EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ACT

Article 1(Purpose) #

The purpose of this Act is to provide for the rights and obligations of the citizens, the responsibilities of the State and local governments, the responsibilities and rights of emergency medical service providers concerning emergency medical services, as well as matters necessary for the efficient management of emergency medical resources, so that the public can receive prompt and appropriate emergency medical services in an emergency situation, thereby protecting the life and health of emergency patients and providing appropriate medical care to the public.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 2(Definitions) #

The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 21, 2021>

1. "Emergency patient" means a patient who, due to disease, childbirth, injury from various accidents or disasters, or other critical conditions, is unable to preserve life or is likely to suffer serious mental or physical harm unless they immediately receive necessary first aid, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare;

2. "Emergency medical service" means a series of measures, such as consultation, rescue, transfer, first aid, and medical examination and treatment, provided to an emergency patient in the process from the onset of an emergency situation until the patient's recovery from the risk of death or the removal of a serious mental or physical harm;

3. "First aid" means a type of emergency medical care, which is urgently needed to secure patency of the airway, return heart rate back to normal, and prevent risks of death or significant aggravation of symptoms of an emergency patient;

4. "Emergency medical personnel" means medical personnel who provide emergency medical services to emergency patients to the extent allowed under their licenses or qualifications obtained under relevant statutes and regulations;

5. "Emergency medical institution" means the regional emergency medical centers, specialized emergency medical centers, local emergency medical centers, and local emergency medical institutions designated under this Act, among the medical institutions under Article 3 of the Medical Service Act;

6. "Ambulances, etc." means automobiles, ships, aircraft and other means of transportation which are used for emergency medical services including for the transport, etc. of emergency patients;

7. "Emergency medical institutions, etc." means emergency medical institutions, operators of ambulances, etc., and emergency medical support centers;

8. "Emergency patient transportation business" means business of transporting emergency patients, etc. using ambulances, etc.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 3(Rights to receive emergency medical services) #

All citizens shall have the right to receive emergency medical services without being discriminated against on the basis of sex, age, ethnicity, religion, social status, economic conditions, etc. The same shall apply to foreigners who stay in the Republic of Korea.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 4(Right to know about emergency medical services) #

(1) All citizens shall have the right to know the basic methods of response, such as first aid procedures in emergency situations and information on emergency medical institutions, and the State and local governments shall take necessary measures, including education and publicity, to ensure such right.

(2) All citizens shall have the right to know about the policy measures of the State or local governments on emergency medical services.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 5(Obligations to report emergency patients and cooperate in emergency medical services) #

(1) Any person who discovers an emergency patient shall immediately report it to an emergency medical institution, etc.

(2) Any person requested by emergency medical personnel to provide cooperation necessary for emergency medical services shall fully cooperate with such request.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 5-2(Exemption from liability for emergency medical services performed in good faith) #

No person who provides an emergency patient in critical condition, with any of the following emergency medical services or first aid shall be held civilly liable for the loss of property, nor be held criminally liable for any injury or damage caused by provision of such services, and shall be exempt from criminal liability for death, in the absence of intention or gross negligence on their part: <Amended on Mar. 8, 2011; Aug. 4, 2011>

1. First aid provided by a person who does not fall under any of the following;

a. Emergency medical personnel;

b. Persons with a duty to provide first aid under other statutes or regulations, such as a person in charge of first aid on board a ship under Article 86 of the Seafarers' Act, an emergency squad under Article 10 of the Act on 119 Rescue and Emergency Medical Services;

2. Emergency medical services provided by an emergency medical personnel within the scope of their license or qualifications while off duty;

3. First aid provided by a person with a duty to provide first aid under subparagraph 1b while off duty.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 6(Prohibitions of refusal of emergency medical services) #

(1) Emergency medical personnel working at emergency medical institutions, etc. shall faithfully engage in emergency medical services so that they can examine and treat emergency patients at all times.

(2) Emergency medical personnel who are requested to provide emergency medical services in the course of duty or discover an emergency patient shall immediately provide such services, and shall not refuse or evade it without good cause.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 7(Measures for non-emergency patients) #

(1) Medical personnel may request a medical facility other than an emergency room to examine and treat a non-emergency patient, or transfer such person to another medical institution.

(2) Matters necessary for the standards and procedures, etc. for patient referral and transfer shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 8(Prioritized emergency medical services for emergency patients) #

(1) Emergency medical personnel shall give priority to providing consultation, rescue, and first aid to an emergency patient to others, and take the best available measures necessary for medical treatment.

(2) If there are 2 or more emergency patients, emergency medical personnel shall, based on medical judgment, provide emergency medical services first to the patient in a more critical condition.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 9(Informed consent to emergency medical services) #

(1) Emergency medical personnel shall explain emergency medical services to an emergency patient and obtain their consent, except in any of the following cases:

1. Where the emergency patient is incapable of making decisions;

2. Where a delay in emergency medical services due to procedures for providing explanations and obtaining consent could endanger the patient's life or cause a serious mental or physical harm to the patient.

(2) Where an emergency patient lacks decision-making capacity, emergency medical personnel shall explain emergency medical services to the patient's legal representative and obtain their consent if the legal representative accompanies the patient, and if the legal representative does not accompany the patient, they shall explain to the accompanying person, provide first aid, and may provide emergency treatment based on the physician's medical judgment.

(3) Matters necessary for the details of and procedures for providing explanations of and obtaining consent to emergency medical services shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 10(Prohibition of suspension of emergency medical services) #

No emergency medical personnel shall discontinue emergency medical services for an emergency patient without good cause.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 11(Emergency patient transfer) #

(1) If a medical personnel determines that an emergency patient cannot be provided with appropriate emergency medical services with the capacity of the relevant medical institution, they shall, without delay, transfer such patient to another medical institution capable of providing appropriate emergency medical services.

(2) The head of a medical institution shall provide medical instruments and personnel required for the safe transfer of an emergency patient under paragraph (1), and provide a medical institution to which the patient is transferred with medical records necessary for medical examination and treatment.

(3) The head of a medical institution may charge the patient for the expenses incurred in the transfer.

(4) Matters necessary for procedures for transfer of an emergency patient, transfer of medical records, and charge of expenses, etc. shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 12(Prohibition of interference with emergency medical services) #

(1) No person shall interfere with the rescue, transfer, first aid, or medical examination and treatment of an emergency patient provided by emergency medical personnel (including a medical technologist under Article 2 of the Act on Medical Technologists and an assistant nurse under Article 6 of the Nursing Act) or ambulances, etc. by means of violence, threat, deceptive scheme, or influence or by other means, or destroy, damage, or occupy medical facilities, equipment, medicines, or other objects used by a medical institution, etc. for emergency medical services. <Amended on May 14, 2012; Dec. 29, 2020; Aug. 8, 2023; Sep. 20, 2024>

(2) If the head of an emergency medical institution or the founder of an emergency medical institution becomes aware of the interference with emergency medical services, or the destruction, damage, or occupation of medical facilities, etc. in violation of paragraph (1), they shall immediately report such fact to an investigative agency, and then notify such fact to the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor, or a Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor") or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (referring to the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply). <Added on Aug. 8, 2023>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 13(Provision of emergency medical services) #

The State and local governments shall formulate and implement policy measures to provide emergency medical services, such as protection of emergency patients, the establishment and operation of and support for emergency medical institutions, etc., training of emergency medical personnel, and securing of the emergency transport vehicles, etc.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 13-2(Master plan and annual implementation plans for emergency medical services) #

(1) In order to perform duties under Article 13, the Minister of Health and Welfare shall formulate a master plan for emergency medical services (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") every 5 years following deliberation by the Central Emergency Medical Service Committee under Article 13-5.

(2) The master plan shall be formulated in line with the master plan for public health and medical care under Article 4 of the Public Health and Medical Services Act and shall include the following: <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021; Apr. 1, 2025>

1. The following matters for the creation of a safe living environment for the public:

a. Plans for public education and publicity for first aid and emergency medical services;

b. Infrastructure expansion plans for emergency medical services provided in daily life;

c. Plans for ensuring equal opportunity to emergency medical services;

d. Plans for strengthening emergency medical services and responding to the needs of areas underserved in emergency medical services;

2. The following matters for the effective provision of emergency medical services:

a. Plans for fostering private transport resources and improving transport systems;

b. Plans for evaluating, fostering, and supporting emergency medical institutions;

c. Plans for supplying and training emergency medical personnel;

d. Plans for establishing and operating information and communications systems for emergency medical services;

e. Quality improvement plans for emergency medical services;

f. Emergency medical preparedness and response plans in case of mass casualties due to disasters or other events;

3. The following matters for the effective fulfillment of the master plan:

a. Objectives and directions of the master plan;

b. Guidelines for evaluating and improving emergency medical service systems and their operating systems;

c. Funding for emergency medical services and operation thereof;

d. Cooperation by central administrative agencies for the implementation of the master plan.

(3) When the Minister of Health and Welfare finalizes the master plan, they shall notify the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor of the master plan without delay. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Aug. 8, 2023>

(4) Where necessary for health and medical care policy measures, the Minister of Health and Welfare may modify the master plan following deliberation by the Central Emergency Medical Service Committee under Article 13-5.

(5) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall formulate annual implementation plans based on the master plan, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 13-3(Regional implementation plan for emergency medical services) #

(1) The Mayor/Do Governor shall annually formulate and execute a regional implementation plan for emergency medical services according to the master plan.

(2) A regional implementation plan for emergency medical services shall be formulated to suit the conditions of each City/Do for implementing the relevant master plan under Article 13-2 within the relevant region, and shall include the following matters: <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

1. Current status of local emergency medical services, such as the occurrence of emergency patients, and provision of emergency medical services;

2. Establishment of a local emergency medical transport system through survey of emergency medical resources in the relevant region;

3. Formulation of an implement plan for major projects of regional emergency medical services for a more effective provision of emergency medical services, and management of the performance records;

4. Establishment of the foundation for personnel, organizations, etc. for implementing emergency medical policies and building a cooperative system among local emergency medical institutions;

5. Other matters deemed necessary by the Mayor/Do Governor for implementing the master plan and for the development of emergency medical services.

