National Emergency Responder Credentialing System Medical and Public Health Background This document describes baseline and additional criteria for the National Emergency Response Credentialing System. Credentialing The Public Health/Medical Working Group determined the job titles listed herein to be the most commonly requested public health and medical personnel in a state-to-state mutual aid-based response. 1. Required Criteria Considering existing, nationally-accepted standards, the Public Health/Medical Working Group extracted relevant education, training, experience, physical/medical fitness, certification, and licensing criteria to define the baseline criteria for each job title listed below. These baseline criteria represent the minimum requirements for public health and medical personnel to participate in the Incident Management Systems Division.s National Emergency Responder Credentialing System. 2. Clinically- Based Courses Many nationally recognized clinically-based certification/verification courses such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support are appropriate and essential resources for field personnel. Such courses are not included within these criteria because they are recognized as an employer/system expectation commonly used to measure knowledge and performance. They are desirable but have not been included within these criteria as a requirement that must be inventoried. 3. Equivalent Courses Per NIMS compliance at the time of publication, ICS- and FEMA IS- training courses are listed. Equivalent courses must meet the NIMS National Standard Curriculum. 4. Categories Please refer to the Definitions section for the categories used in the National Emergency Responder Credentialing System. Web Site For more information, you can also refer to the National Mutual Aid and Resource Management Web site located at: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/mutual_aid.shtm Job Titles 1. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 2. Assessment Team Leader 3. Behavioral Health Specialist, Licensed 4. Behavioral Health Specialist, Unlicensed 5. Dental Assistant/Hygienist 6. Dentist 7. Dialysis Technician 8. Dietician/Nutritionist 9. Environmental Health Generalist 10. Environmental Health Specialist 11. Environmental Health Team Leader 12. Epidemiologist 13. Epidemiology Interviewer 14. Epidemiology Team Leader 15. Laboratory Technologist/Technician 16. Mass Dispensing Team Leader 17. Mass Dispensing, Consultant 18. Mass Dispensing, Dispenser 19. Mass Dispensing, Operations Team Consultant 20. Mass Dispensing, Patient Intake/Line Flow Consultant 21. Mass Dispensing, Public Information Consultant 22. Mass Dispensing, Vaccinator 23. Medical Unit Team Leader 24. Patient Care Technician 25. Pharmacist 26. Pharmacy Technician 27. Phlebotomist 28. Physician 29. Physician Assistant 30. Public Health Data Entry Staff 31. Public Health Disaster Assessor 32. Public Health Information Technology Specialist 33. Public Health and Medical Support Team Leader in a Shelter 34. Radiologic Technician 35. RSS Distribution Leader 36. RSS Finance and Administrative Team Lead 37. RSS Logistics Team Lead 38. RSS Operations Team Lead 39. RSS Tactical Communications Leader 40. RSS Task Force Leader 41. Registered Nurse 42. Respiratory Therapist 43. Social Worker 44. Surgical Technician Definitions AAB American Association of Bioanalysts ADA American Dietetic Association Agency An administrative unit of government AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction AMT American Medical Technologists APRN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse APT Association of Phlebotomy Technicians ARRT American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ASCP American Society for Clinical Pathology CADE Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association CBRNE Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives CDA Certified Dental Assistant Certification Designation granted by AHJ that an individual has met requirements and achieved specific knowledge, skills, and abilities CFA Certified First Assistant CRT Certified Respiratory Therapist CST Certified Surgical Technologist CSTE Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists DANB Dental Assisting National Board DEA Drug Enforcement Administration Education Formal instruction that is based on a curriculum that prepares an individual with the core knowledge and skill for entry into a discipline and for performing a job function EFDA Expanded Function Dental Assistant Epi Epidemiology Experience Time required functioning in a job title for an individual to attain proficiency in applying knowledge, skills, and abilities. “Commensurate” relates to a particular specialty for which the individual is being deployed-- such as a clinical (i.e. emergency, critical care, medical/surgical, operating room, etc) or community practice setting rather than an expectation that practitioner will have previous MCI experience FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency HazMat Hazardous Materials ICS Incident Command System IS Independent Study Licensing Legal designation granted by AHJ that an individual has met the necessary legal requirements to function in a job title LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker MCI Mass casualty incident NCA National Credentialing Agency for laboratory personnel NIMS National Incident Management System NPA National Phlebotomy Association NCCPA National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants OJT On the job training OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration POD Point of Dispersing RD Registered Dietician RDA Registered Dental Assistant RN Registered Nurse RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist RSS Receiving, Staging and Storage Service Non-government, private sector organization SNS Strategic National Stockpile Training Instruction and/or activities that enhance an individual.s core knowledge, increase a skill set and proficiency, and strengthen and augment abilities TS-C Technician in Surgery-Certified Without restrictions Unencumbered; free of any disciplinary or legal limitations 1. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of an advanced practice registered nurse is to function as a health care professional licensed to diagnose and treat a range of health problems, working either independently or in collaboration with a physician or other licensed independent practitioner. APRNs specialize and most become certified in such areas as anesthesia, emergency care, pediatrics, geriatrics, family, obstetrics, psychiatry and acute care. Table 1-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited nursing program with graduate (masters or above) level advanced education1 and clinical training as an advanced practice registered nurse or nurse practitioner TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, service, or private practice 2. Primary source verification of clinical privileges with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service CERTIFICATION: Current DEA registration if granted prescriptive privileges by the state of primary registration LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as an advanced practice nurse, nurse practitioner, CRNA, or midwife without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory2 COMMENTS: 1 Some APRNs have been grandfathered into the profession. Even if not master.s degree prepared or certified by national certifying organization, they still retain the authority to practice as an APRN. Under these circumstances, an exception may be considered to the criteria. 