The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) follows a thorough and fair investigation process, similar to other regulatory authorities. When a complaint is forwarded to the investigation staff, their primary goal is to uncover the facts surrounding the events that led to the complaint. OEMS investigations are fact-driven, not about proving or disproving allegations. The focus is on finding evidence that can be substantiated through records, documents, and credible sources.
A strong investigation prioritizes fairness, accuracy, and safety. The process is designed to protect everyone involved, including patients and practitioners. By uncovering the truth, the OEMS ensures that emergency medical service providers meet professional standards, which helps build trust and confidence in the system.
For patients, thorough investigations ensure they receive safe and competent care. For practitioners, the process helps ensure they are treated fairly and given the opportunity to address any concerns raised. OEMS values a balanced approach, aiming to safeguard public health while upholding the rights of regulated providers.
Good investigations are essential for maintaining the integrity of emergency medical services. They help identify and address potential risks, ensure accountability, and support practitioners in improving their skills and practices. This commitment to safety and fairness benefits the entire community. This page explains how OEMS handles complaints, from submission to resolution. It provides a general overview of the process and does not limit or restrict the OEMS’s authority under the law.
Complaints can come from various sources, including:
Once a complaint is received, the OEMS Compliance Supervisor carefully reviews it to determine:
If the complaint does not meet these criteria, it will not move forward. You will not be notified if the complaint is dismissed or referred to another agency unless an investigation is opened. Examples of complaints that do not meet the established criteria include billing issues, medical staff that are not regulated under our laws, and/or violations by parties who no longer hold valid credentials with our office. If the OEMS determines the complaint falls within its jurisdiction and is relevant to your role as an EMS provider, the complaint will be assigned an investigative case number. This does not mean the allegations are proven—it simply means the OEMS needs to examine the matter further.
The Compliance Supervisor carefully reviews the investigation report and evidence to ensure every detail has been thoroughly examined before making a decision.
The OEMS Review Panel evaluates investigations where violations of Minnesota statutes are substantiated. The panel is led by the Deputy Director of EMS Providers and includes the the Deputy Director of Ambulance Services, and a staff member who is currently certified as a paramedic in the State of Minnesota. For complaints involving patient care, the Deputy Director of Medical Services provides clinical guidance to ensure a thorough understanding of skill competency. The panel’s recommendations for disciplinary actions are presented to the OEMS Director for final decisions.
Other participants in the process may include:
If action is recommended, the OEMS drafts a formal action and submits it to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office for legal review. The following actions may be taken:
In many cases, OEMS works collaboratively with the individual to reach an agreement that allows them to continue practicing while complying with enforcement requirements. This may include the following:
If an agreement cannot be reached, it may lead to a contested case hearing before an administrative law judge. For more information, see the Enforcement and Compliance page. For more details about our disciplinary actions, visit our disciplinary actions page.
Anyone subject to disciplinary action has the right to a contested case hearing. These hearings are managed by the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings.
Complaint and investigation details are protected under Minnesota privacy laws. OEMS only shares investigatory information when required by law.