Committee adopts amendment to extend protections to paramedics; EMT data-privacy concerns raised

The Committee of the Whole recommended that Senate Bill 11-93, as amended, be passed after the adoption of a floor amendment in Representative Patty Contreras' name. Representative Contreras moved the floor amendment and said it was an agreed-upon change with the senator sponsoring the bill.

Representative Bliss noted committee and floor discussion that the amendment extends protections to paramedics in addition to EMTs. Bliss raised concerns about private vendors applying to the Department of Health Services for access to personal information for EMTs and paramedics and said there are limited protections unless the Legislature acts.

Members described the bill as addressing privacy and professional protections for emergency medical personnel. The committee reported the bill as amended with a do-pass recommendation and it was referred to engrossing.