Article 5 - Personnel

California Health and Safety Code — §§ 1797.160-1797.197a

Showing inline text for up to 20 sections. Open a section link to read its full text.

Sections (32)

Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1246, Sec. 20.

No owner of a publicly or privately owned ambulance shall permit the operation of the ambulance in emergency service unless the attendant on duty therein, or, if there is no attendant on duty therein, the operator, possesses evidence of that specialized training as is reasonably necessary to ensure that the attendant or operator is competent to care for sick or injured persons who may be transported by the ambulance, as set forth in the emergency medical training and educational standards for ambulance personnel established by the authority pursuant to this article. This section shall not be applicable in any state of emergency declared pursuant to the California Emergencies Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code), when it is necessary to fully utilize all available ambulances in an area and it is not possible to have the ambulance operated or attended by persons with the qualifications required by this section.

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 273, Sec. 1. (AB 645) Effective January 1, 2026.

(a)By January 1, 2027, a public safety agency that provides “911” call processing services for emergency medical response shall provide prearrival medical instructions to “911” callers requiring medical assistance, including, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)Airway and choking medical instructions for infants, children, and adults.
(2)Automatic external defibrillator (AED) and CPR instructions for

children and adults.

(3)Childbirth.
(4)Bleeding control and hemorrhage.
(5)Administration of epinephrine by auto-injector for suspected anaphylaxis.
(6)Administration of naloxone for suspected narcotics overdoses.
(b)A public safety agency may satisfy the requirements of subdivision (a) by contracting with another public safety agency that provides prearrival medical instructions.
(c)Prearrival medical instructions developed pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) shall be approved by the local EMS agency medical director pursuant

to subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 1797.223 and implemented consistent with the medical protocols and procedures adopted by the public safety agency.

(d)This section does not require a public safety agency to update its policies and procedures if the public safety agency already provides prearrival medical instructions through emergency medical dispatch or other means and those instructions have been approved by the local EMS agency medical director.
(e)A public safety agency dispatching peace officers to the scene of an emergency shall not constitute call processing services for emergency medical response for purposes of this section, even though the peace officers may administer first aid and CPR pursuant to Section 1797.183.
(f)This section shall not be construed to alter, modify, abridge, diminish, enlarge, or constrain the authority’s ability to adopt guidelines or regulations for emergency medical dispatch, including dispatcher training, under existing law, including, but not limited to, Sections 1797.103 and 1797.107.
(g)This section does not supersede Section 1797.201, 1797.223, 1798.6, or 1798.8, or Section 53110 of the Government

Code.

Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 457, Sec. 3. (SB 879) Effective September 17, 2018.

(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other law, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as CAL-FIRE pursuant to Section 701.6 of the Public Resources Code, may certify an individual as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) if he or she meets both of the following conditions:

(A) The individual is a graduate of the CAL-FIRE training program at a conservation camp under the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and received a letter of recommendation from the Director of CAL-FIRE.

(B) While participating in the training program described in subparagraph (A), the individual was working toward a high school diploma or its equivalent, unless he or she already earned

one.

(2)Except as provided in subdivision (b), an individual certified as an EMR pursuant to this section shall meet the training requirements developed by the authority pursuant to this division, including, but not limited to, the requirements of Chapter 1.5 of Title 22 of Division 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
(b)(1) Any individual certified pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) is not disqualified from certification as an EMR for having committed any of the actions described in subdivision (c) of Section 1798.200. This subdivision does not apply to an individual who committed any of those actions after he or she received certification pursuant to this section.
(2)The certification of an individual as an EMR pursuant to this

section shall be recognized statewide as a valid EMR certification without an individual having to repeat testing or certification.

(c)The authority, in consultation with CAL-FIRE, shall, after approval by the commission pursuant to Section 1799.50, promulgate emergency regulations for the process of establishing the certification process pursuant to this section. The emergency regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and, for purposes of that chapter, including Section 11349.6 of the Government Code, the adoption of the regulations is an emergency and shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and general welfare.

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 256, Sec. 1. (AB 2130) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)The authority shall develop and, after approval by the commission pursuant to Section 1799.50, adopt regulations for the training and scope of practice for EMT-I certification.
(b)(1) No later than July 1, 2019, the authority, local EMS agency, and certifying entity shall require an applicant to provide either the individual taxpayer identification number or social security number for purposes of applying for a certificate or the renewal of a certificate.
(2)If the authority, local EMS agency, or certifying entity utilizes a national examination to issue a certificate, and if a reciprocity agreement or comity exists between the State of California and the state

requesting release of the individual taxpayer identification number or social security number, any deputy, agent, clerk, officer, or employee of the authority or agency may release an individual’s taxpayer identification number or social security number to an examination or certifying entity, only for the purpose of verification of certification or examination status.

