HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06082010 - C.36RECOMMENDATION(S):
OPPOSE AB 2456 (Torrico), a bill that addresses oversight of emergency medical
professionals under the jurisdiction of the California Emergency Medical Services Authority
(EMSA), as recommended by Contra Costa EMS Director, Art Lathrop.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is not a direct impact from this bill on the County if it were signed into law, but it
would set up a process that could require considerable staff time to obtain State approval of
changes in local EMS policies that do not currently require State approval. Existing law and
regulations set parameters within which local EMS agencies must operate but allow local
flexibility within those parameters. AB 2456 would set a single State standard in many areas
where there is now local flexibility.
BACKGROUND:
AB 2456, by Assembly Member Albert Torrico, would modify the Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Act to specify that guidelines issued by the California Emergency Medical
Services Authority (EMSA), including those dealing with medical control, will require
mandatory compliance by local EMS agencies when establishing local policies and
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 06/08/2010 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:The Item was referred to the Legislative Committee.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I
Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: L. DeLaney,
925-335-1097
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: June 8, 2010
David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: EMY L. SHARP, Deputy
cc:
C.36
To:Board of Supervisors
From:David Twa, County Administrator
Date:June 8, 2010
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:OPPOSE AB 2456 (Torrico): Emergency Medical Services: Regulation
procedures.
This bill is sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters to increase oversight and
uniformity of emergency medical services statewide. According to the author and sponsor,
EMS professionals must comply with varied requirements when practicing in adjoining
counties because requirements often differ by county. This bill increases linkages among
local EMS agencies by standardizing training and medical oversight as well as improving
consistency of educational programs. The sponsors highlight that Canada has just recently
adopted this uniform approach in order to enable professionals to practice anywhere in the
country without additional training or assessment.
These changes are unnecessary because the EMS Act already provides EMSA the necessary
statutory oversight responsibilities. In addition, adopting standardized medical guidelines on
behalf of all of California’s 58 counties is inherently problematic due to the diversity of their
settings – such as urban and rural – and available resources.
AB 2456 may also result in unfunded mandates if guidelines are imposed as envisioned by
the bill. For these reasons, CSAC, along with the County Health Executives Association of
California, oppose the bill. (See Attached letter.)
The Assembly Appropriations Committee placed the bill on the Suspense File on May 19.
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
Support
California Professional Firefighters (sponsor)
California Department of Forestry Firefighters Local 2881
Opposition
American Medical Response, California Hospital Association, California State
Association of Counties, Emergency Medical Services Administrators Association of
California, Emergency Nurses Association, San Bernardino County Board of
Supervisors, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office
CLERK'S ADDENDUM
REFERRED to the Legislative Committee.
ATTACHMENTS
AB 2456 Text
CSAC/CHEAC Oppose Letter