SENATE MEMORIAL 53

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Phil A. Griego

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEMS BUREAU OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO STUDY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUNDING OPTIONS FOR RURAL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, emergency medical services are essential to the health, safety and welfare of the people of rural communities because they provide potentially life-saving emergency care and transportation to the nearest emergency medical treatment at hospital emergency rooms; and

     WHEREAS, local government plays an essential role in providing emergency medical services with public funds because the cost of these services is generally not covered fully by the fees for services paid by patients; and

     WHEREAS, many local governments, particularly rural counties and communities with low-income populations where the need for emergency medical services funding is especially acute, do not generate enough tax revenue to provide adequate funding to sustain reliable and viable emergency medical services; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the state of New Mexico and its residents that rural counties and communities have the capacity to provide quality and efficient emergency medical services; and

     WHEREAS, a steady, reliable and consistent revenue stream for rural emergency medical services is critically needed for New Mexico to ensure the public health, safety and welfare of its residents;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the emergency medical systems bureau of the department of health be requested to initiate a study to examine certification, licensing, relicensing and funding options for emergency response services, including the advantages and disadvantages of nonprofit contractual services or direct government services, volunteer or paid services, departments attached to fire departments or independent services, service levels, geographical limitations and other factors; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health, the chief of the emergency medical systems bureau of the department of health, the executive director of the New Mexico association of counties and the executive director of the New Mexico municipal league.

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