Mississippi Senate Bill SB2668

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Non-Transport Emergency Medical Services Act; create.

Impact

The enactment of SB2668 would amend existing Mississippi statutes to ensure that NTEMS is formally recognized within the broader emergency medical services framework. It would enable the Commissioner of Insurance to authorize first responders to deliver these services, thereby helping to streamline operations and potentially improve response times in emergency situations. By outlining the legal and operational parameters of NTEMS, the bill aims to reinforce a structured approach to emergency health interventions across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 2668, known as the Non-Transport Emergency Medical Services Act, aims to define and establish protocols for non-transport emergency medical services (NTEMS) in Mississippi. The bill specifies the roles and responsibilities of entities engaged in providing NTEMS, which includes initial assessment and medical interventions performed by trained personnel before an ambulance arrives. This legislative effort is intended to enhance the efficiency and coordination of emergency medical response, particularly in areas that may lack immediate ambulance access.

Contention

Notable concerns surrounding the bill include the scope of authority assigned to the Commissioner of Insurance in regulating NTEMS and the qualifications required for personnel to be considered as first responders. Some stakeholders worry that the definitions provided may lead to inconsistencies in service delivery or might restrict other emergency services from operating effectively. The balancing act between sufficient regulatory oversight and operational flexibility remains a focal point of discussion as SB2668 progresses through the legislative process.