HOUSE BILL REPORT

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.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to personnel requirements for municipal ambulance services.

Brief Description: Concerning personnel requirements for municipal ambulance services.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senator Schoesler).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 3/10/17, 3/15/17 [DP].

Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill

  • Authorizes volunteer or municipal ambulance services in rural areas to use a driver without any medical or first aid training under certain circumstances.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Graves, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, MacEwen, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Rodne, Slatter, Stonier and Tharinger.

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 are at least two certified emergency medical technicians in attendance of the patient.

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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:

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) None.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.