Lukens’ Bipartisan Bill to Support Rural EMS Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the state. HB26-1238 would designate EMS as an essential component of Colorado’s health care system, which will increase access to care in rural and frontier communities.

“EMS is a lifeline in rural communities like mine,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “No matter if they’re battling extreme weather or disaster conditions,  EMS still shows up to provide life-saving care to Coloradans. This bipartisan bill establishes a clear, statewide policy that designates EMS as essential, which will connect them to more funding opportunities and bolster workforce sustainability. This new designation would ensure continued access to care and reduce strain on our EMS providers who often rely on limited resources.” 

HB26-1238, also sponsored by Representative Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill designates EMS, including ambulance and air ambulance services, as essential to protecting public health and safety. Once designated as an essential service, EMS would see reduced barriers to performing their duties, similar to law enforcement and fire departments. This bill aims to improve planning and coordination across agencies, which will foster more reliable emergency response. 

This bill clarifies operational expectations of EMS during disasters and closures, ensuring that EMS is reimbursed for their travel by expanding permissible uses of existing funds to include EMS. To improve system coordination, HB26-1238 allows licensed ambulance services to participate in telecommunications, mutual aid and interoperable communications systems and receive reimbursement. The bill also clarifies that off-duty EMS providers are not obligated to respond to an emergency.