Subd. 1. Training programs.

Curriculum for initial and refresher training programs must meet the current standards of the United States Department of Transportation first responder curriculum or its equivalent as determined by the board. A training program instructor must be a first responder, EMT, EMT-I, EMT-P, physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse.

Subd. 2. Registration.

To be eligible for registration with the board as a first responder, an individual shall:

1. (1) successfully complete a board-approved initial first responder training program. Registration under this clause is valid for two years and expires at the end of the month in which the registration was issued; or
2. (2) be credentialed as a first responder by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Registration under this clause expires the same day as the National Registry credential.

Subd. 3. Renewal.

1. (a) The board may renew the registration of a first responder who:

   1. (1) successfully completes a board-approved refresher course; and
   2. (2) submits a completed renewal application to the board before the registration expiration date.

2. (b) The board may renew the lapsed registration of a first responder who:

   1. (1) successfully completes a board-approved refresher course; and
   2. (2) submits a completed renewal application to the board within 12 months after the registration expiration date.

Subd. 4.

Repealed, 2004 c 144 s 9

Subd. 5. Denial, suspension, revocation.

1. (a) The board may deny, suspend, revoke, place conditions on, or refuse to renew the registration of an individual who the board determines:

   1. (1) violates sections 144E.001 to 144E.33 or the rules adopted under those sections;
   2. (2) misrepresents or falsifies information on an application form for registration;
   3. (3) is convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any felony; any gross misdemeanor relating to assault, sexual misconduct, or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol; or any misdemeanor relating to sexual misconduct or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol;
   4. (4) is actually or potentially unable to provide emergency medical services with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other material, or as a result of any mental or physical condition;
   5. (5) engages in unethical conduct, including, but not limited to, conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, or demonstrating a willful or careless disregard for the health, welfare, or safety of the public; or
   6. (6) maltreats or abandons a patient.
2. (b) Before taking action under paragraph (a), the board shall give notice to an individual of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14. If an individual requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice, the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14.
3. (c) The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after closing the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.
4. (d) After six months from the board's decision to deny, revoke, place conditions on, or refuse renewal of an individual's registration for disciplinary action, the individual shall have the opportunity to apply to the board for reinstatement.

Subd. 6. Temporary suspension.

1. (a) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may temporarily suspend the registration of an individual after conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the board believes that the individual has violated a statute or rule that the board is empowered to enforce and determining that the continued provision of service by the individual would create an imminent risk to public health or harm to others.
2. (b) A temporary suspension order prohibiting an individual from providing emergency medical care shall give notice of the right to a preliminary hearing according to paragraph (d) and shall state the reasons for the entry of the temporary suspension order.
3. (c) Service of a temporary suspension order is effective when the order is served on the individual personally or by certified mail, which is complete upon receipt, refusal, or return for nondelivery to the most recent address provided to the board for the individual.
4. (d) At the time the board issues a temporary suspension order, the board shall schedule a hearing, to be held before a group of its members designated by the board, that shall begin within 60 days after issuance of the temporary suspension order or within 15 working days of the date of the board's receipt of a request for a hearing from the individual, whichever is sooner. The hearing shall be on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or lift the temporary suspension. A hearing under this paragraph is not subject to chapter 14.
5. (e) Evidence presented by the board or the individual may be in the form of an affidavit. The individual or the individual's designee may appear for oral argument.
6. (f) Within five working days of the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the suspension is continued, notify the individual of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14.
7. (g) If an individual requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice under paragraph (f), the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14. The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after the closing of the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.