(3) The Minister of Health and Welfare may evaluate a regional implementation plan for emergency medical services and the implementation results, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

(4) Based on the results of evaluation of the implementation plans and implementation results of regional emergency medical services, the Minister of Health and Welfare may request the Mayor/Do Governor to revise or correct the plans and projects. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

(5) Other matters necessary for the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of regional implementation plans for emergency medical services shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 13-4(Cooperation in emergency medical service plans) #

(1) If necessary for the formulation and execution of a master plan and a regional implementation plan for emergency medical services, the Minister of Health and Welfare or a Mayor/Do Governor may request the heads of State agencies, local governments, institutions, or organizations related to emergency medical services, and public institutions (hereinafter referred to as "public institution") under Article 4 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions to provide cooperation, such as the submission of data. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(2) The heads of State agencies, local governments, relevant institutions or organizations, and public institutions in receipt of a request for cooperation under paragraph (1) shall comply with such request, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(3) The scope of data that may be requested under paragraph (1), and the management, utilization, etc. of such data shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Jan. 28, 2015>

[This Article Added on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 13-5(Central Emergency Medical Service Committee) #

(1) A Central Emergency Medical Service Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Central Committee") shall be established under the Ministry of Health and Welfare to deliberate on major policy measures on emergency medical services.

(2) The Central Committee shall be comprised of up to 15 members including 1 chairperson and 1 vice chairperson.

(3) The Ministry of Health and Welfare shall be the chairperson of the Central Committee, and the chairperson shall appoint the vice chairperson from among its members, and members shall be composed of ex officio members and commissioned members.

(4) The following persons shall be ex officio members: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. The Vice Minister of Education;

2. The Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport;

3. The Vice Minister of Planning and Budget;

4. The Commissioner of the National Fire Agency;

5. The head of the National Emergency Medical Center under Article 25.

(5) Commissioned members shall be appointed by the chairperson from among the following persons:

1. Three persons representing non-profit, non-governmental organizations under Article 2 of the Assistance for Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organizations Act;

2. Three persons who have extensive knowledge of and experience in emergency medical service;

3. One person representing emergency medical institutions under subparagraph 5 of Article 2;

4. One person representing the Special Metropolitan City and other Metropolitan Cities, who is a local public official in charge of duties related to health and medical care;

5. One person representing Dos (including the Special Self-Governing Province), who is a local public official in charge of duties related to health and medical care.

(6) The Central Committee shall deliberate on the following matters:

1. Formulation and modification of a master plan for emergency medical services and an annual implementation plan under Article 13-2;

2. Matters to be discussed at meetings of the Fund Management Council of Emergency Medical Service Fund under Article 74 of the National Finance Act;

3. Coordination of policies and projects related to emergency medical service;

4. Results of evaluating policies and projects related to emergency medical service;

5. Results of evaluating regional implementation plans for emergency medical services and projects related to emergency medical services of the Special Metropolitan City, Metropolitan Cities, Dos and Special Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as the "City/Do");

6. Matters regarding the mid- and long-term development direction of emergency medical services and institutional improvement;

7. Other matters submitted by the Minister of Health and Welfare regarding emergency medical services.

(7) The Central Committee shall hold meetings at least twice every year.

(8) Other matters regarding meetings of the Central Committee and the operation thereof shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 13-6(City/Do emergency medical service committee) #

(1) A City/Do emergency medical service committee (hereinafter referred to as "City/Do committee") shall be established in each City/Do to deliberate on major issues regarding emergency medical services.

(2) A City/Do committee shall deliberate on the following matters regarding emergency medical services in the relevant City/Do: <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

1. Formulation and revision of a regional implementation plan for emergency medical service under Article 13-3(1);

2. Survey of local emergency medical resources;

3. Improvement of transport system through establishment of a local transport network for severely ill emergency patients and review of major cases of transport difficulties;

4. Use of local government finance for emergency medical service;

5. Coordination of policy measures and projects for emergency medical services;

6. Utilization of the evaluation results of emergency medical institutions, etc.;

7. Actual status of the quality management of local emergency medical services and matters requiring improvement;

8. Other matters submitted by the Mayor/Do Governor regarding emergency medical services.

(3) A Mayor/Do Governor shall establish and operate a City/Do emergency medical team to develop policies and provide practical support in relation to matters for deliberation by the City/Do Committee under paragraph (2); provided, a Mayor/Do Governor may, if necessary, operate its task force for emergency medical services by incorporating it with a task force for public health and medical services under Article 22 of the Public Health and Medical Services Act. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

(4) A City/Do committee shall hold a meeting at least twice every year. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

(5) Matters necessary for the composition, function, operation, etc. of a City/Do committee and a City/Do emergency medical team shall be prescribed by ordinance of the relevant City/Do, in accordance with the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

[This Article Added on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 13-7(Fact-finding survey on emergency medical services) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall conduct a fact-finding survey on emergency medical services every five years and disclose the results thereof, in order to utilize them as basic data necessary for establishing emergency medical service policies.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, local governments, and relevant institutions, corporations, or organizations to submit data or present opinions for a fact-finding survey under paragraph (1). In such cases, a person so requested shall cooperate unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

(3) Matters necessary for the details, methods, publication, etc. of a fact-finding survey under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2025]

Article 14(Education on rescue and first aid) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare or a Mayor/Do Governor may order any of the following persons, other than emergency medical personnel, to receive education on rescue and first aid; in such cases, a person in receipt of an order to receive education shall comply therewith, in the absence of good cause: <Amended on Aug. 4, 2011; Jun. 1, 2012; Jul. 24, 2015; Mar. 29, 2016; Dec. 2, 2016; Oct. 24, 2017; Jan. 15, 2019; Nov. 30, 2021; Dec. 21, 2021>

1. An ambulance driver, etc.;

1-2. A person engaged in medical care, relief, or safety in the facilities, etc. falling under any subparagraph of Article 47-2(1);

2. A driver of passenger transportation vehicle under Article 3(1) of the Passenger Transport Service Act;

3. A health teacher under Article 15 of the School Health Act;

4. A police officer, etc. prescribed in Article 5 of the Road Traffic Act, who is engaged in road traffic safety;

5. Target audience of education on safety and health under the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 32(1) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act;

6. A person engaged in medical care, relief, or safety duties in sports facilities under Articles 5 and 10 of the Installation and Utilization of Sports Facilities Act;

7. A lifeguard under Article 22 of the Excursion Ship and Ferry Business Act;

8. A person engaged in medical care, relief, or safety duties among those engaged in the tourism business under Article 3(1)2 through 6 of the Tourism Promotion Act;

9. A person engaged in medical care, relief or safety, among aviation personnel or cabin crews under subparagraphs 14 and 17 of Article 2 of the Aviation Safety Act;

10. A person engaged in medical care, relief or safety, among railroad transportation personnel under subparagraph 10a through d of Article 2 of the Railroad Safety Act;

11. A person engaged in medical care, relief or safety, among seafarers under subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Seafarers Act;

12. A firefighting safety manager prescribed by Presidential Decree, who falls under Article 24 of the Act on Fire Prevention and Safety Control;

13. A certified sports leader under subparagraph 6 of Article 2 of the National Sports Promotion Act;

14. A teacher under Article 22(2) of the Early Childhood Education Act;

15. An infant care teacher under Article 21(2) of the Infant Care Act.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare and a Mayor/Do Governor shall annually formulate and implement plans for education and publicity about first aid procedures, etc. under Article 4(1), as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, they shall consult with the Administrator of the National Fire Agency in formulating such plans. <Added on Jun. 13, 2008; Jan. 18, 2010; Aug. 4, 2011; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017>

(3) The Mayor/Do Governor shall notify the Minister of Health and Welfare of the results of providing education and publicity on first aid know-how, etc. pursuant to paragraph (2) to the Minister of Health and Welfare. <Added on Aug. 4, 2011; Sep. 20, 2024>

(4) Matters necessary for the details of education on rescue and first aid under paragraphs (1) through (3), methods of conducting such education, notification, etc. shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Aug. 4, 2011; Sep. 20, 2024>

[Title Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 15(Construction of emergency medical service information and communications networks) #

(1) In order to provide citizens with effective emergency medical services, the State and local governments shall establish an information and communications network (hereinafter referred to as "emergency medical service information and communications network") for the collection, processing, analysis, provision, etc. of various data and information necessary for the following duties in order to provide citizens with effective emergency medical services: <Amended on Jan. 30, 2024>

1. Duties of the National Emergency Medical Center under the subparagraphs of Article 25(1);

2. Duties of an emergency medical support center under Article 27(2);

3. Other duties related to emergency medical services determined by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

(2) Matters necessary for the system and operation expenses of the emergency medical service information and communications network shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Jan. 30, 2024>

(3) The Minister of Health and Welfare may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, the heads of local governments, and institutions, organizations, etc. related to emergency medical services (hereafter in this Article referred to as "heads of relevant central administrative agencies, etc.") to provide the following information, if necessary to perform their duties through the emergency medical service information and communications network; provided, the information referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2 shall be limited to cases where necessary to perform the duties referred to in Article 25(1)3, 5, and 9 and Article 27(2)3, 6, and 8: <Amended on Jan. 30, 2024>

1. Information on personal information of emergency patients;

2. Information on emergency medical services for emergency patients;

3. Other information prescribed by Presidential Decree, which is necessary to ascertain the actual status of the use of emergency medical services.

(4) Upon receipt of a request to provide information under paragraph (3), the head of the relevant central administrative agency, etc. shall comply with such request unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Added on Jan. 30, 2024>

(5) The Minister of Health and Welfare may manage data containing information on health under Article 23 of the Personal Information Protection Act and personally identifiable information (including resident registration numbers) under Article 24 of that Act, if it is inevitable to perform the duties under the proviso of paragraph (3) through the emergency medical service information and communications network. <Added on Jan. 30, 2024>

(6) Where the head of a relevant central administrative agency, etc. needs to use information held by the emergency medical information communication network, they shall have a prior consultation with the Minister of Health and Welfare. In such cases, the Minister of Health and Welfare may provide such information to the head of the relevant central administrative agency, etc. within the scope of the purpose of information collection, and the head of the relevant central administrative agency, etc. who has been provided with the information may retain and use it only within the scope of the provided purpose. <Added on Jan. 30, 2024>

(7) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall formulate policy measures necessary to protect personal information in the entire process of establishing and operating the emergency medical service information and communications network. <Added on Jan. 30, 2024>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 15-2(Emergency medical service survey and statistical projects) #

The Minister of Health and Welfare may implement survey and statistical projects for producing statistics related to emergency medical services, such as the occurrence, distribution, transport, death, and sequelae of emergency patients, by continuously and systematically collecting and analyzing data related to emergency medical services. In such cases, the Statistics Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the collection of statistical data, the preparation of statistics, etc.

[This Article Added on Jan. 30, 2024]

[previous Article 15-2 moved to Article 15-3 <Jan. 30, 2024>]

Article 15-3(Emergency response manual) #

(1) The State and local governments shall prepare emergency response manuals on the basic matters of emergency medical services and the support thereof to protect the lives of citizens and residents from disasters and overseas disasters under subparagraphs 1 and 2 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, and shall provide education thereon to medical personnel.

