1.1 This practice covers the qualifications, responsibilities, and authority of individuals and institutions providing medical direction of emergency medical services.

1.2 This practice addresses the qualifications, authority, and responsibility of a Medical Director (off-line) and the relationship of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) provider to this individual.

1.3 This practice also addresses components of on-line medical direction (direct medical control) including the qualifications and responsibilities of on-line medical physicians and the relationship of the prehospital provider to on-line medical direction.

1.4 This practice addresses the relationship of the on-line medical physician to the off-line Medical Director.

1.5 The authority for control of medical services at the scene of a medical emergency is addressed in this practice.

1.6 The requirements for a Communication Resource are also addressed within this practice.