Field Emergency Medical Services Bill Introduced to the US House of Representatives

On December 17^th, 2010 the Advocates for EMS have introduced a bill to the House that is hoped to bring many of the issues that the EMS community faces on a daily basis to the forefront. The official name of the bill is “The Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvement Act of 2010.” This bi-partisan bill was introduced by Representative Tim Walz (D-MN) and Representative Sue Myrick(R-NC). Some of these issues include preparedness, standards, education, financing, research, the designation of a lead federal agency, and safety. While there are many other issues that this legislation addresses, these are just some of the bigger or more prominent issues. It is not likely that they will undertake this legislation in this session but rather be held until the new session begins business in early 2011. While there is a lot of work to be done, one can argue that this certainly going to bring these issue front and center in the coming year. So keep your ears and eyes open for any new developments with this legislation and in the EMS community in general as there are many more things to be happening in the coming year.

Ken Holland