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.
Amid a nationwide staffing shortage, learn how you can support the lifesaving role of public safety dispatchers – the FIRST first responders
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
The Tri-County Ambulance District intended to seek a tax levy increase of 8 cents, not 0.08 cents
EMS will be part of the V.I. Fire Service now that Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has signed the long-sought legislation
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York estimates that about $100 million more in EMS costs could be recovered
The association’s president said the decision is discouraging to providers who have worked through difficult events, such as the pandemic and the 2021 Texas snowstorm
Bryan Jeffries, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, said districts have staffing issues but lack city departments’ robust sales tax revenue and generous aid packages
Small teams in underserved counties can’t afford to offer higher pay or big signing bonuses, so some are trying to train existing emergency responders
Private insurers will have to negotiate prices directly with ambulance service providers, and Medicaid reimbursement rates will go up
The Quinlan Volunteer Fire Department has had trouble meeting country and city requirements
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
