Interfacility transfer.

(1) When conducting an interfacility transfer, a permitted advanced life support ambulance must be occupied by at least two persons: one patient attendant who is a certified paramedic, a registered nurse authorized under subsection (2), or a licensed physician; and one who is a certified emergency medical technician, a certified paramedic, a licensed physician, or an ambulance driver who meets the driver requirements of s. 401.281. The person occupying the ambulance who has the highest medical certification in this state is in charge of patient care during the interfacility transfer.

(2) A licensed basic or advanced life support ambulance service may conduct interfacility transfers in a permitted ambulance using a registered nurse in place of an emergency medical technician or paramedic if:

(a) The registered nurse holds a current certificate of successful course completion in advanced cardiac life support;

(b) The physician in charge has granted permission for such a transfer, has designated the level of service required for such transfer, and has deemed the patient to be in such a condition appropriate to this type of ambulance staffing; and

(c) The registered nurse operates within the scope of part I of chapter 464.

(3) A licensed basic or advanced life support service may conduct interfacility transfers in a permitted ambulance if the patient’s treating physician certifies that the transfer is medically appropriate and the physician provides reasonable transfer orders. An interfacility transfer must be conducted in a permitted ambulance if it is determined that the patient needs, or is likely to need, medical attention during transport. If the emergency medical technician or paramedic believes the level of patient care required during the transfer is beyond his or her capability, the medical director, or his or her designee, must be contacted for clearance prior to conducting the transfer. If necessary, the medical director, or his or her designee, shall attempt to contact the treating physician for consultation to determine the appropriateness of the transfer.

(4) Infants younger than 28 days old or weighing less than 5 kilograms who require critical care interfacility transport to a neonatal intensive care unit must be transported in a permitted advanced life support or basic life support transport ambulance, or in a permitted advanced life support or basic life support ambulance that is recognized by the department as meeting designated criteria for neonatal interfacility critical care transport.