The bill establishes a framework for improving emergency medical care in Washington State, particularly focusing on interfacility specialty care transports. It emphasizes the need for minimum standards and training for first responders and emergency medical technicians, as well as for ambulance services and equipment. A new section is created to define "interfacility transport" as the medical transport of a patient between recognized medical treatment facilities, requested by a licensed health care provider. Additionally, the bill introduces the term "specialty care transport," which refers to the level of care required for critically injured or ill patients during such transports.

Amendments to existing laws (RCW 18.73.030 and 18.73.150) include provisions that allow registered nurses without emergency medical technician certification to serve as sufficient personnel for ambulance services providing interfacility specialty care transport, under specific conditions. These conditions include the presence of an emergency medical technician in the ambulance and the registered nurse's adherence to medical direction from physicians. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of ambulance personnel and outlines the necessary qualifications for drivers and medical staff involved in patient transport, ensuring that care is provided effectively and safely.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.73.030, 18.73.150
Substitute bill: 18.73.030, 18.73.150
Engrossed substitute: 18.73.030, 18.73.150
Bill as passed Legislature: 18.73.030, 18.73.150