2 Variance between licensure requires confirmation of level or practice capability. Some states require both RN and APRN licensure while others require only RN licensure with additional credentials. Table 1-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: Certification or registration in specialties commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 2. Assessment Team Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Assessment Team Leader is to lead the assessment of public health and medical impacts and the countermeasures and priorities required to restore a basic level of public health and medical services following an incident. The leader will advise the requesting authority on sustained capacities for full assessment operations and recommended reassessment operations. Table 2-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s degree in health or public health field TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula or equivalent experience (knowledge of select areas such as water rescue may be provided by knowledge of other team members if relevant to the operation): 1. ICS 300: Intermediate ICS 2. ICS 400: Advanced ICE 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. FEMA IS-701: NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS) 5. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI 6. Basic Risk Communication EXPERIENCE: 1. Five years in a management position in public health or hospital (including familiarity with environmental health, disease investigation, infection control, and hospital and public health operations). 2. Two previous deployments to an incident of Type 1 or 2 significance Deployment must include assessment, analysis, and presentation of incident situation and forecasted situation as Situation or Advanced Planning Unit Leader, Planning Section Chief, or an Operations assessment team CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required Table 2-2: Recommended Criteria EDUCATION: Advanced degree recommended TRAINING: 1. P 450: All Hazards Logistics Section Chief 2. First Responder Operations Level for Hazardous Materials as per OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 3. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response 4. Respiratory Protection training and quantitative fit test per 29 CFR 1910.134 5. DOJ Emergency Response to Terrorism, Basic Concepts or equivalent 6. OPERATIONS Level training per NFPA 1670 including: Hazardous Materials Operations GPS Awareness Level course (Garmin V or equivalent) CERTIFICATION: Current Hazwoper certification Certified Emergency Manager as recognized by national, state, or professional governing body or extensive disaster operational experience leading assessment activities 3. Behavioral Health Specialist, Licensed Description The primary purpose of a behavioral health specialist is to function as a mental health or substance abuse professional in a disaster setting. A behavioral health specialist is qualified to provide behavioral health triage, assessment and stabilization or referral of responders and affected populations. In addition, a licensed behavioral health specialist, including but not limited to psychologists, LMFT, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselors or state-recognized equivalent, is qualified to provide and supervise diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders within the context of various family systems. 1 Table 3-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Completion of a Master's or Doctoral degree in behavioral health, mental health, or its equivalent from an accredited college or university TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI 5. Crisis Intervention or Disaster Behavioral Health Training EXPERIENCE: 1. Ongoing, active participation with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, service, or private practice 2. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: DEA registration with prescriptive privileges as needed LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a Behavioral Health Specialist without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory COMMENTS: 1Physicians and Advanced Practice Nurses functioning in behavioral health settings are expected to meet the criteria of their respective disciplines as well as these minimum criteria. Table 3-2: Recommended Criteria CERTIFICATION: Certification or registration in specialties commensurate with the mission assignment 4. Behavioral Health Specialist, Unlicensed Description The primary purpose of an unlicensed behavioral health specialist is to provide supportive mental health or substance abuse services in a disaster setting. An unlicensed behavioral health specialist is qualified to provide supportive disaster behavioral health interventions, behavioral health triage, assessment, and stabilization or referral of responders, disaster survivors, and affected populations. Unlicensed behavioral health specialists are individuals with undergraduate degrees or training in fields that may include, but are not limited to, psychology, social work, counseling, substance abuse, and pastoral care. Table 4-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Completion of an undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences such as psychology, social work, counseling or its equivalent from an accredited college or university TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI 5. Crisis Intervention or Disaster Behavioral Health Training EXPERIENCE: Ongoing, active participation with an established health care-related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service Table 4-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: Certification or registration in specialties commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 5. Dental Assistant/Hygienist DESCRIPTION: The primary focus is serving in to assist dentists and oral surgeons to manage acute dental problems and assist with exams and procedures. The Dental Assistant or Hygienist: 1. Functions within the practitioner.s (home state dental commission) scope of duties as a dental assistant or hygienist. 2. Possesses basic and advanced skills to include: a. hand instruments and materials to dentists, use of suction or other devices; b. sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care; c. radiographic techniques; darkroom and processing techniques; and film mounting; expose radiographs and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist; d. prepare materials for making impressions and restorations Table 5-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Successful completion of state recognized course of instruction or completion of an accredited dental assistant program or dental hygiene program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS. 