Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases requirements for emergency medical service workers.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the Health Commissioner from issuing or renewing a license or authorization to practice as a clinician unless the Commissioner first determines that no record of criminal history exists that may disqualify the applicant (Sec. 6).

• Defines “clinician” as an individual who is licensed or otherwise authorized to provide patient care in a pre-hospital or inter-facility care setting (Sec. 1).

• Requires criminal background checks to be implemented within 4 years of the enactment of this bill (Sec. 6).

• Requires applicants for licensure or authorization to practice as a clinician to pay for the cost of the criminal background check (Sec. 6).

• Exempts volunteer first aid, ambulance, and rescue squad applicants from paying the cost of licensure and criminal background checks (Secs. 2 & 6).

Full Bill Text