(3)The individual taxpayer identification or the social security number shall serve to establish the identification of persons affected by state tax laws and for purposes of establishing compliance with subsection (a) of Section 666 of Title 42 of the United States Code, Section 60.15 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 17520 of the Family Code, and Section 11105 of the Penal Code, and to that end, the information furnished pursuant to this section shall be used exclusively for those purposes.
(4)The authority, local EMS agency, and certifying entity shall not do either of the following:
(A)Require an applicant to disclose citizenship status or immigration status for purposes of the application or renewal of a certificate.
(B)Deny certification to an otherwise qualified and eligible applicant based solely on the applicant’s citizenship status or immigration status.
(c)An individual certified as an EMT-I pursuant to this division shall be recognized as an EMT-I on a statewide basis, and recertification shall be based on statewide standards.
(d)Effective July 1, 1990, an individual certified as an EMT-I pursuant to this act shall complete a course of training on the nature of sudden infant death syndrome that is developed by the California SIDS program in the State Department of Public Health in consultation with experts in the field of sudden infant death syndrome.
(e)On or before July 1, 2016, the authority shall develop and, after approval by the commission pursuant to Section 1799.50, adopt regulations to include the administration of naloxone hydrochloride in the training and

scope of practice of EMT-I certification. These regulations shall be substantially similar to existing regulations set forth in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 100101) of Division 9 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations that authorize an EMT-I to receive EMT-II training in the administration of naloxone hydrochloride without having to complete the entire EMT-II certification course. This subdivision shall be implemented in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1798).

(f)To ensure that EMT-Is licensed in this state are able to assist individuals living with cognitive impairment, the authority shall, as part of EMT-I basic training, include a component within the dementia-specific training hours on how to interact effectively with persons with dementia and their caregivers. In developing this component, the authority may consult with community organizations advocating on behalf of Californians with dementia or

Alzheimer’s disease.

(g)Commencing July 1, 2024, the authority shall require every EMT-I, upon initial licensure, to complete at least 20 minutes of training on issues relating to human trafficking.

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 256, Sec. 2. (AB 2130) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)The authority shall develop, and after approval of the commission pursuant to Section 1799.50, shall adopt, minimum standards for the training and scope of practice for EMT-II.
(b)(1) No later than July 1, 2019, the authority, local EMS agency, and certifying entity shall require an applicant to provide either the individual taxpayer identification number or social security number for purposes of applying for a certificate or the renewal of a certificate.
(2)If the authority, local EMS agency, or certifying entity utilizes a national examination to issue a certificate, and if a reciprocity agreement or comity exists between the State of California and the state

requesting release of the individual taxpayer identification number or social security number, any deputy, agent, clerk, officer, or employee of the authority or agency may release an individual’s taxpayer identification number or social security number to an examination or certifying entity, only for the purpose of verification of certification or examination status.

(3)The individual taxpayer identification or the social security number shall serve to establish the identification of persons affected by state tax laws and for purposes of establishing compliance with subsection (a) of Section 666 of Title 42 of the United States Code, Section 60.15 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 17520 of the Family Code, and Section 11105 of the Penal Code, and to that end, the information furnished pursuant to this section shall be used exclusively for those purposes.
(4)The authority, local EMS agency, and certifying entity shall not do either of the following:
(A)Require an applicant to disclose citizenship status or immigration status for purposes of the application or renewal of a certificate.
(B)Deny certification to an otherwise qualified and eligible applicant based solely on the applicant’s citizenship status or immigration status.
(c)An EMT-II shall complete a course of training on the nature of sudden infant death syndrome in accordance with subdivision (d) of Section 1797.170.
(d)(1) In rural or remote areas of the state where patient transport times are particularly long and where local resources are inadequate to support an EMT-P program for EMS responses, the director may approve additions to the scope of practice of EMT-IIs serving the local system, if requested by the medical director of the local EMS agency, and if the EMT-II has received training equivalent to that of an EMT-P. The approval of the director, in consultation with a committee of local EMS medical directors named by the Emergency Medical Directors Association of California, is required prior to implementation of any addition to a local optional scope of practice for EMT-IIs proposed by the medical director of a local EMS agency. A drug or procedure that is not part of the basic EMT-P

scope of practice, including, but not limited to, any approved local options, shall not be added to any EMT-II scope of practice pursuant to this subdivision.

