FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   ESB 6033

                                  C 128 L 92

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Modifying certification provisions for emergency medical services personnel.

SPONSORS:Senators West and Johnson

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

BACKGROUND:

Under current law some emergency medical service (EMS) personnel receive initial certification and recertification for periods of two years.  The two-year period applies to physician's trained intravenous therapy technicians, airway management technicians, and mobile intensive care paramedics.  Other EMS personnel are certified or recertified for three years.  EMS personnel have busy schedules that involve constant hands-on training.  The certification procedures do not change much from year to year, but the recertification process does consume time and money.

Ambulance operators are currently licensed for three years, while ambulances are licensed for one year.

SUMMARY:

Certifications and recertifications of physician's trained intravenous therapy technicians, airway management technicians, and mobile intensive care paramedics are valid for three years.

Licenses issued to both ambulance drivers and ambulances are valid for two years each.

Emergency medical technicians, life support personnel and others credentialed pursuant to the chapter are included under the Uniform Disciplinary Act consistent with the responsibilities of the medical program directors.  Those professions, as well as physician's trained intravenous therapy technicians, airway management technicians, and mobile intensive care paramedics, are subject to the disciplinary authority of the Secretary of the Department of Health.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      45    1

House 96    0     (House amended)

Senate      48    0     (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  June 11, 1992