(2) Matters necessary for the contents of the emergency response manuals under paragraph (1), the subjects and methods of education, and financial support for education participants shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 18, 2014]

[Moved from Article 15-2 <Jan. 30, 2024>]

Article 16(Financial support) #

(1) The State and local governments may provide necessary financial support to emergency medical institutions, etc. and emergency medical facilities within the budget. <Amended on Oct. 24, 2017>

(2) The State and local governments may provide necessary financial support to institutions, etc. which shall have emergency equipment for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, such as automated external defibrillators under Article 47-2. <Amended on May 29, 2016>

(3) The State and local governments may provide necessary financial support to emergency medical institutions, etc. that have provided support for the transportation, transfer, and treatment of patients in response to a disaster under subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety. <Added on Nov. 11, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 17(Evaluation of emergency medical institutions) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare may evaluate facilities, equipment, and personnel of an emergency medical institution, etc., and the details, results of provision, etc. of its services. In such cases, the head of an emergency medical institution, etc. subject to evaluation shall undergo such evaluation, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may request an emergency medical institution, etc. to submit data necessary for the evaluation of the relevant emergency medical institution, etc. under paragraph (1). In such cases, the emergency medical institution, etc. in receipt of a request for the submission of data shall comply with such request, in the absence of good cause.

(3) The Minister of Health and Welfare may publish the findings from evaluating emergency medical institutions, etc.

(4) The Minister of Health and Welfare may provide administrative or financial support to emergency medical institutions, etc. based upon the findings from evaluating emergency medical institutions, etc. under paragraph (1).

(5) Matters necessary for the methods, a cycle, and the publication of the findings from evaluations of emergency medical institutions, etc. under paragraphs (1) and (3) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 18(Measures in cases where multiple patients occur) #

(1) If multiple patients occur due to a disaster, etc., the Minister of Health and Welfare, the Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order emergency medical personnel to perform duties of providing emergency medical services, or order the head of a medical institution or an operator of ambulances, etc. to provide medical facilities or perform duties relating to the transfer of emergency patients and others, and request the head of a central administrative agency or a relevant agency to provide cooperation. <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023>

(2) Emergency medical personnel, the head of a medical institution, and an operator of ambulances, etc. shall not refuse to comply with orders under paragraph (1) without good cause.

(3) Matters necessary for lifesaving, first aid, etc. in case multiple patients occur shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 19(Establishment, management, and operation of emergency medical service fund) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall establish an emergency medical services fund (hereinafter referred to as the "Fund") to efficiently perform emergency medical services.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may entrust the management and operation of the Fund to an institution or organization relating to medical services (hereinafter referred to as "head of a fund management agency") prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the Minister of Health and Welfare shall supervise the business affairs relating to the management and operation of the Fund, and may give orders necessary therefor.

(3) Matters necessary for the establishment, management, and operation of the Fund shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 20(Creation of the fund) #

(1) The financial resources of the Fund shall be as follows: <Amended on Aug. 4, 2011>

1. An amount subsidized under the National Health Insurance Act out of the amount which the Minister of Health and Welfare collects from medical institutions as penalty surcharges in lieu of the suspension of business under the National Health Insurance Act;

2. Contributions and donations by institutions and organizations related to emergency medical services;

3. Contributions by the Government;

4. Proceeds from the operation of the Fund.

(2) The Government shall include in each fiscal year's expenditure budget, as government contributions under paragraph (1)3, an amount equivalent to 20/100 of the following estimated revenues of the relevant year: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2008; Dec. 22, 2020>

1. Administrative fines under Article 160(2) and (3) of the Road Traffic Act (limited to administrative fines imposed and collected by the commissioner of the competent City/Do police agency under Article 161(1)1 of that Act);

2. Penalties under Article 162(3) of the Road Traffic Act.

[Title Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

[The amended provisions of Article 20(2)1 of the Act No. 9305 (Dec. 31, 2008; the amended provisions of Article 20(2)1 shall remain valid until Dec. 31, 2027 under paragraph (3) of the Addenda of that Act]

Article 21(Use of funds) #

The Fund shall be used for the following purposes: <Amended on May 29, 2016; Aug. 27, 2019>

1. Subrogated payment of unpaid charges under Article 22 out of medical expenses of emergency patients;

2. Financing or financial support necessary for fostering and developing emergency medical institutions, etc. and for installing facilities, etc. for medical examination and treatment of emergency patients at medical institutions;

3. Support projects for the smooth operation of the emergency medical services delivery system;

4. Providing medical services when disasters prescribed by Presidential Decree or other cases occur;

5. Providing education and publicity on emergency medical services, such as rescue and first aid procedures;

6. Supporting the installation of emergency equipment, such as automated external defibrillators, to facilitate the provision of emergency medical services;

7. Conducting surveys and research to provide emergency medical services;

8. Supporting the execution of a master plan and an implementation plan for regional emergency medical services;

9. Support for training emergency medical personnel, etc.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 22(Subrogated payment of unpaid charges) #

(1) A medical institution and an operator of ambulances, etc. may claim payment from the head of the fund management agency (or, if the management and operation of the fund has not been entrusted, the Minister of Health and Welfare; hereafter in this Article and Article 22-2 the same shall apply) for the amount to be borne by the emergency patient themselves among the costs of emergency medical services that were not paid (hereafter in this Article referred to as "unpaid charges").

(2) The head of the fund management agency shall, if a medical institution, etc. files a claim for subrogated payment of unpaid charges under paragraph (1), examine the claim in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and shall make such subrogated payment from the fund.

(3) The State or local governments may subsidize the head of a fund management agency for subrogated payment under paragraph (2).

(4) Where the head of a fund management agency has made subrogated payment of unpaid charges under paragraph (2), they may seek reimbursement of such subrogated payment from the emergency patient, the spouse of the emergency patient, the lineal ascendant or descendant within the first degree of kinship of the emergency patient and their spouse, or any other person obligated to pay medical expenses under other statutes or regulations.

(5) Where a person who has been requested to repay the subrogated payment under paragraph (4) fails to make such repayment within the specified period, the head of the fund management agency may set a deadline and issue a demand for payment. <Added on Oct. 24, 2017>

(6) If a person in receipt of demand under paragraph (5) fails to reimburse the subrogated payment by the deadline, the head of a fund management agency may collect it in the same manner as delinquent national taxes are collected, with approval of the Minister of Health and Welfare. <Added on Oct. 24, 2017>

(7) Where the head of a fund management agency has sought reimbursement of a subrogated payment under paragraph (4) but is unable to obtain repayment, or where the extinctive prescription under Article 22-3 has been completed, such subrogated payment may be written off. <Amended on Oct. 24, 2017>

(8) Matters necessary for persons eligible for, the scope and methods of, and procedures for the subrogated payment of unpaid charges, and procedures and methods of claiming reimbursement, and the scope of subrogated payment which cannot be reimbursed and procedures for writing off such amount shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 24, 2017>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 22-2(Provision of data) #

(1) The head of a fund management agency may request relevant agencies, such as the State, local governments, and medical institutions, to provide data on national and local taxes, land, housing, buildings, motor vehicles, ships, aircraft, national health insurance, national pension, employment insurance, industrial accident compensation insurance, veterans' benefits, public officials' pension, public officials' accident compensation benefits, military pension, private school teachers' pension, special post office pension, basic pension, resident registration, family relationship registration, etc. for examination of unpaid charges, claim for reimbursement of the subrogated payment, write-off, etc. <Amended on Aug. 4, 2011; Jan. 28, 2015; Mar. 20, 2018>

(2) Any institution in receipt of a request under paragraph (1) shall comply with such request, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Aug. 4, 2011>

(3) The head of a fund management agency shall be exempt from user fees, fees, etc. for data provided to them by relevant agencies under paragraph (1). <Added on Jan. 28, 2015>

[This Article Added on Mar. 25, 2002]

Article 22-3(Extinctive prescription of claim for reimbursement) #

(1) The right to reimbursement of a subrogated payment under Article 22(4) shall be subject to extinctive prescription if it is not exercised within 3 years from the date on which such subrogated payment may be claimed.

(2) The Civil Act shall apply to the interruption of prescription period and other extinctive prescription.

[This Article Added on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 23(Standards for payment of emergency medical service fees) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall determine standards for payment of emergency medical services fees.

(2) When the Minister of Health and Welfare determines standards for payment of emergency medical services fees under paragraph (1), the emergency medical services fees may differentiate such fees by reflecting the evaluation results of emergency medical institutions under Article 17.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 24(Transport and first-aid fees) #

(1) Where an operator of ambulances, etc. has transported an emergency patient using their ambulance, etc., they may collect transport and first-aid fees from the emergency patient, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(2) An operator of ambulances, etc. shall not collect extra charges other than the transport and first-aid fees under paragraph (1) from the users of ambulance, etc.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 25(National Emergency Medical Center) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare may designate the National Emergency Medical Center to assign the following duties relating to emergency medical services: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 21, 2021; Jan. 30, 2024; Mar. 18, 2025>

1. Evaluation of emergency medical institutions, etc. and support for activities improving the service quality;

2. Education and training for emergency medical personnel;

3. Coordination and support of duties between emergency medical institutions, etc., collection and provision of relevant information, and identification and tracking and management of the status of emergency patients;

4. Research related to emergency medical services;

5. Coordination of duties related to emergency medical services, collection and provision of relevant information, and identification and tracking of the current status of emergency patients in the event of a disaster, etc. in Korea and abroad;

6. Construction, management, and operation of emergency medical service information and communications network, and duties subsequent thereto;

7. Survey and statistical projects related to emergency medical services under Article 15-2;

8. Support for education related to first aid and management of emergency equipment;

9. Support for operation and management of emergency patient transport system;

10. Management of medically underserved areas in emergency medical services;

11. Other duties related to emergency medical services determined by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

(2) Where the Minister of Health and Welfare deems it necessary for efficiently operating the National Emergency Medical Center under paragraph (1), they may entrust the duties related to the operation thereof to a medical institution, relevant specialized institution, a corporation, or an organization, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the expenses necessary for the operation thereof may be subsidized within the budget. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

(3) Matters necessary for the establishment, operation, and entrustment of the operation of the National Emergency Medical Center under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 26(Designation of regional emergency medical center) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare may designate a regional emergency medical center among tertiary care hospitals under Article 3-4 of the Medical Service Act or general hospitals with more than 300 beds under Article 3-3 of that Act to assign the following duties regarding emergency medical services: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 2, 2016>

1. Medical examination and treatment focused on severely ill emergency patients;

2. Duties prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a hub hospital for disaster preparedness and response;

3. Education and training for emergency medical personnel in the relevant region;

4. Acceptance of severely ill emergency patients transferred under Article 11 from other medical institutions within the relevant region;

5. Other duties related to emergency medical services within the relevant region determined by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