(2)Approval of additions to the scope of practices pursuant to this subdivision may be given only for EMT-II programs in effect on January 1, 1994.
(e)To ensure that EMT-IIs licensed in this state are able to assist individuals living with cognitive impairment,

the authority shall, as part of EMT-II basic training, include a component within the dementia-specific training hours on how to interact effectively with persons with dementia and their caregivers. In developing this component, the authority may consult with community organizations advocating on behalf of Californians with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

(f)Commencing July 1, 2024, the authority shall require every EMT-II, upon initial licensure, to complete at least 20 minutes of training on issues relating to human trafficking.

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 256, Sec. 3. (AB 2130) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)The authority shall develop and, after approval by the commission pursuant to Section 1799.50, adopt minimum standards for the training and scope of practice for EMT-Ps.
(b)The approval of the director, in consultation with a committee of local EMS medical directors named by the EMS Medical Directors Association of California, is required prior to implementation of any addition to a local optional scope of practice for EMT-Ps proposed by the medical director of a local EMS agency.
(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other law, the authority shall be the agency solely responsible for licensure and licensure

renewal of EMT-Ps who meet the standards and are not precluded from

licensure because of any of the reasons listed in subdivision (c) of Section 1798.200. The authority shall require an applicant to provide an individual taxpayer identification number or the social security number in order to establish the identity of the applicant. The information obtained as a result of a state and federal level criminal offender record information search shall be used in accordance with Section 11105 of the Penal Code, and to determine whether the applicant is subject to denial of licensure or licensure renewal pursuant to this division. Submission of fingerprint images to the Department of Justice may not be required for licensure renewal upon determination by the authority that fingerprint images have previously been submitted to the Department of Justice during initial licensure, or a previous licensure renewal, provided that the license has not lapsed and the

applicant has resided continuously in the state since the initial licensure.

(2)The individual taxpayer identification or the social security number shall serve to establish the identification of persons affected by state tax laws and for purposes of establishing compliance with subsection (a) of Section 666 of Title 42 of the United States Code, Section 60.15 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 17520 of the Family Code, and Section 11105 of the Penal Code, and to that end, the information furnished pursuant to this section shall be used exclusively for those purposes.
(3)If the authority utilizes a national examination to issue a certificate, and if a reciprocity agreement or comity exists between the State of California and the state requesting release of the individual

taxpayer identification number or social security number, any deputy, agent, clerk, officer, or employee of the authority may release an individual’s taxpayer identification number or social security number to an examination or certifying entity, only for the purpose of verification of certification or examination status.

(4)The authority shall not do either of the following:
(A)Require an applicant to disclose citizenship status or immigration status for purposes of the application or renewal of a certificate.
(B)Deny certification to an applicant based solely on the applicant’s citizenship status or immigration status.
(5)On and after January 1, 2023, the

Paramedic Disciplinary Review Board shall make the final determination after an appeal of a licensure denial pursuant to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 1797.125).

(d)The authority shall charge fees for the licensure and licensure renewal of EMT-Ps in an amount sufficient to support the authority’s licensure program at a level that ensures the qualifications of the individuals licensed to provide quality care. The basic fee for licensure or licensure renewal of an EMT-P shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) until the adoption of regulations that specify a different amount that does not exceed the authority’s EMT-P licensure, license renewal, and enforcement programs. The authority shall annually evaluate fees to determine if the fee is sufficient to fund the actual costs of the authority’s licensure, licensure

renewal, and enforcement programs. If the evaluation shows that the fees are excessive or are insufficient to fund the actual costs of the authority’s EMT-P licensure, licensure renewal, and enforcement programs, then the fees shall be adjusted accordingly through the rulemaking process described in the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Separate additional fees may be charged, at the option of the authority, for services that are not shared by all applicants for licensure and licensure renewal, including, but not limited to, any of the following services:

(1)Initial application for licensure as an EMT-P.
(2)Competency testing, the fee for which shall not exceed thirty dollars

($30), except that an additional fee may be charged for the cost of any services that provide enhanced availability of the exam for the convenience of the EMT-P, such as on-demand electronic testing.

