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.
Contact your representatives about the proposed EMS Staffing and Support Act
Keeping the strain on EMS providers front of mind
As fuel prices skyrocket, look for ways to reduce control fuel costs now, prepare for the long-term and address employee morale
Bill sponsor Sen. Daniel Thatcher said Utah could become the first state to have teams of EMS professionals specifically trained and licensed to respond to behavioral health emergencies
The band was selected by the Biden Presidential Inaugural Committee to perform for the “Parade Across America”
Wait time – in a queue of ambulance outside the ED, or a line of stretchers in the hallway – can be improved with these strategies and expectations
The proposed bill would allow small communities that provide joint ambulance services to recruit drivers without medical training to operate emergency vehicles
The state will collect infection and quarantine data voluntarily submitted by public safety agencies to better combat the virus’ spread among first responders
Breaking down significant updates to grant programs and next steps for obtaining funding
The proposed legislation would impose penalties on paramedics or law enforcement who use ketamine “as a means to incapacitate” a criminal suspect
Federal officials recommended reviewing resources on situational awareness, communication and preparation of personnel and apparatus ahead of the upcoming inauguration
Fire, EMS, police and 911 departments in Porter County are collaborating to apply for funding for the more efficient alerting system
The owner of First Response Ambulance Service says the company will not buy new ambulances unless fines and penalties that could put it out of business are changed
A charge of disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds was filed in the District of Columbia against Andrew Williams, a Sanford firefighter
Releasing more doses of the vaccine will expand the pool of recipients and increase the number of places where the shots can be distributed
The firefighter-paramedic was reportedly seen in a photograph outside Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the riot
President-elect Joe Biden said he will release most available doses, in contrast to the current approach of conserving supply to guarantee availability of second shots
The incoming AAA president advises leaders on how to leverage resources, reports on discussion with Biden/Harris transition team
The CARESTAR Foundation grants supported organizations, projects and programs focused on improving emergency response across California
One woman was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, and three others died in “medical emergencies,” per DC police
A woman who was killed by police was part of a crowd that was breaking down the doors to a barricaded room. Three other people died from medical emergencies during the protest
Converse spent its CARES Act money on the Infectious Disease Response Units, which feature several technological upgrades
Most hospitals in California are no longer able to offer regular hospital services, switching to “contingency care”
The law doesn’t apply to emergency flights, one family found, because states are barred from regulating air transportation prices
House Bill 308 also prohibits employers from penalizing first responders who file a claim with the fund
All of Smyrna’s 46 paramedics will receive a 5.5% raise across the board, with the possibility of an additional 3.5% merit-based raise
The Consolidated Appropriations Act does not include COVID-19 aid for state and local governments, but does include provisions to help fire and EMS
The bill also calls for an advisory committee to look into regulation of ground ambulance billing
In a letter to the National Governors Association, the American Paramedic Association presents data about EMS providers’ exposure to the virus and asked for equal priority in Phase 1
The Watertown City Council may vote to permanently remove the fire department’s rescue truck and EMS operations
The third round of COVID-19 relief funding is meant to cover up to 88% of lost revenue and increased expenses
EMS leaders in Queensbury disagree on whether a merger is the best option amidst wider conflicts
