reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.0045. Temporary Exemptions for Emergency Medical Services Personnel Practicing in Rural Area

Sec. 773.0045.  TEMPORARY EXEMPTIONS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL PRACTICING IN RURAL AREA.  (a)  In this section, "rural area" means:
(1)  a county with a population of 50,000 or less;  or
(2)  a relatively large, isolated, and sparsely populated area in a county with a population of more than 50,000.
(b)  The department on a case-by-case basis may temporarily exempt emergency medical services personnel who primarily practice in a rural area from a requirement imposed either by Section 773.050 or 773.055 or by a department rule adopted under Section 773.050 or 773.055 if specific circumstances that affect the rural area served by the emergency medical services personnel justify the exemption.  The department may temporarily exempt the emergency medical services personnel from a requirement imposed:
(1)  by a department rule adopted under Section 773.050 or 773.055 only if the department finds that, under the circumstances, imposing the requirement would not be in the best interests of the people in the rural area who are served by the emergency medical services personnel; and
(2)  by Section 773.050 or 773.055 only if the department finds that, under the circumstances, there is a substantial risk that imposing the requirement will detrimentally affect the health or safety of one or more persons in the affected rural area or hinder the ability of emergency medical services personnel who practice in the area to alleviate a threat to the health or safety of one or more persons in the area.
(c)  The exemption must be in writing, include the findings required by Subsection (b), and expire at a stated time.  The written findings must be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement that specifically describes the circumstances that support the finding.
(d)  In granting the exemption, the department in writing must require the affected emergency medical services personnel or the appropriate emergency medical services provider to adopt a written plan under which the applicable requirement will be met as soon as possible.
(e)  A temporary exemption under this section may allow emergency medical services personnel who are applicants for certification at a higher level of training to temporarily practice at the higher level.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 848, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1512, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.006. Fund for Emergency Medical Services, Trauma Facilities, and Trauma Care Systems

Sec. 773.006.  FUND FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, TRAUMA FACILITIES, AND TRAUMA CARE SYSTEMS.  (a)  The fund for emergency medical services, trauma facilities, and trauma care systems is established as an account in the general revenue fund.  Money in the account may be appropriated only to the department for the purposes specified by Section 773.122.
(b)  The account is composed of money deposited to the account under Article 102.0185, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(c)  Section 404.071, Government Code, does not apply to the account.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1513, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.007. Supervision of Emergency Prehospital Care

Sec. 773.007.  SUPERVISION OF EMERGENCY PREHOSPITAL CARE.  (a)  The provision of advanced life support must be under medical supervision and a licensed physician's control.
(b)  The provision of basic life support may be under medical supervision and a licensed physician's control.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.008. Consent for Emergency Care

Sec. 773.008.  CONSENT FOR EMERGENCY CARE.  Consent for emergency care of an individual is not required if:
(1)  the individual is:
(A)  unable to communicate because of an injury, accident, or illness or is unconscious;  and
(B)  suffering from what reasonably appears to be a life-threatening injury or illness;
(2)  a court of record orders the treatment of an individual who is in an imminent emergency to prevent the individual's serious bodily injury or loss of life;  or
(3)  the individual is a minor who is suffering from what reasonably appears to be a life-threatening injury or illness and whose parents, managing or possessory conservator, or guardian is not present.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.009. Limitation on Civil Liability

Sec. 773.009.  LIMITATION ON CIVIL LIABILITY.  A person who authorizes, sponsors, supports, finances, or supervises the functions of emergency room personnel and emergency medical services personnel is not liable for civil damages for an act or omission connected with training emergency medical services personnel or with services or treatment given to a patient or potential patient by emergency medical services personnel if the training, services, or treatment is performed in accordance with the standard of ordinary care.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.011. Subscription Programs

Sec. 773.011.  SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAMS.  (a)  An emergency medical services provider may create and operate a subscription program to fund and provide emergency medical services.
(b)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules establishing minimum standards for the creation and operation of a subscription program.
(c)  The executive commissioner shall adopt a rule that requires an emergency medical services provider to secure a surety bond in the amount of sums to be subscribed before soliciting subscriptions and creating and operating a subscription program.  The surety bond must be issued by a company that is licensed by or eligible to do business in this state.
(d)  The executive commissioner may adopt rules for waiver of the surety bond.
(e)  The Insurance Code does not apply to a subscription program established under this section.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 242, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1514, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.013. Peer Assistance Program

Sec. 773.013.  PEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.  The department may establish, approve, and fund a peer assistance program in accordance with Section 467.003 and department rules.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 874, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1516, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.015. Identification of Certain Patients Receiving Emergency Prehospital Care

Sec. 773.015.  IDENTIFICATION OF CERTAIN PATIENTS RECEIVING EMERGENCY PREHOSPITAL CARE.  Emergency medical services personnel or emergency room medical or admissions personnel may take the thumbprint of a person who receives emergency prehospital care if the person:
(1)  does not possess personal identification at the time the care is administered;
(2)  is unconscious;
(3)  is transported across the Texas-Mexico border by ambulance or helicopter while receiving emergency prehospital care; and
(4)  is delivered to a hospital that has digital fingerprinting capabilities.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 517 (H.B. 805), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.016. Duties of Emergency Medical Services Personnel; Certain Emergency Prehospital Care Situations

Sec. 773.016.  DUTIES OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL; CERTAIN EMERGENCY PREHOSPITAL CARE SITUATIONS.  (a)  In this section, "cardiopulmonary resuscitation" has the meaning assigned by Section 166.002.
(b)  Emergency medical services personnel who are providing emergency prehospital care to a person are subject to Chapter 166, including Section 166.102.
(c)  If a person's personal physician is present and assumes responsibility for the care of the person under the applicable requirements of Chapter 197, Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, while the person is receiving emergency prehospital care, the physician may order the termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation only if, based on the physician's professional medical judgment, the physician determines that resuscitation should be discontinued.
(d)  If a person's personal physician is not present or does not assume responsibility for the care of the person while the person is receiving emergency prehospital care, the emergency medical services system's medical director or online physician:
(1)  shall be responsible for directing the emergency medical services personnel who are providing emergency prehospital care to the person; and
(2)  may order the termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation only if, based on the medical director's or online physician's professional medical judgment, the medical director or online physician determines that resuscitation should be discontinued.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 710 (H.B. 577), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 773.017. Use of Certain External Motor Vehicle Markings or Features Prohibited; Criminal Offense

Sec. 773.017.  USE OF CERTAIN EXTERNAL MOTOR VEHICLE MARKINGS OR FEATURES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.  (a)  A person may not operate a motor vehicle in this state that resembles an emergency medical services vehicle unless the person uses the motor vehicle:
(1)  as an emergency medical services vehicle under this chapter; or
(2)  for other legitimate governmental functions, including police or firefighting services.
(b)  A motor vehicle resembles an emergency medical services vehicle if the motor vehicle has on the exterior of the motor vehicle any of the following markings or features:
(1)  the word "ambulance" or a derivation of that word;
(2)  a star of life as trademarked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
(3)  a Maltese cross commonly used by fire departments;
(4)  forward-facing flashing red, white, or blue lights;
(5)  a siren;
(6)  the words "critical care transport," "emergency," "emergency medical services," or "mobile intensive care unit"; or
(7)  the acronym "EMS" or "MICU".
(c)  A person commits an offense if the person violates this section.  An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)  This section does not apply to a motor vehicle bearing a license plate issued or approved under Section 504.501 or 504.502, Transportation Code.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 253 (H.B. 1249), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter B. State Plan for Emergency Services › Section 773.021. State Plan

Sec. 773.021.  STATE PLAN.  (a)  The department shall develop a state plan for the prompt and efficient delivery of adequate emergency medical services to acutely sick or injured persons.
(b)  The state plan must include an emergency radio communication plan to be used by local governments and districts that provide emergency medical services to develop an emergency radio communication network linking emergency medical services providers with local hospitals or trauma centers.
(c)  The advisory council shall consider the department's actions under Subsection (a), and the department shall review the council's recommendations.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 488, Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1518, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter B. State Plan for Emergency Services › Section 773.022. Service Delivery Areas

Sec. 773.022.  SERVICE DELIVERY AREAS.  The department shall divide the state into emergency medical services delivery areas that coincide, to the extent possible, with other regional planning areas.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1519, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter B. State Plan for Emergency Services › Section 773.023. Area Plans

Sec. 773.023.  AREA PLANS.  (a)  The department shall:
(1)  identify all public or private agencies and institutions that are used or may be used for emergency medical services in each delivery area; and
(2)  enlist the cooperation of all concerned agencies and institutions in developing a well-coordinated plan for delivering emergency medical services in each delivery area.
(b)  A delivery area plan must include an interagency communications network that facilitates prompt and coordinated response to medical emergencies by the Department of Public Safety, local police departments, ambulance personnel, medical facilities, and other concerned agencies and institutions.
(c)  A delivery area plan may include the use of helicopters that may be available from the Department of Public Safety, the National Guard, or the United States Armed Forces.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1520, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter B. State Plan for Emergency Services › Section 773.024. Federal Programs

Sec. 773.024.  FEDERAL PROGRAMS.  The department is the state agency designated to develop state plans required for participation in federal programs involving emergency medical services.  The department may receive and disburse available federal funds to implement the service programs.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1521, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter B. State Plan for Emergency Services › Section 773.025. Accessibility of Training

Sec. 773.025.  ACCESSIBILITY OF TRAINING.  (a)  The department shall identify all individuals and public or private agencies and institutions that are or may be engaged in emergency medical services training in each delivery area.
(b)  A delivery area plan must include provisions for encouraging emergency medical services training so as to reduce the cost of training to emergency medical services providers and to make training more accessible to low population or remote areas.
(c)  A governmental entity that sponsors or wishes to sponsor an emergency medical services provider may request the department to provide emergency medical services training for emergency care attendants at times and places that are convenient for the provider's personnel, if the training is not available locally.
(d)  A governmental entity or nongovernmental organization that sponsors or wishes to sponsor an emergency medical services provider or first responder organization in a rural or underserved area may request the department to provide or facilitate the provision of initial training for emergency care attendants, if the training is not available locally.  The department shall ensure that the training is provided.  The department shall provide the training without charge, or contract with qualified instructors to provide the training without charge, to students who agree to perform emergency care attendant services for at least one year with the local emergency medical services provider or first responder organization.  The training must be provided at times and places that are convenient to the students.  The department shall require that at least three students are scheduled to take any class offered under this subsection.
(e)  To facilitate all levels of emergency medical services training, the department shall consult with and solicit comment from emergency medical services providers, first responder organizations, persons who provide emergency medical services training, and other entities interested in emergency medical services training programs.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 874, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1522, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.041. License or Certificate Required

Sec. 773.041.  LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE REQUIRED.  (a)  A person may not operate, conduct, or maintain an emergency medical service, advertise that the person is an emergency medical services provider, or otherwise engage in or profess to be engaged in the provision of emergency medical services unless the person holds a license as an emergency medical services provider issued by the department in accordance with this chapter.
(a-1)  A person may not transport a patient by stretcher in a vehicle unless the person holds a license as an emergency medical services provider issued by the department in accordance with this chapter.  For purposes of this subsection, "person" means an individual, corporation, organization, government, governmental subdivision or agency, business, trust, partnership, association, or any other legal entity.
(b)  A person may not practice as any type of emergency medical services personnel unless the person is certified under this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.
(c)  A certificate or license issued under this chapter is not transferable.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 244, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 268 (S.B. 10), Sec. 14(b), eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.0415. Limitation on Information Required for Certificate Renewal

Sec. 773.0415.  LIMITATION ON INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATE RENEWAL.  The requirements and procedures adopted by the executive commissioner for the renewal of a certificate to practice as emergency medical services personnel issued under this chapter:
(1)  may not require an applicant to provide unchanged criminal history information already included in one or more of the applicant's previous applications for certification or for certificate renewal filed with the department; and
(2)  may require the applicant to provide only information relevant to the period occurring since the date of the applicant's last application for certification or for certificate renewal, as applicable, including information relevant to any new requirement applicable to the certificate held by the applicant.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 332 (H.B. 846), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1523, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.042. Basic Life-Support Emergency Medical Services Provider Qualifications

Sec. 773.042.  BASIC LIFE-SUPPORT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS.  A provider qualifies as a basic life-support emergency medical services provider if it provides a vehicle that is designed for transporting the sick or injured, has personnel and sufficient equipment and supplies for providing basic life support, and is capable of providing emergency and nonemergency transportation.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 305 (S.B. 521), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1034 (H.B. 1126), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.043. Advanced Life-Support Emergency Medical Services Provider Qualifications

Sec. 773.043.  ADVANCED LIFE-SUPPORT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS.  A provider qualifies as an advanced life-support emergency medical services provider if it:
(1)  meets the requirements of a basic life-support emergency medical services provider;  and
(2)  has personnel and sufficient equipment and supplies for providing intravenous therapy and endotracheal or esophageal intubation.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.044. Mobile Intensive-Care Provider Qualifications

Sec. 773.044.  MOBILE INTENSIVE-CARE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS.  A provider qualifies as a mobile intensive-care provider if it:
(1)  meets the requirements of an advanced life-support emergency medical services provider;  and
(2)  has personnel and sufficient equipment and supplies to provide cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, cardioversion, drug therapy, and two-way radio communication.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 5, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.045. Specialized Emergency Medical Services Provider Qualifications

Sec. 773.045.  SPECIALIZED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS.  (a)  A provider using a vehicle, including a helicopter, boat, fixed-wing aircraft, or ground vehicle, qualifies as a specialized emergency medical services provider if:
(1)  the vehicle is designed for transporting the sick or injured by air, water, or ground transportation;  and
(2)  the provider has personnel and sufficient equipment and supplies to provide for the specialized needs of the patient transported.
(b)  A rotor or fixed-wing aircraft and staff based in this state and used to transport a patient by stretcher and that holds itself out as an air ambulance service is required to be licensed by the department.
(c)  An air ambulance company based in another state that transports patients from a point in this state is required to be licensed by the department as an emergency medical services provider.  The department shall issue a license to an air ambulance company under this subsection if the company applies as required by this chapter and has met the qualifications specified in department rules for safely transporting patients.  An air ambulance company accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems is rebuttably presumed to have met the department's qualifications.
(d)  An air ambulance company licensed under Subsection (c) must include information regarding the physical location of the company's base operations in any advertising by the company in this state.  This subsection does not prohibit an air ambulance company with multiple locations from listing those locations in advertising, provided that the air ambulance company meets all the provisions of this chapter.
(e)  An air ambulance company that is not located in this state and that advertises within this state must have at least one physical location in this state.
(f)  This section does not require an air transportation provider to be licensed if, in addition to the company's normal air transportation service, the air transportation company provides only voluntary, mercy-flight transportation at the company's own expense.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 245, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 376, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 6, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1182, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1524, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.046. Emergency Care Attendant Qualifications

Sec. 773.046.  EMERGENCY CARE ATTENDANT QUALIFICATIONS.  (a)  An individual qualifies as an emergency care attendant if the individual is certified by the department as minimally proficient to provide emergency prehospital care by providing initial aid that promotes comfort and avoids aggravation of an injury or illness.
(b)  The department may not require an individual to have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate for certification as an emergency care attendant under this chapter if the individual certifies that the individual will serve only as an emergency care attendant volunteer during the certification period.
(c)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this section.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 246, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1035, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1525, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.047. Emergency Medical Technician Qualifications

Sec. 773.047.  EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS.  An individual qualifies as an emergency medical technician if the individual is certified by the department as minimally proficient to perform emergency prehospital care that is necessary for basic life support and that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the control of hemorrhaging.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 247, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.048. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Qualifications

Sec. 773.048.  ADVANCED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS.  An individual qualifies as an advanced emergency medical technician if the individual is certified by the department as minimally proficient to provide emergency prehospital care by initiating under medical supervision certain procedures, including intravenous therapy and endotracheal or esophageal intubation.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 248, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1526, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.049. Emergency Medical Technician--Paramedic Qualifications

Sec. 773.049.  EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN--PARAMEDIC QUALIFICATIONS.  An individual qualifies as an emergency medical technician-paramedic if the individual is certified by the department as minimally proficient to provide advanced life support that includes initiation under medical supervision of certain procedures, including intravenous therapy, endotracheal or esophageal intubation, electrical cardiac defibrillation or cardioversion, and drug therapy.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 249, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.0495. Licensed Paramedic Qualifications

Sec. 773.0495.  LICENSED PARAMEDIC QUALIFICATIONS.  An individual qualifies as a licensed paramedic if the department determines that the individual is minimally proficient to provide advanced life support that includes initiation under medical supervision of certain procedures, including intravenous therapy, endotracheal or esophageal intubation, electrical cardiac defibrillation or cardioversion, and drug therapy.  In addition, a licensed paramedic must complete a curriculum that includes college-level course work in accordance with department rules.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1526, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.0496. Scope of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic and Licensed Paramedic Duties

Sec. 773.0496.  SCOPE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN-PARAMEDIC AND LICENSED PARAMEDIC DUTIES.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Advanced life support" means health care provided to sustain life in an emergency, life-threatening situation. The term includes the initiation of intravenous therapy, endotracheal or esophageal intubation, electrical cardiac defibrillation or cardioversion, and drug therapy procedures.
(2)  "Direct supervision" means supervision of an emergency medical technician-paramedic or licensed paramedic by a licensed physician who is present in the same area or an area adjacent to the area where an emergency medical technician-paramedic or licensed paramedic performs a procedure and who is immediately available to provide assistance and direction during the performance of the procedure.
(b)  Notwithstanding other law, a person who is certified under this chapter as an emergency medical technician-paramedic or a licensed paramedic, is acting under the delegation and direct supervision of a licensed physician, and is authorized to provide advanced life support by a health care facility may in accordance with department rules provide advanced life support in the facility's emergency or urgent care clinical setting, including a hospital emergency room and a freestanding emergency medical care facility.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1054 (H.B. 2020), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2015.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1226 (S.B. 1899), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.0505. Rules Regarding Advertising or Competitive Bidding

Sec. 773.0505.  RULES REGARDING ADVERTISING OR COMPETITIVE BIDDING.  (a)  The executive commissioner may not adopt rules restricting advertising or competitive bidding by a license or certificate holder except to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices.
(b)  In rules to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices, the executive commissioner may not include a rule that:
(1)  restricts the use of any medium for advertising;
(2)  restricts the use of a license or certificate holder's personal appearance or voice in an advertisement;
(3)  relates to the size or duration of an advertisement by the license or certificate holder; or
(4)  restricts the license or certificate holder's advertisement under a trade name.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1528, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.051. Municipal Regulation

Sec. 773.051.  MUNICIPAL REGULATION.  A municipality may establish standards for an emergency medical services provider that are stricter than the minimum standards of this chapter and department rules adopted under this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 8, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.052. Variances

Sec. 773.052.  VARIANCES.  (a)  An emergency medical services provider with a specific hardship may apply to the department for a variance from a rule adopted under this chapter.
(b)  On receipt of a request for a variance, the department shall consider any relevant factors, including:
(1)  the nearest available service;
(2)  geography;  and
(3)  demography.
(c)  The department shall grant to an emergency medical services provider who is the sole provider for a service area a variance from the minimum staffing standards for the provision of emergency medical services in that service area.
(d)  An applicant for a variance under Subsection (c) must submit a letter to the department from the commissioners court of the county or the governing body of the municipality in which the provider intends to operate an emergency medical services vehicle in the provision of emergency medical services in a service area of the county or municipality.
(e)  The department shall grant a variance under Subsection (c) if the department determines that the provider qualifies and may deny the variance if the department determines that the provider does not qualify.  The department shall give a provider whose application is denied the opportunity for a contested case hearing under Chapter 2001, Government Code.
(f)  The department shall issue an emergency medical services license to a provider granted a variance under this section.  The license is subject to annual review by the department.  A provider is encouraged to upgrade staffing to meet the minimum standards set by the rules adopted under this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 251, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(49), eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.84(b), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1529, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 95 (S.B. 1588), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.054. Applications for Personnel Certification and Training Program Approval

Sec. 773.054.  APPLICATIONS FOR PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM APPROVAL.  (a)  This section applies to an application for:
(1)  examination for certification of emergency medical services personnel;
(2)  approval of a course or training program;  or
(3)  certification of a program instructor, examiner, or course coordinator.
(b)  Each application must be made to the department on a form prescribed by the department and under department rules.
(c)  Each application under Subsection (a)(3) must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of not more than $30 for a program instructor or examiner or $60 for a course coordinator.  The department may not require a fee for a certification from an instructor, examiner, or coordinator who does not receive compensation for providing services.
(d)  Each application under Subsection (a)(2) must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of not more than $30 for a basic course or training program or $60 for an advanced course or training program.  The department may not require a fee for approval of a course or training program if the course coordinator or sponsoring agency does not receive compensation for providing the course or training program.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 253, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 9, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.84(c), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1530, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.0551. Disease Prevention and Preparedness Information on Certification of Emergency Medical Services Personnel

Sec. 773.0551.  DISEASE PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION ON CERTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Applicant" means an individual who files an application for certification or recertification as emergency medical services personnel under Section 773.055.
(2)  "Immunization registry" means the immunization registry established under Section 161.007.
(b)  The executive commissioner by rule shall adopt a system under which the Health and Human Services Commission provides an applicant immunization information.  The system must require the commission to provide:
(1)  if the applicant's immunization history is included in the immunization registry, written notice of the applicant's immunization history, using information from the immunization registry; or
(2)  if the applicant's immunization history is not included in the immunization registry, the following information:
(A)  details about the program developed under Section 161.00707; and
(B)  the specific risks to emergency medical services personnel when responding rapidly to an emergency of exposure to and infection by a potentially serious or deadly communicable disease that an immunization may prevent.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 240 (H.B. 1418), Sec. 1, eff. May 27, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.056. Approval of Training Programs; Certification of Instructors, Examiners, and Coordinators