(2) Criteria, methods, procedures for designation of a regional emergency medical center and its duties, and criteria, etc. for severely ill emergency patients shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in consideration of the supply of and demand for emergency medical services within the relevant region. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 27(Establishment and operation of emergency medical support center) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall establish and operate emergency medical support centers by region, taking into consideration the distribution of emergency medical resources and the living areas of residents, to ensure the efficient provision of emergency medical services. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(2) An emergency medical support center shall engage in the following duties: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

1. Deleted; <Mar. 21, 2012>

2. Deleted; <Mar. 21, 2012>

3. Management and provision of various information on emergency medical services;

4. Deleted; <Jan. 28, 2015>

5. Education and training for emergency medical personnel in the relevant region;

6. Coordination among emergency medical institutions in the relevant region and support therefor;

7. Support for activities to improve the quality of emergency medical services in the relevant region;

8. Coordination of duties related to emergency medical services and support therefor during a disaster, etc. in the relevant region;

9. Other duties related to emergency medical services, prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(3) Where the Minister of Health and Welfare deems it necessary to efficiently operate an emergency medical support center, they may entrust duties regarding the operation thereof to the head of a relevant specialized institution, corporation, or organization, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(4) Where the State or a local government entrusts duties regarding the operation of an emergency medical support center under paragraph (3), it may subsidize expenses incurred in the operation thereof. <Added on Jan. 28, 2015>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

[Title Amended on Jan. 28, 2015]

Article 28(Providing cooperation to emergency medical support center) #

(1) The head of an emergency medical support center shall establish an emergency medical service information management system to effectively manage information related to emergency medical services, and may request the heads of emergency medical institutions and operators of ambulances, etc. to provide information about emergency medical services for the establishment of such system. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(2) When deemed necessary to perform duties, the head of an emergency medical support center may request medical institutions and operators of ambulances, etc. to provide various information about emergency medical services and to take measures necessary for emergency medical services, including dispatching an ambulance, etc. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(3) A person in receipt of a request to provide information about emergency medical services or to take measures necessary for emergency medical services under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall comply with such request, unless there is compelling reason not to do so.

(4) Matters necessary for the provision of information to an emergency medical support center shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

[Title Amended on Jan. 28, 2015]

Article 29(Designation of specialized emergency medical centers) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare may designate a specialized emergency medical center in each field among the regional emergency medical centers and the local emergency medical centers, to provide emergency medical services to pediatric patients, burn patients, poisoned patients, etc. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 21, 2021>

(2) Matters necessary for the criteria, methods, procedures, etc. for the designation of specialized emergency medical centers shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 30(Designation of local emergency medical centers) #

(1) A Mayor/Do Governor may designate a local emergency medical center among general hospitals defined in Article 3-3 of the Medical Service Act (hereinafter referred to as "general hospital"), to have it conduct the following duties regarding emergency medical services: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 21, 2021>

1. Medical examination and treatment of emergency patients;

2. Prompt transport where it is determined that appropriate emergency medical services cannot be provided to an emergency patient under Article 11.

(2) Matters necessary for criteria, methods, and procedures for the designation of local emergency medical centers, their services, etc. shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in consideration of the supply of and demand for emergency medical services of each City/Do. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 30-2(Designation of regional trauma center) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare may designate a regional trauma center from among the regional emergency medical centers, specialized emergency medical centers, and local emergency medical centers, to assign following duties regarding emergency medical services for trauma patients: <Amended on Jun. 4, 2013; Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 21, 2021>

1. Medical examination and treatment of trauma patients;

2. Research on trauma care and development of standards for trauma care;

3. Education and training of medical personnel who provide trauma care;

4. Emergency medical services in case of a major disaster, etc.;

5. Other duties related to trauma care, as determined by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

(2) A regional trauma center shall meet the following requirements to effectively provide emergency medical services to trauma patients; in such cases, each of the following requirements shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare:

1. Intensive care beds and ordinary beds dedicated to trauma patients;

2. An operating theater and treatment room dedicated to trauma patients;

3. Medical specialists dedicated to treating trauma patients;

4. Diagnostic imaging equipment and equipment dedicated to treating trauma patients;

5. Other personnel, facilities, and equipment necessary for the medical examination and treatment of trauma patients.

(3) Other detailed matters regarding the criteria, methods, procedures, etc. for the designation of regional trauma centers shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on May 14, 2012]

Article 30-3(Designation of local trauma center) #

(1) The Mayor/Do Governor may designate a regional trauma center from among emergency medical institutions in order to provide appropriate trauma care to residents in their jurisdiction. <Amended on Jun. 4, 2013>

(2) Detailed matters regarding the criteria, methods, procedures, etc. for designation of a local trauma center shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on May 14, 2012]

Article 30-4(Support for regional trauma centers and local trauma centers) #

The State and local governments may provide administrative and financial support to regional trauma centers and local trauma centers in order to reduce the mortality rate from severe trauma and to establish an effective trauma care system.

[This Article Added on May 14, 2012]

Article 30-5(Designation of psychiatric emergency medical center) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare may designate a psychiatric emergency medical center from among emergency medical institutions to provide emergency medical services for persons with mental disorders (referring to persons with mental disorders under subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Act on the Improvement of Mental Health and the Support for Welfare Services for Persons with Mental Disorders; hereinafter the same shall apply).

(2) Detailed matters regarding the criteria, methods, procedures, etc. for designation of a psychiatric emergency medical center shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on Aug. 27, 2019]

Article 31(Designation of local emergency medical institutions) #

(1) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may designate a local emergency medical institution among general hospitals in order to have the following duties regarding emergency medical services performed; provided, in the case of a Si/Gun, designation may be made from among hospitals under Article 3(2)3a of the Medical Service Act:

1. Medical examination and treatment of emergency patients;

2. Prompt transport where it is determined that appropriate emergency medical services cannot be provided to an emergency patient under Article 11.

(2) Matters necessary for criteria, methods and procedures for the designation of local emergency medical institutions, their services, etc. shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, taking into account the supply of and demand for emergency medical services of each Si/Gun/Gu and other factors.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Jan. 28, 2015]

Article 31-2(Operation of emergency medical institutions) #

(1) An emergency medical institution shall maintain and operate facilities, personnel, equipment, etc. according to criteria for designation of emergency medical institutions so that it can examine and treat emergency patients 24 hours a day. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>

(2) The personnel and equipment under paragraph (1) shall include security personnel and security equipment. <Added on Dec. 3, 2019>

(3) Details of security personnel and security equipment under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Added on Dec. 3, 2019>

(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if it is impracticable to maintain and operate facilities, personnel, equipment, etc. in accordance with the criteria for designation of emergency medical institutions due to a disaster defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, such as natural disasters and any other conditions corresponding thereto, exceptions may be granted in accordance with procedures determined by the Minister of Health and Welfare. <Added on Mar. 23, 2021>

(5) The head of an emergency medical institution shall notify the National Emergency Medical Center of the operation status of facilities, personnel, equipment, etc. under paragraph (1) (including matters necessary for checking acceptance capacity under Article 48-2), as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare; and the National Emergency Medical Center shall disclose the notified operation status of the emergency medical institution through the emergency medical information and communications network.

(6) Where the head of an emergency medical institution fails to notify the operation status of the emergency medical institution intentionally or by gross negligence or makes a false notification, in violation of paragraph (5), the Minister of Health and Welfare may reflect such fact in the evaluation of emergency medical institutions, etc. under Article 17. <Added on Nov. 11, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 31-3(Redesignation of local emergency medical institutions) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare, the Mayor/Do Governor, and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may, every 3 years, redesignate or revoke the designation of all emergency medical institutions designated by the competent authority for designation, by reflecting the following matters; provided, where subparagraph 1 is not satisfied, the designation shall be revoked:

1. Whether criteria for designation under Article 31-2 are met;

2. Findings from the evaluation of an emergency medical institution under Article 17;

3. Other matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(2) Procedures, methods, etc. for the redesignation of emergency medical institutions shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on Jan. 28, 2015]

Article 31-4(Triage for patients and selection of patients suspected of having infectious diseases) #

(1) In order to promptly and appropriately transfer, examine, and treat emergency patients and prevent infection in an emergency room, the head of an emergency medical institution and an operator of ambulances, etc. shall perform triage for emergency patients, etc. and select patients suspected of having an infectious disease, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(2) The head of an emergency medical institution shall secure facilities, etc. so that a patient suspected of having an infectious disease selected under paragraph (1) may be examined and treated in isolation.

(3) An operator of an ambulance, etc. shall, when transferring a patient, comprehensively take into account the severity of the emergency patient's condition, the patient's overall condition, and the regional emergency medical transport system established under Article 13-3(2)2. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

(4) The head of a regional emergency medical center designated under Article 26 may transfer an emergency patient classified as mild in the triage results of emergency patients, etc. under paragraph (1) to another emergency medical institution for treatment focused on severely ill emergency patients. In such cases, Article 7(2) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the relevant procedures. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

(5) Matters regarding the triage and standards of selection for emergency patients prescribed in paragraph (1) and the standards for isolation facilities referred to in paragraph (2), etc. shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2021>

[This Article Added on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 31-5(Restriction of access to emergency room) #

(1) For the prompt treatment of emergency patients and the prevention of infections in emergency rooms, no person other than those falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be permitted to enter an emergency room:

1. Emergency patients;

2. Emergency medical personnel (including persons corresponding thereto);

3. Guardians of emergency patients needed to assist in medical treatment.

(2) The head of an emergency medical institution shall manage so that persons whose access to the emergency room is restricted under paragraph (1) cannot enter the emergency room, and shall record and manage the names and other relevant information of persons entering the emergency room.

(3) Matters necessary for criteria for allowing access to an emergency room under paragraph (1) and recording and managing a list of persons who access an emergency room under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where the Minister of Health and Welfare, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems it necessary to give guidance to and supervision over emergency medical institutions for an evaluation of emergency medical institutions under Article 17, an examination of redesignation under Article 31-3, or other purposes, they may allow public officials belong thereto and relevant experts to access the emergency rooms. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

(5) A person who enters an emergency room under paragraph (4) shall carry identification verifying their authority and produce it to relevant persons. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

[This Article Added on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 32(Emergency care system) #

(1) Emergency medical institutions shall have on-duty emergency medical personnel on holidays and at night, and maintain a preparedness system (hereinafter referred to as "emergency care system") to treat emergency patients at any time.

(2) Emergency medical personnel who have been ordered to be on duty by the head of an emergency medical institution to maintain an emergency care system shall faithfully comply with such an order.

