Repost from the council’s Facebook page:

IMPORTANT FEDERAL UPDATE FOR EMS AGENCIES

On February 5, 2026, the DEA officially published its long-awaited final rule implementing the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017 (PPAEMA). This rule goes into effect 30 days after publication and provides long-needed regulatory clarity for EMS agencies nationwide.

In short: DEA now formally recognizes EMS agencies, EMS medical control, and modern EMS operations involving controlled substances.

Key Highlights for EMS in Region 7:

New EMS Agency DEA Registration

DEA has created a dedicated “Emergency Medical Services Agency” registration

Agencies may use one registration per state (where allowed by state law)

3-year registration fee: $888

Hospital-based EMS may continue operating under hospital registrations

Stationhouses & Designated Locations

Vehicles no longer have to be physically housed inside a building

Agencies may designate stationhouses (including outdoor-staged units)

Designated locations must be listed with DEA and approved after 30 days

Vehicle, Jump Bag & Storage Clarity

Controlled substances may be carried in jump bags or on-person during active calls

When not actively engaged, medications must return to locked, fixed storage

Clear rules for vehicle locking during breaks, staging, and responses

Standing Orders & Verbal Orders Fully Authorized

EMS professionals may administer Schedule II-V medications under:

Written standing orders, or

Real-time verbal orders

Medical directors do NOT need to be physically present

This formally codifies modern EMS medical control at the federal level

Hospital Restocking & Emergency Transfers

EMS agencies may restock from hospitals after calls without DEA Form 222

Emergency inter-facility transfers are permitted during shortages, disasters, or MCIs with DEA approval

Clear Recordkeeping Standards

DEA provides detailed guidance on required documentation

Records may use last name OR initials

Medical directors do not need to initial every record if clearly identifiable

Why This Matters

For years, many common EMS practices existed in legal gray areas. This rule:

Aligns DEA regulations with real-world EMS operations

Reduces compliance uncertainty

Strengthens patient access to emergency medications

Next Steps

EMS leaders and medical directors should review the full rule and begin planning for compliance before the 30-day effective date.

We will continue to share guidance and resources as this is implemented.