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.
Peer-reviewed, empirical data is needed to pursue alternative payment structures
Turning frustration into action as the end of ET3 puts a wrench in treatment in place, alternate destinations
The actress is joining the team producing the “Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis” film, to shine a spotlight on the urgent need for updated funding
A bill that requires training awaits the governor’s signature
13 catalytic converters have been stolen from Nurses Heart Paramedics, which can’t afford to repair its ambulances
“It’s time we really take a hard look at trying to integrate EMS and the Fire Department,” said Aaron Mischler, New Orleans Fire Fighters Association president
The Hometown Hero Housing program aimed to help with down payments and closing costs, but it died in committee
Officials at both the federal and state level said AMR often billed Medicare and Medicaid for advanced service when it provided basic service
Angel MedFlight transported the patient without prior approval, but a company spokesperson said it is “satisfied each step in the health insurance process”
The measure passed unanimously in the state senate and also includes reimbursements for transportation to non-emergency facilities
Contact your representatives about the proposed EMS Staffing and Support Act
The Syracuse Fire Department has been running a pilot ambulance service to fill in gaps for AMR and other services stretched thin by the pandemic
The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Tina Smith, would make funds available through a new program within the Health Resources and Services Administration
House Bill 777 would remove EMS from the Certificate of Need status and give the state greater oversight of EMS
Previous legislation prevented EMS personnel from complying with a do-not-resuscitate order by a physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse
The bill, which passed in the Senate and now heads to the House, could cost the state an estimated $20-22 million
State Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis say the measure also would make health and pension benefits available for providers
“The government isn’t paying its fair share to make sure that we can appropriately compensate the EMTs and paramedics,” said ISSA President Chris Vandenberg
Keeping the strain on EMS providers front of mind
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Chief Brady Hansen said that a county error would have put firefighter, EMT and paramedic salaries “very much on the low end”
With First Response’s exit, Decatur will have one service provider
A2886 cleared the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee after advocates for the measure argued that it’s a matter of life and death for their coworkers
Without the postponed due date, the 2023 recommendations could have resembled guidance from 2002
“People thoroughly enjoy being here and responding to people in the community,” said Cass County EMS B shift Supervisor Melissa Barrie
Current state law only lets EMS and law enforcement agencies make such reimbursement requests
One official said the integration allows for the deployment of EMS providers from an additional 10 locations throughout the territory
Although Falck has only provided service since November, one councilmember suggests talks to shift from a private provider to an “in-house” service
Some council members questioned why the township was asking for funds to refurbish the ambulances instead of buying new ones
First Response received 53 penalties for not meeting the response guidelines for running the required number of trucks during operations every day
The Pflugerville City Council will consider public and private options that could take effect this year
Agencies in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties already sometimes help each other, but now an administrator will be hired
Polk County Fire Rescue will hire a full-time recruiter and offer $8,000 signing bonuses plus paid paramedic training
Some of the funds for Chicopee’s potential payouts may come from the American Rescue Plan
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