Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 I just paid my annual Texas Bar dues. I pay $235.00 PER YEAR, not every four years. And yes, I have a nice, non-expiring plastic bar card. They don't issue me a new one every year. I don't know whether or not the current " trashy " EMS cards are a product of cost containment measures, but I expect they are. Question: Would you pay anything extra for a plastic card? Second question: If we all agreed to pay more to get a better care (fat chance of ALL of us agreeing on whether or not the world is round or flat), how would TDSHS guarantee us that the extra money would be used for improved cards, what input would we have into design, and how would we go about getting this done? Would it take an act of the legislature? A rule change? Anyone from DSHS or GETAC care to wade in on this? Gene Gandy, JD, LP ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional looking and each of them were framed. Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those who are licensed paramedics? If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do these things. I just don't understand. , B. S., LP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 The medical licenses we receive (other than the ornate initial license) are even worse that the TDSHS EMS documents. Sad. From: texasems-l [mailto:texasems-l ] On Behalf Of Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 11:44 AM To: texasems-l Subject: Certification Card I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional looking and each of them were framed. Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those who are licensed paramedics? If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do these things. I just don't understand. , B. S., LP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 I think this is a subject that will be brought up again and again. I would be willing to pay a few bucks to get a nice certificate. ________________________________ From: texasems-l [texasems-l ] On Behalf Of [raaems605@...] Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 11:44 AM To: texasems-l Subject: Certification Card I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional looking and each of them were framed. Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those who are licensed paramedics? If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do these things. I just don't understand. , B. S., LP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Listen to the soothing ocean noises . Think of a beautiful warm sunset behind the palm trees. A cool glass of water on a hot day. A cold watermelon while sitting under a shade tree in the middle of summer. Aw to heck with it. You know it is only going to get worse. Henry Certification Card I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional looking and each of them were framed. Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those who are licensed paramedics? If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do these things. I just don't understand. , B. S., LP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 I'm not here to throw stones either...but I remember Mike pointing out that he paid $25 to TCLEOSE, and they issue PVC Plastic cards with photographs on them. Those PVC Plastic Cards are actually not that expensive to produce. The largest cost is the upfront cost of buying the printer. The actual variable cost per card produced is relatively small! -Ben wrote: > > > > > I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of > State Health > Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative > on the list > server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my > veterinarian's > office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the > vet, I was > looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. > Below each > license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it > was small, > probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very > professional > looking and each of them were framed. > > Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed > Paramedic in the > mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can > describe this card > is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap > parchment > paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. > Lakey's > signature. It is not something that a professional person would be > proud of. It > is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of > certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of > licensure " for those > who are licensed paramedics? > > If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal > certificate, > why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the > National > Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or > licensing. > The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when > TDSHS had to do > these things. I just don't understand. > > , B. S., LP > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Henry, Sounds like Port Lavaca or Seadrift you're describing! I started to pack my floaties! Henry Barber wrote: Listen to the soothing ocean noises . Think of a beautiful warm sunset behind the palm trees. A cool glass of water on a hot day. A cold watermelon while sitting under a shade tree in the middle of summer. Aw to heck with it. You know it is only going to get worse. Henry Certification Card I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional looking and each of them were framed. Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those who are licensed paramedics? If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do these things. I just don't understand. , B. S., LP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 So is nursing ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 I am pretty sure that the fees that we pay go into the general fund and are not earmarked for EMS. Maybe a percentage of what's collected goes to DSHS, but I expect that the fees go into the general fund, and DSHS receives what it gets from the legislative appropriation. The amount of fees collected may be a factor, but it's pretty clear that DSHS doesn't get to keep 100% of the fees it collects. If anybody knows differently, please post. I advocate a separate EMS commission in the hope that in the process of creating it we might be able to make some rules about the use of fees collected, but I doubt very seriously that that will happen. The Texas Legislature is not interested in EMS. Why? Because we have no voice that it hears. Most legislators haven't a single clue about what EMS does and what our issues are. They are politicians who are, first and foremost, interested in keeping themselves in office, and second, interested in kissing the butts of those who contribute to them. They are, overall, a sorry bunch. Politicians are the lowest form of life. Since the EMS certificants in Texas, over 50,000 strong, can't bring themselves to be concerned about what happens to them, cannot band together in a common organization to represent them, and won't pay a nickel to an organization that might represent them, they have no voice in what happens to them. I don't see that this will change. Only a few EMTs and Paramedics bother to join EMSAT, the only organization that looks out for us. The Fire Service EMTs and Paramedics are among the most delinquent. They have their unions, and by and large, they do not see themselves as being a part of anything beyond their department, so they won't pay a nickel to join EMSAT. Most of them have no idea of what EMSAT is. Most of them don't belong to this list. They are unreachable, and they are the major reason that we don't have recognition as a profession. They don't care whether or not they have a nice EMS Certification card. It means nothing to them, because they see nothing beyond their own employment. They are not a part of the " EMS Community " in any way. They are Firefighters who are made to become Paramedics and work the Box for a significant number of years to finally graduate from it onto an engine or truck. But they're protected by Civil Service, and they can't be fired easily. So they have no incentive to excel unless it comes from within. Some of them have that drive, but some do not. They don't participate in statewide EMS forums. They don't see themselves as medical professionals at all. They see themselves as firefighters who have to do EMS to keep their jobs. And that's what they have to do. The system is fragmented. The fire folks think of themselves as " rescue " or " public safety. " But little of what they do is actually rescue or public safety. Most of it is routine medical. That's not SEXY. It doesn't get the adrenalin going. They don't like it. There is no " EMS Comminity. " We cannot even get a decent certification card because we are not a force that anybody recognizes. We could be, but we are not. GG ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Would this be something the Foundation or EMSAT would care to pick up? Maybe sell a “State Approved” or “DSHS Sanctioned” alternative card? Curtis _____ From: texasems-l [mailto:texasems-l ] On Behalf Of wegandy1938@... Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 3:39 PM To: texasems-l Subject: Re: Certification Card I just paid my annual Texas Bar dues. I pay $235.00 PER YEAR, not every four years. And yes, I have a nice, non-expiring plastic bar card. They don't issue me a new one every year. I don't know whether or not the current " trashy " EMS cards are a product of cost containment measures, but I expect they are. Question: Would you pay anything extra for a plastic card? Second question: If we all agreed to pay more to get a better care (fat chance of ALL of us agreeing on whether or not the world is round or flat), how would TDSHS guarantee us that the extra money would be used for improved cards, what input would we have into design, and how would we go about getting this done? Would it take an act of the legislature? A rule change? Anyone from DSHS or GETAC care to wade in on this? Gene Gandy, JD, LP ************-*********-*********-******** See what's free at HYPERLINK " http://www.aol.com. " http://www.aol.-com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 Sometime back at a GETAC meeting there was someone that made the same remarks that did about the recertification cards. Something along the lines of he was very disappointed when he got his new card and it was a cheaply made postcard. There should be no reason that we could not have a nice card that was either good for the 4 yrs or one card that is good for as long as you are certified. My TCLEOSE is a plastic card that is still in good shape. It's an older one, nothing like the one Mike was talking about. Wayne > > So is nursing > > ************************************** See what's free at > http://www.aol.com. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2007 Report Share Posted May 8, 2007 , I went looking for the vet stuff on the internet...couldn't find the fees...but I do wander how much of the licensing fee the State Board of Veterinary Medicine gets to keep and how much is put into a " dedicated " account for the legislature to spend on pet projects 3 to 5 years later.... I know it happens to our fees and the fees paid by physicians... Another interesting fact...veterinarians licensing exam is a national exam too.... Dudley Certification Card I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional looking and each of them were framed. Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those who are licensed paramedics? If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do these things. I just don't understand. , B. S., LP ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Dudley, I looked on the Board of Veterinary Examiners website and found that the cost to take the vet examination and receive a license is $205.00. I then looked at the 3 vets who are in the practice where I take my pets and their license was good for 7 years. I find no mention of an annual fee anywhere. There may be but I cannot find it. >, > > > >I went looking for the vet stuff on the internet...couldn't find the fees...but I do wander how much of the licensing fee the State Board of Veterinary Medicine gets to keep and how much is put into a " dedicated " account for the legislature to spend on pet projects 3 to 5 years later.... > > > >I know it happens to our fees and the fees paid by physicians... > > > >Another interesting fact...veterinarians licensing exam is a national exam too.... > > > >Dudley > > > > Certification Card > > > >I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health > >Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list > >server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's > >office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was > >looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each > >license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, > >probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional > >looking and each of them were framed. > > > >Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the > >mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card > >is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment > >paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's > >signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It > >is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of > >certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those > >who are licensed paramedics? > > > >If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, > >why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National > >Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. > >The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do > >these things. I just don't understand. > > > > , B. S., LP > > > >__________________________________________________________ > >AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 To go outside the medically-related arena, the licensing fee for a Professional Engineer in Texas is $235 - annually. And something like $150 of that goes to the General Fund, and not to the Engineer's Board. In other words, it's a revenue source, and one the engineers have to pay to be able to work. The annual card they send is one of those punch-out self-laminators (you sign it then turn it over to laminate it). EMS isn't alone in getting the shaft... wrote: Dudley, I looked on the Board of Veterinary Examiners website and found that the cost to take the vet examination and receive a license is $205.00. I then looked at the 3 vets who are in the practice where I take my pets and their license was good for 7 years. I find no mention of an annual fee anywhere. There may be but I cannot find it. >, > > > >I went looking for the vet stuff on the internet...couldn't find the fees...but I do wander how much of the licensing fee the State Board of Veterinary Medicine gets to keep and how much is put into a " dedicated " account for the legislature to spend on pet projects 3 to 5 years later.... > > > >I know it happens to our fees and the fees paid by physicians... > > > >Another interesting fact...veterinarians licensing exam is a national exam too.... > > > >Dudley > > > > Certification Card > > > >I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health > >Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list > >server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's > >office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was > >looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each > >license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, > >probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional > >looking and each of them were framed. > > > >Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the > >mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card > >is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment > >paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's > >signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It > >is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of > >certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those > >who are licensed paramedics? > > > >If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, > >why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National > >Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. > >The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do > >these things. I just don't understand. > > > > , B. S., LP > > > >__________________________________________________________ > >AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Actually it was never never land. Henry Certification Card I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional looking and each of them were framed. Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those who are licensed paramedics? If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do these things. I just don't understand. , B. S., LP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 My TCFP card is the same way, its a cut out yourself one thats part of a postcard they mail you. my last one had the postmark half on the card. I laminate mine to ATTEMPT to make them look nicer but it doesnt help much. and yes i would pay a few extra bucks to get a nice looking plastic card. Certification Card > > > >I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State Health > >Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the list > >server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my veterinarian's > >office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, I was > >looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. Below each > >license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was small, > >probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very professional > >looking and each of them were framed. > > > >Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic in the > >mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe this card > >is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap parchment > >paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. Lakey's > >signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud of. It > >is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of > >certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of licensure " for those > >who