(1) The department shall perform all of the following with regard to educational programs and services:

    (a) Review and approve education program sponsors, ongoing education program sponsors, and curricula for emergency medical services personnel. Approved education programs and refresher programs shall be coordinated by a licensed emergency medical services instructor-coordinator commensurate with level of licensure. Approved programs conducted by ongoing education program sponsors shall be coordinated by a licensed emergency medical services instructor-coordinator.

    (b) Maintain a listing of approved education program sponsors and licensed emergency medical services instructor-coordinators.

    (c) Develop and implement standards for all education program sponsors and ongoing education program sponsors based upon criteria recommended by the emergency medical services coordination committee and developed by the department.

    (2) An education program sponsor that conducts education programs for paramedics and that receives accreditation from the joint review committee on educational programs for the EMT-paramedic or other organization approved by the department as having equivalent expertise and competency in the accreditation of paramedic education programs is considered approved by the department under subsection (1)(a) if the education program sponsor meets both of the following requirements:

    (a) Submits an application to the department that includes verification of accreditation described in this subsection.

    (b) Maintains accreditation as described in this subsection.