Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC) Emergency Medical Services Committee (EMS) - 157 Workgroup Agenda

June 10, 2025 - 2:00 pm

United States

This meeting will be conducted virtually through Teams. Virtual meeting links are posted to the GETAC webpage at www.dshs.texas.gov/dshs-ems-trauma-systems/governors-ems-trauma-advisory-council.

Meeting Notice: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) bots is prohibited in this meeting. In accordance with HHS policy, the use of Artificial Intelligence also known as “AI” Notetakers is expressly prohibited. Producers will not admit a ‘bot’ or other autonomous agent into the meeting. If a ‘bot’ should inadvertently gain entrance, it will be removed from the meeting by one of our producers.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee 157 Workgroup Chair: Dwayne Howerton, RN, LP
DSHS: Sabrina Richardson, EMT-P, Joseph Schmider, State EMS Director

  1. Call to order – Dwayne Howerton RN, LP, Chair
  2. Roll call – Dwayne Howerton RN, LP, Chair
  3. Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Rule §157.11 Requirements for an EMS Provider License – Dwayne Howerton RN, LP, Chair
    1. Review and discuss TAC 157.11 Sections (a-h) – Workgroup members
      1. (a) Purpose: Acquiring, issuing, and maintaining an EMS Provider License
      2. (b) EMS in Texas is a delegated practice, as written in Occupations Code, §157.003 and TAC 169, Subchapter C.
      3. (c) Application requirements for an EMS Provider License
      4. (d) EMS Provider License
      5. (e) Vehicles
      6. (f) Substitution, replacement, and additional EMS vehicles
      7. (g) Staffing Plan Required
      8. (h) Minimum Staffing Required
    2. Discuss and provide recommendations on TAC 157.11 Sections (i-l) – Workgroup members
      1. (i) Treatment and Transport Protocols Required.
      2. (j) EMS Equipment, Supplies, Medical Devices, Parenteral Solutions, and Pharmaceuticals.
      3. (k) The following equipment must be present on each in-service EMS vehicle and on, or immediately available for, each response ready vehicle as required by the medical director's approved equipment list to include all state-required equipment. The equipment list shall include equipment required for treatment and transport of adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients.
      4. (l) National Accreditation.
  4. Items to be placed on the agenda for the next EMS Committee 157 Workgroup meeting – Dwayne Howerton RN, LP, Chair    
  5. General public comment: Comment time may be limited at the Chair's discretion.
  6. Announcements – Dwayne Howerton RN, LP, Chair
  7. Next meeting date – Dwayne Howerton RN, LP, Chair    
  8. Adjournment – Dwayne Howerton RN, LP, Chair    

Public Comment: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) welcomes public comments pertaining to topics related to Emergency Health Care. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in this process by providing written public comments to DSHS by emailing deidra.lee@dshs.texas.gov no later than 5:00 PM, June 6, 2025. Please include your name and either the organization you are representing or that you are speaking as a private citizen. Written comments are limited to three minutes and will be read during the meeting for consideration by the Council. The request must contain your name, the name of the organization you represent or that you are speaking of as a private citizen, and your direct phone number.

Public comment is limited to three minutes. Speakers must state their name, affiliation, and on whose behalf they are speaking. Public members who are using handouts are asked to provide an electronic copy in accessible PDF format that will be distributed by DSHS staff to Council members, state staff, and for public distribution. Handouts are limited to two pages of documentation (paper size: 8.5" by 11", one side only). Handouts must be emailed to DSHS by 5:00 PM, June 6, 2025, and include the name of the person commenting.

Note: These procedures may be revised at the discretion of DSHS.

Contact: Questions regarding agenda items, content, or meeting arrangements should be directed to Jorie Klein, DSHS, at 512-535-8538 or Jorie.Klein@dshs.texas.gov.

People with disabilities who wish to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aids or services should contact Jorie Klein at 512-535-8538 or Jorie.Klein@dshs.texas.gov at least 72 hours before the meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made.