MO HB1301

Department must establish rules by January 1, 2013 allowing honorably discharged veterans to obtain licensure as EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, or Paramedic without National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification if they meet other state requirements.

Honorably discharged veterans receive a lifetime exemption from NREMT certification requirements and can renew licenses without such certification, though they must complete continuing education units equivalent to NREMT-certified licensees.

Veterans must meet education and skills requirements for their requested licensure level, verified through testing or memoranda of understanding with federal agencies and military branches based on military certifications, qualifications, or occupational specialties.

Department shall establish supplemental training programs for veterans with military certifications that are nominally deficient in state requirements, allowing veterans to qualify for higher licensure levels or accept their current qualified level.

Provisions apply to first responder licensure and certification if Missouri regulates it similarly to emergency medical technician licensure, and the department may establish reasonable time periods after discharge during which veterans may apply.