The Michigan Senate Bill (SB) 249 aims to modify the paramedic exam, downgrading the quality from the nationally recognized test developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, to a state-run, state-funded test that would not be recognized by other states. Bill 249 passed the senate chamber with a vote of 38 to 0 and is currently in the House. The EMSCC is on record as supporting the legislation, despite MCEP EMS Committee members voting against signing the 4/11/23 letter (vote was 12 to 8). MCEP is therefore on record opposing SB 249 with a letter sent in January 2024. Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is also opposed to the legislation, as it would require the department to develop a paramedic certification examination, and the Governor’s Office is opposed due to other priorities. Problems cited with the legislation include significant liability issues for the state as a different exam would not necessarily require the same standards, an increase in general funds of ~$5 million would be needed, especially as an estimated 30 FTEs would need to be hired. Those who supported the letter believed this method would be a way to attract more EMT students to the Upper Peninsula and that the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs were not necessarily against NREMT, but that this option should be made available in an attempt to increase EMT recruitment. MCEP is working with the House Health Policy Committee Chair to amend the proposed bill. There are also MDHHS grants being made available for recruitment and retention especially as paramedic lapsed licenses are high in the first 3 years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
We welcome input from our MCEP members online and in-person!
