Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SR120

Introduced

6/2/23

Refer

6/2/23

Passed

6/27/23

Caption

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the emergency medical services providers in this Commonwealth and the financial impact of nonreimbursable services for emergency response calls not resulting in a medical assistance beneficiary receiving transportation to a hospital or treatment facility and to issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Senate.

Impact

The resolution indicates a potential for significant legislative impact by pushing for a deeper examination of funding and reimbursement practices surrounding emergency medical services. This inquiry could reshape how the state approaches budget allocations and financial support for EMS providers, particularly in light of the financial strain that nonreimbursable services may place on communities. The findings are expected to inform future legislative actions aimed at improving the operational efficacy of EMS while ensuring that financial burdens are equitably managed.

Summary

Senate Resolution 120 (SR120) directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an assessment of emergency medical service providers within the Commonwealth. This study aims to evaluate the financial ramifications of nonreimbursable services related to emergency response calls, particularly those calls that do not result in medical transportation to a hospital or similar treatment facilities. The resolution emphasizes the importance of understanding these financial impacts to enable informed decisions regarding emergency medical services delivery.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR120 appears to be largely positive, as it focuses on addressing an important issue within the healthcare system. Legislators who support the resolution likely view it as a necessary step toward enhancing the quality and sustainability of emergency medical services across the state. There is also an acknowledgment among stakeholders of the need to explore the challenges faced by EMS providers in meeting the needs of their communities.

Contention

While the resolution currently does not appear to evoke widespread controversy, potential points of contention may arise depending on the findings of the study. Concerns could emerge from EMS providers about how the financial impacts will affect their operations and funding in the future. Additionally, should the study reveal significant shortcomings in the current reimbursement process, it could lead to debates over how best to address these issues, with stakeholders advocating for various solutions to ensure EMS providers are supported adequately.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SR24

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in this Commonwealth.

PA SR140

Urging the Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide reimbursement for emergency medical services for the nontransport of Medicaid patients, and urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expeditiously review and approve the state plan amendment submitted by the Department of Human Services.

PA HR66

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in this Commonwealth.

PA SR347

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study of the budgeted funding levels of Federal, State and local agencies that provide child welfare and juvenile justice services compared to the provider contracted rates for those same services in this Commonwealth, and the financial and social impact of any disparity between the approved rate by the State and contracted rate and to issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Senate.

PA SR178

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study evaluating the outcomes of Act 44 of 2018 and to issue a report of its findings and recommendations.

PA HR315

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on public transportation services for individuals with disabilities, establish a legislative task force and advisory committee and issue a report of findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives.

PA HR38

PA S4014

Provides for licensure of emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians and certification of mobility assistance vehicle operators; revises requirements for delivery of emergency medical and patient transportation services.

PA HJR28

A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Department for Medicaid Services to request guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Medicaid coverage on prescription digital therapeutics in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

PA HR416

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the court system's financial stability and its dependence on fines and fees.

Similar Bills

NJ A5032

"Medicaid Transportation Brokerage Program Oversight and Accountability Act"; establishes vehicle, staffing, and performance standards, and review and reporting requirements for non-emergency medical transport provided under State's non-emergency medical transportation brokerage program.