Bill

SB 1899

84(R) - 2015
Senate Health & Human Services
Senate Health & Human Services
Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Companion Bill

HB 2020

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Donna Campbell

Bill Caption

Relating to the regulation of emergency medical services.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

5/21/15 Update
This bill has been substantively updated since we reported on it in its original chamber. The modifications, however, do not change our vote yes position on SB 1899. The second chamber sponsor is Representative Martinez. The original and updated chamber analyses are below.

Original chamber analysis

The bill would amend Chapter 773 of the Health and Safety Code by expanding the settings in which emergency medical technician-paramedics and licensed paramedics can provide health care services under the authority of a licensed physician.  

Updated chamber analysis

The bill would amend Chapter 773 of the Health and Safety Code by expanding the settings in which emergency medical technician-paramedics and licensed paramedics can provide health care services under the authority of a licensed physician.

The bill would also authorize the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to develop and administer a jurisprudence examination at least twice a year in order to determine the knowledge that an applicant for an emergency medical services provider license or emergency medical services personnel certification has of chapter 773, department rules, and any other applicable laws affecting the applicant’s regulated activities. The bill would require an EMS provider to have a permanent physical location serving as the provider's primary place of business. Only one EMS provider would be allowed to operate out of a single physical location. An EMS provider would be required to own or hold a long-term lease for all equipment DSHS deems as necessary to provide EMS services. DSHS would be required to track and maintain records of complaints and investigations regarding EMS providers and EMS personnel. DSHS would be required to publish an annual report on the DSHS website that contains statistical information regarding each complaint received, and each investigation or disciplinary action initiated.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Currently, paramedics are underutilized in hospitals and urgent care facilities. The primary purpose of SB 1899 is to give hospitals and urgent care facilities the option of allowing paramedics to perform certain advanced life support procedures in emergency rooms and urgent care clinics if approved by the physician and the facility. We support SB 1899 because it promotes our limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility principles.