In the near future, we will introduce legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Emergency Medical Services system and ensure our EMS providers receive the support and recognition they deserve. Across the Commonwealth, EMS agencies continue to struggle with staffing shortages, administrative burdens, and a disciplinary system that too often leaves them without a fair path to resolution. At the same time, the Bureau of EMS has faced persistent challenges gaining the attention and resources it needs within the Department of Health. 

 This legislation takes three important steps within Title 35 (Health & Safety):

• Recognizes the importance of EMS leadership by elevating the Bureau of EMS Director to Deputy Secretary status, ensuring EMS finally has a strong voice at the highest levels of the Department of Health.
• Reforms the disciplinary process by establishing a fair and transparent appeals process for EMS agencies, giving providers due process while maintaining high standards of care.
• Cuts red tape by creating a clear, consistent pathway for Emergency Medical Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians with lapsed certifications; permitting EMS Vehicle Operators to be trained in-person and on-site or in a digital format – and remove their continuing education credit requirement; removing the requirement that an Advanced Life Support ambulance be staffed with an EMS Vehicle Operator; and establishing an exception for staffing requirements when in a situation with limited EMS resources.

Our EMS professionals are the backbone of emergency response in every community. They deserve a system – top/down -- that works as hard for them as they work for us. This legislation is a meaningful step toward stability, accountability, and respect for the lifesaving work they perform every day.  Please join us in cosponsoring this measure.