§22-18-41. Advanced life support techniques; procurement, carriage, and use of drugs and fluids; performance of services.

(a) The board may by rule designate certain procedures as advanced life support techniques, which may be performed by EMSP during emergencies, such as situations where the life, health, or safety of a prehospital patient is in immediate jeopardy. The board may prescribe by rule the qualifications and certification necessary for personnel performing advanced life support techniques, and the specific conditions under which the techniques may be performed by EMSP. Notwithstanding any statutory provision to the contrary, EMSP who possess the necessary qualifications and certification prescribed by the board shall not be deemed to have engaged in the unlawful practice of medicine when performing advanced life support techniques in accordance with the constraints established by the board.

(b) Fluids and drugs may be carried only by a properly licensed provider service . A licensed provider service may purchase necessary drugs and fluids from any reliable source, including wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals. Provider services shall purchase, maintain, and administer fluids and drugs in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.

(c) EMSP may perform services only pursuant to the protocols approved by the board. EMSP may accept orders to perform advanced life support techniques only from medical direction physicians who have completed medical direction training prescribed by the board and hold a current medical direction number.

(Acts 1995, No. 95-276, p. 488, §4; Act 2006-563, p. 1305, §1; Act 2010-584, p. 1304, §2.)