Legislative
Update February 18, 2010
Legislators spent a lot of time this week getting bills off their
calendars for further action. SF 2179, a bill that would require
that all children under 18 wear seat belts while in a car, passed
the Senate Wednesday night by a vote of 39-9. IEMSA supports this
bill. In addition, bills that would ban texting while driving
advanced for further debate. HF 2456 and SF 2321 are both on the
Calendars, awaiting debate.
A bill that would expand the IowaCare program is on the Senate
calendar, but without any reimbursement for EMS transport. SF 2356
contains a requirement that DHS review the cost of transporting
patients, and submit their report to the Legislature by December 15,
2010; however, IEMSA feels that this does not go far enough, and
that some level of reimbursement is a prerequisite for our support
for the existence of this program. IEMSA remains opposed to this
bill.
2010 Legislative
Agenda with Talking Points
The Iowa
Emergency Medical Services Association will work for the following
public policy measures:
- Change rules
within the Iowa Cares Program to allow payment for ambulance
service.
A loophole within the current Iowa Cares Program does not permit
ambulances to submit a claim for payment if the patient is covered
by the State Funded program.
- Provide a system
to reward volunteerism in public safety. This should take the form
of an Iowa income tax credit.
The 2007 General Assembly sought to create a tax credit for active
EMS volunteers. Though it was reported out of Ways and Means, it
did not get debated on the House Floor. The fact is that people
are less willing to volunteer their services for public safety
than in years past, and it is critical that we reward those who
do. We believe that we can’t afford not to do this.
- Allow EMS
service directors to sign off on eligibility for EMS license
plates.
Currently the process is difficult and involves contact with
several agencies. A simpler process should be employed. Applicants
for EMS provider plates should be able to bring an application
signed by their service director to the county treasurer who could
then issue the plates.
- Require that
counties shall make provision for, by whatever means necessary,
emergency medical services treatment and transport for all within
the county.
Iowa law requires that cities, towns and townships provide police
and fire protection. By contrast, EMS may be allowed but not
required. EMS is as important to public safety as police and fire
protection. It is time for the Code of Iowa to say so. And it is
time for townships that do not provide for EMS to step up and care
for their citizens.
We believe that job
number one for every elected official is to keep Iowans safe and
healthy in their homes, at work, at leisure and in transit. This
includes fully funded, well-trained, and dedicated Emergency Medical
Services throughout the state.
Good government assures the safety and well-being of the citizens
first and foremost, and then moves on to the other important tasks
of government like education and transportation.
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