Senate Bill No. 221, introduced by Senator Boudreaux, aims to enhance the services provided by ambulance providers by enacting R.S. 40:1132, which specifically addresses "treatment-in-place services." This new provision defines treatment-in-place services as encounters initiated by a 911 call where an ambulance provider assesses or treats a beneficiary without transporting them. The bill mandates that these services be covered under the Medicaid program, ensuring that ambulance providers can receive reimbursement based on the level of response and services rendered, either through basic life support or advanced life support rates as outlined in the Medicaid fee schedule.

Additionally, the bill empowers the Louisiana Department of Health to create necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of these provisions. The effective date for this legislation is set for August 1, 2026. Overall, the bill seeks to improve access to emergency medical services by allowing ambulance providers to offer critical care on-site, thereby potentially reducing unnecessary hospital transports and enhancing patient care.