Legislation to Support Rural EMS Unanimously Passes Committee

HB26-1238 would designate EMS as essential services to increase access in rural and frontier communities

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, to designate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an essential component of Colorado’s health care system. 

“EMS providers and technicians are often the first professionals to respond when Coloradans are facing an emergency, and the state should recognize their expertise and the importance of their work,” Lindstedt said. “This bill would uplift these essential health care workers and remove barriers so they can fulfill their duties to the best of their ability.”

HB26-1238, cosponsored by Senator Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, would designate EMS, including ambulance and air ambulance services, as essential to protecting public health and safety. Once designated as an essential service, EMS would see reduced barriers to performing their duties, similar to law enforcement and fire departments. This bill aims to improve planning and coordination across agencies, which will foster more reliable emergency response. 

With the essential services designation, the bill would clarify operational expectations of EMS during disasters and closures and ensure that EMS providers are reimbursed for eligible travel. To improve system coordination, HB26-1238 would bolster the ability for licensed ambulance services to participate in telecommunications, mutual aid and interoperable communications systems and receive reimbursement. The bill would also provide protections to EMS providers by clarifying that off-duty EMS providers are not obligated to respond to an emergency.

HB26-1238 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress here.