How to Apply for a N.H. Waiver
How to file a request for a license extension?
If EMTs critical to your services operations are about to lapse, it is possible to request a License Extension Waiver from the State of New Hampshire. These waivers are available in extenuating circumstances where EMTs have been diligent in pursuing recertification. Typically, this includes situations where paperwork is pending or extraordinary circumstances (e.g. a death in the family) prevents the EMT from completing the recertification process on time. The procedure for doing this is explained below and covered by N.H. Saf-C 5903.08: Waivers of Unit and Provider License Applications.
Who is Eligible for a Waiver?
The Head of an EMS Unit must request waivers on behalf of their providers if failure to receive the waiver would result in a hardship to the Unit.
Tip! Waiver can only be requested for a provider by their “Primary” service.
Tip! Waivers are generally granted only for those providers who have submitted their recertification paperwork to the National Registry but have not heard back waiting for it to be processed.
Tip! Waivers are typically issued for 30 days or less. Upon receiving your new EMT card from the National Registry you must send it to the State of New Hampshire before the waiver expiration date.
How do I request a Waiver for my Provider(s)?
To request a waiver the Head of an EMS Primary Unit must write a letter on behalf of their providers:
- Address requests for waivers to Department of Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes,
- Mail the letters to:
Attn: EMS Bureau Chief Suzanne Prentiss
Dept. of Safety, Division of FSTEMS, NH Bureau of EMS
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
What should be included in the Letter Requesting a Waiver?
Waiver request letters must include:
- Print the letter on service department letterhead
- The name of the EMS Unit and the Head of Unit requesting the waiver
- Address and telephone number of the EMS Unit
- State that a waiver is being requested to extend provider licenses in accordance with rule Saf-C 5903.08
- List the provider(s) for whom the waiver(s) is/are being requested and their N.H. License number(s).
- An explanation of the hardship your EMS Unit will face if the provider(s) lapse
Practical Tips!
- Explain why granting the waiver will “not prevent the unit or provider from providing adequate care to patients” (e.g. Providers have completed all necessary continuing training and demonstrated competency in all necessary skill)
- When the provider(s) is expected to be recertified? What has been done to make this happen? Example: EMT John Smith submitted his completed recertification packet to the National Registry on March 15, 2010 but has yet to hear back. We expect that Mr. Smith will be recertified by April 15, 2010.)
- Letters must be signed by the Head of the EMS Unit
Common Mistakes
- Practical Tip! Avoid letters that are “one-liners” and do not address the requirements listed above.
- Practical Tip! Avoid requesting waivers when recertification paperwork has not been submitted to the National Registry
What Happens Next?
After the request letter is submitted, the Department of Safety Commissioner is required to issue a ruling within 60 days. In our experience, you will hear from the Commissioner in a timely fashion. His ruling is final.
Remember: Upon receiving their new EMT card from the National Registry you must sent it to the State of New Hampshire (e.g. via fax) before the end of the waiver.
Note: If you are discovered working without either a current, valid license or waiver, you can be investigated, and possibly suspended or revoked.
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