HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, hosted a press conference to highlight legislation that would address issues faced by the emergency medical services (EMS) community on Monday, June 6, at 11 a.m. in front of the Emergency Responder Plaza along North Street in Harrisburg.
In February, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 739, now Act 10 of 2022, which provided $25 million to our EMS providers.
House Bill 2097 would make permanent a COVID-19 waiver, which would enable emergency responders to help more people. It would allow certified emergency personnel – such as first responders with specific first aid, CPR and emergency vehicle training – to drive ambulances with an emergency medical technician (EMT) on board. While it was permitted a few years ago, regulations have since been changed to increase the number of EMTs required per ambulance.
House Bill 2434 would increase the reimbursement rates under Medicaid for EMS providers, who have received only two increases in reimbursement for transporting individuals covered by Medicaid in the last two decades.
Speakers included:
- Sen. Pat Stefano, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee,
- Sen. Katie Muth (D-44), minority chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee,
- Rep. Martin Causer (R-67), prime sponsor of House Bill 2434,
- Barry Albertson, past president of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania,
- David Jones, president of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, and
- Anthony Deavae, Board Member, Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute.
CONTACT: Nathan Silcox, 717-787-7175, nsilcox@pasen.gov