The bill establishes a new certification for medical assistants, termed "medical assistant-EMT," allowing individuals with existing emergency medical technician (EMT), advanced EMT, or paramedic certifications to perform specific healthcare functions under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. It amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to define "medical assistant-EMT" and outlines that those with valid EMT certifications can obtain this new certification without needing additional training or examinations. The bill also details the responsibilities of medical assistant-EMTs, which align with current EMT qualifications, and empowers the secretary of health to issue certifications and set minimum qualifications for these professionals.

Additionally, the bill differentiates between medical assistant-registered and medical assistant-EMT roles, permitting medical assistant-EMTs to perform various duties such as taking vital signs, administering oxygen, and conducting diagnostic tests like electrocardiography. They are also authorized to establish intravenous lines for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes and to administer certain medications, including vaccines and opioid antagonists, under specific conditions. The legislation amends existing definitions and regulations related to health professions, ensuring that the scope of practice for medical assistant-EMTs is consistent with their training and certifications while emphasizing the necessity of supervision by healthcare practitioners to maintain safety and regulatory compliance.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.360.010, 18.360.020, 18.360.040, 18.360.050
Substitute Bill: 18.360.010, 18.360.020, 18.360.040, 18.360.050
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.360.010, 18.360.020, 18.360.040, 18.360.050
Session Law: 18.360.010, 18.360.020, 18.360.040, 18.360.050