NAEMT leads national effort for bill’s passage

On February 26, H.R. 809, the Field EMS Quality, Innovation and Cost-Effectiveness Improvement Act, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.). Commonly referred to as the Field EMS Bill, this legislation would provide a path toward the vision outlined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for the provision of EMS in the nation.

H.R. 809 addresses many of the challenges EMS systems face while trying to fulfill public expectations that all who need EMS can depend upon the highest quality of care and transport to the most appropriate clinical setting. The first bill to seriously look at EMS problems since the 1960s, the act would improve access to essential and life-saving EMS services and better integrate EMS within the larger health care system.

“As a doctor, I understand that EMS saves lives and is a critical part of the healthcare delivery system,” says Congressman Bucshon. “I sponsored this legislation to address the challenges and complications our nation’s Field EMS providers face by simplifying jurisdiction under one federal agency. This is the first step to ensure that Field EMS has the resources they need to provide quality, efficient care to patients with emergency health concerns.”

NAEMT has taken the lead within the EMS community to support passage of this important legislation. Don Lundy, NAEMT President, states, “NAEMT deeply appreciates Congressman Bucshon championing this critical piece of legislation. We look forward to working with him and his staff on this bill.