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS. 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction. 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI. EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with a providing entity such as an established health care institution, system, agency, service or private practice. CERTIFICATION: Successful completion of one of the following: 1. State-approved certification at this level 2. RDH, EFDA, CDA, or RDA certification if required by the state of primary registration. 3. Radiation Health and Safety examination offered by the DANB or state approved course in radiology. LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a dental assistant or dental hygienist without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory 6. Dentist DESCRIPTION: A dentist is an independent health care professional trained in oral health promotion, disease prevention and comprehensive oral health care. Table 6-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited dental school TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS. 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS. 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction. 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI. EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification or employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, service, or private practice. LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a doctor of dental surgery or doctor of medical dentistry without restrictions granted by a state, commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory. Table 6-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment. CERTIFICATION: Certification or registration in specialty as needed to support the mission OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 7. Dialysis Technician DESCRIPTION: The primary focus is serving in an assistive role to physicians and registered nurses in multiple roles, which include dialyzer setup and reuse, equipment maintenance and repair, water treatment monitoring, and direct patient care. Table 7-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalency TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS. 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS. 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction. 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI. EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification or employment with a providing entity such as an established health care institution, system, agency or service. CERTIFICATION: Certification in nephrology technology Table 7-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience functioning in a dialysis unit CERTIFICATION: Certified Medical Technician or other Patient Care Technician recognition OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 8. Dietician/Nutritionist DESCRIPTION: The primary role of the dietician/nutritionist is to plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services or counsel individuals and families. Table 8-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s degree in dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science in accordance with the qualifying requirements established by the ADA TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HAZMAT Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with a providing entity such as an established health care institution, system, agency, or service CERTIFICATION: RD Certification LICENSING: Active legal authority to function as a dietitian/nutritionist without restrictions granted by a state, commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory. Table 8-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: Certification or registration in specialty as needed to support the mission OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 9. Environmental Health Generalist DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Environmental Health Generalist is to independently measure threat or risks to air, food, water, waste, vector, toxics and radiation and recommend or take action to respond and mitigate the threat. Table 9-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s degree in natural or physical science or engineering. TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction 2. OSHA 1910.120 HAZMAT Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. More than 2 years experience in Environmental Health or equivalent 2. Participation as an Environmental Health team member in an incident response or a full-scale exercise, CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as an Environmental Health Professional without restrictions granted by sending state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory as required for the individual.s discipline TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. Bureau of Radiation Control First Responder training 2. Forensic Epidemiology 10. Environmental Health Specialist DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Environmental Health Specialist is to provide professional guidance on specific areas such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, exposure assessment/risk analysis, radiation training and response, as needed for the incident Table 10-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Education in a specialized area relevant to environmental health such as toxicology, exposure assessment/risk analysis, industrial hygiene, radiation training and response plus one of the following: 1. Bachelor.s Degree with at least 5 years experience 2. Master.s Degree with at least 2 years experience TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HAZMAT Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. Specialized, current experience in one of the above sectors 2. Event response experience CERTIFICATION: If pertinent, certification within specialty LICENSING: If pertinent, licensure within specialty 11. Environmental Health Team Leader DESCRIPTION: Manages and provides professional guidance for team of individuals conducting environmental health duties during a disaster. Interfaces with environmental agencies, other public health disciplines and laboratories. Table 11-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s degree in natural or physical science or engineering. TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. ICS-400: Advanced ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. FEMA IS-701: 5. OSHA 1910.120 HAZMAT Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. Experience as a leader of an environmental health team during an incident or a full-scale exercise 2. Minimum of 5 years field experience EH including at least 2 years