This bill aims to enhance the standards and training for personnel involved in ambulance services, particularly focusing on interfacility specialty care transports. It establishes a new section emphasizing the necessity of a statewide emergency medical care program to ensure the health and safety of Washington's citizens. The bill outlines the intent to set minimum standards for first responders, emergency medical technicians, and ambulance services, while also improving the timely and safe transfer of patients to appropriate care levels, especially when workforce limitations may hinder transport.

Key amendments to existing law include the definition of "interfacility transport" as the medical transport of a patient between recognized medical treatment facilities at the request of a licensed healthcare provider. Additionally, the bill allows registered nurses without emergency medical technician certification to serve as sufficient personnel for ambulance services providing interfacility specialty care transport under specific conditions, such as the presence of an emergency medical technician and the absence of a paramedic. The registered nurse must also follow medical direction from physicians and adhere to the standards set by the state board of nursing.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.73.030, 18.73.150
Substitute bill: 18.73.030, 18.73.150