The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) licenses and regulates emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. As a part of its duties, DSHS receives, processes, and investigates complaints against EMTs and paramedics. If you are the subject of a disciplinary complaint, a Texas EMT/Paramedic license defense attorney can help defend you at all stages of your disciplinary licensing proceedings. Contact the offices of Bertolino LLP today by calling (512) 515-9518 or visiting us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)? What is the EMS Compliance Group?
- What happens when DSHS receives a complaint about a licensee?
- What kinds of complaints does DSHS investigate?
- What types of events lead to disciplinary action by DSHS?
- Do I need to contact a lawyer if I receive a complaint from DSHS?
- What can I do if I know the complaint isn’t valid?
- What sanctions can occur as a result of a DSHS complaint?
What is the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)? What is the EMS Compliance Group?
The Texas DSHS is a state agency with various divisions, including the EMS Compliance Group, which licenses and regulates individuals and entities related to emergency medical services. The EMS Compliance Group investigates complaints against:
- EMS licensees or certificate holders (paramedics, EMTs, ECAs)
- EMS personnel
- EMS providers
- EMS first responder organizations
- EMS education programs
- EMS course coordinators
- EMS instructors
What happens when DSHS receives a complaint about a licensee?
DSHS first determines if it has jurisdiction over the complaint. If so, it reviews whether a violation of the Emergency Health Care Act or Texas EMS rules occurred. If violations may have occurred, the case is assigned to an investigator, who:
- Notifies the licensee or entity of the investigation
- Gathers information via mail, email, phone, or on-site visits
- Allows licensees to respond and provide evidence
What kinds of complaints does DSHS investigate?
DSHS investigates complaints including but not limited to:
- Patient care issues
- Failure to follow protocols
- Failure to provide requested information
- Incomplete documentation of treatment or medication
- Expired licenses/certificates
- Equipment, supply, or medication deficiencies
- Drug diversion
- Criminal conduct
- Reckless operation of an ambulance
- Unprofessional conduct endangering the public
What types of events lead to disciplinary action by DSHS?
Complaints can be filed by colleagues, healthcare professionals, first responders, patients, or family members, and can also be anonymous. For example, in 2024, DSHS received 1,519 complaints, 1,339 directed at EMS personnel, 400 internally generated, 779 self-reported, and 12 anonymous.
Do I need to contact a lawyer if I receive a complaint from DSHS?
Yes. Contacting a lawyer immediately is critical. How you respond initially can affect the outcome. Legal counsel helps you craft a response without admitting violations or harming your defense, increasing your chances of a favorable resolution.
What can I do if I know the complaint isn’t valid?
Even if a complaint is unfounded, you must cooperate with DSHS investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Ignoring the process could result in a finding of misconduct or refusal to cooperate. Always contact an experienced license defense attorney first and never communicate directly with DSHS about the complaint without legal guidance.
What sanctions can occur as a result of a DSHS complaint?
If DSHS finds a violation, sanctions may include:
- License revocation
- License suspension
- Reprimand
- Assessment of an administrative penalty
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