Legislative Update and Strategy

The team is navigating shifting legislative schedules and preparing for key bill hearings amid complex stakeholder dynamics 

• Senate Bill 116 Rescheduling and Budget Delays 

  • Senate Bill 116 testimony was postponed, with Senate and House budget discussions delayed.
  • Rapid committee scheduling is expected to adjust to these delays, requiring agile planning.
  • Katie Wolf monitors schedule changes closely to align testimony and advocacy efforts.
  • The House has reserved time for budget work, impacting bill hearing timing.

• Essential Service Bill Hearing and Testimony Planning 

  • The essential service bill hearing remains likely scheduled for Wednesday, April 1.
  • Minimal opposition expected; the bill aims to preserve current language without changes.
  • Testimony panel will consist of two or three people, with remote testimony as an option.
  • John Seward is coordinating witness availability, including Sean Caffrey and Nick Nudell.

• Medical Debt Bill Concerns and Testimony Coordination (18:29)

  • Updated strike language reduces problematic elements but concerns remain about collection agency liability.
  • The bill hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, overlapping with board meetings of key participants.
  • The group is seeking available witnesses to testify in opposition, with Austin Wingate and Timothy Dienst considering participation.
  • John Seward and Katie Wolf will coordinate panel logistics to minimize waiting times.

• Competency Bill Introduction and Review 

  • New competency bill 149 aims to revise EMS competency standards, including secure transfer provisions.
  • John Seward and Sean Caffrey will review the bill and provide feedback based on prior collaboration.
  • The bill’s length and complexity require focused analysis to understand impacts on EMS practice and training.
  • Katie Wolf added this bill to the tracking list for the team’s review and response planning.

Policy Challenges and Negotiations

Ongoing negotiations reveal tensions between regulatory agencies, funding constraints, and legislative intent, affecting bill progress and content.

• Department of Insurance (DOI) Language Requests on Bill 1069

  • DOI proposes narrowing the definition of out-of-hospital services and adding deferral language per federal law.
  • Deferral language could delay implementation for small exchange plans while allowing large group plans to proceed.
  • This creates coverage gaps because ERISA plans for large employers cannot be mandated, limiting statewide impact.
  • Katie Wolf finds the governor’s insistence on deferral language frustrating but necessary for bill approval.

• Stakeholder Pressure and Political Dynamics 

  • Representative Stewart pressured health plans to negotiate with DOI, threatening a stronger bill next year.
  • Despite this, DOI’s position remains unchanged, underscoring regulatory rigidity.
  • Katie Wolf discussed potential mitigation by re-adding telehealth benefits to the bill with the governor’s office.
  • Tina Wells emphasizes that Medicaid coverage, even if limited, improves the current situation and expresses confidence in the team.

• Political Outlook and Advocacy Opportunities 
  

  • John Seward reported a positive meeting with Senator Bennett’s office, anticipating his potential governorship.
  • Senator Bennett is expected to be a strong EMS advocate, offering hope for future policy support.
  • This political shift may improve Medicaid benefits and create a more favorable environment for EMS-related legislation.
  • The team recognizes the need to persist in advocacy while preparing for longer-term political changes.

Bill-Specific Updates and Positions

The group is monitoring multiple bills, evaluating their impact, and deciding on advocacy stances based on content and potential effects.

• Assault on Healthcare Workers Bill Adjustments 

  • The bill no longer expands assault definitions beyond emergency settings and retains the original mens rea standard.
  • It adds a mandatory minimum sentence for second-offense strangulation, applying to healthcare workers.
  • John Seward suggests maintaining a neutral stance as the bill does not harm EMS interests but offers limited improvement.
  • William Mutch highlights the progress on felony sentencing for repeat offenders, a positive though modest step.

• Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) Bill Progress 

  • Language for ambulance licensing exemptions was submitted to the bill sponsor, Representative Winner.
  • The proponents are consolidating various stakeholder requests before finalizing language.
  • This bill is more likely to pass compared to a related, less favored bill.
  • Katie Wolf notes ongoing concerns about potential excessive leeway for NEMT providers.

• Extreme Temperature Bill Concerns and Amendment Proposal (28:22)

  • Austin Wingate recommends amending the bill to exempt emergency response operations from heat stress rules.
  • The bill would impose break, shade, and water requirements that complicate high-altitude rescues and operational logistics.
  • Katie Wolf notes proposed amendments would convert the bill into a study with employer reporting obligations, raising unfunded mandate concerns.
  • Sean Caffrey will check with fire department leadership on their stance to inform advocacy strategy.

Emerging Legislative Risks and Monitoring

Uncertain bills and new drafts pose potential fiscal and operational challenges, requiring close monitoring and strategic response (32:00).

• Draft Telecommunication Relay (DTR) Bill Uncertainties (32:00)

  • The current draft lacks clarity on defining users and system owners, causing confusion on scope and responsibilities.
  • Exemptions for system owners and undefined user categories could affect funding and regulatory compliance.
  • Representative Clifford is working with the Department of Public Safety but has shared limited details due to concerns over reception.
  • Katie Wolf expects a significant fiscal note, which may hinder the bill’s progress.

• Coordination and Next Steps for Hidden Legislative Items (33:35)

  • The DTR bill remains a “boogeyman” with uncertain trajectory and limited information.
  • The team will continue to seek updates from lobbyists and legislative contacts to anticipate impacts.
  • John Seward and others are prepared to adapt advocacy based on emerging details and fiscal implications.
  • Continuous monitoring is planned to avoid surprises and ensure timely responses.

Team Coordination and Engagement

The group maintains flexible participation and open communication to manage legislative testimony and workload (06:33).

• Testimony Scheduling and Witness Availability (06:33)

  • John Seward actively coordinates witnesses for upcoming hearings, balancing availability with other commitments.
  • Remote testimony is an option to ensure participation despite scheduling conflicts.
  • Members like Sean Caffrey and Nick Nudell are tentative but engaged in the process.
  • The team prioritizes efficient panel management to reduce wait times during uncertain hearing schedules.

• Board Meeting Conflicts and Coverage Plans (19:55)

  • Key members face scheduling conflicts with board meetings during bill hearings.
  • Austin Wingate and Timothy Dienst are assessing remote participation possibilities for coverage.
  • John Seward and Katie Wolf will find alternative witnesses if needed to maintain presence.
  • The approach emphasizes adaptability to maintain advocacy despite competing responsibilities.

• Information Sharing and Learning Efforts (13:31)

  • Nick Nudell expresses interest in learning about deferral law (TEFRA) to better understand bill language impacts.
  • Katie Wolf offers to provide educational materials to enhance team knowledge.
  • This shows the group’s commitment to informed participation and shared understanding.
  • Continuous learning supports more effective engagement in complex regulatory discussions.

• Closing and Team Morale (34:15)

  • The group concludes with informal check-ins and positive weekend wishes, fostering team cohesion.
  • Leadership encourages ongoing communication and readiness for upcoming challenges.
  • This supportive environment aids resilience amid legislative uncertainty.
  • The meeting ends with consensus on next steps and appreciation for members’ efforts.
  •