Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB395

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

In emergency medical services system, further providing for emergency medical responders.

Impact

The implications of HB395 are significant for the emergency medical services framework in Pennsylvania. By allowing for provisional certifications, the bill could help alleviate shortages of emergency responders by enabling faster integration of certified individuals into the state’s emergency services system. This may enhance response times and improve public safety as more qualified professionals become available to serve communities. Overall, this amendment seeks to modernize the certification process and align it with national standards, fostering better emergency medical service capabilities across the state.

Summary

House Bill 395 aims to amend Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by establishing a process for providing provisional certification to emergency medical responders (EMRs). The bill stipulates that individuals possessing valid certifications from recognized national authorities, such as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, can obtain provisional EMR certification in Pennsylvania. This provisional status will be valid for up to three years, after which it can be upgraded to standard certification following the completion of a registration process. The bill aims to streamline the certification process for EMRs, making it easier for qualified individuals to serve in emergency medical roles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB395 appears to be mostly positive, particularly among emergency service organizations and those advocating for public safety improvements. Proponents of the bill argue that it supports the expansion and efficiency of emergency services, thus benefiting communities. However, there may also be concerns among some stakeholders about the qualifications and training of individuals receiving provisional certification. While many see the need for increased support for emergency medical staffing, discussions may arise regarding ensuring that standards remain robust to safeguard public health and safety.

Contention

Key points of contention may include discussions on the balance between rapid certification and maintaining high standards for emergency responders. While the provision for provisional certification is designed to increase the availability of EMRs, critics could express reservations about whether this approach might lead to a dilution of training and preparedness essential for effective emergency medical services. The potential for variability in how provisional certifications are applied and monitored could also be debated during the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB65

In emergency medical services system, further providing for emergency medical responders, for emergency medical technicians, for advanced emergency medical technicians and for paramedics.

PA HB2659

In emergency medical services system, further providing for emergency medical responders, for emergency medical technicians, for emergency medical services vehicle operators and for advanced life support ambulances.

PA HB2576

In emergency medical services system, further providing for definitions and for emergency medical services agencies.

PA SB1308

In emergency medical services system, further providing for injured police animals.

PA HB349

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid and for definitions relating to Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program; in volunteer firefighters, further providing for definitions relating to fire relief association; in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions; and, in incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1099

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, further providing for expiration of authority, repealing provisions relating to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for annual reports.

PA HB2407

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies, for State Fire Commissioner and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

PA HB1916

In Commonwealth services, further providing for Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program.

PA HB680

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions and for award of grants.

PA HB294

In general provisions relating to health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions and for criminal penalties; in living wills, further providing for emergency medical services; in out-of-hospital nonresuscitation, further providing for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance; and providing for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.