SPRINGFIELD, IL. – Legislation sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) to help rural ambulance services meet staffing requirements has been passed by the Illinois House.
House Bill 5446 extends eligibility for an alternative staffing model to vehicle service providers that serve rural or semi-rural communities and are made up of volunteers, paid-on-call, or part-time employees. Currently, the use of part-time employees is not an option.
Representative Davidsmeyer has been working with local ambulance service officials for the past couple of years on the legislation.
“Staffing limitations may lead to long wait times for individuals in an emergency and in need of an ambulance,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “By allowing rural areas flexibility in staffing ambulances, they can improve response time and get the patient to a hospital faster.”
HB 5446 passed the House unanimously on Wednesday. It is supported by 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 advances to the Illinois Senate for further consideration.
