Sharing from the NREMT. Maine does not have, nor has it had, a limit on distributive education hours for Maine EMS license renewal, but for those who maintain their NREMT certification, this is welcome news.
Historically, the National Registry standards for recertification included limits on the amount of Distributive Education each registrant is required to have for recertification.
Throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022, Distributive Education limits were temporarily waived to adapt to the urgent needs of the EMS community and ensure providers can maintain National Certification throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Registry continues to be receptive to the strain of workforce pressures and overall accessibility limitations with traditional continued education.
Following the National Registry's Board of Directors meeting on June 15, 2022, the Board passed 22-Resolution-06, which permanently removes Distributive Education (DE) limits for EMRs, EMTs, AEMTs and Paramedics beginning September 30, 2022.
22-Resolution-06: Distributive Education Limits
- Distributive Education, or asynchronous education, can be defined as delivering EMS education without an instructor present in a classroom environment or unable to interact with the student in real-time.
- New: This resolution applies to all requirements for continuing education, including recertification, state licensure eligibility requirement, refresher training after three failed examinations, and re-entry.
- This change will be effective September 30, 2022, to avoid complications with the 2023 recertification applications.
Please note that any required local competency and skill verifications remain unchanged for inactive or active status certification.