EMS SYSTEMS-TRANSPORT

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that when a patient has been determined by EMS personnel to (1) have no immediate life-threatening injuries or illness, (2) not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, (3) have no immediate or obvious need for transport to an emergency department, and (4) have an immediate need for transport to an EMS System-approved mental health facility, the EMS personnel may contact Online Medical Control or his or her EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communication Registered Nurse to request bypass or diversion of the closest emergency department and request transport to the closest or appropriate EMS System-approved mental health facility. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following change. Provides that EMS personnel may transport a patient to an EMS System-approved urgent care or immediate care facility that meets the proper criteria and is approved by Online Medical Control or his or her EMS Medical Director or Emergency Communications Registered Nurse. House Floor Amendment No. 5 Adds reference to: 210 ILCS 50/3.10 210 ILCS 50/3.50 210 ILCS 50/3.85 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: Further amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Provides that "non-emergency medical services" means the provision of, and all actions necessary before and after the provision of, Basic Life Support (BLS) Services, Advanced Life Support (ALS) Services, and critical care transport (rather than means medical care, clinical observation, or medical monitoring rendered) to specified patients using a vehicle regulated by the Act and personnel licensed under the Act (rather than only using a vehicle regulated under the Act). Removes language providing that an Emergency Medical Responder provides emergency medical response services prior to the arrival of an ambulance or specialized medical services vehicle. Requires the Department of Public Health to create standards and requirements with respect to alternative vehicle staffing models for private, nonpublic local government employers (rather than vehicle staffing models) that include an Emergency Medical Responder who drives an ambulance with a licensed EMT, EMT-I, A-EMT, Paramedic, or PHRN, as appropriate, in the patient compartment providing care to the patient pursuant to the approval of the EMS System Program Plan developed and approved by the EMS Medical Director for an EMS System. Provides that the Department shall monitor the implementation and performance of alternative staffing models and may issue a notice of termination of an alternative staffing model only upon evidence that an EMS System Program Plan is not being adhered to. Provides that an EMS System Program Plan for a Basic Life Support transport utilizing an EMR and an EMT shall include specified requirements. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.