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The Florida Senate

SB 520 — Emergency Medical Services

by Senator Bradley

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)

The bill updates provisions relating to training and education for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Specifically the bill:

  • Removes emergency personnel certified under ch. 401, F.S., from the instruction requirements on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) contained in s. 381.0034, F.S.;

  • Deletes the requirement that any curricula for training EMTs and paramedics include 4 hours of HIV/AIDS instruction;

  • Links the definitions of advanced life support and basic life support to the EMT-Paramedic National Standard and the EMT-Basic National Standard, respectively, as well as the National EMS Education Standards of the United States Department of Transportation;

  • Adds those National EMS Education Standards approved by the Department of Health to the allowed standards on which emergency medical services trainers may base their curricula; and,

  • Increases, from 1 year to 2 years, the period within which an EMT or a paramedic must pass the required certification exam after completing their training program.

The bill also increases, from 2 years to 5 years, the period within which the Department of Health must revise its comprehensive state plan for basic and advanced life support systems.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2013.

Vote: Senate 38-0; House 117-0