at a supervisory level 3. Experience working with emergency response organizations CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a [licensed or certified professional] without restrictions granted by sending state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory if required for the individual.s discipline Table 11-2: Recommended Criteria TRAINING: 1. Behavioral Health 2. Basic Risk Communication 3. First Aid/CPR 4. If Emergency involves Radiation: Bureau of Radiation Control First Responder Training 12. Epidemiologist DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of an epidemiologist is to compile, interpret and analyze epidemiologic information during an incident. An epidemiologist interfaces with environmental agencies, other public health disciplines and laboratories. Table 12-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Master.s degree with a focus in epidemiology with 2 or more years. work experience in epidemiology in a public health agency; or Doctoral level epidemiologist; or Other nonepidemiology professional degree or certification (e.g., RN, MD/DO, DDS/DMD, DVM, PhD, RS) with specific epidemiology training (e.g., MPH degree, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service program) or at least 4 years. experience performing epidemiologic work under supervision of a Tier 3 Epidemiologist TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. OSHA 1910.120 HAZMAT Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI 4. Training in use of Epidemiological software. EXPERIENCE: Participation in an active epidemiology role in an incident or full-scale exercise. CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required COMMENTS: AHJ must specify type of incident in order to appropriately match skill set of epidemiologist Tier 2 Epidemiologist as defined by Council of, State, and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Table 12-2: Recommended Criteria CERTIFICATION: ICS-300: Intermediate ICS Basic Risk Communication TRAINING: Forensic Epidemiology 13. Epidemiology Interviewer DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the epidemiology interviewer is to conduct individual interviews needed for the epidemiologic investigation Table 13-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s Degree in a health related field TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 2 or more years of work experience involving interviewing, preferably in field epidemiology in a public health agency CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required Table 13-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE: Phlebotomy skills Clinical specimen collection 14. Epidemiology Team Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Epidemiology Team Leader is to manage and provide professional guidance for a team of individuals conducting surveillance and investigation, intervention, or isolation and quarantine activities. This person interfaces with environmental health teams, other public health disciplines and laboratories Table 14-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Master.s degree with a focus in epidemiology with 2 or more years. work experience in epidemiology in a public health agency; or Doctoral-level epidemiologist or Other non-epidemiology professional degree or certification (e.g., RN, MD/DO, DDS/DMD, DVM, PhD, RS) with specific epidemiology training (e.g., MPH degree, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service program) or at least 4 years. experience performing epidemiologic work under the guidance of a tier 3 epidemiologist TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System 2. ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. FEMA IS-701: NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS)OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. Two to four years epidemiology experience. 2. Experience leading an epi team during at least 3 incidents or full-scale exercises 3. Experience working with emergency response organizations CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required COMMENTS: Tier 2 Epidemiologist as Defined by Council of State, and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Table 14-2: Recommended Criteria TRAINING: 1. Basic Health Risk Communication 2. Forensic Epi 15. Laboratory Technologist/Technician DESCRIPTION: Medical/Laboratory technicians perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, sometimes working under the supervision of a medical technologist. The medical or clinical laboratory technologists are sometimes more specialized than the medical/clinical laboratory technicians. In general, they perform laboratory procedures on human tissue and fluids to help physicians identify disease or determine the health of patients. The technologists are also qualified to analyze, evaluate and interpret results, integrate data, solve problems, consult, conduct research, and develop new test methods. In some cases the technologist will supervise the technician but it is not uncommon for the technician to function independently in the core lab setting. Table 15-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: TECHNOLOGIST: Bachelor.s Degree in Medical Technology or related science from an accredited college or university. TECHNICIAN: Some combination of the above based upon current employment: . High school graduate or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years training in a school for medical technicians. OR . Completion of Associate.s Degree Program for Medical Technicians OR . Minimum 3 years OJT in an accredited hospital setting. TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS. 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS. 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction. 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI. EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service CERTIFICATION: TECHNOLOGIST: All states except those requiring licensure are required to verify certification/registration through a national accreditation or certification board1. TECHNICIAN: Certification/registration requirements are variable within states requiring certification/ registration of technologists and will defer to individual state requirements. LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a laboratory technologist or laboratory technician without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory FOOTNOTES: 1 These may include but are not limited to: AAB, ASCP, AMT, or NCA. Table 15-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 16. Mass Dispensing Team Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Mass Dispensing Team Leader is to function as the senior staff member at a Point of Dispensing (POD) and to serve as a consultant to advise the authority having jurisdiction about dispensing sites. Table 16-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: None required TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. CDC POD Managers Training or equivalent EXPERIENCE: 1. Prior experience managing a POD during an