Arkansas Becomes the 25th State to Join the EMS Compact
Arkansas is now the 25th state to join the United States EMS Compact, marking a pivotal step toward a more unified, responsive, and accountable EMS system across the nation. By joining the Compact, Arkansas strengthens the ability of EMS clinicians to deliver lifesaving care across state lines while ensuring public safety, regulatory oversight, and accountability remain at the forefront of emergency medical practice.
The EMS Compact increases public access to EMS clinicians, enhances patient safety, and streamlines the process for states to verify competency and licensure. It provides an essential framework for facilitating day-to-day EMS mobility, allowing clinicians to respond to emergencies across jurisdictional boundaries without unnecessary delays. This legal recognition of EMS licenses among member states also improves disaster response, supports military service members transitioning into civilian EMS roles, and ensures states share critical licensure and disciplinary information to uphold professional standards.
“With Arkansas becoming the 25th state of the Compact, we are at the critical midpoint in terms of state membership,” says Compact Commission Chairperson Kraig Kinney, JD, EMT-P. “This milestone advances us further towards a goal of having every EMS clinician in every state having Compact privileges across the nation.”
Arkansas’s HB1253, sponsored by Representative Lee Johnson, MD, received unified, bipartisan support with zero opposition votes. This demonstrates a strong legislative commitment to modernizing EMS licensure and improving patient care. The overwhelming support for the Compact underscores the critical need for increased EMS workforce mobility, reduced regulatory burdens, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
Arkansas shares borders with six other Compact member states, further strengthening cross-border collaboration, reducing bureaucracy, and improving access to EMS services. By eliminating unnecessary licensing barriers, the Compact ensures that EMS clinicians can respond more effectively across state lines, supporting disaster response, mutual aid, and regional healthcare systems.
“Arkansas is excited to join the EMS Compact. This will improve Arkansas’ public safety, public health, and emergency preparedness. This is a win for both our citizens and our EMS professionals. We are grateful for the work by Representative Johnson to get this Compact pushed through the Arkansas legislature,” says Brandon Morshedi, MD, DPT, FACEP, FAEMS, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C, an emergency physician and EMS medical director for over 2,000 EMS professionals in Arkansas.
The expansion of the Compact in Arkansas is a testament to local EMS stakeholders’ strong leadership and commitment to advocating for solutions that improve patient care and operational efficiency. The Compact Commission commends Arkansas policymakers, EMS leaders, and frontline clinicians for their dedication to advancing the profession.
“With 25 states now united in the EMS Compact, we are forging a stronger, more unified profession with a shared commitment to the future of EMS,” says Donnie Woodyard, Jr., Executive Director of the EMS Compact. “More than 400,000 EMS clinicians are now connected by a common legislative framework, with state EMS offices collaborating to break down barriers, improve mobility, and ensure that clinicians can provide lifesaving care wherever and whenever needed. This powerful alignment of states working together marks a defining moment in the evolution of EMS.”
With half the nation now participating, the United States EMS Compact continues to work toward full nationwide adoption to ensure that every EMS clinician has the mobility needed to provide life-saving care wherever and whenever required.
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About the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice
The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, established under the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA) legislation, is the governing body responsible for overseeing the operations of the EMS Compact. Comprised of appointed Commissioners from each member state, the Commission ensures compliance with the Compact's provisions, manages its operations, and resolves interstate disputes. ICEMSPP focuses on cross-border EMS activities, maintains a national database of EMS personnel, and upholds uniform practices across member states to enhance EMS care and public safety. Currently coordinating efforts in 25 states and overseeing nearly 400,000 EMS personnel, the Commission sets standards and regulations, promotes the profession, and ensures public protection. Interstate Compacts represent the gold standard for multistate professional licensure, facilitating seamless and efficient EMS practice across state lines.