State Legislation
Following a public hearing on March 22 at the State Capitol, the Assembly's Committee on Health called an executive session to vote on AB151, the Community Paramedicine Bill. The executive session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29 starting at 11:00 a.m. in room 328 Northwest at the State Capitol. >> Click for the meeting agenda.
The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) recently released a report detailing the fiscal impact to the Department of Health (DHS) in adding an endorsement for Community EMT and Community Paramedic. According to the report, to implement the endorsement, provide training and maintain the standard of 60 days or less to process licenses, operation plans and protocols, DHS would require one additional full-time coordinator at $80,300 GPR. In addition, there are two minor one-time setup fees totaling $7,500. >> Click to review the DOA fiscal estimate.
The Community Paramedicine / Mobile Integrated Healthcare Bill is sponsored by Rep. Amy Loudenbeck. >> Click for the Community Paramedicine Bill (AB151).
According to PAAW President Patrick Ryan, "PAAW, along with State stakeholders have worked long and hard to get this important legislation to this point. We are optimistic about support throughout the state for the establishment of a framework for the development of Community Paramedic programs across the state".
For current insights into what EMS Today conference attendees had to recently share about Community Paramedicine and Mobile Integrated Healthcare program ideas, click here.
Upcoming Podcast on Community Paramedicine - Tuesday, March 28 at 9:00 a.m.
The next EMS Live in Wisconsin podcast on Tuesday, March 28, is dedicated to Community Paramedicine. Guests include Minnesota Ambulance Association Legislative Lobbyist Buck McAlpin and PAAW President Patrick Ryan. Listen live by calling 646-929-1081, or on the internet at this link >> http://tobtr.com/9900319. The program is broadcast live from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Minnesota is a leading state in Community Paramedicine, with its bill signed into law in 2011. McAlpin was instrumental in the bill passing in Minnesota, and has consulted with PAAW and other ambulance services in Wisconsin intending to deliver Community Paramedicine in the badger state. McAlpin's employer, North Memorial Medical Center, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, offered a two-day class in September 2015 for Wisconsin's ambulance services and other healthcare providers to review their operation and stats, to meet those delivering out-of-hospital Community Paramedicine care, and help these organizations begin to lay the groundwork for Community Paramedicine in their own community.
