SB 89

Generally, this bill affects the requirements for certification as an emergency

medical responder, formally known as a first responder. First, this bill prohibits the

Department of Health Services from requiring an applicant who is applying for

certification as an emergency medical responder to register with or take the

examination of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

An ambulance service provider or another emergency medical services program is

allowed to require an emergency medical responder to register with or take the

examination of the NREMT. Current rules promulgated by DHS require an

applicant for a license as an emergency medical services practitioner at any level,

including an emergency medical responder, to be registered with the NREMT or, in

certain circumstances, to complete the NREMT examination.

Currently, an applicant for certification as an emergency medical responder

who demonstrates to DHS that the education, training, instruction, or other

experience gained by the applicant in connection with military service is

substantially equivalent to the course required for emergency medical responder

certification is considered to have satisfied completion of that course. This bill

requires DHS to issue the certification for an applicant who has relevant education,

training, and experience gained in connection with military service. For applicants

with military service who are not affiliated with an ambulance service provider, the

determination of whether an applicant has obtained the relevant education,

training, and experience remains with DHS as under current law. For applicants

with military service intending to volunteer for or be employed by an ambulance

service provider or emergency medical services program, the determination of

whether an applicant has obtained relevant education, training, and experience is

solely within the discretion of that ambulance service provider or emergency medical

services program.