The Senate Committee on Interstate Cooperation met to discuss one bill.
Senate Bill 659 would enact the Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact. This Compact is an interstate act that allows emergency medical personnel to practice their services between states that have also signed this bill into law. The bill would only apply to EMTs and paramedics that are active under a medical director. In the event that a state’s governor declares a state of emergency the bill would still be enacted. The bill won’t be enacted until two more states adopt the bill as ten need to in order to form the commission to govern the act. If the compact hasn’t become effective by July 2021 then the bill will be dissolved.
Brian Skinner, the Council for Public Health, said he does have some concerns for the bill. He thinks it is unconstitutional because the commission could legislate and pass rules across multiple states. The commission could also demand fees to cover its annual budget and would have a fiscal impact.
Senator Sypolt (R-Preston) asked if there are any advantages in the concept of a commission like this legislation.
Mr. Skinner responded there are some but this legislation has some legal implications that are risky. However, they have no objections to looking into legislation like this in the future.
The bill was rejected.
