This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow emergency medical services (EMS) agencies to triage and transport patients to alternative destinations or treat them in place, provided that the EMS is coordinating care through medical command or telehealth services with a physician or behavioral health specialist. The bill mandates that EMS agencies establish a memorandum of understanding with alternative treatment destinations and requires the director to establish protocols for these services by October 1, 2024. Additionally, the commissioner is tasked with submitting a proposed legislative rule to establish standards for these practices by June 30, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new article that requires health insurance policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2020, to cover the costs associated with these EMS services, including treatment in place and transport to alternative destinations. It defines key terms such as "alternative destination" and outlines the conditions under which coverage applies, including the requirement for coordination of care through telehealth services. The reimbursement rate for EMS agencies providing these services will be equivalent to that of transporting a patient to an emergency room, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care without financial penalty.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-4C-26, 33-64-1