Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported; emergency medical services education; tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners; reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners; a levy limit exemption for regional emergency medical systems; eligible expenses of fire dues program; a live 911 pilot program; eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program; and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
Furthermore, the bill mandates the Technical College System Board to provide financial grants to technical colleges that offer EMS training courses, addressing the increasing need for well-trained emergency responders as part of the healthcare workforce. It also establishes a reimbursement program managed by the Higher Educational Aids Board to cover costs incurred by individuals obtaining the necessary certification or licensure to operate as EMS practitioners. This initiative underscores the importance of education and training in ensuring high standards in emergency medical care.
Summary
Senate Bill 1074 aims to enhance the support and reimbursement rates for emergency medical services (EMS) in the state, specifically targeting nontransport ambulance services. Starting January 1, 2025, the bill proposes to adjust the maximum allowable reimbursement for services classified under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code A0998, which covers 'ambulance response and treatment, no transport', to align with rates for services that include patient transport. This change is intended to provide a fairer compensation structure for EMS providers who offer critical emergency response services without transporting patients.
Conclusion
Lastly, the bill introduces a pilot program intended to enhance emergency response capabilities through a 'live 911' communication system, facilitating real-time video and information transfer during emergency calls. The effectiveness of this program will be evaluated through annual reports detailing operational outcomes and financial savings. Overall, SB1074 seeks to bolster emergency medical services through improved funding mechanisms, educational support, and innovative operational practices.
Contention
Another significant aspect of SB1074 is the creation of a levy limit exemption for regional emergency medical systems, allowing municipalities to levy additional funds necessary for these services without breaching existing property tax limits. This exemption is crucial for maintaining operational funding for regional EMS services, particularly in less populated or resource-challenged areas. However, it could raise concerns among some taxpayers about potential increases in municipal levies to support these measures.
Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported; emergency medical services education; tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners; reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners; a levy limit exemption for regional emergency medical systems; eligible expenses of fire dues program; a live 911 pilot program; eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program; and making an appropriation. (FE)
Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported, reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. (FE)
Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported, reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. (FE)
Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE)
Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE)
Eligibility of certain minors for licensure as emergency medical services practitioners and certification as emergency medical responders, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures. (FE)
Eligibility of certain minors for licensure as emergency medical services practitioners and certification as emergency medical responders, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures. (FE)
Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported; emergency medical services education; tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners; reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners; a levy limit exemption for regional emergency medical systems; eligible expenses of fire dues program; a live 911 pilot program; eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program; and making an appropriation. (FE)
Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported, reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. (FE)
Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported, reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. (FE)
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.