SAGINAW-TUSCOLA

MEDICAL CONTROL AUTHORITY

INTRODUCTION

The Saginaw-Tuscola Medical Control Authority (STMCA) is responsible for assuring medical accountability within the Emergency Medical Services System in Saginaw and Tuscola Counties through the promulgation of minimum standards of medical care, protocols, and operating policies and procedures, consistent with the Public Health Code of Michigan. To administer medical control within Saginaw and Tuscola Counties, the STMCA receives its funding and resources from the four hospitals that operate within the two counties. Covenant Healthcare, Ascension-St. Mary’s of Michigan, McLaren Caro Region, and Hills and Dales General Hospital. Central Michigan University Medical Education Partners acts as the resource agency to administer the funds from the hospitals and provide the STMCA with office space for administration. Currently, the STMCA provides medical oversight to thirty transporting and non-transporting agencies including two rotary wing Air Medical Services. Altogether, these services are comprised of nearly 650 individual providers that are licensed from Medical First Responder to Paramedic.

Saginaw and Tuscola Counties are comprised of both urban and rural regions with a population totaling roughly 250,000. Major industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and medical services. Both counties have a wide range of socioeconomic ranges with large gaps in primary versus tertiary care. Saginaw County is comprised of largely urban and suburban areas, while Tuscola County is a mostly rural population. The total geographical area of both counties combined is 1730 square miles. All of this together makes for a well rounded, yet busy system that the Saginaw-Tuscola Medical Control Authority is charged with providing medical oversight, education assistance and quality improvement.

STMCA ORGANIZATION

The Medical Control office is staffed day-to-day by the Medical Director, EMS Manager, EMS Coordinator, and an Administrative Assistant.  These individuals complete the daily operations of the STMCA.  Duties of the staff are diverse and sometimes complex.  Some of these duties are listed below:

• Assure medical accountability within the Medical Control Zone.
  • Author and maintain guidelines and protocols for providers in the system to ensure continuity of care.
  • Establish minimum standards for all providers by requiring additional education and certification.
  • Administer and monitor the orientation process for all new providers.
  • Verify the licensure and certification of each individual and agency.
  • Research and resolve incident reports generated by agencies, providers and the public.
  • Provide daily quality assurance review as directed by the Professional Standards Review Organization.
• Coordinate, monitor, evaluate and plan for EMS in Saginaw and Tuscola Counties in conjunction with the county and municipal governments and other agencies functioning within the EMS System.
• Assure the availability and efficacy of training and continuing education programs; systems telecommunication procedures; patient care quality review procedures; personnel skills assessment testing; and vehicle and equipment standards of operation and inspection.
• Act in advisory capacity to township, municipal, and county boards of commissioners on matters pertaining to the provision of emergency medical services within the Saginaw and Tuscola County Emergency Medical Services System.
• Assist the Medical Control Board in maintaining liaisons with or functioning as an advisory body t other agencies responsible for emergency medical services activity at state or regional levels.

Although the STMCA staff provides for the daily operations of the Medical Control, they are ultimately guided by the Medical Control Board and its committees.  An organizational chart is shown below:

MEDICAL CONTROL AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEDICAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD