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WASHINGTON – US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) applauded the inclusion of his plan to make it easier for veterans with military emergency medical technician (EMT) training to pursue careers as EMTs following their military service in the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) Conference Report. The CARA Conference Report passed the US House of Representatives today and will be voted on by the US Senate next week. Following the Senate’s vote it will be sent to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Introduced in February, 2015, the Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act will help states streamline their certification requirements for veterans with military emergency medical technician (EMT) training who are looking to pursue a career as an EMT following their military service. It will provide demonstration grants to states that work to simplify the EMT certification process for veterans and will allow veterans to avoid duplicating their medical training. Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:
“Veterans trained as emergency medical technicians in the service should not have to repeat the training that they’ve already had. It is better for them and for their community if their expertise is used as quickly as possible. This is about jobs, easing transition to civilian life and providing emergency services to fellow Americans.” A companion bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Louis Capps (D-CA). Dr. Cassidy is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
[Dr. Cassidy and Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) with veteran EMTs from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)] |
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