A. Each applicant for certification as an ambulance operator shall submit all of the following to the bureau:

            (1) A copy of the applicant’s valid, unrestricted driver’s license at the appropriate level required by law.

            (2) A copy of a current and valid defensive driving certificate issued by the National Safety Council or its equivalent as determined by the department.

            (3) A copy of a current and valid American Heart Association Health Care

Provider credential, American Red Cross Professional Rescuer credential, or an equivalent cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certification approved by the department.

            (4) A copy of the applicant’s current official driving record from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

            B. Each applicant for certification in accordance with this Section shall be at least eighteen years of age.

            C. An ambulance operator certification shall expire one year after it is issued and shall not be renewable.

            D. A certified ambulance operator may perform any of the following functions:

            (1) Operate an ambulance in compliance with federal, state, and local law.

            (2) Assist with the handling and movement of a sick, injured, or disabled individual if a licensed emergency medical services practitioner, registered nurse, physician assistant, or physician directly supervises the operator. No ambulance operator may administer care procedures that a licensed emergency medical services practitioner is authorized to administer unless he is trained and certified or licensed to do so.

            E. No licensed emergency medical services practitioner shall be required to hold a certification as an ambulance operator in order to operate an ambulance.

            Acts 2022, No. 644, §1.