Subscribe to receive our Floor Reports covering all the action on the Texas House and Senate floor!
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
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.
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.