Some EMS providers have been confused about changes to the federal "Ryan White law" protections for EMTs and other first responders sustaining an unprotected exposure on the job, and what that means in Massachusetts.

As background, the portion of the federal "Ryan White law" requiring notification by receiving hospitals to emergency responders of possible exposure to infectious diseases  was eliminated in 2006 (public law 109-415).

Changes to the federal law have no effect on EMTs and first responders in MA because the Commonwealth has its own statute governing this -- MA General Laws Chapter 111, section 111C, and the Department's regulations for unprotected exposure to infectious disease promulgated pursuant to this statute, 105 CMR 172.000. These remain in place and unchanged, so EMTs and first responders retain all its protections, regardless of what has changed in federal law.

You can find the state's statute, MGL Chap.111 Sec 111C.

The Department's regulations pursuant to this statute are 105 CMR 172.000, Unprotected Exposure Reporting Form