Harman Emergency Medic Transition (EMT) Act Passes Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee

Press Release

Rep. Jane Harman's (D-Venice) bipartisan legislation to streamline the integration of returning military medics into the civilian emergency response system and increase the number of medical personnel available in a crisis passed the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee today. H.R. 3199, the "Emergency Medic Transition (EMT) Act" was co-sponsored by Reps. Steve Buyer (R-IN) and John Sarbanes (D-MD).
Currently, military medics who wish to become first responders must start their training from scratch, fulfilling the same entry-level requirements as citizens with no prior training or experience. Returning vets also experience a 28 percent unemployment rate, three times the national average.

"Having available the largest possible pool of experienced emergency personnel is crucial to handling a patient surge," said Harman. "Military medics are among the bravest and best in the armed forces, frequently putting themselves in harm's way to tend the injured. They are combat ready to deal with major natural or terror incidents in our communities and deserve good jobs when they return home."

Harman's legislation would provide federal grants to state health departments to create a fast-track EMT certification path for honorably discharged veterans who have EMS training. These veterans' previous coursework and training would be factored into their certification, saving time and money.

The legislation authorizes $5 million annually between 2011 and 2015, and requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the barriers experienced by veteran medics seeking to join the civilian corps. It also directs the GAO to recommend whether the grant program should be expanded to assist veterans seeking other healthcare-related careers.

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