To repeal section 190.145, RSMo 1994, relating to ambulance operators, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the same subject, with an emergency clause.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI,

AS FOLLOWS:

Section A. Section 190.145, RSMo 1994, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 190.145, to read as follows:

190.145. 1. The license officer shall, within a reasonable time after receipt of an application, cause such investigation as he deems necessary to be made of the applicant for an attendant's or attendant-driver's license. The director of the department of health may authorize investigations into criminal and driving records in other states for any applicant.

2. The license officer shall issue a license to an attendant or attendant-driver, valid for a period of three years, unless earlier suspended, revoked or terminated, when he finds that the applicant:

(1) Is eighteen years of age or older;

(2) Is not addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors or narcotics, and is morally fit for the position;

(3) Is able to speak, read and write the English language;

(4) Has been found by a duly licensed physician, upon examination attested to on a form provided by the health officer, to be of sound physique, possessing visual acuity conforming to that required for a chauffeur's license, and free of physical defects or diseases which might impair the ability to drive or attend an ambulance;

(5) For each applicant for attendant or attendant-driver's license, that such applicant has a currently valid certificate evidencing successful completion of a course of training equivalent to the advanced course in first aid given by the American Red Cross or the United States Bureau of Mines, or incorporating the curriculum of the basic training for ambulance personnel recommended by the United States Department of Transportation. No one shall be licensed as an attendant-driver unless he holds a currently valid motor vehicle operator's [or chauffeur's] license from the state of Missouri or another state; and

(6) For each applicant for a mobile emergency medical technician's license, that such applicant meets the requirements for attendant, subsection 2 above, and in addition has successfully completed an emergency service training program consisting of a minimum of two hundred hours of training including, but not limited to, didactic and clinical experience in a cardiac care unit and in an emergency vehicle unit.

3. A license as attendant mobile emergency medical technician or attendant-driver is not assignable or transferable.

4. No official entry made upon a license may be defaced, removed or obliterated.

Section B. Because of the need to retain ambulance drivers currently operating in Missouri, this act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace and safety, and is hereby declared to be an emergency act within the meaning of the constitution, and this act shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and approval.