HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 1543

BYRepresentatives Cantwell, Brooks, Day, Vekich, D. Sommers, Braddock, Bristow, Lux, P. King, Sprenkle, Meyers and Lewis

Eliminating the requirement of a practical examination for recertification of emergency medical technicians if other requirements are met.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Brooks, Cantwell, Lewis, Lux, D. Sommers, Sprenkle and Vekich.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Social and Health Services has the authority to license emergency medical services and vehicles, and certify Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and First Responders.  In order to be certified, EMTs and First Responders must take a written and practical examination.  EMTs and First Responders may apply for re-certification every three years upon successful passage of another written and practical examination.  These persons are required to have at least 30 hours of continuing education over a three-year period.

SUMMARY:

Certified Emergency Medical Technicians and First Responders are no longer required to take the practical examination for recertification purposes if continuing education requirements have been met, and they have responded to at least 12 emergency incidences a year since last certification.

EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):  An emergency medical technician need not take the practical examination for re-certification if (1) the applicant received a passing grade on the state written examination, and (2) completed an ongoing training and evaluation program, defined by rule.  The latter requirement replaces the requirement for responding to at least 12 incidences a year in a three year period.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 19, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Steve Hubbard, Washington Ambulance Association; Rex Lindquist, Washington State Council of Firefighters; John Murphy, Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Dr. Lother Pinkers, Chair, Washington State Medical Association Emergency Medical Services Standards Committee.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Requiring another practical examination is an unnecessary burden every time an EMT or First Responder must be re-certified.  No other state in the nation requires this, and it is not imposed on other emergency medical personnel such as paramedics, IV-technicians and Airway Management Technicians.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      The secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services can address the examination problem by rule.  EMTs can cause serious harm to patients and need to have the best standards as physician-extenders.  This bill is premature, and does not allow the department to address the rule.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 97; Excused 1

Excused:    Representative Amondson