** Florida politician proposes paramedics get public records exemption
UNITED STATES NEWS
** Florida paramedics could soon have their public records essentially sealed, if a proposed bill
before the state Senate passes muster this week. That is the word from the Orlando Sentinel
(January 18) which said SB 320, sponsored by Sen. Garrett Richter (R-Naples), proposes to prevent
personal info on paramedics, their spouses, and their children from being released for any reason.
Such info could include photos, home addresses, and telephone numbers of prehospital toilers.
According to the newspaper, the legislation is aimed at protecting EMS medics from retaliatory
attacks from disgruntled patients, their families, and bystanders who may be violent or mentally
unstable. House Bill 391, which is similar in nature, has already been approved by a subcommittee
of that body. The potential law, however, is being opposed by the First Amendment Foundation on
open government grounds.
