Senate panel unanimously backs EMS interstate licensure compact to ease surge response and workforce mobility

The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee voted to give House Bill 31 a due-pass recommendation after hearing from sponsors and two Department of Health witnesses that the EMS licensure compact would create a privilege-to-practice framework for EMS caregivers from other compact states.

Kyle Thornton, EMS Bureau Chief for the Department of Health, explained that membership in the compact establishes a privilege to practice so an EMS caregiver licensed in a compact home state can provide care in another compact state under the compact's rules and home-state medical direction. The sponsor said the compact would speed mutual aid during large-scale incidents like wildfires and make it easier for qualified EMS personnel to practice in compact states.

Support came from business and policy groups, including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Think New Mexico, which emphasized workforce shortages and the compact's contribution to rural access. Lauren Leland of Think New Mexico testified that New Mexico needs roughly 2,510 additional EMTs to meet national benchmarks and that joining active compacts could help.

An amendment addressing immunity language was presented and adopted after discussion; witnesses cautioned that compact-manager approval is required for amendments to avoid blocking state entry into the compact. Committee members asked about credential verification during surges; witnesses described a national registry that the compact maintains and a verification process that speeds entry and enables reciprocal discipline notifications.

The committee recorded a 9-0 due-pass recommendation on HB31 and will forward the substitute with the adopted amendment for further consideration.