The Health Occupations and Emergency Medical Services Amendment Act of 2026 seeks to modernize the healthcare and emergency medical services (EMS) systems in the District of Columbia. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of a Board of Emergency Medical Services, which will oversee the licensure and regulation of various EMS personnel, including emergency medical responders and technicians. The legislation also aligns Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification with national standards, clarifies the classification of mobile integrated health agencies, and introduces a Certified Community Health Worker license. Additionally, it streamlines the licensure process for foreign-licensed health professionals and updates the requirements for various health professions, enhancing regulatory clarity and patient protections.

The bill further enhances the governance of health professional licensing boards by granting subpoena authority to the Mayor and allowing the Director of DC Health to fill board vacancies temporarily. It modernizes criminal background check processes and eliminates background check fees. Significant amendments include the requirement for dentists to hold a valid specialty license for oral and maxillofacial surgery and the stipulation that no EMS clinician may perform services without clinical oversight. The legislation also specifies licensing requirements for EMS training facilities and response vehicles, mandates liability insurance, and allows the Mayor to issue provisional licenses to non-compliant agencies. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality and coordination of emergency medical services while ensuring compliance with updated regulations.