Sec. 773.056.  APPROVAL OF TRAINING PROGRAMS;  CERTIFICATION OF INSTRUCTORS, EXAMINERS, AND COORDINATORS.  (a)  The department shall approve each course or training program that meets the minimum standards adopted under Section 773.050.
(b)  The department shall issue a certificate to each program instructor, examiner, or course coordinator who meets the minimum standards adopted under Section 773.050.  The certificate is valid for two years.  The department shall charge a fee of not more than $10 to replace a lost or stolen certificate.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 255, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 11, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.84(e), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.057. Emergency Medical Services Providers License

Sec. 773.057.  EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENSE.  (a)  An emergency medical services provider must submit an application for a license in accordance with procedures prescribed by the executive commissioner.
(b)  A nonrefundable application and vehicle fee determined by the executive commissioner by rule must accompany each application.  The application fee may not exceed $500 for each application and the vehicle fee may not exceed $180 for each emergency medical services vehicle operated by the provider.
(c)  The department may delegate vehicle inspections to the commissioners court of a county or the governing body of a municipality.  The delegation must be made:
(1)  at the request of the commissioners court or governing body; and
(2)  in accordance with criteria and procedures adopted by the executive commissioner.
(d)  The commissioners court of a county or governing body of a municipality that conducts inspections under Subsection (c) shall collect and retain the fee for vehicles it inspects.
(e)  In addition to any other qualifications that an emergency medical services provider must possess to obtain the type of license sought, all emergency medical services providers must possess the qualifications required for a basic emergency medical services provider under Section 773.042.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 256, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 12, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.84(f), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 305 (S.B. 521), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1034 (H.B. 1126), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1532, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.0571. Requirements for Provider License

Sec. 773.0571.  REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDER LICENSE.  The department shall issue to an emergency medical services provider applicant a license that is valid for two years if the department is satisfied that:
(1)  the applicant has adequate staff to meet the staffing standards prescribed by this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter;
(2)  each emergency medical services vehicle is adequately constructed, equipped, maintained, and operated to render basic or advanced life support services safely and efficiently;
(3)  the applicant offers safe and efficient services for emergency prehospital care and transportation of patients;
(4)  the applicant:
(A)  possesses sufficient professional experience and qualifications to provide emergency medical services; and
(B)  has not been excluded from participation in the state Medicaid program;
(5)  the applicant holds a letter of approval issued under Section 773.0573 by the governing body of the municipality or the commissioners court of the county in which the applicant is located and is applying to provide emergency medical services, as applicable;
(6)  the applicant employs a medical director;
(7)  the applicant operates out of a physical location in compliance with Section 773.05715;
(8)  the applicant owns or has a long-term lease agreement for all equipment necessary for safe operation of an emergency medical services provider, as provided by Section 773.05716; and
(9)  the applicant complies with the rules adopted under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 257, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 13, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1089 (H.B. 3556), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1311 (S.B. 8), Sec. 9(a), eff. September 1, 2013.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1226 (S.B. 1899), Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter C. Licenses, Certification, and Qualifications › Section 773.05712. Administrator of Record

Sec. 773.05712.  ADMINISTRATOR OF RECORD.  (a)  The administrator of record for an emergency medical services provider licensed under this subchapter:
(1)  may not be employed or otherwise compensated by another private for-profit emergency medical services provider;
(2)  must meet the qualifications required for an emergency medical technician or other health care professional license or certification issued by this state; and
(3)  must submit to a criminal history record check at the applicant's expense.
(b)  Section 773.0415 does not apply to information an administrator of record is required to provide under this section.
(c)  An administrator of record initially approved by the department may be required to complete an education course for new administrators of record.  The executive commissioner shall recognize, prepare, or administer the education course for new administrators of record, which must include information about the laws and department rules that affect emergency medical services providers.
(d)  An administrator of record approved by the department under Section 773.05711(a) annually must complete at least eight hours of continuing education following initial approval.  The executive commissioner shall recognize, prepare, or administer continuing education programs for administrators of record, which must include information about changes in law and department rules that affect emergency medical services providers.
(e)  Subsection (a)(2) does not apply to an emergency medical services provider that held a license on September 1, 2013, and has an administrator of record who has at least eight years of experience providing emergency medical services.
(f)  An emergency medical services provider that is directly operated by a governmental entity is exempt from this section.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1089 (H.B. 3556), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1311 (S.B. 8), Sec. 9(b), eff. September 1, 2013.