Use of the CAMTS logo

Use of the CAMTS logo

Ask the CAMTS Eileen Frazer Use of the CAMTS Logo When a medical transport service achieves accreditation, it receives a certificate for public dis...

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Ask the CAMTS

Eileen Frazer

Use of the CAMTS Logo

When a medical transport service achieves accreditation, it receives a certificate for public display, copies of the logo for use on stationery, and marketing materials and decals for aircraft and ground vehicles. Use of the logo is regarded as a well-earned privilege by the accredited service. The following guidelines were created to protect the integrity of the logo design and ensure its use as an exclusive designator for accredited services only. • The logo can be used only in print. Usage in any other medium requires advanced approval. The logo may be enlarged but not reduced any smaller than the sample logo because it becomes too small to read. • The logo can be printed only in black, PMS blue 282, or shades of gray. • Logo elements may not be separated and used individually other than as provided. • The logo may not be loaned, donated, or transferred to another medical transport service. • A medical transport service may not use the CAMTS logo nor publicize accreditation if its status is withdrawn, withheld, or expired. • In some cases, the CAMTS logo has been painted on aircraft or ambulances. However, this becomes a problem if the service is denied continued accreditation (ie,paint is not removed as quickly as a sticker). • The Certificate of Accreditation may be duplicated, and copies often are sent along with invoices for reimbursement. The certificate is dated with the current certification period, and managed care organizations or state and local regulators may ask for a copy as proof of accreditation. • The service shall not permit another service to display or use its certificate.

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• In the event continued accreditation is denied, the program shall refrain from misrepresenting its accreditation status. The expiration date on the certificate will be identified clearly. • Within 30 days after notification of withdrawn accreditation, the failure of a service to return the certificate or terminate purporting to be accredited shall constitute grounds for the commission to publicly disclaim the service’s accredited status. • The certificate and the logo are not to be used either explicitly or implicitly as a claim or promise of service. The CAMTS logo or reference to CAMTS in marketing materials is not to be inferred as a guarantee of a specific quality of service. Occasionally, the commission discovers a nonaccredited service borrowing the logo or publicly claiming CAMTS accreditation. When this happens, the service receives a letter from our attorney to cease illegal use of the logo immediately. We also contact the state EMS agency, the Better Business Bureau, and the state attorney general to report false advertising. The CAMTS board of directors regards use of the logo as an exclusive right of accredited services only. Eileen Frazer is the CAMTS executive director. She can be reached at P.O. Box 1305, Anderson, SC 29625; (864) 287-4177; fax (864) 287-4251; E-mail [email protected]. doi:10.1067/mmj.2002.124223

Air Medical Journal 21:3