TITLE 12. HEALTH
TITLE 12. HEALTH
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Final Regulation
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Board of Health is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.
Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-31. Virginia Emergency Medical Services Regulations (amending 12VAC5-31-790).
Statutory Authority: §§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-111.4 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: November 19, 2025.
Agency Contact: Ron Passmore, Director, Regulation and Compliance, Office of Emergency Medical Services, Virginia Department of Health, 1001 Technology Park Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500, telephone (804) 888-9131, or email ron.passmore@vdh.virginia.gov.
Summary:
Pursuant to Chapter 459 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly, the amendments authorize combination fire department and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies operating under a single EMS license or certification to display the fire department logo and lettering in a size larger than that used to identify the EMS agency name.
12VAC5-31-790. EMS vehicle letter restrictions and specifications.
A. The following specifications apply to an EMS vehicle: the EMS agency name must appear in lettering larger than any optional lettering on an EMS vehicle, other than "Ambulance," the unit identification number, or any lettering on the roof. Optional lettering, logos, or emblems may not appear on an EMS vehicle in a manner that interferes with the public's ability to readily identify the EMS agency to which the EMS vehicle is permitted.
1. Additional lettering, logos, or emblems must not advertise or imply a specified patient care level (i.e., Advanced Life Support Unit) unless the EMS vehicle is so equipped at all times.
2. The terms "Paramedic" or "Paramedical" may only be used when the EMS vehicle is both equipped and staffed by a state certified Paramedic paramedic at all times.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, an EMS vehicle of a combination fire department and EMS agency operating under a single EMS agency license, in accordance with established policies for identifying both the EMS agency license holder and the fire department, may display a fire department logo or lettering larger than the lettering identifying the EMS agency name.
C. A nontransport response vehicle with a primary purpose as a fire apparatus or law-enforcement vehicle is not required to comply with the specifications for vehicle marking and lettering, provided the vehicle is appropriately marked and lettered to identify it as an authorized emergency vehicle.
C. D. An unmarked vehicle operated by an EMS agency is not eligible for issuance of an EMS vehicle permit except a vehicle used and operated by law-enforcement personnel.
VA.R. Doc. No. R26-8384; Filed September 19, 2025