The state of Texas announced the termination of the state’s Covid-19 staffing waiver for Texas EMS agencies. The Department of State Health Services made the following announcement:

The COVID-19 pandemic began almost three years ago, and agencies have made significant progress to address staffing. The staffing waiver, which previously had been extended, will expire on November 25, 2022.  

For entities who may need additional time to resolve staffing issues, Texas Health and Safety Code §773.052, provides a process to grant a variance to an emergency medical services provider with a specific hardship. A currently licensed emergency medical services provider may apply to the department for a hardship variance from a rule adopted if they meet certain criteria.

You can find more information on the variance process and a link to the application here. 

As a reminder, Texas Administrative Code §157.11 staffing requirements is:

h) Minimum Staffing Required.

  (1) BLS–When response-ready or in-service, authorized EMS vehicles operating at the BLS level shall be staffed at a minimum with two emergency care attendants (ECAs).

  (2) BLS with ALS capability–When response-ready or in-service below ALS two ECAs. Full ALS status becomes active when staffed by at least an emergency medical technician (EMT)-Intermediate or AEMT and at least an EMT.

  (3) BLS with MICU capability–When response-ready or in-service below MICU two ECAs. Full MICU status becomes active when staffed by at least a certified or licensed paramedic and at least an EMT.

  (4) ALS–When response-ready or in-service, authorized EMS vehicles operating at the ALS level shall be staffed at a minimum with one EMT Basic and one AEMT or EMT- Intermediate.

  (5) ALS with MICU capability–When response-ready or in-service below MICU shall require one EMT-Intermediate or AEMT and one EMT. Full MICU status becomes active when staffed by at least a certified or licensed paramedic and at least an EMT.

  (6) MICU–When response-ready or in-service, authorized EMS vehicles operating at the MICU level shall be staffed at a minimum with one EMT Basic and one certified or licensed EMT-Paramedic.

  (7) Specialized–When response-ready or in-service, EMS vehicles authorized to operate for a specialized purpose shall be staffed with a minimum of two personnel appropriately licensed and/or certified as determined by the type and application of the specialized purpose and as approved by the medical director and the department.

The Department of State Health Services will continue to work together with stakeholders to meet the healthcare needs for all Texans.

Thank you for your dedication and service to the Texas EMS system.