(3) The head of an emergency medical institution shall, in addition to maintaining the staffing standards under Article 31-2 as on-duty emergency medical personnel under paragraph (1), have on-duty specialists or on-duty physicians who may substitute for such specialists in accordance with Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (hereinafter referred to as "on-duty specialists, etc.").

(4) Where a physician working in an emergency room so requests under Article 31-2, the head of an emergency medical institution shall have any of the following persons directly treat the emergency patient:

1. An on-duty specialist, etc.;

2. A person suitable for treating the relevant emergency patient who is recognized, under Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as having qualifications equivalent to those of on-duty specialists, etc.

(5) Matters necessary for an emergency care system shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 33(Securing spare beds) #

(1) An emergency medical institution shall secure spare beds for emergency patients, and shall not allow non-emergency patients to use such beds.

(2) Matters necessary for securing and maintaining spare beds shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 33-2(Restriction of stay in emergency room) #

(1) The head of an emergency medical institution shall take measures to minimize the length of stay of patients in emergency rooms and to ensure that emergency patients requiring hospitalization are promptly admitted.

(2) The head of a regional emergency medical center and the head of a local emergency medical center shall maintain the percentage of patients who stay at an emergency room for over 24 hours below the standards prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 34(Designation of on-duty medical institutions) #

The Minister of Health and Welfare, the Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may designate on-duty medical institutions by type of medical institution, by medical specialty, and by treatment period to provide emergency medical services for emergency patients on public holidays, at night, or when there is any other reason deemed likely to hinder the treatment of emergency patients, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 34-2(Designation of night-time or holiday pediatric care institution) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare or the Mayor/Do Governor may designate night-time or holiday pediatric care institutions, which provide medical treatment for pediatric patients at night or on holidays, from among medical institutions under Article 3 of the Medical Service Act in order to alleviate overcrowding in emergency rooms and to prevent a gap in medical services for pediatric patients.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may provide administrative and financial support to night-time or holiday pediatric care institutions.

(3) Matters necessary for the standards, methods, procedures, duties, etc. for designating night-time or holiday pediatric care institutions shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on Jan. 30, 2024]

Article 35(Revocation of designation of emergency medical institutions) #

(1) Where an emergency medical institution, a regional trauma center, or a local trauma center falls under any of the following cases, the competent authority for designation among the Minister of Health and Welfare, Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may revoke the designation thereof: <Amended on May 14, 2012; Dec. 2, 2016>

1. Where it fails to meet criteria for designation;

2. Where it fails to perform duties under this Act;

3. Where it violates this Act, or a disposition or order under this Act.

(2) If an emergency medical institution, a regional trauma center, or a local trauma center falls under paragraph (1), the Minister of Health and Welfare, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall correct the violation within a specified period. <Added on Dec. 2, 2016>

(3) Where the Minister of Health and Welfare, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu issues a corrective order under paragraph (2), they may fully or partially suspend financial support under in Articles 16(1),17(4) and 30-4 until the order is complied with, in order to ensure faithful implementation of the corrective order. <Added on Dec. 2, 2016>

(4) Where an emergency medical institution, a regional trauma center, or a local trauma center fails to fulfill a corrective order under paragraph (2), the Minister of Health and Welfare may reduce emergency medical service fees under Article 23. <Added on Dec. 2, 2016>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

[Title Amended on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 35-2(Medical institutions other than emergency medical institutions) #

(1) Where a medical institution not designated as an emergency medical institution under this Act intends to establish and operate an emergency medical facility, it shall install the facilities and have the personnel, etc. as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and report thereon to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu; provided, the report may be omitted in the case of a general hospital. <Amended on Dec. 29, 2020; Dec. 21, 2021>

(2) In receipt of a report under paragraph (1), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall review the report, and accept it if the report complies with this Act. <Added on Dec. 29, 2020>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 36(Qualification for emergency medical technicians) #

(1) Emergency medical technicians shall be classified into emergency medical technician paramedics and emergency medical technicians in accordance with the scope of their duties.

(2) Any person who intend to become an emergency medical technician paramedics shall fall under any of the following subparagraphs and shall pass an examination administered by the Minister of Health and Welfare and obtain recognition of qualification from the Minister of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019; Jan. 30, 2024>

1. A person who majored in emergency medical services and graduated from a university or junior college designated under Article 36-4(1);

2. A person who has obtained recognition of qualification as an emergency medical technician in a foreign country, which meets the standards determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

3. An emergency medical technician who has engaged in the duties of an emergency medical technician for at least 3 years.

(3) A person who intend to become an emergency medical technician shall fall under any of the following subparagraphs, pass an examination administered by the Minister of Health and Welfare, and obtain recognition of qualification from the Minister of Health and Welfare: <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019; Jan. 30, 2024>

1. A person who has completed a training course prescribed by Presidential Decree at a training institution designated under Article 36-4(2);

2. A person who has obtained recognition of qualification as an emergency medical technician in a foreign country, which meets the standards determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

(4) The Minister of Health and Welfare may entrust duties regarding the administration of examinations for emergency medical technicians under paragraphs (2) and (3) to the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute under the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute Act. <Amended on Jun. 22, 2015>

(5) Matters necessary for the subjects and methods of examinations and recognition of qualification of emergency medical technician paramedics and emergency medical technicians shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 36-2(Issuance of emergency medical technician's license) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall issue an emergency medical technician's license to those who have passed an examination for emergency medical technicians under Article 36(2) or (3); provided, the Minister shall not issue a license to a person who falls under the grounds for disqualification under Article 37 as of the application date for issuance of the license. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>

(2) If an emergency medical technician's license issued under paragraph (1) is lost or damaged, a person who has obtained such license may file an application for reissuance with the Minister of Health and Welfare.

(3) No emergency medical technician shall allow a third party to perform duties of an emergency medical technician under Article 41 by using their name. <Amended on Apr. 7, 2020>

(4) Matters necessary for the issuance, reissuance, and management of an emergency medical technician's license under paragraphs (1) and (2), shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(5) No person to whom a license has been issued under paragraph (1) shall lend the license to any other person, and no person shall lend it. <Added on Apr. 7, 2020>

(6) No person shall engage in brokering the act prohibited under paragraph (5). <Added on Apr. 7, 2020>

[This Article Added on May 29, 2016]

Article 36-3(Reporting on actual conditions of emergency medical technicians) #

(1) Each emergency medical technician shall report their status and employment status to the Minister of Health and Welfare every third years after they first obtains a license, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may reject the report under paragraph (1) with respect to an emergency medical technician who has not completed the continuing education under Article 43.

(3) The Minister of Health and Welfare may entrust duties to receive reports under paragraph (1) to relevant agencies, etc., as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on May 29, 2016]

Article 36-4(Designation of training colleges for emergency medical technicians) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare may designate a university or junior college that has established a department of emergency medical services as a training college for emergency medical technician paramedics in order to properly supply and demand and train emergency medical technician paramedics.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may designate an institution that has established relevant training courses as a training institution for emergency medical technicians in order to ensure the appropriate supply of and demand for, and training of emergency medical technicians.

(3) When the Minister of Health and Welfare designates a training college for emergency medical technician paramedics or a training institution for emergency medical technicians (hereinafter referred to as "training college, etc. for emergency medical technicians"), they shall issue a certificate of designation and publicly announce such fact in the Official Gazette or on the website of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(4) If a training college, etc. for emergency medical technicians falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Health and Welfare may revoke the designation under paragraph (1) or (2); provided, in cases falling under subparagraph 1, the Minister of Health and Welfare shall revoke the designation:

1. Where it has been designated by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where it ceases to meet the standards for designation or its operations fail to fulfill the purpose of designation;

(5) The Minister of Health and Welfare may entrust duties related to the designation of a training college, etc. for emergency medical technicians, etc. to relevant specialized institutions or organizations, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(6) Standards, teaching staff, curriculum, etc. necessary for the designation of training colleges for emergency medical technicians, etc. under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(7) Matters necessary for the procedures, methods, etc. for the designation of a training college, etc. for emergency medical technicians and the revocation of such designation under paragraphs (1),(2), and (4) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on Jan. 30, 2024]

Article 37(Grounds for disqualification) #

Any of the following persons shall be disqualified as an emergency medical technician: <Amended on Oct. 17, 2007; Dec. 14, 2007; Aug. 4, 2011; Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 11, 2018; Apr. 7, 2020>

1. A mental patient under subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Act on the Improvement of Mental Health and the Support for Welfare Services for Mental Patients; provided, this shall not apply to a person deemed by a medical specialist to be qualified as an emergency medical technician;

2. An addict to narcotics, cannabis, or psychotropic drugs;

3. An incompetent under the adult guardianship or quasi-incompetent under the limited guardianship;

4. A person in whose case their imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment declared by a court for violating any of the following statutes has not been completely executed or exempted:

a. This Act;

b. Articles 233,234,268(applicable only to medical malpractices),269,270(1) through (3) or 317(1) of the Criminal Act;

c. The Act on Special Measures for the Control of Public Health Crimes, the Regional Public Health Act, the National Health Promotion Act, the Prevention of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Act, the Medical Service Act, the Medical Technicians Act, the Anatomy and Preservation of Corpses Act, the Blood Management Act, the Act on the Control of Narcotics, the Mother and Child Health Act, or the National Health Insurance Act.

[Title Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 38(Sanctions against misconduct in examinations) #

(1) A person who applied for the examination for emergency medical technicians by improper means or committed misconduct in the examination for emergency medical technicians shall have their examination suspended or their passing of the examination invalidated.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may restrict a person whose examination has been suspended or whose passing of the examination has been invalidated under paragraph (1) from taking the examination for emergency medical technicians for up to 3 subsequent occasions, taking into account the grounds for disposition, the degree of violation, and other relevant factors, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 29, 2020>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 39(Matters to be complied with by emergency medical technicians) #

When an emergency medical technician performs their duties for the safety of an emergency patient, they shall comply with matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which are necessary for the transfer and first aid of such patient, such as the management and operation of first aid medical equipment, radio communications equipment, emergency drugs, and the uniforms, markings, etc. of the emergency medical technicians.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 40(Duty of confidentiality) #

An emergency medical technician shall not divulge or disclose confidential information they become aware of in the course of performing their duties.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 41(Duties of emergency medical technicians) #

(1) Emergency medical technicians may perform consultation, rescue, and transport duties for emergency patients at the scene where emergency patients occur, and notwithstanding the prohibition of unlicensed medical practice under Article 27 of the Medical Service Act, they may engage in first aid when at the scene, during transport, or within medical institutions, within the scope prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may investigate the appropriateness of the scope of duties of emergency medical technicians under paragraph (1) every 5 years and take measures necessary to adjust the scope subject to deliberation by the Central Committee. <Added on Dec. 3, 2019>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 41-2(Development and distribution of guidelines on duties of emergency medical technicians) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall prepare and distribute guidelines on the duties of emergency medical technicians in accordance with the procedures, contents, and methods determined by the Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, in order to ensure the systematic and professional management of such duties.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall, if they have adjusted the scope of duties of emergency medical technicians under Article 41(2), reflect such adjustment in the guidelines for duties under paragraph (1). <Added on Dec. 3, 2019>

(3) Emergency medical technicians shall, when performing their duties under Article 41, utilize the guidelines for duties under paragraph (1). <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>

[This Article Added on May 14, 2012]

Article 42(Restrictions on duties) #

An emergency medical technician shall not provide first aid under Article 41 without specific instructions from a physician; provided, this shall not apply where they provide first aid prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and where they cannot receive any instructions from the physician due to communications problems, etc. in an emergency situation.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 43(Continuing education for emergency medical technicians) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare shall annually provide continuing education necessary to improve emergency medical technicians' job skills.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may outsource duties regarding continuing education under paragraph (1) to a relevant institution or organization prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(3) Where the Minister of Health and Welfare outsources duties regarding continuing education to a relevant institution or organization under paragraph (2), they shall conduct periodic evaluation and inspections at least once a year to ensure the effectiveness of continuing education.

