Texas Governor Allows Qualified, but not Certified, EMS Workers to Perform EMS Services During Pandemic

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has suspended certain regulations governing Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”) and first responders, which will allow qualified, but not certified, EMS workers to provide services during the pandemic.

In an April 2, 2020 press release, the Governor’s Office indicated that Governor Abbott was suspending these regulations to ensure Texas has sufficient EMS services and first responders. To achieve that goal, Governor Abbott will allow local medical directors for licensed EMS providers to permit workers who are qualified, though not formally certified, to provide critical emergency response services for patients treated and transported by the EMS provider.

In addition, Governor Abbott will allow qualified individuals who are currently unable to take the skills testing requirements for EMS personnel to become certified to perform EMS services. Lastly, Governor Abbott has also suspended regulations to allow first responder organizations to delay submission on their renewal application and completion requirements for licensure.

We will continue to monitor developments in Texas. We encourage employers and other companies with legal questions to reach out to Seyfarth’s deep bench of attorneys for advice.