SB91 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve LivingstonSenator

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

SB 91 would let the Board of Health set EMS licensing fees, require criminal background checks for initial licensure, update training rules, and add penalties for mishandling background-check information.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Board to establish licensure fees for EMS personnel and ambulance providers, with EMS licenses valid for 24 months and provider licenses up to 12 months (renewals use the same fee). It requires EMS personnel to complete approved courses aligned with DOT or federal curricula and to pass the licensure exam. It creates a fingerprint-based criminal background-check process for initial licensure, with applicants paying the costs and results kept confidential by the board. It requires ground ambulance drivers to hold a valid license and to complete approved driver training courses. It adds penalties for unauthorized disclosure of background-check records and for various licensure violations, and sets the effective date a few months after passage while noting a local-funding exemption under Amendment 621.

Who It Affects

• EMS personnel seeking initial licensure or renewal, who would pay new licensing fees, undergo mandatory background checks, and meet updated training requirements.
• Ambulance service providers (air and ground) and their operations, who must obtain licenses, pay fees, ensure drivers meet training standards, and may face exemptions for volunteer squads unless licensure is requested.

Key Provisions

• Licensing fees set by rule: EMSP licenses cost $10 for 24-month validity; provider-service licenses cost $25 and last up to 12 months; renewal fees are the same as initial; no extra fee for EMSP reclassification to a higher level.
• Fees collected go into a separate enforcement fund; volunteer rescue squads providing gratuitous service are exempt from certain fees unless licensure is requested.
• EMS personnel must complete an approved EMSP course aligned to USDOT or other federal curriculum, pass the appropriate licensure exam, and meet curriculum/module requirements defined by rule.
• Ground ambulance drivers must hold a valid driver’s license and have passed an approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course or equivalent training.
• Initial licensure requires fingerprint-based state and national background checks; applicants pay the costs; results are confidential and handled under specified rules.
• The Board may suspend or revoke licenses for listed misconduct, including failure to meet qualifications, fraud, or other violations; it also sets scope-of-practice and supervision rules by level of licensure.
• Unauthorized disclosure of background-check records is a misdemeanor with fines and potential imprisonment; hindering board officers or emergency personnel at scenes is a Class A misdemeanor.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage; it includes a local-funding exemption under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends a crime definition.

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