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Bill

S 4544

"Gary Letizia Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Act"; authorizes paramedics, under medical oversight, to administer blood products to patients in pre-hospital settings, and establishes certain reimbursement for emergency medical services providers.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Corrado

Authorizes paramedics to administer blood transfusions during emergency care under physician oversight, with EMS reimbursement provisions to improve trauma survival rates.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4544

Legislative bill overview

S 4544 would allow paramedics to administer blood products (such as whole blood or plasma) to patients during pre-hospital emergency care, provided they operate under physician medical oversight. The bill also establishes reimbursement mechanisms for emergency medical services (EMS) providers who offer this service.

Why is this important

Severe hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma and medical emergencies. Enabling paramedics to transfuse blood products before hospital arrival could improve survival rates for patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss during the critical "golden hour" of emergency care. The reimbursement provision addresses funding barriers that might otherwise prevent EMS agencies from implementing this capability.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical safety and liability: Administering blood products requires careful type-matching and screening; concerns exist about whether paramedics can safely manage transfusions in austere pre-hospital environments without full laboratory capabilities
  • Implementation costs and equity: Establishing blood product supply chains, refrigeration, training, and certification for paramedics would be expensive; smaller or rural EMS agencies may struggle to participate, creating geographic disparities in access
  • Scope creep and training standards: The bill's undefined parameters around "medical oversight" raise questions about what physician involvement looks like, what specific training paramedics need, and whether current EMS protocols are adequate

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

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