In regards to the ruling that allows agencies 24 hours to submit PCRs, I am in favor of keeping the 24 hour time period in place.  I completely agree with previous comments made about the importance of proper documentation and the need for agencies to leave a copy of the PCR with the receiving facility on departure.  However, a ruling against the 24-hour time period would tie the hands of agencies and could negatively impact patient care in the long run.  Our agency runs approximately 80% of the EMS calls in our jurisdiction  and we only have 3 front line/staffed medic units.  There are times when it is necessary for our units to clear from the hospital (before finishing the PCR) in order to run another EMS call because our other medic units are on other calls and it would be detrimental to wait for mutual aid to arrive.  This would also be the case if we were to have a disaster/MCI in our region/jurisdiction where it would be beneficial to have quick turn-around times for our medic units in order to treat/transport more victims.  Being that we are a Fire and EMS department, all of our full-time personnel are cross-trained in both fire and EMS.  When a structure fire occurs in our area, we rely heavily on all of our personnel, even those staffing the medic units in order to get enough fire/EMS personnel on scene to operate safely and effectively.  Our department leaves PCRs at the hospital upon departure 98% of the time.  The only time we do not leave a copy of the PCR on departure is when the printer is malfunctioning, in which case we go back to the station and print off the PCR and are usually able to provide a copy to the ER within a couple of hours.  We also allow our medic units to clear EDs before finishing a PCR in cases where all other medic units are tied up on calls and it would be detrimental to the patient to wait for another EMS service and/or for structure fires/major emergencies in which we need their manpower (however, our personnel are instructed to notify the receiving RN that they are leaving without leaving a copy of the PCR, but will return as soon as possible to do so).   I would ask that the regulation stay in place to allow for the 24 hour time frame, with the understanding that agencies will leave a copy of the PCR upon departure except under extenuating circumstances (such as those listed above).