The bill amends sections 4765.36 and 4765.361 of the Revised Code to update the regulations governing the roles of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in hospitals. It allows EMT-basic, EMT-intermediate, and EMT-paramedic personnel to perform both emergency and nonemergency medical services in hospitals, provided they adhere to specific conditions. Notably, the bill introduces new provisions that permit these technicians to perform nonemergency services in any area of the hospital, contingent upon the privileges delineated by the hospital. This includes tasks such as obtaining vital signs and transporting patients, as well as allowing EMT-I and paramedics to place intravenous lines with ultrasound assistance.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which EMTs can perform medical services outside of hospital settings. It specifies that EMTs may provide nonemergency medical services as long as they are under the direction of their medical director or a cooperating physician advisory board. The language also emphasizes that no medical director or advisory board can authorize an EMT to perform any medical service that they are not legally permitted to perform as an emergency medical service. The existing sections of the law are repealed to accommodate these changes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4765.36, 4765.361