The National EMS Scope of Practice Model is a blueprint for states to develop scopes of practice for emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners. It is intended to reduce inconsistencies between states and provide a basis from which national standards of care and performance for each level of EMS practitioner can be developed. Such standards can help reduce health disaprities and improve patient outcomes.

This report examines the extent to which EMS professionals perform skills that correspond to the national Model credential levels. Variations in adherence to Model guidelines between agencies serving rural versus urban populations and agencies with volunteer versus paid staffing models is also explored.