Bill > LD1676

This bill requires the Commissioner of Public Safety to establish a commission to study ways to improve recruitment and retention of rural emergency medical services (EMS) personnel by examining access to health insurance. The commission will be composed of both appointed and ex officio members, including representatives from EMS providers, municipalities, volunteer services, county government, and state agencies such as Health and Human Services and the Office of Health Insurance Marketplace. The appointed members will include two EMS professionals from communities of different sizes, a statewide EMS association representative, and others deemed necessary by the commissioner. The commission is tasked with comprehensively examining all aspects of emergency medical services to develop strategies for supporting rural EMS personnel. By December 3, 2025, the commissioner must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, which may then propose legislation during the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature. The bill aims to address challenges in recruiting and retaining emergency medical services personnel in rural areas by focusing on health insurance access as a potential solution.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1676&snum=132