House Bill 1856, offered to on January 9th, of this year, if passed, would restrict many of the rights of local Virginia EMS organizations to regulate medical directives. Amongst other regulations such as standards for sanitation, ambulance equipment, DNR provisions, and restrictions to Operational Medical Directors autonomy over providers, the bill seeks to standardize protocols statewide and to restrict the ability for local agencies to customize protocols based on their regions needs.
What this Would Mean for Local Agencies
If enacted, the current Medical Control Review Committee (MCRC) would be disbanded and the opportunities for providers to seek protocol changes through their local councils and Operational Medical Directors (OMD’s) would be prohibited. The process of customizing protocols for localities needs would be diminished all together and a state board would be responsible for determining protocols statewide.
Don’t Like this Bill?
If you do not like the proposed changes this bill would make. Immediately contact Savanna Funkhouser (Legislative Aide to Delegate Bell) at (804) 698-1020. Ask to speak with Ms. Funkhouser and ask her to let Delegate Bell know that you are opposed to House Bill 1856.
Read the proposed bill in full here