IML S.B. 644 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC HEALTH
S.B. 644
By: Armbrister (Berlanga)
4-30-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND
 
Currently, out-of-state air ambulance providers are outside the regulation
of the Texas EMS Act. The state can take no action, regardless of the
quality of the equipment and care that these ambulances provide.  Problems
have arisen regarding inadequate equipment and questionably trained
personnel.  

PURPOSE

S.B. 644 provides for the regulation of certain air ambulance companies.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department,
institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 773.045, Health and Safety Code, by amending
Subsection (b), and adding Subsections (c) and (d) as follows: 

Subsection (b)  adds "rotor" and "based in this state" to  require certain
aircraft and staff to be licensed by the Texas Department of Health
(department). Deletes the language regarding advertising as an air
ambulance service. 

Subsection (c)  requires an air ambulance company based in another state
that transports patients from a point in this state to be licensed by the
department as an emergency medical services provider.  Requires the
department to issue a license to such a company if the company applies as
required by this chapter and has met the department's qualifications for
safely transporting patients.  Provides that an air ambulance company
accredited by the Committee on Air Ambulance Medical Services is
rebuttably presumed to have met the department's qualifications.   

Subsection (d)  requires an air ambulance company licensed under
Subsection (c) to include certain information in any in-state advertising. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date is September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.