Courtesy certification of emergency medical services personnel in surrounding states

(a) It is the intention of the Legislature to permit individuals who have been certified as emergency medical services personnel in a state bordering West Virginia to serve as emergency medical services personnel in West Virginia. (b) Beginning July 1, 2018, the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health shall establish a process by which a courtesy certification to serve as an emergency medical responder or emergency medical technician in this state may be issued to any person who satisfies the following requirements: (1) Is certified as an emergency medical responder or emergency medical technician, or a similar certification, in good standing in a state bordering West Virginia; (2) Complies with the application process and procedures established by the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health; and (3) Submits any required fee. (c) Issuance of a courtesy certification shall not be withheld by the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health based on an individual’s failure to satisfy the minimum eligibility requirements for emergency medical services personnel set forth in legislative rules promulgated pursuant to §16-4C-6 of this code. (d) The Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to implement the provisions of this section. (e) Any courtesy certification issued pursuant to this section may be revoked at any time if the individual’s certification in the bordering state is restricted, revoked, or otherwise expires. (f) Any courtesy certification issued pursuant to this section must be renewed biennially.