be required to be in the National Registry system - EMVO,
EMR, EMT, ACT, Paramedic?
All levels, with the exception of EMVO, will be required to
recertify utilizing the National Registry system.
- Can someone with a National Registry certification be
allowed to respond to calls in West Virginia without a state
certification?
NO. They must be certified in West Virginia to practice in West
Virginia. The only exception would be by direct order of the WV
State Medical Director in disaster situations and by those events
outlined in the Replica program that has NOT been legislated in
West Virginia.
- What is the process for those with current state
certifications to get into the National Registry system?
That process is still being evaluated. A detailed implementation
guide will be developed to guide EMS personnel through the
process.
- What is the cost for those with current state
certifications to get into the National Registry system?
There will be no cost to enter the system at this time. The fee
structure is as follows:
- EMR initial exam- $75
- EMR Renewal - $10
- EMT Initial Exam- $80
- EMT Renewal - $15
- Paramedic Initial Exam- $125
- Paramedic Renewal - $20
- What is the process for those who previously had
National Registry certification to get the National Registry
Certification reinstated?
Applicants will enter National Registry utilizing the Mark King
Initiative and will be issued a National Registry certification
regardless of how long it has been expired assuming they had a
National Registry certification in the past.
- What is the process to recertify National Registry
certifications?
National Registry and West Virginia has adopted the NCCP
standards. All records will be submitted electronically to National
Registry. They will be reviewed by the squad training officer and
then by the squad medical director. If approved, a National
Registry card will be immediately available to print.
- What is the process to recertify state
certifications?
EMVO will remain the same and will be submitted per policy via
paper requirements. All other levels will simply submit the WVOEMS
online application and pay the legislated fee (same process as
other states). WVOEMS will have access to the National Registry
database and will confirm you have met the requirements for
certification and issue a state certification.
- What is the cost to recertify state
certifications?
- EMVO, EMR, EMT, and Paramedic - Initial - $50
- EMVO, EMR, EMT, and Paramedic - Renewal - $25
- Legal Recognition - $100
- Will there be a written test for state
recertification's?
No. There will not be a recertification test administered for
State or National Registry at any level.
- What is the process to enter CE in the National
Registry system?
Each applicant will have a personalized log in the
www.nremt.org. There will be a customized education area where all
education is entered. There is also an auto completion as each
section's respective requirements are met. In addition, there will
be a West Virginia specific section where you enter Haz Mat
Awareness, Protocol Refreshers, MCI, and other requirements per
policy.
- Do individuals have to enter their own CE into National
Registry?
National Registry continues to develop their system in a way
that many trainings are auto populated, but the short answer is
YES. Individuals will be responsible to enter their own
training.
- Can a Squad Training Officer or a Training Institution
enter CE in the National Registry system for an
individual?
This would be an individualized agreement and cannot be directed
or advised upon by WVOEMS or subsidiaries.
- Will people have to enter all CE in the National
Registry system?
National Registry will allow you to enter as much CE as you
wish, however, you are only required to enter the minimum
requirements of each section.
- Can CE be listed on the state recertification form that
is not in the National Registry System?
There will not be a State CE form utilized once National
Registry is implemented.
- Will CIS still be used to track certification
status?
Your status will be updated in CIS but it will not be utilized
as a tool to track education.
- Will CE still be entered in CIS?
No.
- Do training institutions have to confirm completion of
classroom time and passing of practical skills in order for someone
to take the National Registry test for initial
certification?
Yes.
- Do training institutions have to confirm completion of
classroom time and passing of practical skills in order for someone
to recertify National Registry?
Squad Training Officers as well as Squad Medical Directors must
approve the applicant and the education they have submitted.
- Do training institutions have to confirm completion of
classes entered in National Registry for CE?
Squad Training Officers as well as Squad Medical Directors must
approve the applicant and the education they have submitted.
- Can 16 and 17-year-old individuals receive National
Registry certification?
Not at this time
- Will people have to apply to both National Registry and
the state for certification and recertification?
Yes.
- Will EMT expiration dates be changed from 12/31 to 3/31
to match National Registry? If so, will three months be added to
the certification period or will the date change when new cards are
issued?
The expiration date for EMR will change to September 30. EMT
will be changed to March 31 and Paramedic will remain March 31.
These will be adjusted as needed with benefit given to the
provider.
- National Registry is a 2-year certification period and
WV is in transition from a 2-year to a 4-year certification period?
Will an individual's state certification expiration date be changed
to match the same expiration year as National Registry?
There is no need to match the expiration dates. If an individual
has met the requirements of National Registry, they will be issued
a State certification.
- In addition to maintaining National Registry
certification, will state-required Continuing Education still be
required for state certification? If so, how will this be tracked
and how will people know what is required?
State required education is mandated through code and rule. It
will be tracked in a West Virginia specific education tool within
the National Registry system.
- Will someone lose state and National Registry
certifications if all required CE is not completed? For example, if
someone does not complete HazMat Awareness training during each
year of a certification period will that prevent
recertification?
Yes. West Virginia certification will be based on maintaining
National Registry.
- When new policies are developed, and implementation
dates are set, how will this be communicated to all of the squads
and individual providers in the state?
There will be an implementation guide developed and sent to all
squads in the state. In addition, information will be available at
www.wvoems.org and www.wvemsac.org. There will also be regional
rollouts across the state.
