HB 2261 Summary

• Reorganizes emergency medical services terminology and classification system, replacing "intermediate emergency medical technician" with "advanced emergency medical technician" and "emergency medical technician I-99" throughout state law.

• Establishes new state recertification pathways for emergency medical technicians including refresher courses, challenge courses, and attestation options as alternatives to national certification organization requirements.

• Creates a medical direction commission to assist the director in developing medical protocols and standards for emergency medical care technicians, working alongside the existing emergency medical services council.

• Renames the "division of emergency medical services" to the "bureau of emergency medical services and trauma system" and clarifies its authority and responsibilities.

• Provides exemptions from administrative rulemaking requirements for the department of health services through December 31, 2013, while still requiring public notice and comment on proposed rules.