What Happened?

As a reminder for all employers in Washington, House Bill 1722 (Chapter 98, Laws of 2025) was enacted to expand access for 16–17year olds in EMS and fire service training and to clarify when licensed minors may work in clinical roles with exposure risks. The law took effect July 27, 2025.

Overview

Why this matters: Employers in healthcare, ambulance/EMS, fire service, and school affiliated training sites now have clearer authority to train and utilize qualified 16–17-year old students, provided programs and credentials meet state requirements. This strengthens talent pipelines while ensuring safety and compliance for youth workers.

Action Steps for Compliance

• Verify program approvals: Ensure EMS training sites are state approved skill centers or OSPI approved vocational programs, and document continuous training through graduation/age 18 (Sec. 2).
• Update role descriptions & task matrices: Align minor duties with credential-based infection control requirements; do not assign tasks outside certified competencies (Sec. 4).
• Monitor fire service guidance: Review the Director of Fire Protection’s Oct. 1, 2025, report and update local training/age policies as directed (Sec. 3).
• Train supervisors: Provide clear guidance on youth worker supervision, documentation, and safety protocols for CTE placements.

Additional Information

• EMS Training Access:

The state must create a process allowing 16-year-old students to begin EMS training through state approved skill centers or OSPI approved vocational programs, with continuous training until graduation or age 18.

Source: (Sec. 2; 18.73 RCW)

• Fire Service Policy Review:

The Director of Fire Protection must assess age restrictions and other policies in community/technical colleges (incl. Running Start), secondary CTE, and skill centers, and report to the Legislature by Oct. 1, 2025, with changes and recommendations.

Source: (Sec. 3; 43.43 RCW)

• Clinical Roles for Licensed Minors:

L&I may not prohibit a minor from an occupation solely due to exposure to bodily fluids/infectious agents if the minor holds a valid DOH license/certification (Title 18 RCW) that requires infection control competency.

Source: (Sec. 4; 49.12 RCW)

Key Risks for Employers:

• Launching EMS training for minors without OSPI/state approval or a documented continuous training plan (Sec. 2).
• Allowing minors to perform tasks beyond what programs and infection control credentials permit (Sec. 4).
• Missing the Fire Marshal’s policy updates and failing to adjust local practices (Sec. 3; Oct. 1, 2025, report).
• Inadequate supervision or documentation, increasing liability and undermining compliance across CTE placements.
  
  

For additional details: Washington HB 1722 – Reviewing state restrictions affecting students participating in secondary career and technical education programs and other state-approved career pathways

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