Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation Thursday that requires California's 70,000 emergency medical technicians to undergo mandatory criminal background checks.
In 2007, he zapped a similar bill after expressing disapproval about last-minute changes that would have kept secret some details about rescuer misconduct.
This time, Schwarzenegger signed an Assembly bill that will modernize a patchwork licensing and certification system in California's emergency medical services world. Extensive problems with the system were exposed in a 2007 Bee investigation.
"EMTs provide vital services that help Californians in their time of need, and because of the critical role they play, it is important that we have a universal statewide standard that will prevent those who are unqualified or have a past criminal history from becoming EMTs," Schwarzenegger said in a statement issued by his office.
"By signing these bills into law, we are increasing safety and accountability within the emergency medical services field and ensuring that Californians have the best EMTs available at any given moment," the governor added.
Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 2917, which was introduced by Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Newark. It also requires that EMTs be certified in the county in which they work and calls for the creation of a state-run central EMT registry.
The local certification requirement aims to stop rescuers with spotty employment or criminal records from shopping for certification in counties with no background checks – a problem The Bee also uncovered.
The registry would allow officials to track EMTs statewide and, after a disaster, to identify rescuers in areas where help is needed. EMT fees will be raised to pay for it.
Torrico said that with a statewide registry, the state will be able to develop a single set of standards for certification, disciplinary orders and conditions of probation for EMTs. Employers will also be able to check if an EMT recruit has had a background check or past action against his or her certification or license.
Call The Bee's Andrew McIntosh, (916) 321-1215.
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