Alaska EMS fingerprint checks take effect Sept. 20 under HB 110

House Bill 110's fingerprint-based background checks for Alaska EMS clinicians take effect Sept. 20. The Alaska Office of Emergency Medical Services says compliance timing for existing clinicians and provisional status remain under development.

The office holds a Sept. 2 RANGES session, short for Research and New Guidance Education Series, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for one continuing medical education credit. Registration is open online. The session covers Compact implementation and licensing updates. RANGES then meets on first Wednesdays through May.

Checks run through the New Alaska Background Check System. The fee is $87 through Sept. 30 and rises to $90 on Oct. 1, reflecting a higher FBI fee. Unpaid volunteers at state-operated or 501(c)(3) agencies may qualify for a $40 waiver. Clearance lasts five years. The office advises clinicians to wait for instructions before paying or getting fingerprinted.

The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice urges FBI-compliant biometric checks nationwide. HB 110 also makes Alaska the 24th state to join the EMS Compact.