incident or a full-scale exercise 2. At least one year experience in a supervisory position. CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 17. Mass Dispensing, Consultant DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Dispensing Team Consultant is to oversee the proper dispensing station set-up and implementation of protocols to dispense pharmaceuticals to patients at the Points of Dispensing (POD). Table 17-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited nursing, pharmacist, physician assistant or physician program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to NIMS, 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. ICS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. Annual POD set-up and management training in home jurisdiction and/or in AHJ EXPERIENCE: Prior experience serving in the Dispensing Station in a POD in an incident or a full-scale exercise. CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a [licensed or certified professional] without restrictions granted by sending state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory as required for the individual.s discipline 18. Mass Dispensing, Dispenser DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Dispenser is to distribute oral pharmaceuticals to patients at the Points of Dispensing (POD) Table 18-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. „Just in Time. (on site) training 2. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction EXPERIENCE: Dispensing experience preferred. CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 19. Mass Dispensing, Operations Team Consultant DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Operations Team Consultant is to oversee the Points of Dispensing (POD) functions pertaining to the dispensing of medication, such as screening, dispensing, medical evaluation, pharmacy, and/or mental health Table 19-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS 100: 2. ICS 200 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. CDC POD Managers Training Annual POD set-up and management training in home jurisdiction and/or in AHJ EXPERIENCE: Prior experience serving as Team Leader or Operations Leader in a POD in an incident or full scale exercise Mid-to high-level manager in public health agency CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: Not required COMMENTS: This position is the back-up to the team leader/second in command in the POD for a type I team 20. Mass Dispensing, Patient Intake/ Line Flow Consultant DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Line Flow Consultant is to manage the flow going through all stations in the Points of Dispensing (POD) and to perform customer service tasks related to line management in order to supplement security efforts at keeping order. This person ensures that families are kept together and that assistance is provided to those who require it (e.g., patients with wheelchairs, non-English speakers, etc.) Table 20-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS 100, 2. 200, 3. 700 4. Annual POD set-up and management training in home jurisdiction and/or in Authority Having Jurisdiction. EXPERIENCE: Prior experience working in a POD in an incident or full scale exercise CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 21. Mass Dispensing, Public Information Consultant DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Public Information Consultant is to be the lead spokesperson for the POD Table 21-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s degree in communication or equivalent field TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS 100, 2. 200, 3. 700 4. Annual POD set-up and management training in home jurisdiction and/or in AHJ 5. Annual CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Course or equivalent EXPERIENCE: 1. Prior experience serving as a Public Health Risk Communicator and/or Public Information Officer 2. Prior participation in a POD training or exercise CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 22. Mass Dispensing, Vaccinator DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the vaccinator is to administer vaccinations to patients in the POD Table 22-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited nursing or physician assistant program or an advanced practice registered nurse TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS 100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-700: NIMS, an introduction 3. OSHA 1910.1030 Blood Borne Pathogen Training 4. Annual vaccination training or demonstrated vaccination experience on an annual basis as part of routine clinical work CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a [licensed or certified professional] without restrictions granted by sending state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory as required for the individual.s discipline. COMMENTS: 1. Current Hepatitis B Vaccination. 2. TB skin test or chest x-ray within the past year Table 22-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE: Vaccination experience in current practice strongly preferred 23. Medical Unit Team Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary focus of the Medical Unit Team Leader is patient and medical team safety through the coordination of all medical team activities. The Medical Unit Team Leader: 1. Assists in the identification and allocation of resources to support medical missions. 2. Facilitates the communication of information within the medical team. 3. Coordinates medical team activities within the incident command structure. Table 23-1: Required Criteria TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. ICS-400: Advanced ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. At least 2 years supervisory experience in a health setting 2. Participation in a mass casualty incident or full-scale exercise in a leadership position Table 23-2: Recommended Criteria TRAINING: 1. IS-701: Multiagency Coordination System OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 24. Patient Care Technician DESCRIPTION: The primary focus is assisting in direct patient care, planning and assessments including documentation of vital signs, height, weight, input and output, collection of specimens, report and record patient conditions and treatments, and assists with patient mobility, positioning and transfers under the supervision of the nursing staff. Table 24-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Completion of a state-approved training program for certified nursing assistants TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with a providing entity such as an established health care institution, system, agency, or service CERTIFICATION: Certified Nursing Assistant or equivalent certification approved by the state. LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a Certified Nursing Assistant without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory Table 24-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 25. Pharmacist DESCRIPTION: The primary role of the pharmacist