Committee hears EMS modernization bill; includes AED registry, scope changes and non‑24‑hour nonemergency transport option

The Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare heard House Bill 2,280, a multi-part measure proponents described as an EMS modernization bill that updates provider scope-of-practice statutes, permits certain nonemergency ambulance services to operate less than 24 hours per day and requires registration of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Revisor Jenna summarized the bill. She said it amends multiple Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) sections to clarify that authorized activities for paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians (AEMTs), emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and emergency medical responders may be performed upon the order of a qualified health-care provider or in accordance with medical protocols. The bill would also allow ambulance services that provide only nonemergency transportation to operate fewer than 24 hours per day, and would require persons or entities that purchase, lease, possess or control an AED to…