FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register?
- What is Utah Responds?
- Is volunteering right for me?
- Can I register if I'm not currently licensed or certified or if I do not have any experience or training in public health or healthcare?
- Why is it important for me to keep my information up-to-date?
- Is my information safe?
- Which volunteer unit should I register with?
- When can I anticipate being called to respond once I have registered and been approved as a volunteer?
- Will I be financially compensated if I volunteer through the Utah Responds or MRC programs?
- What about liability protection as a healthcare volunteer?
- Additional questions?
- Disclaimer
How do I register?
Click the "Register Now" button on the home page to begin the registration process. When you register, you will need to agree to the terms of service, and then will be asked to provide information specific to you and your skills. You may want to gather you license, certification, (personal and professional), and credential information before you begin. If you are an existing member of a participating program, please indicate this during the registration process. The information you provide will be used by program administrators in establishing your emergency credentialing level and to contact you in the event of an emergency deployment. Registration normally takes less than 30 minutes.
Back to topWhat is Utah Responds?
The Utah Responds system is part of the National Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) program. It is a network of state-based systems working in conjunction nationally and with their local MRC units. Each state's ESAR-VHP system is required to verify the identity, licenses, and credentials of health professional volunteers willing to respond during a local, statewide, or national disaster. The Utah Responds system is administered by the Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness.
Back to topIs volunteering right for me?
Registration with the Utah Responds State Registry of Volunteers does not obligate you to accept every deployment request. By successfully completing the registration and credentialing process you agree to be contacted to assist during a health related emergency or event. However, once notified, you have the option to accept or decline deployment.
Back to topCan I register if I'm not currently licensed or certified or if I do not have any experience or training in public health or healthcare?
Yes. Whether you are actively licensed or certified, a student, retired or in-active health professional, or someone with an interest in volunteering during a health emergency, you are encouraged to register. Because many health personnel will already be committed to a role during an emergency, many areas are actively recruiting "non-health" personnel who will assist health professionals when the need arises. Also, there are some provisions that will allow some expired licenses to re-activate in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Back to topWhy is it important for me to keep my information up-to-date?
Your personal information must be up-to-date in order to contact you for deployment and to identify you when reporting on-site. In order to utilize you to your full potential, your professional information (including certifications, licenses, training, and skills) must be complete and accurate.
Back to topIs my information safe?
Every possible step relating to data integrity and security is taken by the staff in order to prevent abuse and protect participants' privacy. Please review the Privacy Policy and contact us if you would like further information.
Back to topWhich volunteer unit should I register with?
When registering in the Utah Responds system, volunteers must register in at least one unit. Volunteers are strongly encouraged, though not required, to volunteer with their local MRC unit. If you are not affiliated with an established organization, you may register as a "non-affiliated volunteer". The following is basic information regarding various volunteer unit options:
- Medical Reserve Corp. (MRC): A volunteer may register in only one MRC unit.
- Utah Emergency Medical Services Strike Teams: If you are currently a member of the Emergency Medical Services Strike Team or the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Strike Team, select this unit option.
- Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM):If you are currently a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, select this unit option.
- Non-Affiliated Volunteer:You would be managed by a state-level administrator. Deployment opportunities may include when a State Emergency is declared and local units request additional personnel.
When can I anticipate being called to respond once I have registered and been approved as a volunteer?
Generally, the Medical Reserve Corp. Coordinator determines who will be deployed based on the disaster and the specific staffing needs. Local resources will be utilized first within the local, county, and regional communities. If their resources are exhausted or overwhelmed, a request for assistance to the state will be activated. If there is an event in another jurisdiction and their resources have been exhausted, there may be a request for additional volunteers to respond to that jurisdiction.
Back to topWill I be financially compensated if I volunteer through the Utah Responds or MRC programs?
No. There are no salaries, wages or financial compensation associated with volunteering either in emergencies, non-emergency events, drills, or exercises.
Back to topWhat about liability protection as a healthcare volunteer?
If you are a volunteer in a Medical Reserve Corp. Unit, you will receive liability coverage under their organization legal umbrella. If you have registered as a "Non-Affiliated Volunteer" in the Utah Responds State Registry of Volunteers, you are eligible for coverage under the state volunteer liability and workers compensation coverage pursuant to Utah Code 26-49 "Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act". If officially deployed by the governor to a disaster area outside the state, coverage is provided under Utah Code 53-202 "Emergency Management Assistance Compact".
Back to topAdditional questions?
To submit questions or request technical assistance regarding Utah Responds, please email utahresponds@utah.gov. For more information regarding volunteering, please contact your local health department emergency preparedness coordinator.
Back to topDisclaimer
These FAQs are for informational purposes only. Nothing within these FAQs is meant to provide specific legal guidance or advice to any person. Rather, these FAQs are meant to serve as an assessment tool for individuals who are considering participation and volunteering in Utah Responds State Registry of Volunteers.
Back to top