Input Deadline Nears for EMS Agency
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- People interested in providing input about a lead EMS agency have until April 18 to send remarks to FICEMS.
The White House has requested that FICEMS develop an options paper by May 15 on the creation of a lead agency.
During a teleconference on Monday, FICEMS Chair Dr. Alexander Garza said the committee has been hearing from stakeholders about the role and responsibilities of a federal agency.
The creation of a sole entity has been suggested by many EMS personnel for the past several years. Right now, there are several federal agencies that have a hand in various EMS functions.
Stakeholders have been asked to share their feelings on what role the federal government should play as well as the issues that they should stay out of.
Some say NHTSA's Office of EMS should be expanded and that their history and knowledge would make it a perfect fit. Others, however, say there's already a federal law specifying a federal EMS authority.
The original deadline for the report back to the White House was mid-March, but Garza said FICEMS got the date moved to May.
More information on the issue will be forthcoming. Comments on the establishment of a lead EMS agency should be sent to FICEMS@dot.gov by April 18.
