Legal Issues
The legal issues topic contains news and information about legal issues affecting EMS personnel, agencies or departments. Find the latest news from personnel misconduct, to disciplinary and harassment cases, to malpractice lawsuits, as well as advice to prevent legal action with EMS training, documentation and management.
EMS clinicians should rely on their assessment and facts when assessing people with a suspected factitious disorder
These sources of start-up and long-term funding can help launch and provide economic sustainability for mobile integrated health care
The Legal Guardian answers a reader鈥檚 question about legal liability for his partner鈥檚 inaccurate and poorly written patient care narratives
Valparaiso police bodycam video shows how delayed assessment prolonged treatment for a stroke victim
The Rye Fire Protection District chief is accused of responding to over 200 calls with expired paramedic certification
A fatal medication error and subsequent involuntary manslaughter charge highlights the ongoing challenges of error reporting in EMS
Regardless of why an error happened, the focus should be on preventing any future errors, supporting the provider鈥檚 remediation plan and helping them move on
The former Sioux City Fire Rescue paramedic realized she had given the patient rocuronium when she went to administer a second dose of ketamine
President Donald Trump鈥檚 executive order halts U.S. contributions to the World Health Organization and calls for reforms on transparency
First Response accused Decatur and Decatur Morgan Hospital of conspiring to create conditions where First Response would lose its certificate of public necessity and convenience
An assistant deputy paramedic chief retired and an EMS captain was suspended after an investigation found falsified reports
Burnsville Officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Finseth were ambushed during a domestic disturbance
A Honolulu EMT and paramedic were kicked and punched by the patient during a call on New Year鈥檚 Eve
Dr. Amanda Berndtson shares the impact of wall-related injuries on EMS and hospitals in Southern Arizona and San Diego at NAEMSP Grand Rounds
City attorneys are trying to have a FOIA case dismissed as survivors and victims鈥� families demand that air quality studies be released
Vague definitions and enforcement challenges raise concerns about how a new law will function in real-world emergencies, leaving providers to navigate gray areas under pressure
A notice has been filed indicating that the man suspected in the deaths of a Florence County paramedic and a New Mexico State Police officer may change his plea
Know the newest fire- and EMS-related laws
Matthew Plote, a former firefighter-EMT, was convicted of strangling EMT Melissa Lamesch, who was days away from giving birth, and setting her home on fire
The dos and don鈥檛s of operating in an era where everyone has a camera on you
The decision reinstates plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two others involved in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, sparing them the death penalty
A new law to keep bystanders from interfering with first responders goes into effect in 2025
Two Flat Rock EMTs were immediately fired after an investigation found they did not contact medical control due to the patient鈥檚 disorientation
The state attorney general is seeking to recoup public funds stolen by the former president of New Chapel EMS
Lessons from a Florida chief鈥檚 message to grieving members
In this video, risk management expert Gordon Graham explains how making a point to actively listen can assist first responders while on scene
The Hillsborough County medic was suspended in 2019 despite showing his valid medical marijuana card after failing a random drug test
Syracuse Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Lt. Michael Hoosock were killed in a shooting during which the two agencies were unable to get on the same radio channel
The new Bernalillo County policy aims to support first responders dealing with trauma, allowing them to 鈥渇ind the best alternative ... best medicine for them鈥�
Harris County ESD11 Mobile Healthcare developed 10 commandments to set initial expectations while onboarding 200 paramedics
The 9th annual What Paramedics Want survey wants to hear from medical first responders, EMTs and paramedics about their career satisfaction, health and wellness
Insights, challenges and future directions: Highlighting the most compelling discussions that shaped EMS this year
Several ambulance associations argued that the rule posed a threat to the financial viability of ambulance services, particularly in rural areas
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- Ariz. EMTs, paramedics face $5M wrongful death lawsuits
- Judge frees Colo. paramedic convicted in death of Elijah McClain
- Lawsuit against S.C. EMS, sheriff鈥檚 office in patient鈥檚 death heads to trial
- Federal court vacates VA rule reducing ambulance payments
- Jurors see video of EMTs during trial over death of Tyre Nichols