AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, that would support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers that offer community paramedicine services.
"Increasingly, communities in rural parts of the state are struggling to receive the emergency health care they need," said Salisbury. "Community paramedicine offers an avenue for existing emergency medical resources to fill gaps in local health care systems. This will be especially impactful for the many older Mainers who don't live near bigger cities but are likely to need more regular care."
Community paramedics typically provide services such as blood glucose analysis, chronic disease education, home safety assessments and follow ups. As amended, LD 883 would make it easier for EMS providers offering community paramedicine services to continue to provide current levels of service without having to obtain an additional home health care license, so long as their activities remain confined to the scope of community paramedicine.
Additionally, the bill would establish a process for expanding community paramedicine services offered by EMS providers, pending approval and oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Salisbury is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents District 128, part of Westbrook. She serves as House chair of the Legislatures Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.