The bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana's emergency medical services (EMS) laws, specifically R.S. 40:1131 and R.S. 40:1133, among others. Key changes include the renaming of the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Certification Commission to simply the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Commission, and the introduction of new definitions for terms such as "emergency medical personnel" and "emergency medical response vehicle." The bill also establishes the commission's entitlement to access criminal history records for individuals seeking licensure as EMS practitioners or certified ambulance operators. Additionally, it modifies the fee structure for testing and licensing, removing certain fees while introducing new ones, and increases the number of voting members on the commission from eleven to twelve.

Furthermore, the bill repeals a specific provision related to the commission's structure and clarifies the duties and powers of both the commission and the bureau overseeing EMS. It emphasizes the responsibilities of emergency medical personnel and outlines the protocols they must follow in emergency situations. The legislation aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency medical services in Louisiana by updating definitions, streamlining processes, and ensuring that personnel meet the necessary qualifications and standards. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
SB296 Original: 40:1131(10), 40:1(E)(1), 40:2(B)(1), 40:3(A), 40:3(B)(1), 40:4(A)(1), 40:5(3), 40:13(E), 40:14(A)(2), 40:3(C)(1), 40:3(B)(2)
SB296 Engrossed: 40:1131(10), 40:1(E)(1), 40:2(B)(1), 40:3(A), 40:3(B)(1), 40:4(A)(1), 40:5(3), 40:13(E), 40:14(A)(2), 40:3(C)(1), 40:3(B)(2)
SB296 Reengrossed: 40:1131(10), 40:1(E)(1), 40:2(B)(1), 40:3(A), 40:3(B)(1), 40:4(A)(1), 40:5(3), 40:13(E), 40:14(A)(2), 40:3(C)(1), 40:3(B)(2)
SB296 Enrolled: 40:1131(10), 40:1(E)(1), 40:2(B)(1), 40:3(A), 40:3(B)(1), 40:4(A)(1), 40:5(3), 40:13(E), 40:14(A)(2), 40:14(C), 40:3(C)(1), 40:3(B)(2)
SB296 Act : 40:1131(10), 40:1(E)(1), 40:2(B)(1), 40:3(A), 40:3(B)(1), 40:4(A)(1), 40:5(3), 40:13(E), 40:14(A)(2), 40:14(C), 40:3(C)(1), 40:3(B)(2)