Legislation and Funding
Legislation and funding issues always affect EMS budgets and operations. Use this topic to find out how the latest economic news is affecting EMS.
AAA’s Shawn Baird on why EMS can’t afford to sit out the reimbursement fight
From Medicaid to AFS, GEMT, CPEs, IGTs and UPLs — a plain-language guide to the acronyms and financing mechanisms shaping the future of ambulance reimbursement
The proposed rule highlights a long-standing disconnect: ambulance reimbursement pays for transports, while communities depend on agencies to maintain round-the-clock readiness
Cabarrus County EMS is among 39 agencies receiving funding to strengthen mobile integrated health, behavioral health care and substance use disorder response
Fort Covington EMS added a new Ford ambulance to its fleet and held a barbecue fundraiser during the townwide yard sale to help cover the cost
The “halo” law package would create penalties for people who come within 25 feet of first responders to interfere with, threaten or harass them
After reducing paramedic vacancies and staffing two new EMS stations, Kent County officials are considering returning recruitment bonuses to their previous levels
The Spring 2026 Ambulance Service Manager class graduated 41 EMS and public safety professionals, while a 911 workforce study earned international recognition
New blood warmers and coolers purchased through a Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation campaign will allow paramedics to administer whole blood to trauma patients
A state audit found Lansing EMS made improper or unsupported payments, prompting recommendations for stronger financial oversight
Funding will support emergency response capabilities and emergency operations centers nationwide
At PWW XI, Donnie Woodyard challenged EMS leaders to look beyond today’s staffing, funding and operational pressures and embrace the innovations that could redefine the profession
New legislation will reimburse EMS agencies for treatment in place, telemedicine-supported care and transport to alternative destinations
Fire departments and EMS providers across west-central Illinois received funding through the Illinois Small Equipment Grant Program
Goliad County EMS will use the state grant to buy a new ambulance and equipment as it works to replace aging units
San Marcos will launch a city-run EMS department and has tapped longtime EMS leader Jill Rosales to oversee the transition from the current nonprofit system
Corte Madera officials are asking voters to bring the town’s contribution in line with other agencies in the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority
Painesville officials are pursuing funding for firefighter/paramedic positions as call volume has nearly doubled since staffing levels were reduced
The Cascade Fire Department is developing a BLS transport program to handle rising low-acuity calls and reduce delays when private providers are tied up on higher-priority emergencies
When Dr. Kate Krause suffered a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage, Dallas Fire-Rescue’s prehospital blood program helped give her a second chance at life, motherhood and medicine
Sonoma County fire officials warn that a federal proposal to reduce Medicaid reimbursements could cost hundreds of dollars per transport and strain emergency response budgets
A state grant will allow Dorchester County EMS crews to administer whole blood to patients before they reach the hospital
The Schaumburg Fire Department says the new fee policy is aimed at reducing repeated calls for lift assists and household help
City leaders are pushing for funding to determine when officials first knew Ground Zero air quality was dangerous and to release records tied to post-9/11 exposure risks
Burns Flat EMS personnel say the state’s non-essential classification hurts rural EMS staffing
Communicating with law enforcement and following these clinical guidelines will help to keep patient safety first and foremost
The proposed agreement would have Auburn City Ambulance provide interfacility transports for Auburn Community Hospital, creating a new revenue stream as the city weighs EMS staffing cuts
Supporters launched a petition drive for a special referendum after the Salisbury City Council voted to repeal collective bargaining rights for more than 200 municipal employees
Kansas City and Missouri leaders share lessons on grants, partnerships and regional implementation
