The Emergency Medical Service’s Board has amended its current rules regarding Immunization Requirements by removing the requirement for Covered Emergency Medical Services Persons to be immunized against COVID-19, retaining Influenza, and adding Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Pertussis as diseases for which immunization is required for EMS persons who routinely provide direct patient care. The amendments include: an option for a “Masking Agreement” to be completed annually in lieu of seasonal influenza vaccination or when a Covered Emergency Medical Services Person possesses a Medical Exemption, clarifies that Licensed Ambulance Operators are not considered Covered Emergency Medical Services Persons, sets an effective date of November 1, 2025, for immunization against the diseases enumerated except influenza, provides for new recordkeeping requirements effective January 1, 2025, and clarifies that reports are required on an annual basis.
An operational bulletin providing additional guidance on the Masking Agreement may be found at Masking Agreement Guidance for the 2023 Amendments to Chapter 21 (PDF) (1/10/24)
A copy of the effective rule may be found at Rules - Maine Bureau of EMS (PDF) (1/10/24)