Bill > SB220

This bill establishes a framework for community paramedicine programs in Ohio, allowing emergency medical technicians (EMTs) at the basic, intermediate, and paramedic levels to provide non-emergency medical services beyond traditional emergency response. These services can include chronic disease management, health evaluations, home safety inspections, health education, medication compliance, referrals to community services, care coordination, and post-surgical patient management. The bill requires health insurance plans to cover these community paramedicine services to the same extent as traditional emergency medical services. Emergency medical service organizations can establish these programs under the direction of a medical director or physician advisory board, who must develop protocols, training requirements, and potentially create partnerships with healthcare providers. The bill also mandates that the Medicaid program cover these services for Medicaid recipients, provided the emergency medical service organization has a valid Medicaid provider agreement and follows established guidelines. Services can be delivered in-person or through telehealth, with the goal of improving community health access and providing more comprehensive healthcare support.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb220