New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00708

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Provides direct reciprocal certification for emergency medical technicians who possess a current certification from the national registry of emergency medical technicians.

Summary

This bill would require the New York State Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, to issue a New York emergency medical technician certification without a fee or examination to any individual who already holds a current certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. In effect, it creates a direct reciprocity pathway for nationally certified EMTs to obtain state certification. The bill also provides that renewals of certification obtained through this reciprocity process will be treated the same as renewals under existing EMT certification rules. The measure takes effect immediately, signaling an intent to quickly reduce barriers for qualified EMTs seeking to practice in New York.

Impact

The bill amends the Public Health Law by adding a new section establishing direct reciprocal certification for EMTs. It would streamline state licensure/certification procedures for nationally certified emergency medical technicians, eliminate the need for an additional state examination or application fee for this group, and align renewal treatment with existing EMT renewal provisions. The practical effect is to expand and speed access to the EMT workforce in New York for individuals already credentialed by the National Registry.

Sentiment

The available materials suggest a generally supportive or facilitative posture toward the bill, with no recorded committee debate, votes, or opposition in the provided context. The proposal appears designed as a workforce access and administrative efficiency measure, and the absence of transcripts or vote history means there is no documented controversy in the supplied record. Overall, the bill reads as a straightforward professional credentialing reform aimed at easing entry into emergency medical services.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of concern, if raised in future discussion, could include whether national registry standards are fully equivalent to New York’s requirements, whether reciprocity could affect state oversight of EMT qualifications, and whether the fee and exam waiver should apply broadly or only under certain conditions. However, none of these issues are reflected in the current bill history or transcripts.

Companion Bills

NY S03091

Same As Provides direct reciprocal certification for emergency medical technicians who possess a current certification from the national registry of emergency medical technicians.

Previously Filed As

NY A01471

Provides direct reciprocal certification for emergency medical technicians who possess a current certification from the national registry of emergency medical technicians.

NY S02267

Provides direct reciprocal certification for emergency medical technicians who possess a current certification from the national registry of emergency medical technicians.

NY S03091

Provides direct reciprocal certification for emergency medical technicians who possess a current certification from the national registry of emergency medical technicians.

NY S09844

Requires all certified first responders, emergency medical technicians, and advanced emergency medical technicians to undergo criminal background checks to maintain their certification.

NY A552

Streamlines certification standards for emergency medical technicians.

NY A08942

Provides for retirement credit to emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians for a child care leave of absence.

NY S08111

Provides for retirement credit to emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians for a child care leave of absence.

NY S3007

Provides for licensure of emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians and certification of mobility assistance vehicle operators; revises requirements for delivery of emergency medical and patient transportation services.

NY A4601

Provides for licensure of emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians and certification of mobility assistance vehicle operators; revises requirements for delivery of emergency medical and patient transportation services.

NY S1152

Streamlines emergency medical technician certification process for certain veterans.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.