202 KAR 7:545 - Kentucky EMS license classifications (Class VIII: Event Medicine Providers)[1]
Summary
Kentucky has no mass-gathering permit statute; instead, the 2025-2026 KBEMS restructuring (202 KAR 7:545, authorized by KRS 311A.030 as amended by 2024 HB 57) creates a dedicated Class VIII EMS agency license for event medicine - an agency "utilizing emergency medical services personnel to provide ALS or BLS care at special events, sports events, concerts, or other large social gatherings." Class VIII agencies license separately as ALS or BLS, may not transport independently (911/Class I transport required), and must share protocols and contact information with local Class I agencies on request. The classification applies by activity, not attendance; Kentucky imposes no physician-presence mandate, ratios, or attendance trigger on event organizers.
Key findings
- No KY mass-gathering permit statute; county KRS Ch. 231 place-of-entertainment permits carry no medical criteria.
- Class VIII (Event Medicine Providers) EMS agency license created effective 2025-26 (202 KAR 7:545 Sec. 2(1)(h)).
- Class VIII agencies may not transport independently - 911/Class I transport required.
- Protocol/capability sharing with local Class I agencies required on request.
- One of the few states with event medicine as a named licensure category - regulates providers, not events.