Rep. Martin Causer, R-Bradford, is pictured speaking during a recent EMS Task Force meeting. Among the items Causer discussed with first responders is Causer’s proposal to elevate the state office of EMS to a cabinet-level position to better reflect the importance of this public service, and the need for additional local government support to meet the cost of EMS readiness.

Fresh off the passage of his legislation by the state House to help rural health care providers, Rep. Martin Causer is turning his attention to EMS providers.

Causer, R-Bradford, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation he is drafting that would create an independent Office of EMS Commissioner to operate within the state Health Department. The idea is one that Causer recently discussed during an EMS Task Force meeting he hosted in McKean County.

“As you may know, our EMS system is in crisis, particularly in rural areas of the commonwealth,” Causer said in his memorandum. “It is important to elevate and strengthen the voice of the men and women who provide this vital, life-saving service in our communities.”

The legislation would transfer existing oversight duties for EMS under Chapter 81 of Title 35 to the new office, Causer said, replacing the existing Bureau of EMS. The proposal also will require the state EMS commissioner have a separate line item in the state budget and report directly to the governor. Causer said he will model the legislation after the Office of State Fire Commissioner.

“Additionally, this legislation will include the establishment of a new statewide EMS advisory board to assist the EMS Commissioner with the prescribed powers and duties and to provide advice and recommendations on matters related to the state’s EMS delivery system,” Causer wrote. “The new advisory board under this legislation contemplates acting in similar fashion to both the commonwealth’s current state fire advisory board and the 911 advisory board, two very active and successful boards.”

Causer’s recent EMS Task Force meeting included a discussion of grants awarded to local EMS agencies, property tax incentives for volunteers and legislation Causer has introduced, including introduced bills House Bill 857 to ensure proper reimbursement from Medicaid when treatment is provided but the patient is not transported to the hospital, and House Bill 73, which would simplify and streamline the process of recertification for emergency medical responders and emergency medical technicians whose certifications have expired.

There were also reports by area emergency services directors, as well as from EMS West and the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania.

“With all of the health care challenges we face in rural Pennsylvania, ensuring the sustainability of our emergency medical services system is more important than ever,” Causer said.