HB58 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris SellsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

EMS personel, revise licensing process to authorize criminal background checks, revise licensing fees, etc., Sec. 22-18-9 added; Secs. 22-18-4, 22-18-6 am'd.

Summary

HB 58 would reform Alabama's EMS licensure by adding background checks, updating licensing fees and durations, and tightening training and enforcement for EMS personnel and providers.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes the Board of Health to set licensure fees for EMS personnel and provider services, with EMSP licenses lasting 24 months and provider licenses up to 12 months. It requires EMSP applicants to complete approved training and pass exams, and it adds fingerprint-based background checks with costs paid by applicants. Results are kept confidential and used to determine licensure eligibility, with new grounds for suspension or revocation and specified penalties for violations or fraud. It also strengthens penalties for interference with board duties, sets the scope of privilege for each licensure level, and requires licensees to adhere to state EMS rules and training standards, with an effective date a few months after passage.

Who It Affects

• EMS personnel (EMSP): must pay new license fees, complete approved training, pass licensure exams, and undergo a background check; licenses will be valid for 24 months (EMSP) or up to 12 months for provider services; subject to discipline or revocation for listed violations.
• Ambulance provider services (air or ground): face new or renewal license fees and a defined license duration; must meet training and licensure rules and comply with board discipline if standards are not met.
• Volunteer rescue squads: general fee exemption for gratuitous ambulance permits remains unless licensure is requested by the squad or individual, in which case fees would apply.

Key Provisions

• Creates EMS licensure fees: $10 for each EMSP license valid 24 months; $25 for each provider service license; renewal fees set equal to original license; EMSP licenses vest for 24 months and provider licenses up to 12 months; no extra fee for EMSP reclassification to a higher level.
• Fees collected are placed in a separate board fund for enforcing the EMS licensure chapter; exemptions for volunteer squads unless licensure is requested.
• Requires EMSP applicants to complete an approved EMSP course, pass the licensure exam, and follow curriculum aligned with USDOT or other federal standards; optional modules may be added by rule.
• Mandates that no ambulance be operated without Board of Health licensure; ground ambulances must be driven by licensed individuals who have completed approved driver/operator courses.
• Adds fingerprint-based state and national background checks for initial licensure; applicants pay the costs; results are confidential and handled under state and federal rules; the board will establish convictions that bar licensure and adopt implementing rules.
• Defines grounds for license suspension or revocation, including misconduct, insufficient education, substandard care, fraud, criminal convictions, and exceeding licensure scope; provides for discipline and enforcement.
• Establishes board authority to define scope of privilege for each licensure level and to permit EMSP scene management under certain conditions; sets safety and traffic directions at emergency scenes.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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