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HB 6638

AN ACT DESIGNATING EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Scott

Summary of HB 6638: Designating Emergency Medical Services as Essential Services Purpose and IntentThis bill aims to formally designate emergency medical services (EMS) and the ser

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security
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Bill Summary · HB 6638

Summary of HB 6638: Designating Emergency Medical Services as Essential Services

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to formally designate emergency medical services (EMS) and the services provided by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) as essential public services in the state. The main goal is to ensure adequate funding, staffing, and resources are dedicated to maintaining a high-quality emergency medical system that can effectively respond to the public's medical needs.

Key Provisions

  • Defines EMS and EMT services as essential public services that must be adequately funded and supported by the state and local governments.
  • Requires state and local governments to develop plans to ensure sufficient EMS personnel, equipment, and infrastructure to meet emergency medical needs.
  • Mandates that EMS and EMT services be provided at no cost to patients, funded through state and municipal budgets.
  • Establishes new training and certification requirements for EMTs to maintain high standards of care.
  • Provides liability protections for EMTs acting in the scope of their duties during emergency responses.

Affected Parties

  • State and local governments responsible for funding and overseeing EMS systems
  • Emergency medical technicians and other EMS personnel
  • Residents and communities who rely on emergency medical services

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security for initial review and consideration.
  • If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a vote in the full state legislature.
  • If enacted, the essential services designation and new requirements would take effect 6 months after the bill's passage.

Overall, HB 6638 seeks to elevate the importance of emergency medical services and ensure they are adequately resourced to reliably meet the public's critical healthcare needs during emergencies and crises.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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