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House approves changing structure of state EMS advisory council, lowers membership minimum to 13
Summary
House Bill 313 passed the House on third reading. The bill lowers the minimum membership of the State Advisory Council for Emergency Medical Services to 13 and designates the Department of Health and Senior Services director to appoint members.
The Missouri House on March 25, 2025, approved House Bill 313, which changes the advisory structure for emergency medical services (EMS) by lowering the council's minimum membership to 13 and specifying that the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services appoint council members. The House passed the bill by a vote of 119 yeas, 15 nays and 1 present.
Sponsor remarks said the adjustment aims to restore the council's function so EMS stakeholders can advise the legislature and state agencies on coordination, standards and disaster response. "They are the first line of defense in the health care area," the bill sponsor said during floor debate.
Some members voiced concern about appointive boards and voter influence. One floor member said she had trouble supporting boards that lack direct voter accountability and indicated she would vote no while acknowledging the sponsor's intent.
Supporters said the council's representation and advice would help coordinate EMS response to incidents such as recent tornadoes and improve patient access and safety. The bill passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate.
