NREMT Announces Distributive Education Limits Lifted for 2021

PRESS RELEASE­

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the National Registry recognizes the unique needs and concerns of EMS professionals. One of those concerns is the uncertainty and limited availability of classroom education. 

On Monday, August 17, 2020, The National Registry’s Board of Directors responded by announcing the decision to waive the Distributive Education (DE) limits in the NCCP Model for the 2021 recertification season to ensure EMS professionals could maintain their national certification while assuring continued competency. 

“The National Registry and our Board of Directors carefully and thoughtfully made this decision,” said Bill Seifarth, executive director of the National Registry. “We sought input and feedback from a wide array of stakeholders and our liaison organizations.”  

Distributive Education limits will be removed for the recertification cycle ending March 30, 2021 (EMT, AEMT, paramedic) and September 30, 2021 (EMR).

EMTs, AEMTs and paramedics who are due to recertify on March 30, 2021 will have no limits on Distributive Education. This allows all continuing education to be accomplished online through any state-accepted or CAPCE-accredited program or education site. Of course, in-person continuing education will also be accepted. The same will apply to EMRs due to recertify on September 30, 2021.  

Distribution Education limits will be restored for the recertification cycle ending March 30, 2022 (EMT, AEMT, paramedic) and September 30, 2022 (EMR). 

DE limits will be restored for the 2022 recertification cycle. Providers at all levels who have an expiration date in 2022 must follow the NCCP 2016 Model Requirements, including DE limits. The DE limits and NCCP Model Requirements are available on our website:  

• EMR: https://www.nremt.org/rwd/public/document/emr-recert 
• EMT: https://www.nremt.org/rwd/public/document/emt-recert 
• AEMT: https://www.nremt.org/rwd/public/document/advancedemt-recert 
• NRP: https://www.nremt.org/rwd/public/document/paramedic-recert 

“The National Registry continues to encourage in-person continuing education where and when available,” added Seifarth. “But we are mindful of the significant exposure risks each of you already take on a daily basis on the front lines of the pandemic. We hope to limit those risks by eliminating the DE limits through the 2021 recertification season.”  

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the press release above belong solely to the company/vendor/author and do not necessarily reflect those of EMS World or HMP.