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Committee advances bill to regulate nonemergency medical transportation
Summary
A state Senate committee voted to report Senate Bill 610, which would define nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT), set safety and operational standards, and give the State Department of Health rulemaking and permit authority; a senator confirmed the bill does not change ambulance or EMT rates.
A state Senate committee voted to report Senate Bill 610, which would define nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT), establish safety and operational standards for providers and vehicles, and give the State Department of Health authority to adopt permitting and enforcement rules.
The bill, a staff presenter told the committee, “aims to define key terms related to NEMT,” set driver and attendant qualifications, require vehicle safety equipment, and create inspection, maintenance and insurance requirements. The presenter said the measure includes compliance and enforcement provisions and assigns rulemaking and permit authority to the State Department of Health.
Senator Barrett asked whether the bill would change the rates that EMTs or ambulances may charge. The presenter replied, “It does not.” The committee then voted on a motion recorded as title sufficient and do pass; a voice vote was taken and the bill was reported out of committee.
Committee members did not discuss changes to reimbursement or how the new standards would interact with existing payer programs during the recorded remarks. The presenter said the bill’s stated purpose is to enhance safety and efficiency for people who rely on nonemergency transport.
The committee chair said the panel will most likely meet again tomorrow and that staff will post the time when it is set. The bill will be sent to the next committee or floor process per legislative procedure after being reported.
