8118 - Prehospital registered nurses.
§ 8118. Prehospital registered nurses. (a) Scope of practice.--A PHRN is a higher-level EMS provider than an advanced EMT. A PHRN performs for an EMS agency basic and advanced EMS skills and, as authorized by the department, additional nursing skills within the scope of practice of a registered nurse under the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), known as The Professional Nursing Law, or a successor act, as follows: (1) As a member of the crew of an ambulance. (2) As a member of a QRS to stabilize and improve a patient's condition in an out-of-hospital emergency until an ambulance arrives at the scene and then may assist the ambulance crew. (3) As a first aid or safety officer, or in a similar capacity, as prescribed by regulation of the department. (4) In another capacity as authorized by regulation of the department. (b) Certification.--The department shall certify as a PHRN an individual who meets all of the following: (1) Has a current license as a registered nurse with the State Board of Nursing. (2) Is at least 18 years of age. (3) Has a current certificate evidencing successful completion of a CPR course acceptable to the department. (4) Has passed a PHRN skills practical examination approved by the department. (5) Has passed a written PHRN certification examination approved by the department. (c) Biennial registration.--A PHRN's certification is deemed registered when the certification is issued. The initial registration shall expire as set forth in section 8113(n) (relating to emergency medical services providers). Except for the initial registration period, a PHRN must register the PHRN certification at two-year intervals by completing an application for biennial registration on a form or through an electronic process, as prescribed by regulation of the department. The following shall apply: (1) The department shall issue a biennial registration of a PHRN certification to a PHRN who meets all of the following: (i) Has a current registration and applies for a new registration no later than: (A) 30 days before the current registration is to expire; or (B) a lesser time established by regulation of the department. (ii) Has current registration of a registered nurse license. (iii) Successfully secures continuing education credits for a PHRN biennial registration as required by the department in continuing education programs approved by the department. (2) A PHRN whose registration of a PHRN certification has expired must qualify for a biennial registration of the certification as prescribed by regulation of the department. Effective Date. Section 9(1) of Act 37 of 2009 provided that section 8118 shall take effect 180 days after the publication of the notice in section 7.