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HB 374

Medical transport services; allow non-emergency transport of patients on stretchers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kenyatté Hassell

Alabama HB 374 permits non-emergency medical transport services to transport patients on stretchers, expanding access to lower-cost transport for mobility-limited patients.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Health
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Bill Summary · HB 374

Legislative bill overview

HB 374 would allow non-emergency medical transport services to transport patients on stretchers in Alabama. Currently, state regulations appear to restrict this practice to emergency transport only. The bill would expand the scope of non-emergency medical transport (typically provided by services like medical vans or wheelchair transport companies) to include stretcher-based patient movement.

Why is this important

This change could improve access to medical transportation for patients with mobility limitations who don't require emergency services but cannot safely sit upright during transport—such as post-operative patients, those with severe arthritis, or individuals recovering from injuries. It may also reduce costs for patients and the healthcare system by allowing non-emergency (and typically less expensive) transport services to handle cases currently requiring emergency ambulances.

Potential points of contention

  • Safety and training standards – Non-emergency transport services typically have different training requirements than paramedics; critics may worry about adequate patient safety protocols during stretcher transport
  • Insurance and liability – Unclear how insurance coverage would apply to stretcher transport by non-emergency services versus emergency ambulances, potentially creating gaps or disputes
  • Definition and oversight – The bill may lack specific criteria defining which patients qualify for non-emergency stretcher transport, requiring additional regulatory guidance to prevent misuse

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

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