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Kari’s Law & Ray Baum’s Act Compliance and What it Means to You

Kari’s Law
On February 16, 2018, Kari’s Law was signed into federal law. Named for Kari Hunt Dunn, the law was championed by her family after she was fatally killed and her 9 year old daughter was unable to reach emergency services because she didn’t know she had to dial “9” to reach an outside line before calling 911 at the hotel where they were staying. There are two parts to Kari’s Law that affect businesses with multi-line telephone systems (MLTS).

No “9” for 911 Calls
Kari’s Law will require that any MLTS will allow callers to reach emergency services via 911 without the need to dial a prefix for an outside number first. All organizations using a multi-line phone system will need to update their phone configurations accordingly.

Notifications
Kari’s Law also requires MLTS organizations to implement notifications to on-site personnel (such as management, security personnel, etc.) that 911 has been dialed from their organization and from where it was dialed. These notifications can be via email, SMS/Text, messenger service or phone call. This will allow on-site personnel to know there is an emergency and provide first aid if able, and also to accurately escort emergency personnel to where they are needed. The FCC adopted a Report and Order on August 1, 2019 that specifies the above rules for Kari’s Law, and also for Section 506 of Ray Baum’s Act.

Ray Baum’s Act:  Dispatchable Location
Primarily created in order to more accurately locate 9-1-1 callers, the FCC has been working to incorporate E911 into all communication systems in the United States. The recent Report and Order seeks to ensure all MLTS phones automatically provide the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with a “dispatchable location” of the caller. In environments such as school campuses, warehouses, hospitals, senior care facilities, multi-floor buildings and hotels, it can be difficult to find the location of the person in distress. Ray Baum’s Act will improve access to emergency services for anyone who dials 911.

Compliance Deadlines
Organizations with MLTS must comply with the mandates of Kari’s Law by February 2020, and the deadline for Ray Baum’s Act compliance (for both on-premise and off-premise 911 calls) is two years from the effective date of rules adopted by this order or by February 2021. Any business or agency who does not comply with Kari’s Law will face a fine of up to $10,000 in addition to other penalties, including a daily fine of $500 each day they are found not in compliance, which can be retroactive from the date the law was effective.

What do Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act mean to you?
How can your organization manage its legal obligations most effectively? Get started soon and don’t go it alone. VORADIAN hosted PBX and MLTS services are fully compliant voice solutions that not only comply with the 911 requirements of the law, but it exceeds the requirements to provide you with additional protection. Our service will provide you with the location and notification functionalities you need and require, to comply with the Federal Law. There may be multiple ways for you to achieve compliance. Let us help you determine what your best and cost-effective options are.

Give us a call or contact us by email
Ready to get moving towards compliance? Talk to an expert at VORADIAN. Call us at 1.833.867.2342 [1.833.VORADIAN] or contact us here by email.


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