Committee approves EMS rules consolidation and cuts to annual continuing-education requirements

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a consolidation of eight EMS rule chapters into a single chapter and reduced continuing-education (CE) hour requirements to bring Idaho into alignment with neighboring states.

Jared Larson said the consolidated chapter folds subsequent EMS chapters into the primary chapter and cited the Occupational Licensing Reform Act and House Bill 705 as drivers to account for neighboring states’ licensing standards. The department proposed reductions in CE hours: for example, EMT annualized hours moved from 8 to 5 per year (prorated for multi-year licenses), advanced EMT thresholds adjusted, and paramedic hours reduced from 36 to 30 per year on an annualized basis.

Wayne Denny, Bureau Chief for EMS and Preparedness, explained the review compared hours on a per-year basis (logically prorated for 2- and 3-year license terms) before recommending the new CE table. The department said the changes are intended to reduce barriers for EMS professionals moving to Idaho and reduce regulatory burdens.

Senators moved to approve the EMS docket (160101-2401) and the committee carried the motion by voice vote.