| Summary |
Under current law, ambulance services are regulated at the local
level. On and after July 1, 2024, the bill requires an ambulance service to
obtain a state license from the department of public health and
environment (department). In licensing ambulance services, the
department is authorized to conduct inspections, investigate and hold
hearings regarding alleged violations, and, for any violations found, take
action against an ambulance service's license or application for an initial
or renewed license, impose civil penalties, or both.
On or before January 1, 2024, the state board of health (board) is
required to adopt rules regarding minimum standards for ambulance
services, including equipment, staffing, medical oversight, and general
and vehicle liability insurance standards and, if the board deems it
necessary, rules imposing application and licensing fees.
On and after July 1, 2024, a county or city and county is authorized
to grant an ambulance service authorization to operate within the county's
or city and county's jurisdiction and to enter into service agreements and
other contracts with ambulance services operating in the county's or city
and county's jurisdiction.
The bill also creates a statewide task force to make statutory, rule,
and policy recommendations for how to preserve, promote, and expand
consumer access to emergency medical services in the state, including
recommendations:
•
Regarding the regulation of ambulance service;
•
To address inequities and disparities in access to
emergency medical services;
•
To address workforce recruiting and retention issues;
•
To promote the financial sustainability of emergency
medical services; and
•
Regarding the long-term sustainability of emergency
medical services.
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