Measure would require mandatory background checks for emergency responders through a single statewide agency.
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California Political Desk
BAKERSFIELD — Senator Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) has announced new legislation, Senate Bill 254, which will create statewide licensing of Emergency Medical Technicians and require mandatory background checks through the California Emergency Services Agency for all licensed emergency responders n California. Senator Ashburn was joined by Supervisor Don Maben, Harvey Hall, President of Hall Ambulance and Ross Elliot, Director of Kern County Emergency Medical Services.
Ashburn’s bill comes on the heels of several media exposes statewide which have uncovered numerous instances of dangerous criminals serving as emergency responders due to lax licensing and minimal or non-existent background checks within licensing authorities across the state, including Kern County.
“There is a compelling need to move with licensing and a criminal background checks for emergency medical personnel. We now have specific examples throughout California where people have become paramedics or emergency medical technicians rolling on ambulances that have problems in their background,” said Senator Ashburn.
Full Story: Ashburn UNVEILS EMT Licensing Bill