are licensed paramedics? > > > >If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal certificate, > >why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the National > >Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or licensing. > >The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had to do > >these things. I just don't understand. > > > > , B. S., LP > > > >__________________________________________________________ > >AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 Heck, my TCLEOSE License card dates back to 1982, and it still looks more professional than the EMS cards. =Steve= Wayne Dennis wrote: > Sometime back at a GETAC meeting there was someone that made the same > remarks that did about the recertification cards. Something along > the lines of he was very disappointed when he got his new card and it was a > cheaply made postcard. There should be no reason that we could not have a > nice card that was either good for the 4 yrs or one card that is good for as > long as you are certified. > > My TCLEOSE is a plastic card that is still in good shape. It's an older > one, nothing like the one Mike was talking about. > > Wayne > > > > >> So is nursing >> >> ************************************** See what's free at >> http://www.aol.com. >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2007 Report Share Posted May 10, 2007 Well said. wegandy1938@... wrote: I am pretty sure that the fees that we pay go into the general fund and are not earmarked for EMS. Maybe a percentage of what's collected goes to DSHS, but I expect that the fees go into the general fund, and DSHS receives what it gets from the legislative appropriation. The amount of fees collected may be a factor, but it's pretty clear that DSHS doesn't get to keep 100% of the fees it collects. If anybody knows differently, please post. I advocate a separate EMS commission in the hope that in the process of creating it we might be able to make some rules about the use of fees collected, but I doubt very seriously that that will happen. The Texas Legislature is not interested in EMS. Why? Because we have no voice that it hears. Most legislators haven't a single clue about what EMS does and what our issues are. They are politicians who are, first and foremost, interested in keeping themselves in office, and second, interested in kissing the butts of those who contribute to them. They are, overall, a sorry bunch. Politicians are the lowest form of life. Since the EMS certificants in Texas, over 50,000 strong, can't bring themselves to be concerned about what happens to them, cannot band together in a common organization to represent them, and won't pay a nickel to an organization that might represent them, they have no voice in what happens to them. I don't see that this will change. Only a few EMTs and Paramedics bother to join EMSAT, the only organization that looks out for us. The Fire Service EMTs and Paramedics are among the most delinquent. They have their unions, and by and large, they do not see themselves as being a part of anything beyond their department, so they won't pay a nickel to join EMSAT. Most of them have no idea of what EMSAT is. Most of them don't belong to this list. They are unreachable, and they are the major reason that we don't have recognition as a profession. They don't care whether or not they have a nice EMS Certification card. It means nothing to them, because they see nothing beyond their own employment. They are not a part of the " EMS Community " in any way. They are Firefighters who are made to become Paramedics and work the Box for a significant number of years to finally graduate from it onto an engine or truck. But they're protected by Civil Service, and they can't be fired easily. So they have no incentive to excel unless it comes from within. Some of them have that drive, but some do not. They don't participate in statewide EMS forums. They don't see themselves as medical professionals at all. They see themselves as firefighters who have to do EMS to keep their jobs. And that's what they have to do. The system is fragmented. The fire folks think of themselves as " rescue " or " public safety. " But little of what they do is actually rescue or public safety. Most of it is routine medical. That's not SEXY. It doesn't get the adrenalin going. They don't like it. There is no " EMS Comminity. " We cannot even get a decent certification card because we are not a force that anybody recognizes. We could be, but we are not. GG ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2007 Report Share Posted May 10, 2007 I pay $235 a year to keep my law license. They do not send me a new card every year. I have a " permanent " card that's like a credit card. I keep it as long as I am licensed. It's good until I surrender it, die, fail to pay my dues (in which case I have to send it in on pain of disbarrment) or get disbarred. Wes pays a lower rate because he's a " young " lawyer and they get a special rate. Gene G. > > To go outside the medically-related arena, the licensing fee for a > Professional Engineer in Texas is $235 - annually. And something like $150 of that > goes to the General Fund, and not to the Engineer's Board. In other words, it's > a revenue source, and one the engineers have to pay to be able to work. > > The annual card they send is one of those punch-out self-laminators (you > sign it then turn it over to laminate it). > > EMS isn't alone in getting the shaft... > > wrote: > Dudley, > > I looked on the Board of Veterinary Examiners website and found that the > cost to > take the vet examination and receive a license is $205.00. I then looked at > the 3 > vets who are in the practice where I take my pets and their license was good > for 7 > years. I find no mention of an annual fee anywhere. There may be but I > cannot > find it. > > > > >, > > > > > > > >I went looking for the vet stuff on the internet...couldn'I went looking > for the v > do wander how much of the licensing fee the State Board of Veterinary > Medicine > gets to keep and how much is put into a " dedicated " account for the > legislature to > spend on pet projects 3 to 5 years