RIDOH issues two week suspension for Pascoag firefighter/EMT

BURRILLVILLE – A firefighter/EMT in Pascoag received disciplinary action from the Rhode Island Department of Health this week for failure to submit patient records, with a 14 day suspension from the job and a year of probation.

James Williams Jr. will also have to participate in training and educational programs according to an order signed by RIDOH EMS Chief Jason Rhodes.

According to the order issued on Thursday, Dec. 5, Williams failed to submit 47 electric patient care reports over a one year period from May of 2023 to May of 2024. RIDOH states that Williams also failed to obtain signatures from 40 patients who refused care, and had a junior healthcare provider document 24 patient care reports when he was the primary healthcare provider.

Regulations require that all patient contact with a Rhode Island licensed ambulance service be documented, and dictate that reports must be filed within two hours of an incident.

“Documentation is the highest level of EMS professional accountability,” the order states, noting that the patient information documented by EMTs is also used by other medical care providers.

RIDOH notes that the order, signed and agreed to by the Pascoag EMT, resolves a complaint of unprofessional conduct alleged against him. Williams waived his right to a hearing or appeal of the matter.

Pascoag Fire Chief Michael Dexter told NRI NOW that his office submitted the complaint.

“This has been an ongoing investigation by myself and the department,” Dexter said. “We pride ourselves in being a professional organization and making sure we follow the rules.”

“I filed the paperwork and he was immediately suspended by our department,” Dexter added.

Williams just recently received a 40 years of service award from the Pascoag Fire Department.

“Failure to adhere to the terms of this consent order may constitute unprofessional conduct and may subject respondent to further disciplinary action at the discretion of RIDOH, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of the respondent’s EMT license,” the order notes.

Editor’s note: The above article has been edited to reflect comments from Chief Michael Dexter.