RELATING TO VETERANS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 5 co-sponsors

Emma's Law requires air ambulances in Arkansas to consult the Trauma System for optimal patient transport, aiming to improve outcomes for trauma patients.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

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Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 603, titled "Emma's Law," aimed to enhance the protocols for air ambulance services in Arkansas by requiring them to contact the Arkansas Trauma System for recommendations on the best destination to transport individuals with trauma concerns. The intent behind this legislation was to improve patient outcomes by ensuring that trauma patients are taken to the most appropriate medical facilities.

Key Provisions

Creation of Emma's Law: The bill proposed to formally establish "Emma's Law," which would mandate specific actions for air ambulance services.

Contact Requirement: Air ambulances would be required to contact the Arkansas Trauma System to receive recommendations on the best destination for transporting trauma patients. This provision was designed to streamline the decision-making process and ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Amendments: The bill underwent several amendments during its legislative process:

The term "direction" was changed to "recommendation" to clarify the nature of the guidance provided by the Arkansas Trauma System.
The title was modified to reflect the creation of "Emma's Law" explicitly.

Affected Parties

Air Ambulance Services: The bill would directly impact air ambulance operators, requiring them to follow the new protocol for contacting the Arkansas Trauma System.

Trauma Patients: Individuals requiring emergency transport due to trauma would benefit from potentially improved outcomes through more informed destination choices.

Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and trauma centers would also be affected as they would need to be prepared for incoming patients based on the recommendations provided by the trauma system.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: April 1, 2025

Senate Actions:

April 8, 2025: Passed in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
April 16, 2025: Reported correctly engrossed and placed on second reading for amendment.

House Actions:

April 9, 2025: Read and referred to the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.
May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to become law.

Conclusion

While Senate Bill 603, or Emma's Law, aimed to improve trauma care in Arkansas by mandating air ambulances to consult the Arkansas Trauma System, it ultimately did not pass due to its failure to advance in the House. The proposed changes highlighted the importance of coordinated care in emergency medical situations, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.

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