Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ems Workforce topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears support for HB 4053 to create EMS fund and ease training barriers
Summary
Representative Dacia Graber introduced HB 4053 to create a state EMS fund and make technical fixes to licensure and advisory structures; EMS providers and associations testified in support citing workforce shortages and the potential to use Rural Health Transformation funds.
Representative Dacia Graber told the House Healthcare Committee that HB 4053 is a technical and policy package to modernize emergency medical services in Oregon. The bill would create an Emergency Medical Services Grant Fund (no appropriation in 2026), authorize OHA to develop workforce and training programming (but not mandate it), clarify licensure/placement rules for out-of-state EMS students, and adjust advisory-subcommittee structures.
Supporters from Mercy Flights, the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, the Special Districts Association, and other EMS employers described workforce shortages across Oregon and urged passage of technical fixes that would speed clinical placements for students, expand eligibility for training placements, and allow the state to accept donations or Rural Health Transformation grant money in a dedicated fund. Mercy Flights emphasized that available federal/state transformation funding could be housed in the new account when received and proposed using funds for technology, documentation systems, and workforce innovations.
Witnesses thanked Representative Graber for bipartisan work on the subject and urged the committee to advance the bill; the committee closed the hearing with no immediate vote recorded on Feb. 10.
Representative Graber said she seeks a bill with no immediate fiscal impact while positioning EMS to benefit from future grant or donation revenue; staff noted the committee may rescind a Ways and Means referral if paperwork arrives before Thursday.
