Researcher: MH Page 1 4/3/25
OLR Bill Analysis
HB 7201
AN ACT CONCERNING A SUPPLEMENTAL PARAMEDIC.
SUMMARY
This bill allows UConn’s emergency medical services (EMS)
organization (i.e. the Storrs campus fire department) to apply to the
Department of Public Health (DPH) commissioner for a certificate of
authorization as a supplemental paramedic in a similar way as existing
law allows for supplemental first responders (see BACKGROUND).
The bill defines “supplemental paramedic” as an EMS organization
that holds a certificate of authorization from DPH and responds to the
victim of a sudden illness or injury when available and called upon.
This certificate will allow UConn Fire Department paramedics to
respond to emergency calls covered by another primary service area
responder (PSAR). By law, a PSAR is a specific geographic area to which
DPH assigns a designated EMS provider for each category of emergency
medical response services (CGS § 19a-175). (Currently, UConn Fire
Department is not the PSAR for paramedic services on the Storrs
campus.)
The bill also specifies which first responders control and direct
emergency activities while at the scene of an emergency medical call.
Specifically, if any combination of a PSAR, supplemental paramedic,
and supplemental first responder is at the scene at the same time, the
PSAR must control and direct emergency activities. If a PSAR is not
present, the supplemental paramedic must do so.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025
SUPPLEMENTAL PARAMED IC APPLICATION
Under the bill, UConn’s EMS organization may apply to the DPH
commissioner for a supplemental paramedic certificate as she 2025HB-07201-R000526-BA.DOCX
Researcher: MH Page 2 4/3/25
prescribes, regardless of existing law’s licensure requirements for
ambulance and paramedic intercept services. The EMS organization
must prove to the commissioner’s satisfaction that it (1) meets the
minimum standards for training, equipment, and personnel, and (2) has
at least $1 million in liability insurance.
Application Determinations
If the commissioner determines that UConn’s EMS organization is
qualified to be a supplemental paramedic, she must issue it a certificate
that is valid for two years and may be renewed.
If the commissioner denies the application, she must notify the EMS
organization in writing and include the reasons for the denial.
After receiving the notice, the EMS organization has 30 days to
request a hearing in keeping with UAPA. If the commissioner’s denial
is upheld, the EMS organization cannot apply again for one year from
the date the decision was upheld.
Certificate Revocation and Suspension
The bill allows the DPH commissioner to suspend or revoke UConn’s
certificate if its EMS organization (1) fails to maintain the minimum
standards and liability insurance requirements described above or (2)
violates the state’s existing EMS laws. The bill requires DPH to give the
EMS organization an opportunity to show its compliance with these
requirements to keep its certificate.
BACKGROUND
Supplemental First Responders
Existing law allows any EMS organization to apply to the DPH
commissioner for a certificate of authorization as a supplemental first
responder in a municipality with a population of between 105,000 and
115,000 residents. The application process and related disciplinary
actions are the same as those under the bill (CGS § 19a-180b). 2025HB-07201-R000526-BA.DOCX
Researcher: MH Page 3 4/3/25
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Safety and Security Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 26 Nay 3 (03/18/2025)