(a) Definitions.      
        (1) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. A certification in CPR includes training and successful course completion in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, AED and obstructed airway procedures for all age groups according to recognized national standards.       
        (2) Basic Life Support (BLS) is a basic level of pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical services care. A certification in BLS includes training and successful course completion in airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), control of shock and bleeding and splinting of fractures, according to recognized national standards.       
      (b) Requirement for Initial License. Commencing effective January 1, 2023, all applicants for initial licensure shall provide proof of successful completion of a CPR or BLS certification prior to receiving a license.     
      (c) Requirement for Renewal of License. Effective January 1, 2023, all active licensees shall provide proof of successful completion of a CPR or BLS certification for renewal of a license each renewal cycle. Licensees may be credited two general hours of continuing education for CPR certification and four general hours of continuing education for BLS certification.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §273.17 adopted to be effective August 18, 2022, 47 TexReg 4852