State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer announced on Apr. 16 that the Illinois House has passed legislation aimed at helping rural ambulance services meet staffing requirements. The measure, known as House Bill 5446, seeks to extend eligibility for an alternative staffing model to vehicle service providers in rural or semi-rural communities made up of volunteers, paid-on-call, or part-time employees.
The issue is important because current regulations do not allow the use of part-time employees for these services. This restriction can lead to delays in emergency response times in less populated areas.
Davidsmeyer said he has worked with local ambulance service officials over the past couple of years on this legislation. “Staffing limitations may lead to long wait times for individuals in an emergency and in need of an ambulance,” Davidsmeyer said. “By allowing rural areas flexibility in staffing ambulances, they can improve response time and get the patient to a hospital faster.”
House Bill 5446 received unanimous support from the Illinois House and is backed by organizations including the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts, the Illinois State Ambulance Association, the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, and the Illinois State Association of Counties. The bill now moves forward to be considered by the Illinois Senate.
Davidsmeyer is a Republican who was elected to represent Illinois’ 100th House District in 2012 after replacing former state representative Jim Watson according to available records.