(4) The contents and subjects of continuing education under paragraph (1) and matters necessary for evaluation and inspection under paragraph (3) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 14, 2012]

Article 43-2(Permission for students majoring in emergency medical services to provide first aid) #

A student who majors in emergency medical services in college or junior college may provide first aid following specific instructions issued by a physician, only in cases prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In such cases, the provisions governing emergency medical technicians under Articles 39 through 41 and 41-2 shall apply mutatis mutandis thereto.

[This Article Added on May 14, 2012]

Article 44(Operators of ambulances, etc.) #

(1) No person other than those falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall operate ambulances, etc.:

1. The State or local governments;

2. A medical institution defined in Article 3 of the Medical Service Act;

3. A person permitted to have ambulances, etc. by other statutes or regulations;

4. A person licensed to operate emergency patient transportation business (hereinafter referred to as "transportation business") under this Act;

5. A nonprofit corporation who has obtained permission for the incorporation thereof from the Minister of Health and Welfare for the purpose of providing emergency patient transportation business.

(2) A medical institution may entrust the operation of ambulances, etc. to a person licensed to operate transportation business under paragraph (1)4 (hereinafter referred to as "transport service provider") or a nonprofit corporation under paragraph (1)5.

(3) A medical institution which has entrusted the operation of ambulances, etc. under paragraph (2) and a person entrusted with the operation thereof shall comply with the criteria and procedures for the entrustment of ambulances, etc. prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 44-2(Reporting of operation of ambulances, etc.) #

(1) When the State or a local government referred to in Article 44(1)1 intends to operate ambulances, etc., it shall register the relevant ambulances, etc. under relevant statutes or regulations and, without delay, notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu of the registration thereof, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The same shall apply to the modification of any important matter prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare after notifying such registration.

(2) When a person referred to in Article 44(1)2 through 5 intends to operate ambulances, etc., they shall register the relevant ambulances, etc. under relevant statutes or regulations and, without delay, report the registration thereof to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The same shall apply to the modification of any important matter prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare after submitting such report. <Amended on Dec. 2, 2016>

(3) In receipt of a report under paragraph (2), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall review the details thereof and accept it if it complies with this Act. <Added on Dec. 29, 2020>

[This Article Added on Jun. 4, 2013]

Article 44-3(Report of cancellation of registration of ambulances, etc.) #

(1) An operator of an ambulance, etc. under Article 44(1)1 shall, if the ambulance, etc. falls under any of the following cases, notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu of the cancellation of the registration of the ambulance, etc., in accordance with the Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare:

1. Where the registration of the ambulance, etc. is cancelled under Article 13 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act, Article 15 of the Aviation Safety Act, or other relevant statutes or regulations;

2. Where the service life or mileage limit under Article 46-2 is exceeded.

(2) An operator of an ambulance, etc. under Article 44(1)2 through 5 shall, if the ambulance, etc. falls under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (1), report the cancellation of the registration of the ambulance, etc. to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, in accordance with the Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(3) If a person required to give notification or report of cancellation of the registration under paragraphs (1) and (2) fails to do so, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may cancel the registration ex officio.

[This Article Added on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 44-4(Prohibition of use of name of operator of ambulances, etc.) #

No operator of ambulances, etc. referred to in Article 44(1)2 through 5 shall allow a third person to operate an ambulance, etc. in their name.

[This Article Added on Mar. 23, 2021]

Article 45(Prohibition of use for other purposes) #

(1) No ambulance, etc. shall be used for the purpose other than the following purposes:

1. Transport of emergency patients;

2. Transport of blood, specimens for diagnostic testing, medical equipment, and other items for emergency medical services;

3. Transport of emergency medical personnel for emergency medical services;

4. Transport of a person who dies at the scene due to an accident, etc. or who dies while receiving medical treatment to a medical institution, etc.;

5. Other purposes prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(2) The Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order an ambulance operator, etc. who has violated paragraph (1) or Article 44-2(2) to suspend the operation thereof, or request the head of the registration agency for ambulances, etc. to cancel the registration of the relevant ambulance, etc. In such cases, the head of a registration agency in receipt of a request for cancelation of registration shall cancel the registration of the relevant ambulance, etc. <Amended on Jun. 4, 2013>

(3) The Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may, if necessary to verify whether an ambulance is being used for purposes other than those under paragraph (1) within their jurisdiction, request the Commissioner of the City/Do Police Agency or the chief of a police station to confirm any violations of traffic regulations by the ambulance. In such cases, the Commissioner of the City/Do Police Agency or the chief of a police station in receipt of the request shall comply therewith unless there is good cause not to do so. <Added on Apr. 18, 2017; Dec. 22, 2020>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 46(Standards for ambulances, etc.) #

(1) An ambulance, etc. shall be designed and manufactured to be suitable for transporting patients and providing emergency medical services. In such cases, a space of not less than 70 centimeters shall be secured between the compartment partition blocking the driver's seat and the cot to facilitate smooth emergency treatment inside the ambulance. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2025>

(2) Standards for the form, markings, internal equipment, etc. of an ambulance shall be prescribed by Joint Ministerial Decree of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 2, 2016>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 46-2(Service life of ambulances) #

(1) An ambulance shall not be operated in excess of the service life or mileage limit prescribed by Joint Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; provided, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may extend the service life by up to 2 years, taking into account the operating conditions of ambulances within their jurisdiction, if the safety requirements prescribed by Joint Ministerial Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport are satisfied.

(2) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems that the supply of ambulances is significantly difficult due to unavoidable reasons, such as the suspension of production or assembly of ambulances or delays in shipment, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may permit an ambulance to be operated beyond the service life under paragraph (1) by up to 6 months, if the safety requirements prescribed by Joint Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport are satisfied.

[This Article Added on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 46-3(Air ambulances) #

(1) The Minister of Health and Welfare or the Mayor/Do Governor may operate helicopters dedicated to the air transport of emergency patients (hereinafter referred to as "air ambulance") for the prompt transport and first aid of emergency patients in areas underserved in emergency medical services.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare or the Mayor/Do Governor may install at the emergency patient handover point of air ambulances a signboard indicating that the handover point is used for transferring emergency patients, specifying prohibited acts at the handover point, etc., so that it is easily recognizable. <Added on Dec. 11, 2018>

(3) Matters necessary for the management, etc. of equipment, pharmaceutical drugs, and emergency patient handover point of air ambulances shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Dec. 11, 2018>

[This Article Added on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 47(Equipment for ambulances) #

(1) An ambulance, etc. shall be equipped with medical equipment and emergency drugs to be able to provide first aid to emergency patients, as well as communications equipment that can communicate with an institution to which the ambulance, etc. belongs, a medical institution, and an emergency medical support center. In such cases, necessary measures shall be taken to keep emergency drugs in good condition. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Mar. 23, 2021>

(2) An ambulance shall be equipped with the following devices that meet the standards prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in order to track the transportation status of emergency patients and the details of first aid provided during transport; in such cases, data generated by installed devices shall be collected and kept as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and when the Minister of Health and Welfare requires the submission of such information, such requirement shall be complied with. <Added on Jan. 28, 2015; Mar. 14, 2023>

1. A device to record the operation of the ambulance in both audio and video (referring to a device with functions for storing information related to the operation of the ambulance, such as vehicle speed and location information, and storing video images, etc. of the accident situation when the accident, such as crash, takes place);

2. An ambulance taximeter (meaning a device that measures distance and indicates it as a fare, limited to ambulances prescribed by the Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare);

3. A fixed visual data processing device under subparagraph 7 of Article 2 of the Personal Information Protection Act.

(3) Matters necessary for the management of medical equipment, emergency drugs, communications equipment, etc. that shall be equipped under paragraph (1) and the management of ambulances, etc., and the installation and management of equipment under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Mar. 23, 2021>

(4) Equipment under paragraph (2)3 shall be required to collect video privacy information through procedures for obtaining consent from ambulance users, etc. prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Personal Information Protection Act shall apply to matters regarding the installation, etc. of fixed image data processing equipment, except as provided in this Act. <Added on Jan. 28, 2015; Mar. 14, 2023>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 47-2(Duty to secure emergency equipment for cardiopulmonary resuscitation) #

(1) Any owner, occupant, or manager of the following facilities, etc. shall secure emergency equipment for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, such as automated external defibrillator: <Amended on Jun. 9, 2009; Mar. 8, 2011; Aug. 4, 2011; Feb. 1, 2012; Mar. 29, 2016; May 29, 2016; Dec. 11, 2018; Dec. 3, 2019; Dec. 21, 2021; Aug. 16, 2023>

1. Public health and medical institutions under subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Public Health and Medical Services Act;

2. Ambulances being operated by emergency squads under Article 10 of the Act on 119 Rescue and Emergency Medical Services;

3. Passenger airplanes used for air transportation business among airplanes defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Aviation Safety Act, and airports defined in subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Airport Facilities Act;

4. Passenger coaches among the rolling stock defined in subparagraph 4 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on Railroad Industry Development;

5. Ships with a gross tonnage of at least 20 tons, among ships defined in Article 1-2(1)1 and 2 of the Ship Act;

6. Multi-family houses defined in Article 2(2)2 of the Building Act, not smaller than the size prescribed by Presidential Decree;

6-2. A workplace which is obligated to have a health care officer under Article 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and has at least 300 full-time workers;

6-3. Facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree located in tourist attractions and tourism complexes that are actually in operation, from among those designated under Article 52 of the Tourism Promotion Act;

7. Other public-use facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) Where facilities, etc. are equipped with emergency equipment capable of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, such as automated external defibrillator, under paragraph (1), an owner, occupant, or manager of the relevant facilities, etc. shall report the fact to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The same shall apply to the modification of any important matter prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, such as the transfer, disuse, or relocation of emergency equipment reported. <Added on Dec. 2, 2016>

(3) A person who installs emergency equipment under paragraph (1) shall inspect the relevant emergency equipment at least once a month, and notify the competent head of a Si/Gun/Gu of the inspection results. <Added on May 14, 2012; Dec. 2, 2016; Dec. 21, 2021>

(4) A person who installs emergency equipment capable of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, such as automated external defibrillator, under paragraph (1) shall attach a sign board informing about its use at the entrance of the relevant facility, etc. or at a place readily visible to many people. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

(5) Matters necessary for management of emergency equipment which shall be secured under paragraph (1) and others shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on May 14, 2012; Dec. 2, 2016; Dec. 21, 2021>

[This Article Added on Dec. 14, 2007]

[Title Amended on May 14, 2012]

Article 47-3(Keeping emergency equipment and first aid drugs in passenger aircraft) #

(1) The head of a central administrative agency in charge of facilities, etc. referred to in Article 47-2(1)3 through 5 shall endeavor to make the owner, occupant, or manager of the relevant facilities, etc. secure emergency equipment and first aid drugs.

