NCEMSF MERIT Campus FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the the NCEMSF MERIT Recognition Program:

Q: What are the submission requirements?

A: Full requirements are laid out in the application packet, but the following summarizes the necessary steps.

1. Ensure your organization's Institutional Membership is paid for the current academic year.
2. Complete all required checklist steps.
3. Complete the required introductory information and signature pages. 
4. Schedule and complete a site visit as described in the packet.
5. Organize the submission as ordered in the checklist. Ensure each checklist step has its own individual response, and ensure all responses are either labeled with the question number or are preceded by a divider page indicating which question the response applies to. Ideally, supplemental information submitted should be specific to the checklist step in question. Do not simply submit a full copy of your SOPs (for example) and then reference that copy in the answer to several different questions. 
6. Complete the Excel roster. 
7. Submit two items via email to merit@ncemsf.org by two calendar weeks prior to the start of that year's NCEMSF Conference, or as otherwise listed on the NCEMSF website:
   1. The full document (except the roster as required for item 1.2) in as a single PDF file.
   2. A separate roster as a single Excel file showing personnel names and documentation of state and/or national EMS certifications. 

Q: My squad does not provide patient care (education-only or interest group). Can we still apply? 

A: Currently, this program is intended for organizations that provide patient care. 

Q: The single PDF may be very large. Is it OK to submit links to items (e.g. SOPs or medical protocols)?

A: Yes, so long as the following criteria are met:

• The submission packet is still organized to match the requirements, in order.
• At the point in the PDF submission packet where the document(s) would be included, a working hyperlink is present to the file(s).
• The file(s) are set that they can be viewed by anyone with the link. Setting files on filesharing sites (OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, DropBox) to "request accees" or "only specific individuals" will not work. 
• The linked file(s) are specific to the requirement they are for. As an example, item 1.9 requires a professional standards policy. If you provide a link in place of putting the policy for 1.9 directly in the submission packet, the link should be only to the specific policy, not to the entire SOP document. 

Q: What documentation is necessary for items in the checklist?

A: In general, if a criterion does not list a specific document or format for showing compliance, then a written statement explaining compliance will be sufficient. If you are unsure, please email merit@ncemsf.org prior to submission to receive clarification.