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.
Advocating for “a little bit more money, a little bit more protection and a little bit more rights for EMS providers”
First Responder Wellness Week was designed to provide resources, support and community to help public safety personnel better understand the mental and physical health risks that come with the job
A state grant will fully fund training for 10 licensed paramedics for Rapid Response EMS
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
As fuel prices skyrocket, look for ways to reduce control fuel costs now, prepare for the long-term and address employee morale
The dollars are in the details: How to make your case to win grant funding (infographic)
Download this free guide for tips to help you craft a successful grant application for your EMS agency
SDFD’s Anne Jensen and REMSA’s Adam Heinz share tips on MIH/CP training, time scales and starting up
The Wilson County pay increase is in effect until the next budget season
Opioid settlement funding will continue for 11 to 18 years, and it is expected that more settlements will be forthcoming. Is your agency getting its share?
