California Lawmakers Mull Changes to EMT Oversight

In January, the California Senate and Assembly health committees will hold hearings on bills that seek to overhaul how the state regulates emergency medical technicians, the Sacramento Bee reports (McIntosh, Sacramento Bee, 12/31/07).

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) vetoed a bill (AB 941) in October that sought to create a statewide EMT registry and require background checks for all EMTs in California (California Healthline, 10/16/07). In his veto message, Schwarzenegger said the bill hampered disclosure of disciplinary action against EMTs and did not go far enough to protect public safety.

The Assembly Health Committee is scheduled to discuss AB 1086 on Jan. 15. Assembly member Alberto Torrico (D-Newark) amended the bill to address EMT oversight.

On Jan. 9, the Senate Health Committee is set to consider SB 254 by Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield).

Both bills seek to require background checks for EMTs and create a state licensing registry similar to one that exists for paramedics (Sacramento Bee, 12/31/07).