(2) The Minister of Health and Welfare may formulate and propose the standards for keeping the emergency equipment and first aid drugs under paragraph (1), and recommend that the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies comply with such standards; provided, if other statutes or regulations otherwise provide to comply with international conventions, etc., such statutes or regulations shall prevail.

[This Article Added on Aug. 8, 2023]

Article 48(Obligation to have emergency medical technicians on board) #

Operators of ambulances, etc. shall have emergency medical technicians on board when vehicles such as ambulances, etc. are dispatched, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare; provided, this shall not apply where a physician or a nurse is on board.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 48-2(Confirmation of acceptance capacity) #

(1) A person (referring to the driver of an ambulance, etc. and an emergency medical technician, physician, or nurse riding the ambulance or other vehicles under Article 48) who transports emergency patients, etc. shall confirm the emergency bed capacity in an emergency medical institution to which they intends to transfer such patients, etc. and notify in advance such emergency medical institution of the patient's condition and details of first aid administered during the transfer, according to methods prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Oct. 24, 2017>

(2) Upon receipt of a request for confirming the emergency bed capacity under paragraph (1), the head of an emergency medical institution shall not refuse or evade the emergency medical services without good cause; and if the institution is incapable of accommodating an emergency patient, they shall notify the emergency medical institutions, etc. under subparagraph 7 of Article 2 of the relevant details, etc. without delay. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 21, 2021>

(3) Matters necessary for the detailed standards, methods, procedures, etc. related to paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Added on Dec. 21, 2021>

[This Article Added on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 48-3(Operation of dedicated hotline for emergency medical services) #

(1) The head of an emergency medical institution shall establish and operate a dedicated hotline for communications with a person who transports emergency patients, etc. pursuant to Article 48-2 (1) (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated hotline for emergency medical services") to ensure the swift verification of acceptance capacity and handover of emergency patients.

(2) The head of an institution prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare among emergency medical institutions shall designate a department in charge or assign staff in charge to ensure the continuous operation of the dedicated hotline for emergency medical services.

(3) The head of an emergency medical institution shall report to the Minister of Health and Welfare matters concerning the establishment of a dedicated hotline for emergency medical services or any change thereto, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

(4) The Minister of Health and Welfare may subsidize the expenses incurred by an emergency medical institution in establishing and operating a dedicated hotline for emergency medical services.

(5) Matters necessary for the establishment and operation of a dedicated hotline for emergency medical services, the designation of a department in charge or assignment of staff in charge, and the report on the establishment of or any change to a dedicated hotline for emergency medical services under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Added on Nov. 11, 2025]

Article 49(Dispatch and treatment records) #

(1) When an emergency medical technician is dispatched, they shall, without delay, record the dispatch details, the treatment results of the emergency patient under Article 31-4, the treatment provided, and other matters, as prescribed by the Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and shall submit such records to the operator of the ambulance, etc. to which they belong and to the physician in charge of treating the relevant emergency patient; provided, where a physician or a nurse is on board in place of an emergency medical technician, the physician on board (or the nurse on board, if only a nurse is on board) shall perform the duties of the emergency medical technician related to dispatch and treatment records. <Amended on Dec. 2, 2016; Dec. 21, 2021>

(2) An operator of ambulances, etc. shall prepare a log book in relation to the operation of the ambulance, etc., as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Added on Dec. 2, 2016>

(3) An operator of ambulances, etc., who has received the records under paragraph (1), shall submit such records to an emergency medical support center having jurisdiction over its location, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 2, 2016>

(4) An operator of ambulances, etc. shall retain the records submitted under paragraph (1) and the log book prepared under paragraph (2) for a period prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the head of a medical institution which employs physicians engaged in examining and treating emergency patients shall retain the records submitted under paragraph (1) for a period prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, respectively. <Added on Dec. 2, 2016>

(5) Matters necessary for dispatch and treatment records and other relevant matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Dec. 2, 2016>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

[Title Amended on Dec. 2, 2016]

Article 50(Guidance and supervision) #

(1) The Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may inspect the current status of operation and actual conditions of ambulances, etc. being operated in a region under their jurisdiction at least once a year, and take necessary measures, such as a corrective order or suspension order, based upon the findings therefrom. <Amended on Oct. 24, 2017>

(2) The Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall, at least once a year, inspect the facilities, etc. under their jurisdiction that are stipulated in subparagraphs of Article 47-2(1) as to whether they are equipped with emergency equipment capable of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including automated external defibrillators, and may take necessary measures such as a corrective order. <Added on Oct. 24, 2017>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 51(Transportation business license) #

(1) Any person who intends to engage in transportation business shall install facilities, etc. prescribed by Joint Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and obtain a license from the competent Mayor/Do Governor. In such cases, where they intend to engage in transportation business in 2 or more Cities/Dos, they shall obtain a license from the Mayor/Do Governor of each relevant City/Do. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(2) The Mayor/Do Governor may, when granting permission under paragraph (1), restrict the business area in consideration of the size of the facility, etc.

(3) Where a transport service provider intends to modify important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, they shall obtain permission for modification from the competent Mayor/Do Governor.

(4) The Mayor/Do Governor shall notify an applicant of whether to grant permission for modification within 15 days from the date of receiving an application for permission for modification under paragraph (3). <Added on Dec. 11, 2018>

(5) Where the Mayor/Do Governor fails to notify the applicant of whether to grant permission for modification or the extension of the processing period under the statutes or regulations related to processing civil petitions within the period specified in paragraph (4), such permission for modification shall be deemed granted on the day following the date such period (where the processing period is extended or re-extended under the statues or regulations related to processing civil petitions, referring to the relevant processing period) ends. <Added on Dec. 11, 2018>

(6) Where a transport service provider intends to modify matters prescribed by Presidential Decree other than matters referred to in paragraph (3), they shall report such modifications to the competent Mayor/Do Governor. In such cases, the competent Mayor/Do Governor shall review the details thereof and accept the report if it complies with this Act. <Amended on Dec. 11, 2018; Dec. 29, 2020>

(7) A transport service provider shall meet standards for facilities, etc. under paragraph (1). <Amended on Dec. 11, 2018>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 52(Preceptors) #

(1) Where an operator of ambulances, etc. (excluding a medical institution under Article 44(1)2; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article) uses the ambulance, etc. to transport an emergency patient, they shall employ a preceptor, or commission a physician working at an emergency medical support center or emergency medical institution as a preceptor, to have them give instructions on consultation, rescue, transfer, and first aid. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015>

(2) Matters necessary for the number of preceptors assigned per operator of ambulances, etc. and their duties and appointment shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 53(Reporting on suspension of business) #

Where a transport service provider intends to suspend, close, or resume the whole or part of transportation business, they shall report such plans to the competent Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 54(Business succession) #

(1) Any of the following persons shall succeed to the status of a transport service provider:

1. Where a transport service provider dies, their heir;

2. Where a transport service provider transfers their business, the transferee;

3. Where a transport service provider that is a corporation merges, the surviving corporation after the merger or the newly incorporated corporation as a result of the merger.

(2) Any person who acquires all service facilities according to any of the following procedures shall succeed to the status of a transport service provider: <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016>

1. Compulsory auction under the Civil Execution Act;

2. Conversion under the Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act;

3. Sale of property seized under the National Tax Collection Act, the Customs Act, or the Local Tax Collection Act;

4. Other procedures corresponding to subparagraphs 1 through 3.

(3) A person who has succeeded to the status of a transport service provider under paragraph (1) or (2) shall report such fact to the competent Mayor/Do Governor within 60 days, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 54-2(Prohibition of inducement or brokerage) #

No operator of an ambulance, etc. under paragraph (1) of Article 44 shall transport, introduce, or broker the transport of an emergency patient to a specific medical institution or medical personnel, or otherwise induce or instigate such transport, for the purpose of profit-making.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 54-3(Duty to secure emergency medical personnel for large-scale events) #

Any person who intends to hold a large-scale event prescribed by Presidential Decree shall secure emergency medical personnel, means of emergency transportation, etc., as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, to provide prompt and appropriate emergency medical services in case an emergency patient arises.

