Maryland Bill In Danger

[UMSTUDENT]

There are currently two bills before the Maryland State Senate. Senate Bills SB 650 and SB 764 are in danger of failing to leave committee for vote on the floor of the Senate.

Why does this matter to you? Of particular interest to providers on this forum is SB 764. 764 would create a State Board of Paramedics and hopefully create general professional parity with other healthcare boards within the state (nursing and physicians). Protocol development, licensing standards, etc would be run predominantly by licensed, practicing paramedics/EMTs. The language of the bill requires that the Board (which also has physician members) cooperate with the State Board of Physicians in developing protocol based on evidence-based medicine.

This would be a huge step for Maryland; however, the state fire lobby (Maryland State Fireman's Association) is rallying to block both pieces of legislation. SB 650 would require the state to accept competitive bids from private helicopter services along with bids from MSP for medevac services. It would require any provider of HEMS to follow more stringent FAA standards, and meet CAMTS accreditation. 764 would effectively eliminate MIEMSS and start a state cabinet level department called the "Department of Emergency Services."

A true professional organization would be a big step forward for EMS. If you’re interested, even if you’re not a citizen, voice your professional support via mail. The fire lobby is planning massive rallies in Annapolis on March 3rd at 1 PM to block the bill.

You can see the bill’s status here: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/SB0764.htm

A full PDF of the bill is attached on the site above. Read it and voice your support in any way you can.

[Arizonaffcep]

Wow! Seems very PROGESSIVE step! I'll be curious to see how it plays out.