_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of the viability and sustainability of montana's emergency medical services.

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes the invaluable public service provided by Montana's paid and volunteer emergency medical services and emergency care providers; and

WHEREAS, the average Montana resident will need an ambulance service at least twice in their lifetime, and delays in receiving emergency care could contribute to death or permanent injury; and

WHEREAS, a Montana emergency medical care system of emergency medical services and hospitals are essential elements of health care in Montana; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature has declared in section 50-6-101, MCA, that the loss of persons who die unnecessarily because necessary life-support personnel and equipment are not available to victims of accidents and sudden illness is a tragedy that can and must be eliminated; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Montana Hospital Association have released a joint report entitled "Emergency Medical Services in Montana: Crisis on the Horizon", which demonstrates that emergency medical services across Montana are in crisis and identifies critical problems relative to recruitment and retention, education, funding, and reimbursement, and other issues which are putting the viability of Montana's emergency medical care system at risk; and

WHEREAS, the role of state and local government and solutions to these issues are varied and complex and warrant thorough analysis and understanding by the legislature.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to conduct a comprehensive study of Montana's emergency medical services and support needed for these services to remain viable in Montana communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee conducting the study shall:

(1) review various reports and studies about the emergency medical services system and emergency medical services;

(2) review legislation introduced during previous legislative sessions intended to support and modify emergency services and analyze the reasons for and the outcomes of the legislation;

(3) review how recruitment and retention, education, reciprocity, funding, medical oversight, and other issues affect the availability of emergency medical services response, particularly in rural communities;

(4) review the benefits and support provided to paid and volunteer emergency medical services and emergency care providers and the financial capacity of governments to provide the benefits and support;

(5) examine sources of revenue for emergency medical services and how services are reimbursed by citizens, insurance companies, and state and federal agencies;

(6) review the system of medical direction of emergency care providers and how quality improvement strategies can improve delivery of emergency medical response; and

(7) review the current structure of Montana's emergency medical services system and determine whether modifications to statutes or to state or local policies are warranted to achieve adequacy, consistency, and regulatory efficiencies.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee that is assigned the study solicit participation and input from local governments, paid and volunteer emergency medical services and emergency care providers, representatives of emergency medical services and fire organizations, representatives from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Montana Hospital Association, the Montana Medical Association, and any other entity that the committee considers appropriate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee be reported to the 68th Legislature.