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Bill

HB 5216

Relating to community paramedicine programs

2026 Regular Session

HB 5216 authorizes community paramedicine programs in West Virginia, enabling paramedics to provide preventive and non-emergency healthcare services outside traditional emergency response settings.

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Bill Summary · HB 5216

Legislative bill overview

HB 5216 establishes a framework for community paramedicine programs in West Virginia, which allow paramedics and emergency medical services personnel to provide preventive care, health education, and non-emergency services in community settings. The bill creates regulatory guidelines and operational parameters for these programs, expanding the traditional role of paramedics beyond emergency response.

Why is this important

Community paramedicine can reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations by providing preventive care and managing chronic conditions in patients' homes or community locations. This approach addresses healthcare access gaps in rural West Virginia while potentially lowering costs for both emergency services and the healthcare system overall.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice and liability – Questions about what medical services paramedics can legally provide outside traditional emergency settings and who bears responsibility for adverse outcomes
  • Funding and sustainability – Unclear how programs will be funded and whether they're financially viable compared to traditional emergency response
  • Integration with existing healthcare systems – Potential conflicts over coordination with hospitals, primary care providers, and insurance reimbursement structures
  • Workforce and training requirements – Debate over additional certifications, training costs, and whether this stretches limited EMS resources away from emergency response capabilities

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

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