is to dispense medications after verifying the appropriateness of the therapy including correct patient, correct drug, correct dose, correct route, correct frequency, drug-drug interactions, allergies, contraindications. The pharmacist may advise health care practitioners on medication selection, dosing and adverse effects. The pharmacist may also provide education to the patients regarding their medication. Table 25-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited pharmacy program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI 5. Ongoing training in the management and care of patients involved in MCIs EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity or public health entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a Registered Pharmacist without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory Table 25-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 26. Pharmacy Technician DESCRIPTION: Prepare medications under the direction and supervision of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count and, label medication in preparation for dispensing by a pharmacist. Table 26-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma, certificate or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service Table 26-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: Successful completion of: 1. State approved program at this level 2. National Pharmacy Technician OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 27. Phlebotomist DESCRIPTION: The primary role of a phlebotomist is collecting blood specimens by venipuncture or finger stick methods for testing as well as assisting medical technologists in the handling of laboratory specimens. Table 27-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalency TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HAZMAT Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with a providing entity such as an established health care institution, system, agency, or service Table 27-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience functioning as a phlebotomist CERTIFICATION: Successful completion of one of the following certifications: 1. State-approved program at this level 2. NPA 3. ASCP 4. APT OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 28. Physician DESCRIPTION: A physician is an independent health care professional trained in health promotion, disease prevention and comprehensive health care. Table 28-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Completion of the following: 1. Graduate of an accredited medical school 2. Minimum one year of post-graduate training TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, service, or private practice 2. Primary source verification of clinical privileges with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service if the mission assignment includes direct patient care. CERTIFICATION: Successful completion of the following: 1. 1. Current DEA registration if granted prescriptive privileges by the state of primary registration and expected to prescribe and/or administer medications commensurate with the mission assignment LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as an allopathic or osteopathic physician without restrictions granted by a state, commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory. Table 28-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: Board certification (ABMS or AOA) in the specialty area that is commensurate with the mission assignment. OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 29. Physician Assistant DESCRIPTION: A physician assistant is a health care professional trained in health promotion, disease prevention and comprehensive health care working under the general supervision of a licensed physician. Table 29-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited or state-recognized physician assistant program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 1. Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, service, or private practice 2. Primary source verification of clinical privileges with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service CERTIFICATION: Active NCCPA certification LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a Physician Assistant without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory. Table 29-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 30. Public Health and Medical Support Team Leader in a Shelter DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Medical/Public Health Shelter Team Leader is to coordinate all medical and public health activities for congregate shelters. This includes the implementation of plans, policies, and procedures for provision of primary and secondary preventative care of mass shelter community and the supervision of community health assessment (initial and ongoing) in mass shelters and the integration of team operations into the mass care site. Table 30-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s degree in a health or public health field TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 5. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 6. ICS-400: Advanced ICS 7. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 8. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: 3. At least 2 years supervisory experience in a health or public health setting 4. Participation in shelter operations in an incident or full-scale exercise in a leadership position CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required Table 30-2: Recommended Criteria TRAINING: FEMA IS-701: Multiagency Coordination System (MACS) 31. Public Health Data Entry Staff DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of epidemiology data entry staff is to function administratively and to have knowledge of epidemiological software and the ability to input epidemiological data in an understandable format using the appropriate software. Table 31-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Associate Degree TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Basic ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent 4. Training in use of Epidemiological software such as Epi Info or Microsoft Access EXPERIENCE: 1. