AR HB1253

Arkansas joins the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA), allowing EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and paramedics licensed in member states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state.

Licensed EMS personnel must be at least 18 years old, hold an unrestricted license in a member state, and practice under medical director supervision to exercise the interstate privilege to practice.

The compact creates the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice to administer the agreement, maintain a coordinated database of licensure and adverse action information, and promulgate binding rules for member states.

Member states must require National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examinations for initial licensure and implement FBI fingerprint-based criminal background checks for all applicants within five years of compact activation.

Veterans, active military members separating from duty, and their spouses with current unrestricted NREMT certification receive expedited licensure processing and may satisfy minimum training requirements through their certification.