Legislative Testimony for LB894, EMS Response Compact

Good afternoon Chairman Riepe and members of the HHS Committee.  My name is Nicole Fox, and I am the Director of Government Relations for the Platte Institute.  Thank you for this opportunity to discuss the occupational licensing reforms put forth in LB894.  I would like to thank Sen. Crawford for introducing this bill.
 

LB894 would to allow Nebraska to participate in the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA) – a compact that recognizes the need for EMS personnel to respond across state lines in their day-to-day responsibilities as well as non-Governor level declared disaster situations.  REPLICA extends a privilege to practice under authorized circumstances to EMS personnel based on their home state license and allows for the rapid exchange of licensure history between Compact member states.
 

By participating in the Compact, EMS personnel must acquire and maintain a license in a home state of practice.  REPLICA is not reciprocity.  It extends a privilege to practice under authorized circumstances to EMS personnel based on their home license.  EMS personnel would be required to follow their home state rules for license renewal and perform under a physician’s supervision.
 

Currently, 12 states are participating in REPLICA including our neighboring states Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming.  Missouri has REPLICA bills that have been introduced in both the House and Senate this year.
 

Participation in REPLICA would benefit Nebraska in the following ways:

• State EMS officials will have the ability to rapidly share licensure history of personnel through access to a national EMS personnel database, reducing time and paperwork.
• Underserved areas in Nebraska will have access to services provided by EMS personnel from other states who have licenses in good standing.
• An expedited pathway to licensure for military personnel and spouses separating from active duty will be established for those wanting to stay and work in Nebraska.
   

The Platte Institute feels that LB894 will both grow Nebraska’s economy and improve the safety of the public.  I ask that LB894 be advanced out of committee.