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H 4119

An Act establishing an emergency medical services licensure compact

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Leigh Davis and 5 co-sponsors

Creates interstate compact allowing EMS professionals to obtain reciprocal licensure across states, enabling emergency workers to practice across state lines without individual state recertification.

Accompanied a study order, see H5234
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Bill Summary · H 4119

Legislative bill overview

H 4119 establishes an interstate compact allowing emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to obtain reciprocal licensure across participating states without repeating individual state certification requirements. The bill enables EMS professionals—paramedics, EMTs, and related personnel—to maintain portable credentials that are recognized across state lines, streamlining the licensing process for mobile workers.

Why is this important

EMS personnel frequently work in border areas or relocate between states, and currently must navigate separate licensing procedures in each state, creating delays in employment and potential workforce gaps during emergencies. This compact reduces administrative burden and could improve emergency response capacity by allowing states to quickly credential available EMS personnel during disasters or staffing shortages. The measure also addresses healthcare workforce mobility in an industry facing critical staffing challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Baseline standards concerns: Questions about whether all participating states' licensing standards are sufficiently equivalent, potentially allowing less-rigorously-trained personnel to practice in Massachusetts
  • State autonomy: Whether ceding licensure reciprocity reduces individual states' ability to enforce their own quality and safety standards for EMS providers operating within their borders
  • Implementation costs: Uncertainty about administrative and infrastructure costs for Massachusetts to establish compact participation and maintain reciprocal agreements versus current licensing revenue projections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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