Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1767

Introduced
3/12/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Report Pass
3/20/25  
Engrossed
3/31/25  
Refer
3/31/25  
Report Pass
4/9/25  
Enrolled
4/14/25  
Enrolled
4/15/25  
Chaptered
4/17/25  

Caption

To Abolish The Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council; And To Create The Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.

Impact

The impact of HB1767 on state laws primarily centers around enhanced administrative efficiency and integration within the healthcare sector. By abolishing the existing council, the bill seeks to eliminate redundancies and reshape the regulatory landscape for emergency medical services. This restructuring is expected to lead to a more coherent framework for EMS licensure, operation, standards, and funding management, as the committee is positioned to make informed recommendations for the State Board of Health.

Summary

House Bill 1767 proposes the abolition of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council and the establishment of a new EMS Advisory Committee under the Department of Health. This legislative move aims to streamline the oversight of emergency medical services in Arkansas by transferring the council's responsibilities to the newly formed committee, which will consist of various stakeholders in the EMS community. The initiative is intended to improve the governance of EMS-related matters and ensure that the administration remains consistent with public health standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1767 appears to reflect a pragmatic approach towards EMS governance, with supporters advocating for more efficient and direct oversight. However, there are voices of concern regarding potential decreases in local input and oversight, as the previous advisory council provided a platform for various stakeholders to influence EMS policy. Overall, the conversations indicate a mix of optimism for improved service delivery and caution about the ramifications of the legislative changes on local governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential loss of representation and input for emergency medical professionals in statewide policy decisions following the council's dissolution. Some stakeholders express concerns that centralizing authority could hinder the committee's ability to address localized EMS needs effectively. The transition from council to committee is critical, as it involves not only organizational changes but also a re-evaluation of how funding for emergency services is allocated, leading to ongoing discussions regarding efficiency versus localized control.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB449

To Create The Arkansas Broadband Advisory Council; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1357

To Create The Rare Disease Advisory Council.

AR SB496

To Amend The Duties And Membership Of The Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board; To Abolish The State Fire Prevention Commission; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1128

To Allow Emergency Medical Responders To Be Licensed; And To Authorize Emergency Medical Responders To Be Reimbursed By Insurance Companies And The Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR HB1766

To Abolish The State Fire Prevention Commission; To Amend The Duties And Membership Of The Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board; To Create The Position Of State Fire Marshal; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1441

To Restrict The Use By A Political Subdivision Of Competitive Bidding For Medical, Emergency Medical, And Ambulance Services.

AR SB356

To Abolish Inactive State Entities; To Amend The Law Concerning The Reporting Of Boards And Commissions; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB187

To Repeal The Healthcare Quality And Payment Policy Advisory Committee Act.

AR SB433

To Abolish The Arkansas Geological Survey; To Create The Office Of The State Geologist And Transfer The Authority And Duties Of The Arkansas Geological Survey To The Office; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1359

To Abolish Certain Boards; To Create The Arkansas State Board Of Mental Health Professionals; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

TX SB805

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WV SB632

Making Office of Emergency Medical Services independent office within Executive Branch

VT H0622

An act relating to emergency medical services

WV HB4020

Relating to reorganizing the Department of Health and Human Resources

TX HB2297

Relating to the licensing and regulation of medical laboratory professionals; providing penalties; imposing fees.

TX SB761

Relating to the licensing and regulation of medical laboratory professionals; providing penalties; imposing fees.

AL HB369

Radiation Control Agency of Public Health Dept., radiography, diagnostic imaging, and radiation therapy, health care personnel performing, licensing and reg. advisory, committee established

AL SB217

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