09/18/2013

Accepting Nominations for Appointment to State Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Board

Ohio ACEP is looking for an Emergency Physician with an interest in EMS to fill an upcoming vacancy on the State Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Board. By law, the Ohio Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians (Ohio ACEP) nominates physicians from its membership for consideration by the Ohio Governor, who ultimately appoints members to sit on the Board.

The State Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Board seat, currently held by Brian Springer, M.D., who represents the position as designated by statute (O.R.C. 4765) for an Emergency Physician, is due for re-nomination by our organization. The current position expires November 12, 2013.

The law specifies that vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments; i.e., the Governor shall appoint this member from among three persons nominated from each of the following organizations: the Ohio Osteopathic Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians, Ohio Chapter. The statute requires that the nominees be physicians certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine who are active in the practice of emergency medicine and are actively involved with an emergency medical service organization. Click here to see the requirements.

While there is no restriction against nominating the current Board Member for reappointment, Dr. Springer has decided to not seek reappointment. Dr. Springer notes that there are dedicated people on the State Board and at the Division of EMS, and work on the Board will continue to have new challenges that are both exciting and require long term investments of effort.

The Governor makes Board appointments that represent the professions as required by statute AND the geographical and cultural diversity of Ohio. The statute requires specifically that the Governor appoint only members active in the practice of emergency medicine and are actively involved with an emergency medical service organization and shall attempt to include members representing urban and rural areas, various geographical regions of the state and various schools of training.

The duties of a State Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Board member may be found in the Ohio Revised Code and include overseeing the certification and training of Ohio's EMS and Fire personnel; making recommendations to the General Assembly on legislation to improve the delivery of emergency medical services; overseeing the state EMS grant program; and investigating complaints about EMS personnel.

This is a three year appointment and requires attendance in Columbus at bi-monthly board meetings and an annual retreat. In return, Board members have a real opportunity to impact statewide policy in emergency medical services.

Ohio ACEP members interested in being considered for this appointment should send a brief letter of interest and a CV to the Ohio Chapter ACEP office no later than September 27, 2013.

Interest may be made via e-mail to Laura Tiberi, Executive Director, Ohio ACEP at ltiberi@ohacep.org or by mail to same at Ohio ACEP, 3510 Snouffer Rd., Ste 100, Columbus, OH 43235.