R9-25-504. Protocol for Selection of a Health Care Institution for Transport

A. Except as provided in subsection (B), an EMCT shall transport a patient accessing emergency medical services through a call to 9-1-1 or a similar public emergency dispatch number to: 1. An emergency receiving facility, or 2. A special hospital that is physically connected to an emergency receiving facility. B. Under A.R.S. §§ 36-2205(D) and 36-2232(F), an EMCT who responds to a call made to 9-1-1 or a similar public emergency dispatch number may refer, advise, or transport the patient at the scene to a health care institution other than a health care institution specified in subsection (A), if the EMCT determines that: 1. The patient’s condition does not pose an immediate threat to life or limb, based on medical direction; and 2. The health care institution is the most appropriate for the patient, based on the following: a. The patient’s: i. Medical condition, ii. Choice of health care institution, and iii. Health care provider; b. The location of the health care institution and the emergency medical resources available at the health care institution; and c. A determination by the administrative medical director that the health care institution is able to accept and capable of treating the patient. C. Before initiating transport of a patient accessing emergency medical services through a call to 9-1-1 or a similar public emergency dispatch number, an EMCT, emergency medical services provider, or ambulance service shall: 1. Notify, by radio or telephone communication, a health care institution that is not an emergency receiving facility of the EMCT’s intent to transport the patient to the health care institution; and 2. Receive confirmation of the willingness of the health care institution to accept the patient. D. An EMCT transporting a patient accessing emergency medical services through a call to 9-1-1 or a similar public emergency dispatch number to a health care institution that is not an emergency receiving facility shall transfer care of the patient to a designee authorized by: 1. A physician, 2. A registered nurse practitioner, 3. A physician assistant, or 4. A registered nurse. E. An emergency medical services provider or an ambulance service that implements this rule shall make available for Department review and inspection written records relating to the transport of a patient under subsections (B), (C), and (D).