In 2015, Act 15 required EMS providers, both paid and volunteer, to have background completed every 5 years. The required background checks include a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check through the Department of Human Services.
The Voluntary Rescue Recognition Program (VRSR) is a joint program between the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The program recognizing emergency services that can safely and efficiently perform rescue operations and met the standards as established by the two agencies to obtain VRSR.