Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
ESSB 5751
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: Concerning personnel requirements for municipal ambulance services.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senator Schoesler).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/10/17
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Ambulances must operate with sufficient personnel for adequate patient care. At least one of the personnel must be an emergency medical technician, who is responsible for ambulance operation and the care of patients. The driver of the ambulance must have at least a certificate of advanced first aid qualification, which may be obtained by demonstrating completion of advanced Red Cross training or its equivalent. The driver is not required to have a certificate if there at least two certified emergency medical technicians in attendance of the patient.
Summary of Bill:
With approval by the Department of Health, an ambulance service established by volunteer or a municipal corporation in a rural area with insufficient personnel may use a driver without any medical or first aid training if the driver:
is at least 18 years old;
passes a background check;
possesses a valid driver's license with no restrictions;
is accompanied by a non-driving emergency medical technician while operating the ambulance during a response or transport of a patient; and
only provides medical care to patients to the level he or she is trained.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available on original bill.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.