later.... > > > > > > > >I know it happens to our fees and the fees paid by physicians..I > > > > > > > >Another interesting fact...veterinarianAnother interesting > fact...veterinarian<wbr > > > > > > > >Dudley > > > > > > > > Certification Card > > > > > > > >I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of State > Health > > > >Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative on the > list > > > >server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my > veterinarian'se > > > >office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the vet, > I was > > > >looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. > Below each > > > >license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it was > small, > > > >probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very > professional > > > >looking and each of them were framed. > > > > > > > >Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed Paramedic > in the > > > >mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can describe > this > card > > > >is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap > parchment > > > >paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. > Lakey's > > > >signature. It is not something that a professional person would be proud > of. It > > > >is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification of > > > >certification.certification.<wbr> " Now I ask, why can't it read > " Verification > those > > > >who are licensed paramedics? > > > > > > > >If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal > certificate, > > > >why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the > National > > > >Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or > licensing. > > > >The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when TDSHS had > to do > > > >these things. I just don't understand. > > > > > > > > , B. S., LP > > > > > > > >__________________________________________________________ > > > >AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from > AOL > at AOL.com. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 Texas is consolidating services. There's a consolidated print shop now. DSHS wouldn't have to buy the printer, just contract the service out to the state " group " that's already tasked with printing, etc. That said, the issue isn't having a nice card. It's professional pride. With everything else wrong with EMS (low funding, lack of public knowledge of what we do, etc.), it would be nice if the agency tasked to oversee us was allowed to be funded enough to be something to be proud of. I'm ashamed that DSHS, especially EMS, runs on a shoestring budget. But I'm grateful to the folks that work there, day in and day out, in conditions where every other answer to " could we do *x* better " is probably " no, we don't have the budget. " That's gotta be a crappy place to be a proactive manager... and I can see why so many DSHS folks leave the agency for careers in the private sector after only a few years. A new, professional ID card would be nice. Perhaps like the license plate, funded by the requestor (that's how my new TCLEOSE card was, it cost me $25 to " upgrade " from the old one (which was pre-laminated and durable). Money for better enforcement, education and services that directly benefit EMS would be even better... Mike > > I'm not here to throw stones either...but I remember Mike pointing > out that he paid $25 to TCLEOSE, and they issue PVC Plastic cards with > photographs on them. > > Those PVC Plastic Cards are actually not that expensive to produce. The > largest cost is the upfront cost of buying the printer. The actual > variable cost per card produced is relatively small! > > -Ben > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > I have always attempted to be positive regarding Texas Department of > > State Health > > Services and their operations. I have never placed anything negative > > on the list > > server regarding TDSHS. Having said that, recently I was in my > > veterinarian's > > office with my dog. As I was standing in the lobby waiting to see the > > vet, I was > > looking at their licenses which were hanging on the wall in the lobby. > > Below each > > license was a very nice small " recertification " certificate. Yes, it > > was small, > > probably 5 " X 7 " or maybe a little bit larger. It was, however, very > > professional > > looking and each of them were framed. > > > > Yesterday I received my new " recertification " card for Licensed > > Paramedic in the > > mail. I apologize if this offends anyone but the only way I can > > describe this card > > is it is a " piece of crap. " It is cheap, printed on a piece of cheap > > parchment > > paper. The printing on it is very dim and you can hardly even read Dr. > > Lakey's > > signature. It is not something that a professional person would be > > proud of. It > > is " cheap. " Additionally, it says on the back that it is " verification > of > > certification. " Now I ask, why can't it read " Verification of > > licensure " for those > > who are licensed paramedics? > > > > If the State Board of Verterinary Examiners can afford a nice renewal > > certificate, > > why can't TDSHS? They do less now than they did before we adopted the > > National > > Registry. They no longer have to do examinations for certification or > > licensing. > > The fees charged are approximately $30 higher than they were when > > TDSHS had to do > > these things. I just don't understand. > > > > , B. S., LP > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2007 Report Share Posted May 15, 2007 I have been asking for this since I worked for DSHS. They wouldn't have to outsource this at all. The already have those machines. That is what the use to print out their own ID cards that you have to wear. I also suggetsed that we could have a MOU with DPS so that any certified/licensed/certicensed(new word for the LP's, I will trade mark it) EMS person could go to DPS and pay a fee and have a good looking ID card with a picture on it. But it was shot down for numerous reasons. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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