This bill transfers the administration and enforcement of the Ambulance Standards Act from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Health, effective January 1, 2027. It establishes new standards, requirements, tariffs, and service territories for ambulance services, along with the creation of an Ambulance Certification Program. The Department of Health will gain access to certified ambulance service records and enforcement powers, including the ability to issue subpoenas. The bill also outlines the transfer of personnel, functions, and financial resources necessary for these changes, while emphasizing the importance of public safety and the need for continuous and adequate ambulance service.

Key amendments include the introduction of new definitions and requirements for ambulance services, such as the necessity for a certificate or temporary authority to operate. The bill specifies the process for objections and protests regarding applications for ambulance services, mandates public hearings, and outlines criteria for applicants. Additionally, it modernizes the regulatory framework for passenger transportation services by clarifying definitions and requirements, while removing references to ambulance services in certain contexts. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to support the Department of Health in implementing the new provisions, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the validity of existing ambulance service certifications until further action is taken.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 5-1-1, 24-10B-4, 24-10B-5, 24-10B-5.1, 24-10B-7, 24-10F-1, 24-10F-2, 24-10F-4, 65-6-6, 27-5-4, 65-2A-3, 65-2A-8, 65-2A-13, 65-2A-20