Creating an ambulance operator safety program in the Department of Transportation, rules of the road applicable to the operation of ambulances, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and making an appropriation

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish and administer an ambulance operator safety program consisting of several components.

First, DOT must promulgate rules setting standards for the safe operation of ambulances. Second, DOT must establish a system of certification for operators of ambulances based on the completion of an ambulance operator safety course. DOT must prescribe the mandatory curriculum and components of an ambulance operator safety course, which must include classroom instruction and actual practice driving an ambulance accompanied by an instructor. The course must be consistent with the safe operation of ambulance standards promulgated by DOT. DOT must provide standards for the duration of the course, a mandatory written examination, and a mandatory driving skills test, and any other standards for instruction or examination considered necessary by DOT. Third, DOT must establish a system of recertification for ambulance operators, requiring recertification every three years.

Applicants for recertification must pass the written examination required for initial certification as an ambulance operator and, every six years, retake the ambulance operator safety course. Fourth, DOT is authorized to certify, as third-party ambulance operator safety course administrators, driver schools and technical colleges that offer emergency vehicle operator courses if they have met criteria established by DOT and paid an application fee. A third-party administrator may test applicants for certification and recertification as ambulance operators, as well as conduct the ambulance operator safety course. Finally, the bill requires DOT to advise ambulance owners of the safety program and these new requirements for ambulance operators.

Also under this bill, for the authorized emergency vehicle exemption from traffic restrictions to apply, the operator of an ambulance must be currently certified by DOT.