Please note that this post has been updated to add the exemption form, and to correct dates that were inaccurate. We apologize for the error and any confusion.
The Maine EMS Board has adopted Chapter 21 as part of the Maine EMS Rules. Those rules have been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office. The new chapter specifically states that the “effective date” of the rules will be 30 days following publication by the Secretary of State. Despite being submitted on July 8, 2022, the rules were not posted publicly and published until Wednesday, July 20, 2022. As a result, Chapter 21 – Immunizations Required will not be in full effect until August 19, 2022, for COVID-19 immunizations and November 1, 2023, for influenza immunizations.
Please note that this rule states that no entity may permit a covered emergency medical services person to provide direct patient care without a certificate of immunization or appropriate exemption.
Section Three of Chapter 21 rules speaks to a Maine EMS-approved form for documenting medical exemptions for required immunizations. The form is available on the Maine EMS website under "Other Resources", on the bottom of the Policies/Rules/Resources Page
Please see the full rule for the entirety of the document.
- Click on the following for the new Chapter 21 – Immunizations Required (PDF)
- Read the Operations Bulletin 2022-07-21-01 Maine EMS Rules Chapter 21 - Immunizations Required (PDF) (7/21/22)
- Visit the entire Maine EMS Rules with the new chapter included on the Policies/Rules/Resources Page
There are additional proposed rules open for public comment until 11:59 pm on July 22, 2022, please visit the notice link here.