Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1754

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to certification and recertification requirements for emergency services personnel.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB1754 would significantly affect the emergency medical services (EMS) community in Texas by establishing a clear framework for training and certification. By requiring that all certification examinations and training programs conform to national standards, the bill would likely enhance the quality of training that EMS personnel receive. This could lead to improved emergency services across the state, as personnel would possess more uniform qualifications and competencies, thereby enhancing public safety.

Summary

SB1754 aims to amend the Health and Safety Code to establish standardized certification and recertification requirements for emergency medical services personnel in Texas. The bill mandates the creation of a list of recommended standardized training programs and certification examinations that the advisory council must provide to the commissioner. This standardization is intended to align Texas's emergency services training with national educational standards, thereby ensuring that personnel are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary for effective emergency response.

Sentiment

The general sentiment regarding SB1754 appears to be supportive, particularly among emergency services organizations that advocate for standardized training. Proponents believe that such measures are necessary to ensure consistent certification across the state, ultimately leading to better emergency response capabilities. However, there may be some concern regarding the feasibility and administrative burden associated with implementing statewide standards and ensuring that all existing programs and instructors comply with the new regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1754 could include debates over the extent to which state control should dictate training and certification for emergency services. Some may argue that local agencies should retain the flexibility to tailor their training programs to the unique needs of their communities rather than being bound by statewide standards. Additionally, the implementation costs and the timeline for the establishment of approved programs might raise questions about the practical impacts on current training protocols and personnel.

Companion Bills

TX HB2426

Identical Relating to certification and recertification requirements and adoption of statewide certification examinations for emergency services personnel.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1445

Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments, food manager certifications, and food service programs.

TX HB3467

Relating to emergency medical services personnel and coverage by certain health benefit plans for treatment by emergency medical services personnel.

TX HB1447

Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments, food handler and food manager certifications, and food service training or education programs.

TX SB812

Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments, food handler and food manager certifications, and food service training or education programs.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX SB588

Relating to creating a temporary educator certification for certain military service members and first responders.

TX HB621

Relating to creating a temporary certification to teach career and technology education for certain military service members and first responders.

TX SB2231

Relating to teacher certification examinations in bilingual target language proficiency and to certification requirements for teachers in bilingual education.

TX HB1168

Relating to a program to provide housing vouchers to emergency medical services personnel in certain counties.

TX HB1080

Relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification requirements for certain food service employees.

Similar Bills

TX HB2426

Relating to certification and recertification requirements and adoption of statewide certification examinations for emergency services personnel.

NJ S3423

Requires standards for organization and deployment of career fire fighters to be consistent with certain national standards.

MS HB820

State Fire Academy; eliminate cap on emergency medical responders who can train at.

MS SB2335

State Fire Academy; remove limitation on the number of Emergency Medical Responder students trained per year.

OK SB1515

Emergency medical services; allowing certified emergency medical response agency to provide limited transport under certain conditions. Effective date.

NJ A3530

Revises provisions of law concerning graduation proficiency test and eliminates requirement that graduation proficiency test be administered in eleventh grade.

NJ S1562

Eliminates high school graduation proficiency test.

NJ A4121

Eliminates high school graduation proficiency test.