(3)Fingerprint and criminal record check. The applicant shall, if applicable according to subdivision (c), submit fingerprint images and related information for criminal offender record information

searches with the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(4)Out-of-state training equivalency determination.
(5)Verification of continuing education for a lapse in licensure.
(6)Replacement of a lost licensure card. The fees charged for individual services shall be set so that the total fees charged to EMT-Ps shall not exceed the authority’s actual total cost for the EMT-P licensure program.
(e)The authority may provide nonconfidential, nonpersonal information relating to EMS programs to interested persons upon request, and may establish and assess fees for the provision of this information. These fees shall not exceed the costs

of providing the information.

(f)At the option of the authority, fees may be collected for the authority by an entity that contracts with the authority to provide any of the services associated with the EMT-P program. All fees collected for the authority in a calendar month by any entity designated by the authority pursuant to this section to collect fees for the authority shall be transmitted to the authority for deposit into the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Fund within 30 calendar days following the last day of the calendar month in which the fees were received by the designated entity, unless the contract between the entity and the authority specifies a different timeframe.
(g)To ensure that EMT-Ps licensed in this state are able to assist individuals living with

cognitive impairment, the authority shall, as part of EMT-P basic training, include a component within the dementia-specific training hours on how to interact effectively with persons with dementia and their caregivers. In developing this component, the authority may consult with community organizations advocating on behalf of Californians with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

(h)Commencing July 1, 2024, the authority shall require every EMT-P, upon initial licensure, to complete at least 20 minutes of training on issues relating to human trafficking.

Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1246, Sec. 22.

The authority shall assure that all training programs for EMT-I, EMT-II, and EMT-P are located in an approved licensed hospital or an educational institution operated with written agreements with an acute care hospital, including a public safety agency that has been approved by the local emergency medical services agency to provide training. The authority shall also assure that each training program has a competency-based curriculum. EMT-I training and testing for fire service personnel may be offered at sites approved by the State Board of Fire Services and training for officers of the California Highway Patrol may be provided at the California Highway Patrol Academy.

Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 997, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1994.

In consultation with the commission, the Emergency Medical Directors Association of California, and other affected constituencies, the authority shall develop statewide guidelines for continuing education courses and approval of continuing education courses for EMT-Ps and for quality improvement systems which monitor and promote improvement in the quality of care provided by EMT-Ps throughout the state.

Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1362, Sec. 6. Effective October 2, 1989.

The authority shall establish the standards for continuing education and shall designate the examinations for certification and recertification of all prehospital personnel.

The authority shall consider including training regarding the characteristics and method of assessment and treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1390, Sec. 3.

The authority shall establish the minimum standards for the policies and procedures necessary for medical control of the EMS system.

Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1260.

No individual shall hold himself or herself out to be an EMT-I, EMT-II, EMT-P, or paramedic unless that individual is currently certified as such by the local EMS agency or other certifying authority.

Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1260.

No person or organization shall provide advanced life support or limited advanced life support unless that person or organization is an authorized part of the emergency medical services system of the local EMS agency or of a pilot program operated pursuant to the Wedworth-Townsend Paramedic Act, Article 3 (commencing with Section 1480) of Chapter 2.5 of Division 2.

Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1322.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and to the extent federal financial participation is available, any city, county or special district providing paramedic services as set forth in Section 1797.172, shall reimburse the Health Care Deposit Fund for the state costs of paying such medical claims. Funds allocated to the county from the County Health Services Fund pursuant to Part 4.5 (commencing with Section 16700) of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code may be utilized by the county or city to make such reimbursement.

Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1246, Sec. 23.

No agency, public or private, shall advertise or disseminate information to the public that the agency provides EMT-II or EMT-P rescue or ambulance services unless that agency does in fact provide this service on a continuous 24 hours-per-day basis. If advertising or information regarding that agency’s EMT-II or EMT-P rescue or ambulance service appears on any vehicle it may only appear on those vehicles utilized solely to provide that service on a continuous 24 hours-per-day basis.

Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1246, Sec. 24.

The authority may, by regulation, prescribe standardized insignias or emblems for patches which may be affixed to the clothing of an EMT-I, EMT-II, or EMT-P.

Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1246, Sec. 25.

