AR HB1623

Amends Arkansas Code sections 20-13-1102 through 20-13-1105 to streamline criminal history check procedures for emergency medical services personnel licensure applicants.

Allows applicants with continuous Arkansas residency for 5 years to require only a state criminal history check; applicants from other states or without proof of continuous residency must complete both state and national criminal history checks.

Transfers responsibility for conducting criminal history checks from the Identification Bureau directly to the Division of EMS and Trauma Systems of the Department of Health, which will determine disqualifications and notify applicants.

Requires the Identification Bureau to respond to criminal history check requests within 20 calendar days and the Division of EMS to maintain filed copies of completed checks for 3 years.

Updates references to the Division of Health throughout the statute to reflect current organizational structure and clarifies that the Division of EMS and Trauma Systems works with the Identification Bureau to develop required forms and regulations.