FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

5205 - Emergency Medical Services Agency Licensure Fund

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

A New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


This bill establishes fees for certification and recertification of emergency medical personnel; $75 for initial certification and $50 for recertification. This legislation requires applicants to submit to a national criminal background check for screening purposes. In addition to paying for the required background checks, the fees from this bill will be used to provide local testing in West Virginia; currently, applicants are paying variations of the proposed fee to agencies or organizations outside of West Virginia for the examination. The Department of Health and Human Resources - Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) will offer a written test in FY 2010, with an electronic test upon full implementation. To implement this legislation and the local testing, it would cost the Department $238,257 in 2010, and $190,086 upon full implementation. Revenues of $250,775/year would be generated.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2009
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2010
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 238,257 190,086
Personal Services 0 32,860 64,716
Current Expenses 0 12,117 14,340
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 95,000 0
Other 0 98,280 111,030
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 250,775 250,775


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


An Office Assistant II ($32,860 annual salary and benefits) will be need in 2010, and an additional Office Assistant I upon full implementation ($31,856 annual salary and benefits) to collect fees, process background checks, and applications . Equipment: Electronic credential card equipment ($90,000) and Exam administration software ($5,000) will be required for the electronic testing and certification of Emergency Medical Service Personnel. Total Equipment $95,000. Current Expense: In 2010, a written test will be given the first year, while the electronic testing is being established. OEMS will need to purchase electronic card supplies ($6,500 in 2010 and $5,000 on-going), exam production supplies ($2,500 in 2010 and $5,000 on-going), and office space ($3,117 in 2010 and $4,340 on-going). The total cost of current expenses in 2010 is $12,117 and upon full implementation is $14,340. Other: OEMS estimates administering 70 exams in 2010 and 85 exams in subsequent years. OEMS will work with the Atlantic Council for exam development, their share of the exam cost $9,750 per year; in state exam writing meetings will cost $5,250 in 2010 and $10,500 upon full implementation. The cost to administer each exam is $500; it will cost $35,000 in 2010 and $42,500 upon full implementation. This bill requires that each applicant have a back ground check, fingerprint fees to the West Virginia State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation are $40 per applicant; fingerprint fees are $48,280 in 2010 and upon full implementation. Revenues: OEMS estimates that 1,207 certifications and 3,205 re-certifications could be issued each year. Revenue from certifications is $90,525 (1,207 x $75) and re-certifications is $160,250 (3,205 x $50). Total revenue per year is $250,775.



Memorandum


The number of actual certifications may fluctuate from the above estimates; if necessary, this bill allows the rates to be modified by legislative rule.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Martha Yeager Walker
    Email Address: dhhrbudgetoffice@wv.gov