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![]() Frequently Asked Questions |
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How is my permanent employment protected, if I become an NDMS/DMAT employee?
Your non-NDMS employment is protected for approved trainings and deployments under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
How are NDMS/DMAT personnel compensated?
NDMS personnel are paid while serving as part-time federal employees and have the protection of the Federal Tort Claims Act in which the Federal Government becomes the defendant to provide interstate aid in the event of a malpractice claim. NDMS employees get paid (according to their Job Rating) ONLY when we are Federally deployed. We do not get paid for training and meetings.
Do I have to go on deployments?
No, your deployments are voluntary.
What if my employer refuses to release me from work?
Discuss possible deployment with your employer prior to deployment. Your employer may not understand the purpose of DMAT and the functions we provide. If needed, we can provide materials to assist you in your explanation.
How long are deployments?
Deployment times vary but you should be able to commit to 10-14 days.
Will I receive training?
Yes, we offer training at our monthly meetings and during training exercises.
I am physically handicapped, can I still participate?
To be deployed you must be in good physical condition. However, we never turn down someone who wants to help and will find some way for you to participate.
What gear must I furnish?
You must furnish your personal gear, clothing, team T-shirt, toiletries and a means to carry them. Check out the equipment list under "gear" on the member's page.
Where might we be deployed to?
DMATs can be deployed to any location within the US, its possessions and potentially internationally.
How much time am I given before I'm deployed?
You should have your basic gear ready at all times for deployment. However, the length of time will depend upon the team's call status and the type of deployment. You may have as little as several hours to as much as a couple of weeks.
If I am deployed, how long will I be away from home?
DMAT deployments last from several days to a couple of weeks. Generally, we are required to be self sufficient for 72 hours with our regular deployments lasting from 10 to 14 days.
What kinds of deployments can I expect?
DMAT Teams respond as needed anywhere the local medical system is overloaded. This includes natural and technological disasters, major transportation accidents, and terrorism.
Once deployed, am I legally covered to practice medicine or nursing across state lines?
Once you are on government orders and have been federalized, then you're legally covered. This is also applicable to Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).
Is my license valid during deployment?
NDMS/DMAT personnel are required to maintain appropriate certifications and licensure within their discipline. When personnel are activated as Federal employees, licensure and certification is recognized by all States. Additionally, DMAT personnel are paid while serving as part-time federal employees and have the protection of the Federal Tort Claims Act in which the Federal Government becomes the defendant in the event of a malpractice claim.
DMAT Application's
1. How do I join the DMAT response team?
Answer: An interested applicant must submit a resume, Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), copies of school diplomas and medical licenses, NDMS fact sheet, and Direct Deposit Form (1199A) with a voided check. Also needed are copies of IS 100, IS 200, IS 700a, and IS 800b certificates of completion. Application must be submitted to the Administration Officer. When these forms are completed, fingerprinting will be arranged. When preliminary clearance is granted, the online e-QIP system must be completed within 5 days of notification of induction into the system. The process can take as long as 4 to 6 months.
2.What grade level will I be once activated by Federal orders? How much will I be paid?
Answer: Wage grade employees are listed under Federal wage system-wage schedules. Also, per diem pay is based upon duty station, not where your team is based.
3.Where do I send my application?
Answer: All applications should be sent to the administration officer of the team to which you're applying. Application's will be submited to the government by the team for you once you have completed all necessary forms and submited all required copies of certifications and or licenses. Contact the team via the link.
DEPLOYMENT STATUS
1. I'm a team member who has been ‘advised' that an emergent situation has occurred. What action should I take with my employer? What do I tell my boss?
Answer: There are four classifications that address an emergent situation and deployment status:
Advisory: You have received word of a disaster, possibly by way of TV coverage. No response is indicated at this time. You will not receive any official word from NDMS about the disaster. You should: Take no action. Continue to monitor situation via radio or television coverage.
Alert: Your Team Commander has received official word from NDMS of a possible need for response team activation to a specific disaster. You will receive official information from your Team Commander placing you on alert. You should: Make yourself available via phone, fax, or pager. Transfer information as requested. Assess the readiness of your personal gear for the specific disaster area climate and make necessary changes. Insert last minute items into your deployment pack. Make necessary personal preliminary preparation for deployment. Notify employer of the Alert status. Acquire any prescription medication (two week supply). Withdraw enough money, some in cash and some available with acredit/debit card etc. for your deployment (you will not receive pay until you return home).
Activation: Your Team Commander has received official word from NDMS that Activation (deployment) of some or all of his or her team is necessary. You will receive instructions from NDMS regarding travel; you may need to depart home on fairly short notice. You should: Report for travel when and where directed and keep all receipts. Take your "Deployment Pack". Upon arrival at the disaster area, the Team Commander will immediately report to the Management Support Team Commander (if a member is travelling on his or her own, report directly to the MST Commander). Perform your assigned duties as a team player. Comply with the chain of command and policies adopted for the "disaster specific" operation. Be responsible for your well being and if possible, keep in touch with your family. Comply with the NDMS Code of Conduct. Attend briefings as directed.
Post Activation: Returning home. You should: Attend any debriefings facilitated by your Team Commander. Follow through with any administrative details with your Team Administrative Officer (travel vouchers, handing in travel receipts, etc).
TRAVEL
Once I have received my activation orders, can I make my own flight arrangements?
Answer: No. Once on government orders, you must go on government carriers. A government travel agency will make arrangements and you will be informed of your itinerary.
LICENSURE COVERAGE
Once deployed, am I legally covered to practice medicine or nursing across state lines?
Answer: Once you are on government orders and have been federalized, then you're legally covered. This is also applicable to Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).
WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION
If I should injure myself anytime during the deployment phase, am I medically covered? Do I receive workman's compensation?
Answer: Yes to both questions. Once you're federalized, you're entitled to the benefits of a Federal employee. Contact your Team Administration Officer for more details.
PAY FOR RESPONSE TEAM PERSONNEL
1.Upon returning from a deployment, when do I get paid?
Answer: You will get paid 4-6 weeks after paper work has been turned in. Your regular wages will be paid in the pay period after your return. Your per diem should arrive within the 4-6 week time period.
2. I have turned in my paperwork and have waited 6 weeks. I still haven't been paid. Whom do I call to check on my pay status?
Answer: Your local Response Team Administrative Officer.
3. Is Overtime (OT) pay automatic?
Answer: Overtime hours above the shift established by the IRCT Commander (usually 12-hour shift) must be approved. If you're on a deployment, the only person to authorize and approve OT pay is the IRCT Commander, and you must have his or her signature on your time sheet. In the Emergency Operation Center, the EOC Director must sign and approve all OT pay beyond the established shift hours.
4. What is considered overtime? How much do I make when I work overtime?
Answer: Overtime is paid on hours over eight in a 24 hour period or 40 hours in one week (Sunday-Saturday).
If an employee is a GS10, step 1 or less, the overtime rate is 1.5 times the hourly rate.
If an employee is above a GS10, step 1, the overtime rate is 1.5 times the hourly rate of a GS10, step 1.
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