By Sarah Roebuck
EMS1
LANSING, Mich. — A pair of bills recently signed by Michigan’s governor aim to address the EMS staffing crisis.
HB-4613 and HB-4614, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 23, extended “temporary licenses” for EMS providers from 120 days to 1 year, according to WJRT. The updated language on the bills permits the state to issue 1-year temporary licenses to trainees who have completed all requirements except their exams.
“You don’t have to work in an ambulance or an emergency room for very long before you see just how devastating staffing shortages can be,” said State Rep. Prestin. “Allowing trained EMTs and paramedics to continue doing their jobs as they proceed through the licensing process is a common-sense policy change that will have a major impact.”
These bills enable first responders to focus more on serving Michiganders by boosting the daily number of first responders on the streets, Whitmer’s office said.
“This bill is a step forward in ensuring strong emergency services in every region of our state,” said State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). “With this bill becoming law, our hometowns will be able to better recruit and train our emergency medical professionals. This bipartisan effort is a commitment to strengthening our public safety and health.”
