SRC-CDH S.B. 644 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 644
By: Armbrister
Health & Human Services
3-14-97
As Filed


DIGEST
 
Currently, out-of-state air ambulance providers are outside the regulation
of the Texas EMS Act, and there is no action that can be taken by the
state, regardless of the quality of equipment and care these ambulances
provide.  Historically, problems have arisen regarding reports of
inadequate equipment and questionably trained personnel when patients have
used this service.  This legislation requires any rotor or fixed-wing
aircraft used to transport a patient by stretcher, including out-of-state
providers, to be licensed by the Texas Department of Health in an effort
to ensure that all patients transported in Texas enjoy the same quality of
care.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 644 establishes the regulation of certain air ambulance
companies.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 773.045, Health and Safety Code, by amending
Subsection (b), and adding Subsections (c) and (d), to provide that a
rotor or fixed-wing aircraft and staff based in this state and used to
transport a patient by stretcher is required to be licensed by the Texas
Department of Health (department).  Deletes the provision regarding a
fixed-wing aircraft that advertises as an air ambulance service.  Sets
forth the terms by which an air ambulance company based in another state
that transports patients on a flight originating in this state is required
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 presumed to have met the department's qualifications.
Sets forth the requirements regarding advertising by an air ambulance
company. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.