Over the past couple of months, we have learned of several Hospitals wanting
their staff to obtain ham radio licenses to enable the staff to
operate Amateur Radio equipment placed in the Hospital during
emergencies.
In consultation with retired FCC Legal Counsel Riley Hollingworth and by
reviewing Federal regulation 47 CFR Part 97 in Section 97.113 Prohibited
Transmissions, Exceptions, we find that the Regulation does allow
amateur radio licensed hospital staff limited use of the amateur radio
equipment for tests and drills ONLY. The Regulation spells out the
parameters of the limited use.
This limited use does NOT allow amateur radio licensed hospital staff to
use the amateur radio equipment during actual emergencies. Amateur
radio licensed volunteer groups like ARES are the best alternative to
providing emergency communications for Hospitals and other NGO
agencies.
Please share the above information with anyone asking for clarification
or contact David Overton, KF5WDJ our Section Emergency Coordinator or
myself for more information.
73,
Dale – W5WI
WTX Section Manager