RELATING TO INSURANCE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 706 streamlines relicensure for expired EMS licenses, reducing fees and barriers, ensuring qualified responders can continue serving communities effectively.

Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 175) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

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Summary of Senate Bill 706

Bill Number: SB 706
Title: Health occupations: emergency medical services personnel; relicensure after expiration of certain licenses; expand
Introduced: November 13, 2025
Status: Referred to Committee on Health Policy
Classification: Bill
Subject: Health occupations: emergency medical services personnel, State agencies (existing): health and human services

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 706 aims to amend the Public Health Code (1978 PA 368) to facilitate the renewal and relicensure process for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel whose licenses have expired. The bill seeks to streamline the renewal process, particularly for those who may have difficulty meeting certain requirements, thereby ensuring that qualified EMS personnel can continue to serve the community without unnecessary barriers.

Key Provisions

Renewal Process:

The Department of Health will renew EMS personnel licenses upon proper application and payment of renewal fees.
Applicants must verify ongoing education requirements as established by the department.

Fees:

Renewal fees are set at:
- Medical First Responder: $0
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): $25
- Emergency Medical Technician Specialist: $25
- Paramedic: $25
- Emergency Medical Services Instructor-Coordinator: $25
A late fee of $50 applies if the renewal application is postmarked after the license expiration date.

Grace Period:

Licenses can be renewed within 60 days after expiration, allowing continued practice during this period.
If not renewed within 60 days, the license becomes void, and the individual must reapply as a new applicant if more than 10 years have passed since expiration.

Volunteer Provisions:

If a life support agency certifies that an applicant is a volunteer and does not charge for services, the renewal fee and late fee may be waived.

National Registry Status:

Individuals seeking renewal are not required to maintain national registry status as a condition for license renewal.

Impact

Who is Affected:

This bill primarily affects emergency medical services personnel, including medical first responders, EMTs, paramedics, and instructors. It also impacts volunteer life support agencies and their personnel.

Benefits:

The bill aims to reduce the financial burden on EMS personnel, especially volunteers, and simplify the relicensure process, thereby enhancing the availability of qualified emergency responders.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced by Senator Paul Wojno and has been referred to the Committee on Health Policy for further consideration. The legislative process will involve discussions, potential amendments, and voting within the committee before it can proceed to the full Senate for consideration.

This summary provides an overview of SB 706, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on emergency medical services personnel in Michigan.