SB 1235: EMS reciprocity; compact. - Arizona

Senate Engrossed Version (03/03/2026) → Chaptered Version · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Arizona's emergency medical services (EMS) laws to modernize certification standards, expand the interstate licensure compact for EMS personnel, and clarify fingerprinting requirements. It mandates that all EMS technicians must have a valid fingerprint clearance card to practice, establishes new rules for ambulance staffing based on population density, and creates a state-specific recertification system independent of national organizations.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of the EMS licensure interstate compact to include additional states and clarifies the rules for remote state practice. It also broadens the application of fingerprinting requirements to include specific new state agencies and sections.

REQUIREMENT

Added a mandatory requirement for all EMS personnel applying for licensure or recertification to possess a valid fingerprint clearance card.

Modified ambulance staffing requirements to specify minimum attendant numbers based on whether the service area has a population of less than 10,000, 10,000 or more, or is rural/wilderness.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a state recertification process allowing technicians to recertify via refresher courses, challenge courses, or attestation without national testing, independent of national organizations.

ENFORCEMENT

Modified complaint procedures to establish specific timelines for informal interviews and formal hearings regarding ambulance service disputes.

DEFINITION

Added Section 41-619.51 to define 'Agency' and 'Person' for fingerprinting purposes, explicitly including the new EMS statutes.

Modified the list of statutes requiring fingerprinting in Section 41-1758.01 to include the newly amended EMS sections.

House Engrossed Version (04/14/2026) → Senate Engrossed Version (03/03/2026) · 5 edits · Mar 3, 2026

MODERATE

The Senate version removed the requirement for the Department of Health Services to appoint a medical director and adopt specific standards for emergency medical technician certification and recertification. It also deleted detailed rules regarding ambulance staffing levels and the waiver of medical protocols, significantly reducing the bill's regulatory scope. The Senate version retained the text establishing the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact, which allows EMS workers to practice across state lines.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by removing the creation of new state-specific regulations for EMS certification, recertification, and ambulance staffing, while keeping the provision for interstate licensure.

REQUIREMENT

Deleted the requirement for the director to appoint a medical director and adopt standards for EMT certification and recertification.

Removed detailed rules specifying the number of ambulance attendants required based on population size and the ability to waive medical protocols.

Deleted the section requiring a state system for recertifying emergency medical technicians independent of national organizations.

Added a requirement for applicants under the interstate compact to possess a valid fingerprint clearance card.

DEFINITION

Modified the list of statutes included in the definition of 'Person' for fingerprinting requirements to align with the Senate's version of the bill.

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version (04/14/2026) · 5 edits · Mar 3, 2026

MODERATE

This bill amends Arizona's emergency medical services laws to establish an interstate licensure compact, allowing EMTs to practice across state lines with reciprocity. It introduces new requirements for fingerprint clearance cards for EMTs seeking initial certification under the compact and creates a state-run recertification system independent of national organizations. The legislation also clarifies ambulance staffing ratios based on population density and strengthens the department's authority to investigate complaints and impose civil penalties.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of Arizona's EMS regulations by joining an interstate compact, thereby changing eligibility requirements for out-of-state EMTs and adding new administrative procedures for state-licensed technicians.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a requirement that EMTs applying for initial certification under the new interstate compact must possess a valid fingerprint clearance card.

REQUIREMENT

Established a state-specific recertification system for EMTs that operates independently from national certification processes.

Updated ambulance staffing requirements to mandate specific numbers of attendants based on whether the service area has a population of less than 10,000, 10,000 or more, or is a rural/wilderness area.

ENFORCEMENT

Increased the maximum civil penalty for EMS violations from $350 to $15,000 per violation, with a cap of $15,000 total.

DEFINITION

Added Section 36-2202 to the list of statutes requiring fingerprint background checks for personnel.

EMS reciprocity; compact.

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