Become A Member State
To participate in the EMS Compact, a state’s legislature must introduce and enact a bill, titled the 'Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact' (REPLICA), authorizing the state to join the Compact. To ensure the language of the compact legislation is consistent in each state that joins, a template of the model legislation is used by every state.
Three key terms central to understanding the operations of the EMS Compact are:
- Member State - a state that has passed and enacted the EMS Compact legislation.
- Home State - a member state where an individual EMS provider is licensed to practice emergency medical services as an EMT, Paramedic, or at a state designated level between an EMT and Paramedic (example:Advanced-EMT, EMT-Intermediate).
- Remote State - an EMS Compact member state in which an individual is not licensed
EMS Compact Member State Requirements
- Utilize the National Registry (NREMT) examination at the EMT and Paramedic levels for initial state licensure
- Utilize a FBI compliant background check with biometric data (e.g. fingerprints) within 5 years of Compact activation. (States must require FBI background checks for EMS personnel implemented prior to May 7, 2022.)
- Have a process to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints; and share information with other Compact states via the National EMS Coordinated Database (NEMSCD).
- Enact the model REPLICA legislation.
Member State Benefits
- A Member State gains authority over EMS personnel from other compact states when they are practicing in the Member State.
- A Member State joins other compact states in the governmental “Commission” to promulgate universal rules governing the cross-border, interstate practice of EMS personnel.
- Member States gain access to the National EMS Coordinated Database (NEMSCD) the enables
immediate notification of significant investigatory information and adverse action against EMS personnel licensed in the Member State and for EMS personnel practicing in other states. - Member States maintain exclusive authority over the license issued by their State EMS Office/Authority, including the ability to take disciplinary action against any licenses issued by that state in accordance with their state law and regulations.
- Member States gain the authority and legal framework to investigate complaints against EMS personnel from other compact states when they are practicing in the Member State, combined with the authority to suspend an EMS Provider's Privilege to Practice.