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Bill Summary · LC 2675

Legislative Bill Summary — LC 2675

Title: Transfer licensing of emergency medical providers to the department of labor and industry
Status: Draft (LC) — Draft Delivered to Requester; Draft in Input/Proofing and Assembly phases as of Feb 2025
Introduced: December 10, 2024
Subject: Emergency and Disaster Services; Health Care Services; Professions and Occupations

Overview

LC 2675 proposes transferring the licensing authority for emergency medical providers from the current regulator to the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). The bill aims to consolidate and streamline licensing and oversight for EMS personnel (such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics) under DLI’s regulatory framework, rather than under the existing health or public safety licensing structures.

Purpose and Intent

  • Improve consistency and efficiency in licensing EMS professionals by placing regulation under a single, broadly experienced occupational/licensing agency (DLI).
  • Align EMS licensure with other occupational licensing activities to potentially enhance compliance, enforcement, and worker protections.
  • Create a clear, centralized process for licensure, renewal, discipline, and interjurisdictional reciprocity.

Key Provisions (Indicative Based on Title; awaiting text)

  • Transfer of Authority: Move the licensing function for emergency medical providers from the current regulator to DLI, including licensing standards, renewal cycles, disciplinary authority, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Rules and Standards: DLI to establish or adopt licensure requirements, scope of practice, continuing education, and professional conduct standards for EMS personnel.
  • Licensure Process: Implementation of application, background check, credential verification, license issuance, and renewal procedures under DLI.
  • Fees and Funding: Authority for DLI to set and adjust licensure fees; potential funding mechanisms to support the EMS licensure program.
  • Transitional Provisions: Safeguards to protect current license holders during the transfer, including continuity of licensure and recognition of existing credentials.
  • Reciprocity and Mobility: Provisions for recognizing out-of-state EMS credentials and facilitating cross-jurisdiction mobility where applicable.
  • Enforcement and Disciplinary Actions: DLI-led enforcement against license violations, including penalties, hearings, and potential license suspensions or revocations.
  • Reporting and Oversight: Required reporting to the legislature on program performance, budget, and impact.

Affected Parties

  • Emergency medical providers (EMTs, paramedics, and related EMS personnel) subject to licensure.
  • EMS agencies, hospitals, and other health-care facilities employing EMS professionals.
  • Existing licensing boards or departments currently administering EMS licensure.
  • Training programs and credentialing agencies associated with EMS.

Timeline and Process

  • Introduced December 10, 2024.
  • Draft activity progressed through February 2025, with multiple stages: input/proofing, legal review, final drafter review, and assembly readiness.
  • Specific effective dates, transition timelines, and implementation milestones to be detailed in the enacted text and any accompanying fiscal notes.

Potential Impacts

  • Administrative: A centralized licensing process may streamline renewals, compliance checks, and disciplinary procedures.
  • Fiscal: Possible changes in licensing fees; transition costs for system migration; ongoing budget for the EMS licensure program within DLI.
  • Public Safety: Potential improvements in consistency of EMS licensure standards and enforcement, benefiting public trust and safety.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Review the full bill text when available to confirm precise provisions, timelines, and fiscal impact.
  • Monitor committee hearings and amendments for changes to transfer scope, funding, and operational details.

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

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