Maryland Senate Bill SB515

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/22
• Refer: 1/28/22

Caption

State Emergency Medical Services Board - Park Services Associates - Certification as Emergency Medical Responders

Impact

The bill prohibits the EMS Board from charging licensing, certifying, testing, or retesting fees to park services associates who are basic employees or volunteers. Consequently, this aims to enhance participation from individuals who might otherwise be deterred by costs associated with emergency responder certification. By not imposing fees, the bill seeks to increase the number of certified emergency medical responders in the state and improve emergency services in parks and natural resource areas. Moreover, a temporary certification will be available to qualifying park services associates, easing immediate staffing needs in emergency response.

Summary

Senate Bill 515 is an act aimed at streamlining the certification process for certain employees within park services in the Department of Natural Resources, specifically those classified as park services associates. The bill mandates that the State Emergency Medical Services Board (EMS Board) recognize any relevant training and education these individuals complete as qualifying towards their certification as emergency medical responders. This change intends to lighten the pathway towards certification for qualifying park services staff, allowing them to contribute effectively in emergency response situations without the burden of additional training hurdles.

Contention

While the bill broadly received support for its aim to equip park staff with emergency response capabilities, some contention may arise regarding the quality assurance of training provided. Questions could be raised about whether the training completed by park services associates is equivalent to the state-mandated requirements, and whether the temporary certifications adequately prepare individuals for real-life emergency situations. Additionally, concerns might be voiced regarding the potential diluting of standards associated with emergency medical services due to the expedited recognition of alternative training paths.