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access and other public health data systems 2. One year of experience inputting epidemiological data in a public health setting such as recording infectious disease reports, entering immunization, vital statistics or other registry data CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 32. Public Health Disaster Assessor DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Public Health Disaster Assessor is to provide the expertise necessary to assess, advise and recommend resources necessary to lessen the impact, and to provide sustained capacities for reassessment, and continued support to the authority having jurisdiction. Table 32-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s degree in public health or related field TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. ICS-400: Advanced ICS 3. FEMA IS-700, NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI 5. Basic Risk Communication 6. Applied Epi, Forensic Epi or equivalent EXPERIENCE: At least 5 yrs in public health and at least 3 deployments to assess the Public Health aspects of an incident of type 3 proportion. CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: If from a field requiring licensure, active status of legal authority to function without restrictions granted by sending state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory if required for the individual.s discipline COMMENTS: Quantitative fit test per 29 CFR 1910.134 Table 32-2: Recommended Criteria EDUCATION: Post graduate, fellowship, education, board certification, or subspecialty certification or credentials in Disaster Medicine or Public Heath Preparedness TRAINING: Awareness Level training per NFPA 1670 including: Water Rescue Operations, Structural Collapse Operations, GPS Awareness Level course (Garmin V or comparable) CERTIFICATION: CEM 33. Public Health Information Technology Specialist DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the Public Health Information Technology Specialist is to set up and manage epidemiological hardware and software applications and to have the ability to interface with laboratories Table 33-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Bachelor.s Degree with formal education in information technology TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent EXPERIENCE: 1. Familiarity with public health databases and software such as Excel, MS Word, and Access, GIS, and Epi Info 2. Experience inputting and analyzing surveillance data in a Public Health Setting 3. Familiarity and experience in using available online public health databases CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 34. Radiologic Technician DESCRIPTION: The primary focus is to produce films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. The Radiologic Technician demonstrates: 1. Methods and techniques involved in the operation of x-ray equipment 2. Methods and techniques used in the processing of x-ray film 3. Safety procedures employed with radiation hazards 4. Considerable knowledge of human anatomy and the proper positioning of patients to secure desired radiographs 5. General knowledge of the operating principles of x-ray equipment Table 34-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Successful completion of state recognized course of instruction or completion of an accredited radiologic technologist or radiologic technicians program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction. 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI. 5. Ongoing training in the management and care of patients involved in MCIs EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with a providing entity such as an established health care institution, system, agency, or service LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a radiologic technician without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory Table 34-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: ARRT Certification OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 35. Receiving, Staging & Storage (RSS), Distribution Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the RSS Distribution Leader is to supervise work at the loading dock and to assure the quality and accuracy of loads for shipping Table 35-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. ICS-700: NIMS, an introduction 3. Has received SNS orientation and training for the position of RSS Distribution Leader as determined by the authority willing to offer this individual.s services 4. Is specifically trained about the safe operation of a pallet jack and all forms of loading docks and dock plates EXPERIENCE: Participation in at least one incident or full-scale RSS, SNS exercise serving as distribution lead CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 36. Receiving, Staging & Storage (RSS), Finance and Administrative Team Lead DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the RSS Finance and Administrative Team Lead is to lead, organize and direct the administrative section to assure that the section meets the need for the financial, cost tracking and personnel time tracking for the RSS site Table 36-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. Has received SNS orientation and training for the position of RSS Administrative Team Lead (or RSS Administrative Chief) as determined by the authority willing to offer this individual.s services EXPERIENCE: Participation in at least one incident or full-scale RSS, SNS Exercise serving as an RSS Finance and Administrative Team Lead (or RSS Administrative Chief) CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 37. Receiving Staging & Storage (RSS), Logistics Team Lead DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the RSS Logistics Team Lead is to lead, organize and direct the logistics section to assure that the section meets support needs for the RSS site Table 37-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. Has received SNS orientation and training for the position of RSS Logistics Team Lead (or Logistics Chief) as determined by the authority willing to offer this individual.s services EXPERIENCE: Participation in at least one incident or full-scale RSS, Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Exercise serving as an RSS Logistics Team Lead or RSS Logistics Chief CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 38. Receiving Staging & Storage (RSS), Operations Team Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the RSS Operations Team Leader is to lead, organize and direct the operations section to assure that SNS supplies are received, tracked, picked and shipped. Table 38-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: None required TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 3. Has received SNS orientation and training for the position of RSS Operations Team Lead (or Operations Chief) as determined by the authority willing to offer this individual.s services. EXPERIENCE: Participation in at least one incident or full-scale RSS, SNS Exercise serving as an RSS Operations Team Lead (or RSS Operations Chief) CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 39. Receiving Staging & Storage (RSS), Tactical Communications Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the RSS tactical communications leader is to establish and maintain internal and external RSS communications including radios, phones, and computers. The RSS tactical communications leader has the ability to run telephone extensions, crimp connectors, and is able to verify phone lines are active. Table 39-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: High school or equivalent TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an introduction 3. Has received SNS orientation and training for the position of RSS Tactical Communications Lead as determined by the authority willing to offer this