Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
SSB 5211
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Prohibiting the use of live animals to practice invasive medical procedures in paramedic training programs.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Palumbo, Rolfes, Hunt and Zeiger).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/25/19
Staff: Omeara Harrington (786-7136).
Background:
Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are certified by the Department of Health. There are four primary categories of EMS personnel: paramedics; advanced emergency medical technicians; emergency medical technicians; and first responders. Emergency medical services personnel may only provide services within the scope of care established in the curriculum of the person's level of certification or any specialized training.
A paramedic is a person who has been trained to perform all phases of prehospital emergency care, including advanced life support, under authorization of a physician. To become a paramedic, a person must have:
successfully completed an emergency medical technician course;
trained under the supervision of an approved medical program director to perform specific phases of advanced cardiac and trauma life support under the authorization of an approved licensed physician; and
been examined and certified as a paramedic by the University of Washington's School of Medicine or the Department of Health.
Summary of Bill:
By July 1, 2022, all paramedic training programs training individuals in the medical treatment of persons may only use human-based training methods and may not use live animals. Human-based training methods include the use of systems and devices, including simulators, partial task trainers, or human cadavers. Partial task trainers are defined as training aids that allow individuals to learn or practice specific medical procedures.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.