2016 Arkansas Code
Title 20 - Public Health and Welfare
Subtitle 2 - Health and Safety
Chapter 13 - Emergency Medical Services
Subchapter 2 - -- Emergency Medical Services Act
§ 20-13-209. Department of Health -- Powers and duties

The Department of Health shall have the responsibility and authority to:

(1) Administer this subchapter;

(2) Enforce the rules, regulations, and standards promulgated by the State Board of Health for the administration and enforcement of this subchapter;

(3) Employ and prescribe the duties of employees as may be necessary to administer this subchapter;

(4) Certify emergency medical personnel as defined in § 20-13-202 through use of a national competency examination by qualified examiners upon the completion of required curriculum;

(5) Issue and renew operational permits for each ambulance or advanced life support rescue or air ambulance service. However, no permit shall be issued unless each ambulance, advanced life support rescue unit, or air ambulance, when in use as such, conforms with the standards, requirements, and regulations as set forth by the board;

(6) Issue initial and renewal licenses to any qualified applicant that provides emergency medical services or advanced life support rescue services, whether the applicant is an individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity, as well as a municipality or other unit of government;

(7) Assist area health planning in the establishment and operation of local, municipal, county, or district emergency medical services;

(8) In addition to collecting fees pursuant to § 20-13-211, accept public and private gifts, grants, and donations for the purpose of administering this subchapter; and

(9) Engage in the development of dispatching capabilities for emergency ambulance services in this state. The emergency medical services provider shall make a reasonable effort to see that a patient is taken to a physician or hospital of the patient's choice, if within a reasonable distance.