individual.s services EXPERIENCE: 1. Participation in at least one incident or full-scale RSS, Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Exercise serving as RSS Communications Lead 2. At least two years of experience working with different types of hand-held radios, radio base stations and repeaters 3. At least 2 years experience installing and maintaining information technology systems CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required Table 39-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE: Experience with web-based emergency management or inventory systems 40. Receiving Staging & Storage (RSS) Task Force Leader DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of the RSS task force leader is to be responsible for overall management of a SNS RSS Site Table 40-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: None required TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-300: Intermediate ICS 2. ICS-400: Advanced ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. Has received SNS orientation and training for the position of Task Force Leader (or RSS Site Commander) or RSS Operations Team Lead (or Operations Chief) as determined by the authority willing to offer this individual.s services EXPERIENCE: Participation in at least one incident or full-scale RSS, SNS Exercise serving as an RSS Task Force Leader (or RSS Site Commander) or as RSS Operations Team Lead (or Operations Chief) CERTIFICATION: None required LICENSING: None required 41. Registered Nurse DESCRIPTION: The primary role of the RN is to provide health care to individuals, families, and communities. The RN provides services designed to promote health, prevent illness, and achieve optimal recovery from or adaptation to health problems. These services may include but are not limited to assessment of the patient.s and family.s health status and needs (physical, emotional, psychological and social), clinical treatment, teaching, counseling, coordination of multidisciplinary care, and other patient care needs as assigned in a functional or degraded environment in a variety of settings or assessment and intervention at a community level. The RN possesses the education and experience in the practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment. Table 41-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited nursing program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity or public health entity such as a hospital, health system, agency or service. LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a registered nurse without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory Table 41-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: Active Specialty Certification in the practice area/specialty requested. OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 42. Respiratory Therapist DESCRIPTION: The primary role of the respiratory therapist is to initiate, perform complex respiratory care treatments, services and provides monitoring of patients and equipment. The respiratory therapist possesses the education and experience in areas of patient care commensurate with the patient care mission. Table 42-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, or service CERTIFICATION: Successful completion of one of the following professional certifications: 1. RRT 2. CRT LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a Respiratory Therapist without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory Table 42-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 43. Social Worker DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of a social worker is to provide assessment, intervention, and referral recommendations to address a range of psychosocial and environmental needs. The main tasks of social workers include case management (linking clients with agencies and programs), counseling, medical social work, and patient education. Their purpose is to enhance, remediate, maintain, and restore their clients. physical, psychological, and social function1. Table 43-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited social work program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with an established health care related providing entity such as a hospital, health system, agency, service, or private practice LICENSING: Active status of legal authority to function as a Social Worker without restrictions granted by a state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory. COMMENTS: 1 Please see criteria for “Behavioral Health Specialist” if the primary mission assignment for this clinician includes an expectation for behavioral health services, or if the social worker holds a license for the practice of Clinical Social Work. Table 43-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a practice setting commensurate with the mission assignment CERTIFICATION: Nationally recognized certification or registration in specialties commensurate with the mission assignment. This is not limited to but may include case management, children and families, gerontology, crisis intervention, substance abuse, or disaster mental health. OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control 44. Surgical Technician/Technologist DESCRIPTION: The primary focus is serving in an assistive role to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other operating room staff to prepare patients for and assist during operative procedures. The Surgical Technologist: 1. Functions under the direct supervision of a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or registered nurse 2. Prepares surgical instruments before and after procedures 3. Assists with surgical counts with the registered nurse or circulator 4. Assists the surgical team to maintain a sterile field during each procedure 5. Prepares and transports patients safely to and from the operating room 6. Passes instruments, retracts tissues to help better visualize the area of the patient where the surgical team is working 7. Assists in the operation and sterilization of operative equipment Table 44-1: Required Criteria EDUCATION: Successful completion of state recognized course of instruction or completion of an accredited surgical technologist/technician program TRAINING: Completion of the following courses/ curricula: 1. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS. 2. ICS-200: Basic ICS. 3. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction. 4. OSHA 1910.120 HazMat Awareness Training or military equivalent basic instruction on responding to and operating in a CBRNE MCI. EXPERIENCE: Primary source verification of employment with a providing entity such as an established health care institution, system, agency, or service CERTIFICATION: Successful completion of one of the following professional certifications: 1. CST 2. TS-C 3. CFA Table 44-2: Recommended Criteria EXPERIENCE Minimum of 2 years of experience in a operative setting commensurate with the mission assignment OTHER: Refer to immunization recommendations for emergency responders by Centers for Disease Control