By: Perry S.B. No. 183
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to emergency medical services subscription programs and
reciprocity agreements between certain air ambulance companies
operating a subscription program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 773.011, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by amending Subsections (b) and (e) and adding Subsections
(d-1) and (d-2) to read as follows:
(b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules
establishing minimum standards for the creation and operation of a
subscription program. The rules must:
(1) ensure the protection of public health and safety;
and
(2) for an air ambulance subscription program:
(A) ensure compliance with federal laws and rules
related to air ambulance subscription program services; and
(B) establish minimum standards and objectives
for the delivery of air ambulance emergency medical services
provided in accordance with a reciprocity agreement entered into
under Subsection (d-1).
(d-1) To ensure maximum geographic coverage for patients
covered under an air ambulance subscription program, an air
ambulance company that operates a subscription program in a service
delivery area shall, in accordance with executive commissioner
rules, enter into a reciprocity agreement with each other air
ambulance company that operates a subscription program in that
area.
(d-2) An air ambulance company operating a subscription
program is exempt from the application of Subsection (d-1) if the
company:
(1) does not own any emergency medical services
vehicles; and
(2) pays for all out-of-pocket expenses related to
emergency medical services provided in this country by any
emergency medical services provider.
(e) The Insurance Code does not apply to a subscription
program established or a reciprocity agreement entered into under
this section.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement
Section 773.011, Health and Safety Code, as amended by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2022.