Paramedic Triage in Emergency Departments: JCAHO Standards & Requirements (2023)

Per the 2023 Joint Commission (JCAHO) standards, paramedics may perform emergency department triage provided they meet specific criteria:

Eligibility Requirements

• Current, unrestricted state paramedic license.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certifications.
• Completion of a structured ED triage training program (e.g., ESI - Emergency Severity Index).
• Successful competency evaluation (written and practical) validated by the ED medical director.
• Ongoing competency maintenance per institutional policy.

Scope & Limitations

• Triage only—no independent treatment orders without physician oversight.
• Must operate within established protocols and medical direction.
• Documentation and communication standards equivalent to RN triage.

This recognizes paramedics' advanced assessment skills while ensuring patient safety through standardized training and oversight.