All ocean, public beach, and public swimming pool lifeguards and all firefighters in this state, except those whose duties are primarily clerical or administrative, shall be trained to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The training shall meet standards prescribed by the authority, and shall be satisfactorily completed by such persons as soon as practical, but in no event more than one year after the date of employment. Satisfactory completion of a refresher course which meets the standards prescribed by the authority in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other first aid shall be required at least every three years.

The authority may designate a public agency or private nonprofit agency to provide for each county the training required by this section. The training shall be provided at no cost to the trainee.

As used in this section, “lifeguard” means any regularly employed and paid officer, employee, or member of a public aquatic safety department or marine safety agency of the State of California, a city, county, city and county, district, or other public or municipal corporation or political subdivision of this state.

As used in this section, “firefighter” means any regularly employed and paid officer, employee, or member of a fire department or fire protection or firefighting agency of the State of California, a city, county, city and county, district, or other public or municipal corporation or political subdivision of this state or member of an emergency reserve unit of a volunteer fire department or fire protection district.

Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1246, Sec. 26.

All peace officers described in Section 13518 of the Penal Code, except those whose duties are primarily clerical or administrative, shall be trained to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The training shall meet standards prescribed by the authority, in consultation with the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training, and shall be satisfactorily completed by those officers as soon as practical, but in no event more than one year after the date of employment. Satisfactory completion of either refresher training or appropriate testing, which meets the standards of the authority, in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other first aid, shall be required at periodic intervals as determined by the authority.

Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 274, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 2009.

The authority shall develop and, after approval by the commission pursuant to Section 1799.50, adopt all of the following:

(a)Guidelines for disciplinary orders, temporary suspensions, and conditions of probation for EMT-I and EMT-II certificate holders that protects the public health and safety.
(b)Regulations for the issuance of EMT-I and EMT-II certificates by a certifying entity that protects the public health and safety.
(c)Regulations for the recertification of EMT-I and EMT-II certificate holders that protect the public health and safety.
(d)Regulations for disciplinary processes for EMT-I and EMT-II applicants and certificate holders that protect the public health and safety. These disciplinary processes shall be in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 463, Sec. 4. (AB 450) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)The authority shall establish criteria for the statewide recognition of the licensure of EMT-P personnel in the basic scope of practice of those personnel. The criteria shall include all of the following:
(1)Standards for training, testing, and licensure. The standards may include designation by the authority of the specific examinations required for licensure, including, at the option of the authority, an examination provided by the authority. At the option of the authority, the standards may include a requirement for registration of prehospital emergency care personnel with the authority or other entity designated by the authority.
(2)Conditions for local accreditation of licensed EMT-P personnel that are reasonable in order to maintain medical control and the integrity of the local EMS system, as determined by the authority and approved by the commission.
(3)Provisions for local accreditation in approved optional scope of practice, if any, as allowed by applicable state regulations and statutes.
(4)Provisions for the establishment and collection of fees by the appropriate agency, which may be the authority or an entity designated by the authority to collect fees for the authority, for testing, licensure, accreditation, and registration with the appropriate state or local agency in the appropriate scope of practice. All fees collected for

the authority in a calendar month by any entity designated by the authority pursuant to this section to collect fees for the authority shall be transmitted to the authority for deposit into the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Fund within 30 calendar days following the last day of the calendar month in which the fees were received by the designated entity.

(b)The Paramedic Disciplinary Review Board shall review and revise the criteria for the revocation or suspension of an EMT-P license, the probation of EMT-P personnel, and the appeal of a licensure decision by the authority to the

board, so that it is consistent with Section 1797.125.07. The authority shall adopt that criteria, along with the criteria developed pursuant to Section 1797.125.07, pursuant to Section 1797.107.

(c)All future regulations for EMT-P personnel adopted by the authority shall, if relevant, include provisions for statewide recognition of licensure or authorization for the scope of practice of those personnel.

Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1543, Sec. 1.

All persons described in Sections 1797.170, 1797.171, 1797.172, 1797.182, and 1797.183, whether volunteers, partly paid, or fully paid, shall be entitled to prophylactic medical treatment to prevent the onset of disease, provided that the person demonstrates that he or she was exposed, while in the service of the department or unit, to a contagious disease, as listed in Section 2500 of Title 17 of the California Administrative Code, while performing first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation services to any person.

Medical treatment under this section shall not affect the provisions of Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200) or Division 5 (commencing with Section 6300) of the Labor Code or the person’s right to make a claim for work-related injuries, at the time the contagious disease manifests itself.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.

Open the section link to read its full text.