Processing of EMS out-of-state reciprocity certification

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Applicants without National Registry:

An out-of-state certified emergency medical services (EMS) person may apply for Texas certification by reciprocity.  Applicants with current National Registry card, do not follow these instructions. See instructions below. The out-of-state certified candidate shall:

-submit proof of CURRENT out-of-state certification
-complete the EMS personnel out-of-state reciprocity application
-submit completed EMS Personnel Reciprocity Application and nonrefundable administrative fee to: Texas Department of State Health Services, Attn: Mail Code 2003 , Austin, TX 78756-3199.

Certificants seeking reciprocity at the EMT-I level must have training (verifiable by the certifying state agency) that includes alternative airway devices, IV and PASG as required for EMT-I certification in Texas.

You will be required to undergo an FBI fingerprint criminal history check using L-1 Identity Solutions. The FAST Pass form, attached to the Reciprocity application, includes instructions for scheduling an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions, or you may visit their website at; www.L1id.com. Any fees associated with this process will be your responsibility.

If you are unable to go to the L-1 solution site please contact EMS Compliance and Quality Assurance at: 512/834-6700, to receive a hard copy fingerprint card. Please note this will delay our agency receiving your results up to several weeks and requires a law enforcement agency to process your prints.

Eligibility of full four-year Texas EMS certificate is contingent upon completion of:
        -completed EMS Personnel Certification Application and fee and
        -passing the National Registry assessment exam.

Applicants with National Registry:

-Submit proof of CURRENT National Registry certification
-Complete the EMS personnel out-of-state reciprocity application
-submit completed EMS Personnel Reciprocity Application and nonrefundable administrative fee to: Texas Department of State Health Services, Attn: Mail Code 2003 , Austin, TX 78756-3199.

Certificants seeking reciprocity at the EMT-I level must have training (verifiable by the certifying state agency) that includes alternative airway devices, IV and PASG as required for EMT-I certification in Texas.

After evaluation of the application and verification of certification by the department, the applicant shall be certified for a period of four years. Expect to receive your certificate and ID card 4 to 6 weeks from the day you mail your completed application.

You will be required to undergo an FBI fingerprint criminal history check using L-1 Identity Solutions. The FAST Pass form, attached to the Reciprocity application, includes instructions for scheduling an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions, or you may visit their website at; www.L1id.com. Any fees associated with this process will be your responsibility.

If you are unable to go to the L-1 solution site please contact EMS Compliance and Quality Assurance at: 512/834-6700, to receive a hard copy fingerprint card. Please note this will delay our agency receiving your results up to several weeks and requires a law enforcement agency to process your prints.

Paramedic licensure reciprocity within the United States

You may qualify for paramedic licensure reciprocity. Click here to read about the requirements for paramedic licensure reciprocity.

Click here to read about how a criminal history may affect your eligibility for certification in Texas.

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Last Updated October 1, 2007