(Feb. 16, 2023) – Today, the Senate Local Government Committee, chaired by Senator Carolyn McGinn (R-Sedgwick), held a hearing on Senate Bill 212. The legislation permits an ambulance to operate with one emergency medical service provider in rural counties.

Proponents were Sen. Alicia Straub (R-Ellinwood). Straub highlighted staffing ambulances is very difficult in rural areas and emphasized Emergency Medical Services rules and regulations require more than one. Caryn McAdams, Miltonvale Emergency Medical Services Also appeared virtually before the committee.

Neutral testimony was provided by Spencer Duncan, League of Kansas Municipalities, who expressed concern the statutory change may not be followed by the rules and regulations process. Nancy Hall, American Heart Association, appeared to caution the committee on changing standards.

Opponent testimony came from Joseph House, Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services.

The committee also worked Senate Bill 194, requiring hospital district board members to be qualified electors of the county where the hospital is located or any adjacent county. The committee amended the bill to include language specifying the majority of the board members will have to reside in the county where the hospital is located. The legislation was recommended favorably for passage as amended and now goes before the full Senate.