Bill > HR3791

This bill aims to improve the accuracy of tracking Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in the United States by requiring the Secretary of Labor to update the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) fails to comprehensively count EMS practitioners, particularly overlooking dual-role firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics. The bill requires the Secretary of Labor to revise the occupational classification for firefighters within 120 days to specifically include categories for Firefighters, Firefighter/EMTs, Firefighter/Paramedics, and Other Firefighters. This change is critical because EMS personnel play a vital role in emergency response, handling over 22 million emergency calls annually, including medical emergencies and disaster responses. The bill recognizes that accurately counting the EMS workforce is essential for government agencies to assess the needs of EMS practitioners and inform policy decisions related to emergency preparedness, public health emergencies, and potential terrorist incidents. Additionally, the bill mandates a report to Congress within 270 days detailing the actions taken to expand occupational definitions and implement the required revisions.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3791/all-info