Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB212

Introduced
2/8/23  
Refer
2/9/23  

Caption

Permitting an ambulance to operate with one emergency medical service provider in rural counties.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance the availability and responsiveness of emergency medical services in less populated areas of Kansas. By permitting ambulances to function with reduced staffing requirements, the legislation addresses workforce shortages that disproportionately affect rural communities. Proponents argue that easing these requirements is essential for maintaining timely emergency care, particularly in regions that struggle to recruit and retain trained personnel.

Summary

Senate Bill 212, proposed by Senator Straub, seeks to amend existing regulations concerning emergency medical services, particularly in rural counties. The core provision of the bill allows ambulances in counties with a population of less than 10,000 to operate with a minimum staffing requirement of one certified emergency medical service provider alongside an individual with basic first aid or CPR training. This modification is particularly significant for rural areas, where staffing challenges can impede emergency response capabilities.

Conclusion

In summary, while SB212 seeks to improve the accessibility of emergency medical services in rural Kansas by reducing staffing requirements, it raises important questions regarding patient safety and the ability of emergency medical personnel to handle complex situations effectively. The outcome of this bill will likely impact the operational capabilities of ambulance services in sparsely populated areas and will continue to be scrutinized in legislative discussions.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked a debate about the adequacy of emergency medical services under reduced staffing levels. Critics express concerns that permitting ambulances to operate with only one emergency medical provider might compromise the quality and safety of care delivered during critical situations. There is anxiety that this change could lead to overburdened personnel who may not be able to respond effectively in emergencies, posing risks to patient outcomes and public health.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2039

Adding maternity center to the definition of healthcare provider for purposes of the healthcare provider insurance availability act, amending definitions in the Kansas credentialing act to provide that certain entities providing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology are not home health agencies, clarifying that the authorized activities of paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders may be authorized upon the order of a healthcare professional, permitting certain ambulance services to offer service for less than 24 hours per day, every day of the year, and requiring entities that control automated external defibrillators to register the device with the emergency medical services board.

KS SB384

Creating the Riley county unincorporated area nuisance abatement act and the Crawford county unincorporated area nuisance abatement act to establish procedures for the removal and abatement of nuisances in the unincorporated areas of such counties and the assessment of the costs for such abatement and specifying personnel requirements for ambulances making interfacility transfers in rural counties.

KS HB2280

Adding a citation to the code of federal regulations to the definition of veteran and disabled veteran and removing the active requirement from military service members for occupational licensure.

KS HB2438

Eliminating the instructor-coordinator's certificate requirement associated with the teaching of emergency medical services courses.

KS SB1711

Ambulances; emergency medical services

KS SB287

House Substitute for SB 287 by Committee on Health and Human Services - Prohibiting a healthcare provider from administering medication, diagnostic tests or conducting ongoing behavioral health treatments to a minor in a school facility without parental consent, enacting the no patient left alone act to require medical care facilities to allow in-person visitation in certain circumstances, expanding licensure of rural emergency hospitals that meet criteria between January 2015 and December 2020 and authorizing emergency medical responders to distribute non prescription over-the-counter medications.

KS HB505

Provides with respect to certified ambulance operators

KS HF4738

Office of Emergency Medical Services established to replace Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, duties specified and transferred, advisory council established, alternative EMS response model pilot program established, conforming changes made, provisions modified relating to ambulance service personnel and emergency medical responders, emergency ambulance service aid provided, report required, and money appropriated.

KS HB2249

Requiring the secretary for aging and disability services to grant physical environment waivers for certain rural emergency hospitals to provide skilled nursing facility care and establishing the south central regional mental health hospital.

KS SB219

Substitute for SB 219 by Committee on Health and Human Services - Expanding eligibility for rural emergency hospital licensure to facilities that meet criteria between 2015 and 2020.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.