Bills have been filed and committees are meeting here in Tallahassee. The Legislative season has begun. So far for EMS there seems to be a slow start (thank God), but we will be watching as we get to the start of the session. Session begins this year on January 12th. Here is a listing of bills that we are currently tracking:
HB 385 Sovereign Immunity - This bill seeks to expand the protection of Sovereign Immunity for all emergency medical services providers, particularly in disaster situations.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47532
HB 241/SB 450 Emergency Medical Services - This bill is the repeat of the bill that almost passed last year. It moves Florida to National EMS Education Standards, moves the strategic plan to every 5 years, and removes the 4 hour HIV/AIDS training requirement. This bill is strongly supported by the Florida EMS Educators.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47343
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47411
HB 165/SB 530 Education and Training Opportunities for Public Employees - This bill is also a repeat of last years bills. It would allow universities and colleges to offer free tuition to public EMS, fire, police, and others.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47258
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47491
SB 184 Ocean Lifeguards - This bill would recognize lifeguards as an entity and provide protections such as penalties for assault and battery. Penalties would be the same as battery on a police officer or a paramedic.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47161
The AHA language for a CPR bill for high school graduation has not been drafted yet. We expect that there will be many more bills to come. Stay tuned.
