BILL ANALYSIS C.S.S.B. 1431 By: Zaffirini Health and Human Services 4-13-95 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND Rural area medical emergencies demand specialized emergency medical services. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1431 requires a state emergency medical services (EMS) plan to include an emergency radio communication plan, and requires the Bureau of Emergency Management within the Texas Department of Health to establish a statewide EMS force to provide support and assistance to local governments and districts that provide EMS. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 773.021, Health and Safety Code, to require a state plan for the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) to include an emergency radio communication plan to be used by local governments and districts that provide EMS to develop an emergency radio communication network linking EMS providers with local hospitals or trauma centers. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 773B, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 773.0215, as follows: Sec. 773.0215. PLAN FOR STATEWIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FORCE. (a) Requires the Bureau of Emergency Management within the Texas Department of Health (bureau) to develop a plan to establish a statewide EMS force composed of volunteers trained and recruited by the Texas Department of Health (department) and supported by state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and training. (b) Requires the plan to include proposals to provide support and assistance to local governments and districts that provide EMS in the state. (c) Authorizes the bureau, in developing the plan, to appoint a task force. Declares that a task force member is not entitled to receive compensation or reimbursement for travel expenses while serving on the task force. (d) Requires the bureau, not later than December 1, 1996, to report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislature with respect to the plan, any comments the bureau may have with respect to the plan, and any legislation required to implement the plan. (e) Provides that this section expires January 16, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.