Bill Caption

Relating to emergency medical services subscription programs and reciprocity agreements between certain air ambulance companies operating a subscription program. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 183 would require the Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt rules for subscription programs for emergency medical services. These rules would have to ensure the protection of public health and safety and ensure air ambulances comply with federal laws and rules while establishing minimum standards and objectives for the delivery of air ambulance emergency medical services.

SB 183 would exempt an air ambulance company operating a subscription program from this application if the company does not own any emergency medical services vehicles and pays for all out-of-pocket expenses related to emergency medical services provided in this country by an emergency medical services provider. 

To help facilitate the maximum geographic coverage for patients covered under such a subscription program, SB 183 would require air ambulance companies to enter into a reciprocity agreement with other air ambulance companies in that area. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Requiring private companies to enter into reciprocity agreements violates our limited government and free market principles. It is not the proper role of the state to mandate that private companies enter into such agreements. Texas Action opposes SB 183