HB328 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

EMS personel, revise licensing process to authorize criminal background checks, revise licensing fees, etc., Secs. 22-18-4, 22-18-6 am'd.

Summary

HB 328 would allow the State Board of Health to set EMS licensure fees by rule, require criminal background checks at initial licensure, and revise training requirements for ground ambulance drivers.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would let the Board establish EMS licensure fees by rule and set license durations (EMS personnel licenses valid for 24 months; provider service licenses valid for up to 12 months) with renewals at the same fee. It would require EMS personnel to complete an approved training course (aligned with DOT or other federal standards) and would authorize criminal background checks, including fingerprint-based checks, for initial licensure, with costs paid by applicants. The Board could use conviction data to decide if someone should be licensed, and it would allow suspension or revocation of licenses for specified misconduct. It also adds rules about the scope of practice and ensures ground ambulance drivers meet specific course requirements before operating.

Who It Affects

• EMS personnel seeking initial licensure or license renewal, who would face new background check requirements and applicable fees and training standards.
• EMS provider services (air or ground ambulance operators), who would face new licensing fees, license duration limits, and compliance with updated course and background check provisions.
• Ground ambulance drivers, who would be subject to revised course requirements and the need to hold proper licensure and credentials.
• The public, as background checks and standardized training are intended to improve accountability and safety in emergency medical services.

Key Provisions

• Authorize the Board of Health to establish licensure fees for EMS personnel by rule; EMS licenses would cost $10 for a 24-month EMSP license and $25 for provider service licenses, with renewals costing the same as the original license.
• Provider licenses would be valid for up to 12 calendar months; no fee would be charged for volunteer rescue squad permits unless licensure is requested.
• Require EMSP license applicants to complete an approved EMS course (DOT-based or other approved curriculum) and pass the licensure exam; allow optional modules prescribed by rule.
• Authorize criminal background checks at initial licensure, including fingerprint-based state and federal checks, with applicants paying the costs.
• Permit the Board to obtain conviction data to evaluate licensure suitability and establish by rule which convictions would disqualify a applicant.
• Grant the Board authority to suspend or revoke licenses or licenses for provider services and to set a scope of privilege for each licensure level.
• Keep conviction data confidential and establish procedures for handling and privacy of background information.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Emergency Medical Services