Who has the authority to issue an emergency suspension to any EMS licensee?

The authority to issue an emergency suspension to any EMS licensee lies with the Commissioner or their designated representative. This is founded in the legal framework that governs emergency medical services, which emphasizes the need for swift action when there are concerns regarding public safety or violations of regulatory standards by an EMS licensee.

The Commissioner is often charged with overseeing the operations and compliance of EMS services, ensuring that they adhere to the regulations and standards set forth by state law. When there is an immediate threat to public safety, such as misconduct, inadequate training, or hazardous practices, the Commissioner has the responsibility and authority to suspend a license promptly to protect the community.

Options that mention a group manager or program specialist investigator do not hold this specific authority. While they may be involved in oversight or enforcement of standards within their scope, they typically do not have the unilateral power to enact emergency suspensions that can quickly remove a licensee from service, which is critical in situations where immediate action is necessary to safeguard public health and safety.