[This Article Added on Dec. 29, 2020]

Article 55(Suspension of licenses or qualification of emergency medical personnel) #

(1) Where a member of emergency medical personnel falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Health and Welfare may revoke their license or qualification, or suspend their license or qualification for a specified period of up to 6 months: <Amended on May 29, 2016; Apr. 7, 2020>

1. Where they violate Article 6(2),8,18(2),39,40, or 49(1);

2. Where they excessively collect transport and first-aid fees under Article 24(1) or collect extra charges other than transport and first-aid fees, in violation of paragraph (2) of that Article;

3. Where they cause serious harm to an emergency patient, in violation of Article 32(2);

3-2. Where they allow a third party to perform duties of an emergency medical technician under Article 41 by using their name or lends an emergency medical technician's license to a third party, in violation of Article 36-2(3) or (5);

4. Where they are disqualified under Article 37;

5. Where they provide first aid without receiving specific instructions from a physician, in violation of Article 42;

6. Where they fail to complete continuing education, in violation of Article 43(1);

7. Where they violate this Act or an order issued under this Act.

(2) If an emergency medical technician fails to submit a report under Article 36-3, the Minister of Health and Welfare may suspend their qualification until they submit the report. <Added on Dec. 2, 2016>

(3) If a medical institution, transport service provider, or operator of ambulances, etc. falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Health and Welfare, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of the relevant Si/Gun/Gu may revoke permission to open the medical institution, etc. or to operate their business (where it is subject to reporting, referring to closure; hereafter in paragraph (4) the same shall apply), or issue an order to suspend their business for a specified period of up to 6 months: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 2, 2016; Oct. 24, 2017; Dec. 29, 2020; Mar. 23, 2021>

1. Where they violate Article 18(2),28(3),32(1),33(1),35-2(1),44(3),44-2(2),44-4,45(1),46-2,47(1) or (2),48,49(3) or (4),51(3) through (5),52(1),53,54(3),54-2, or 59;

2. Where they fraudulently claim a subrogated payment of unpaid charges under Article 22(1);

3. Where they excessively collect transport and first-aid fees under Article 24(1) or collect extra charges other than transport and first-aid fees, in violation of paragraph (2) of that Article;

4. Where a person designated as an on-duty medical institution under Article 34 fails to provide emergency medical services;

5. Where they fail to comply with a corrective order or suspension order issued under Article 50(1);

6. Where they violate this Act or an order issued under this Act.

(4) No person whose license for business is revoked under paragraph (3) shall open a medical institution or operate their business within 1 year from the date of revocation. <Amended on Dec. 2, 2016>

(5) Detailed matters regarding administrative dispositions under paragraphs (1) and (3) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. <Amended on Dec. 2, 2016>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 56(Hearings) #

Where the Minister of Health and Welfare, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu intends to take any of the following measures, they shall hold hearings: <Amended on Jun. 4, 2013; Dec. 2, 2016>

1. Revocation of designation of an emergency medical institution under Article 35(1);

2. Revocation of a license or qualification of emergency medical personnel under Article 55(1);

3. Revocation of permission to open or business license of a medical institution, etc. and an order for closure, etc. under Article 55(3).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 57(Penalty surcharge) #

(1) If a medical institution, a transport service provider, or an operator of an ambulance, etc. falls under any of the subparagraphs of Article 55(3) and it is deemed that the suspension of such business would cause significant harm to public health and medical care, the Minister of Health and Welfare, the Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may impose a penalty surcharge of not more than 3 billion won in lieu of a disposition of suspension of business. In such cases, the number of times a penalty surcharge may be imposed shall not exceed 3. <Amended on Dec. 2, 2016; Dec. 11, 2018>

(2) The type of violations subject to a penalty surcharge, the amount of a penalty surcharge based on the severity of violation under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) Where a person liable to pay a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) fails to do so by the deadline for payment, the Minister of Health and Welfare shall collect the penalty surcharge in the same manner as delinquent national taxes are collected, and a Mayor/Do Governor and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall collect the penalty surcharge under the Act on the Collection of Local Administrative Penalty Charges. <Amended on Aug. 6, 2013; Mar. 24, 2020>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 58(Delegation of authority) #

The Minister of Health and Welfare may delegate part of their authority under this Act to the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 59(Prohibition of use of similar names) #

(1) No person or entity, other than an emergency medical technician, ambulance, the National Emergency Medical Center, a regional emergency medical center, regional trauma center, specialized emergency medical center, local emergency medical center, local trauma center, local emergency medical institution, or emergency medical support center under this Act, shall use any of the foregoing names or any other name similar thereto. <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 2, 2016>

(2) No medical institution, other than those falling under the following subparagraphs, shall use or display externally any name or expression related to the treatment of emergency patients: <Amended on Dec. 29, 2020>

1. Emergency medical institutions designated under this Act;

2. Medical institutions reported under Article 35-2(1);

3. General hospitals.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 59-2(Inspection and report of duties) #

(1) Where the Minister of Health and Welfare, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems it necessary to give guidance and supervision over emergency medical personnel and emergency medical institutions, etc., they may require relevant public officials to inspect the business situation, the facilities, or relevant documents such as medical records, nursing records, and dispatch and treatment records and log books under Article 49, or to hear the statements from the relevant persons, and may order emergency medical personnel and emergency medical institutions to report on necessary matters or to submit related documents. In such cases, emergency medical personnel and emergency medical institutions, etc. shall not refuse the request without good cause.

(2) In cases falling under paragraph (1), the relevant public official shall carry identification verifying their authority and a written inspection order stating the purpose of inspection, period of inspection, scope of inspection, person in charge of inspection, relevant statutes and regulations, etc. and shall produce it to relevant persons.

(3) The Minister of Health and Welfare may request a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu to conduct an inspection of duties, to report thereon, etc. under paragraph (1) over emergency medical personnel and emergency medical institutions, etc. within their jurisdiction.

[This Article Added on Dec. 21, 2021]

Article 60(Penalty provisions) #

(1) Any person, who causes injury by assaulting an emergency medical personnel (including medical service technologists under Article 2 of the Act on Medical Technologists and assistant nurses under Article 6 of the Nursing Act) in the emergency room of a medical institution under Article 3 of the Medical Service Act shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 10 years or by a fine of not less than 10 million won but not more than 100 million won; if the assault results in serious injury, they shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 3 years; and if the assault results in death, they shall be punished by imprisonment for life or imprisonment with labor of not less than 5 years. <Added on Jan. 15, 2019; Sep. 20, 2024>

(2) Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 5 years or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Jan. 15, 2019; Aug. 8, 2023>

1. A person who interferes with emergency medical services, or destroys, damages, or occupies medical facilities, etc., in violation of Article 12(1);

2. A person who, without having obtained the recognition of qualification as an emergency medical technician under Article 36, has engaged in the duties of an emergency medical technician under Article 41 by falsely representing themselves as an emergency medical technician;

3. A person who engages in transportation business without being licensed to operate transportation business, in violation of Article 51(1).

(3) Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 3 years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; May 29, 2016; Jan. 15, 2019; Apr. 7, 2020>

1. A member of emergency medical personnel who refuses or evades emergency medical services, in violation of Article 6(2);

1-2. A person who allows a third party to use their name to perform duties of an emergency medical technician under Article 41, in violation of Article 36-2(3);

1-3. A person who lends or borrows a license to or from another person, in violation of Article 36-2(5);

1-4. A person who lends a license or arranges such lending in violation of Article 36-2(6);

2. A person who violates their duty of confidentiality referred to in Article 40; provided, prosecution for such crime may be instituted only where a criminal complaint thereof is filed;

3. An emergency medical technician who provides first aid without specific instructions from a physician, in violation of Article 42.

(4) Any of the following persons, shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 1 year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Jan. 28, 2015; Dec. 2, 2016; Jan. 15, 2019; Mar. 23, 2021>

1. Emergency medical personnel, the head of a medical institution, or the operator of an ambulance, etc., who violates Article 18(2);

2. A person who operates an ambulance, etc., in violation of Article 44(1);

3. A person who uses an ambulance, etc. for other purposes, in violation of Article 44-4;

4. A person who uses an ambulance, etc. for other purposes, in violation of Article 45(1).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 61(Joint penalty provisions) #

Where the representative of a corporation, or an agent or employee of, or other persons employed by the corporation or an individual commits any violations described in Article 60 in conducting the duties of the corporation or individual, the corporation or individual shall, in addition to punishing the violator accordingly, be subject to a fine prescribed in the relevant provisions; provided, this shall not apply where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in paying due attention and supervision with respect to the relevant duties to prevent such violations.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 62(Administrative fines) #

(1) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 3 million won: <Amended on May 14, 2012; Jun. 4, 2013; May 29, 2016; Dec. 2, 2016; Dec. 21, 2021; Aug. 16, 2023>

1. A person who fails to maintain or operate facilities, personnel, equipment, etc. according to the standards for designation of emergency medical institutions, in violation of Article 31-2;

1-2. A person who fails to record or manage a list of guardians who access an emergency room, in violation of Article 31-5(2);

2. A person who fails to assign an on-duty specialist, etc. or any other person who has a qualification deemed equivalent thereto to examine and treat an emergency patient, in violation of Article 32(4);

3. A person who fails to secure spare beds or allows a non-emergency patient to use a spare bed, in violation of Article 33;

3-2. A person who fails to secure emergency equipment capable of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, such as automated external defibrillators, in violation of Article 47-2(1);

3-3. A person who fails to have an emergency medical technician board an ambulance, in violation of the main clause of Article 48;

3-4. A person who fails to report the installation of emergency equipment capable of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, such as automated external defilbrillators or fails to report the change thereof, in violation of Article 47-2(2);

3-5. A person who fails to notify the results of an inspection, in violation of Article 47-2(3);

4. A person who fails to comply with any matter to be observed or fails to keep and submit dispatch and treatment records, etc., in violation of Article 39 or 49(1) through (4);

4-2. A person who has operated an ambulance, etc. without reporting it under Article 44-2(2);

4-3. A person who fails to notify or report deregistration, in violation of Article 44-3(1) and (2);

4-4. A person who has operated an ambulance beyond the service life or mileage limit under Article 46-2;

5. A person who fails to obtain permission for modification or to submit a report under Article 51(3),53 or 54(3);

6. A person who uses the phrase "emergency medical technician", "National Emergency Medical Center", etc. or similar; uses a title or expression related to the medical examination and treatment of emergency patients; or explicitly indicates such title or expression, in violation of Article 59;

7. A person who refuses, interferes with, or evades an inspection, etc., or fails to report thereon or to submit relevant documents under Article 59-2(1).

(2) A person who fails to install an instruction sign on emergency equipment for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, such as automated external defibrillator, in violation of Article 47-2(4), shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 1 million won. <Added on Aug. 16, 2023>

(3) Administrative fines under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister for Health and Welfare, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 11, 2018; Aug. 16, 2023>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 63(Exemption or mitigation of penalty for first aid and medical practice) #

(1) Where emergency medical personnel provide emergency medical services urgently to prevent a threat to life, serious mental or physical harm, or aggravation of symptoms of an emergency patient, and such patient dies or is injured as a result, the punishment under Article 268 of the Criminal Act may be mitigated or exempted, if the emergency medical care was inevitable and the emergency medical personnel were not grossly negligent, taking the circumstances into consideration.

(2) Where first aid (including where an automated external defibrillator is used) provided to an emergency patient in urgent circumstances by a person with a duty to provide first aid under subparagraph 1b of Article 5-2, to prevent the patient's risk of death, a serious mental or physical harm to them, or aggravation of their symptoms, led to their death or injury, if such first aid was unavoidable and the first aid provider did not commit gross negligence, a punishment may be exempted or mitigated in consideration of the circumstances. <Amended on May 29, 2016>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 4, 2011]

Article 64(Special cases concerning the provisions on mitigation under the Criminal Act) #

When a person commits an offense in violation of Article 12(1) in a state of mental or physical disorder caused by drinking, Article 10(1) of the Criminal Act may not apply. <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023>

[This Article Added on Jan. 15, 2019]