CO SB242

Creates a new licensing pathway for emergency medical service (EMS) providers to convert their existing certification to a license upon completion of a four-year bachelor's degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university, effective January 1, 2021.

Establishes rules for conversion that do not affect prior discipline, limitations, or pending investigations against EMS providers and maintain the department's authority over certificate holders.

Updates Colorado Revised Statutes to recognize both "certification" and "licensure" as valid credentials for EMS providers throughout state law, including in provisions related to criminal background checks, scope of practice, and disciplinary procedures.

Requires criminal history background checks for all EMS certification and licensure applicants, with fingerprint-based federal checks for those with less than three years of state residency and state checks for longer-term residents.

Makes technical amendments across multiple Colorado statutes to ensure consistent language recognizing both certified and licensed EMS providers in contexts including health care worker protections, blood draw authority, and emergency services coordination.