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.
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The EMS Counts Act would update federal labor statistics to include EMS providers who also serve as firefighters
MedPAC, Medicaid cuts have EMS at a financial crossroads
Weiser Ambulance District’s new community paramedic initiative is helping divert crisis calls from EDs and 911
With EMS now city-run, Kingston officials approved funding for a new ambulance to reduce the risk of all units being tied up, pending reimbursement through a state grant
Waterville city officials have once again delayed a decision on funding a third ambulance, as councilors remain split over the $601K price tag
Public safety leaders warn that the House-passed bill lacks critical support for upgrading outdated 911 systems, calling the omission a threat to emergency response and community safety
EMS agencies can tap into $5 billion in SS4A grant funds to improve post-crash care, reduce response times and prevent avoidable traffic fatalities
San Diego boosts ambulance transport rates for the fifth straight year, bringing them in line with county averages amid ongoing debate over public vs. private EMS delivery
Grand Blanc Township explores EMS overhaul amid wait time concerns and contract issues
Wake County approved a $2.17B budget boosting school funding, prompting criticism over pitting public safety and affordable housing against education priorities
The proposed budget eliminates the EMS special fund, shifts $75M to the general fund and allocates $5.2M from opioid settlement money for contracted EMS services
A new Florida bill will require schools to train staff and ensure EpiPen access during all student activities
Because “stay in your lane” was never in the job description
Less than 18 months into a $30M contract, Sonoma County Fire District is pushing for a major ambulance rate increase, citing rising labor costs and payer mix challenge
The MEDS Act would fund essential supplies, study EMS workforce needs and formalize EMS in federal healthcare law
Hillsboro EMS in Pocahontas County is closing permanently, citing high costs, regulatory challenges and a volunteer shortage
Officials broke ground on a $16M EMS station in South Boston, one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods
Why post-crash care matters: 42% of patients alive at EMS arrival die later
One paramedic’s earnings in ’24 topped $358K, highlighting concerns over sustainability
The county begins erasing $183 million in medical debt, with plans to cancel up to $2 billion through its new relief program
A resolution drafted by 17-year-old Kaylee Hampton calls for a statewide study of emergency medical services, aiming to assess future needs and explore funding options
Broward County commissioners have backed a proposal allowing non-critical ambulance patients to request transport to a preferred hospital within 10 miles
Lawmakers reached a deal to end balance billing, adopting a temporary tiered rate structure that resolves a months-long dispute between the House and Senate
Controversial bills from Rep. Mark Pless failed to pass in chambers, bringing relief to emergency medical professionals who feared weakened standards
Ulster County has approved a funding plan boosting ambulance services, offering targeted support, performance incentives and EMS oversight
Lancaster EMS opened its $6 million headquarters while recognizing the critical role of CPR training and a strong emergency response system
The International Association of EMS Chiefs calls for national recognition of EMS professionals’ life-saving work and leadership in public safety
Cass County’s EMS director sought $290,000 in pay raises over two years to retain and attract paramedics and EMTs, funded through billing, not taxpayer dollars
FEMA’s planned shift of disaster recovery duties comes as the Trump administration pushes to downsize federal operations, 17 days ahead of a hurricane season expected to bring above-average storm activity
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted it was a mistake to cut staff from the World Trade Center Health Program but stopped short of promising to fully restore staffing
With Crozer Health facilities closed, Delaware County declared a state of emergency as hospital access dropped from 95% to 87% of residents living within five miles of care
FEMA’s new acting chief, a former Marine, warned staff not to resist upcoming changes and signaled a shift of more responsibility to states during a blunt first meeting
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