Requires Medical Dispatch Certification Within One Year
District of Columbia · B26-0599 · Introduced Feb 19, 2026
Why it matters
Emergency call takers and dispatchers would need medical dispatch certification within a year of starting work. This would put one medical director in charge of both fire and EMS and the call center.
What it does
- Makes the Fire and EMS Medical Director also the Medical Director of the Office of Unified Communications
- Requires call takers and dispatchers to be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch within one year of being hired
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
- Senatenot yet
- Governornot yet
About this bill
Would make the Fire and EMS Medical Director also the medical director for the city's call center. Would require call takers and dispatchers to be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch within one year of hire.
Emergency Medical Services Clarification Amendment Act of 2026
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Emergency medical groups would likely say clear rules help dispatchers give faster, safer medical help. One medical director can keep care and call procedures consistent.
💬 The case against
Some dispatch workers would likely say one year is too short to get certified. Others may argue that one person overseeing two offices spreads leadership too thin.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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