WSR 26-21-059 (26-21)

The department of health (department) is considering amending rules in WAC 246-976-010, 246-976-026, 246-976-144, and 246-976-161 in response to new legislative requirements under HB 2540 (chapter 11, Laws of 2026), regarding EMT recertification. HB 2540 states that an EMT who has been certified in Washington for at least 10 years shall become recertified every six years. Administrative amendments in related sections of chapter 246-976 WAC are also being considered.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: HB 2540 was passed in 2026 with the intent of reducing barriers for recertification for EMTs who have been certified in Washington for at least 10 years. The law states that EMTs who have been certified for at least 10 years shall become recertified every six years, rather than the standard recertification period of three years. Rule amendments are necessary in order to align recertification standards in rule with the statute.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Dawn Felt, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504-7853, phone 360-236-2842, fax 360-236-2830, TTY 711, email dawn.felt@doh.wa.gov, website https://doh.wa.gov; or Amy Johnson-Carpenter, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504-7853, phone 360-236-2851, fax 360-236-2830, TTY 711, email amy.johnson-carpenter@doh.wa.gov, website https://doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. The department will conduct a series of rules workshops. Rule-making notices will be delivered via the email update list. To receive notices, go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing in, click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Community Health Systems," and then click open the box labeled "Emergency Medical Services and Trauma." Finally, click the box for "Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Rule Making Chapter WAC 246.976." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions or facilities listed to receive information related to that specific topic.