HS/HCS/HBs 280, 69, 497 & 689 - This act revises provisions relating to emergency services and fire protection.

TAX INCREASES - Ambulance districts may impose a one-fourth of one percent sales tax, the proceeds of which will be deposited into a special trust fund for the operation of the ambulance district and services. (Section 67.2100). The sales tax on fireworks is increased by one percent. (Section 144.526).

AMBULANCE SERVICES - Current law outlines the establishment of ambulance districts. New language requires any candidate for district director to be a resident of that district for two years and be at least twenty-four years old. (Section 190.050).

New language allows Boards of Directors to increase membership from six to seven or reduce membership to five or three. Ambulance districts must be redrawn based on vote results. Any member may be recalled from office. Voters must follow specific petition procedures and, if sufficient, the election authority must issue a certificate to the Board. An election must then be held between forty-five and 120 days. A recalled member may resign. Ambulance districts may merge upon approval of property owners and of the court.(Sections 190.051 - 190.072).

Current language is removed regarding first responders and use of external defibrillators. New language requires persons or entities acquiring external defibrillators to ensure appropriate protocal, training, and review of situations. (Section 190.092).

Mobile emergency medical technicians are no longer required to be present when transporting patients. A new definition is provided for "proof of financial responsibility". (Sections 190.094 - 190.100).

Current law prohibits anyone from operating emergency vehicles without a license. New language requires each ground ambulance to have two licensed individuals in it when transporting a patient. The Department of Health must be notified within thirty days of the sale of a ground or air ambulance service and must inspect the service to verify licensure compliance. (Sections 190.105 - 190.108).

Current law requires a letter of endorsement from ambulance districts in order for new ambulance services to be considered for licensure. New language specifies the contents of the endorsement. Licenses will be automatically issued to certain non-profit ambulance services that have converted to for-profit entities. The Department may grant a temporary license to the Firefighter's Association of Missouri, pursuant to certain requirements. No license shall be issued unless a service has insurance coverage or proof of financial responsibility. (Sections 190.109 - 190.120).

The Department may grant temporary emergency medical technician licenses to those meeting specific requirements. New language provides additional reasons the Department may refuse to issue a license. Any individual whose license has been revoked twice within a ten year period will not be eligible for relicensure. (Sections 190.143 - 190.171).

If no contested case is filed against a licensee, a copy of the settlement agreement must be submitted to the administrative hearing commission within fifteen days. The commission will determine if the facts constitute ground for licensure denial or discipline. (Section 190.172).

Accurate records must currently be maintained by emergency service licensees. New language requires a patient care report with remarks by the EMT, registered nurse or physician. A patient care document must be given to the ambulance service when transferring a patient. Ambulatory services personnel must cooperate with the Department for compliance purposes. (Sections 190.175 - 190.185).

Any employer of such individuals must report certain criminal activities within seventy-two hours of knowing that charges have been filed. Investigations of improper activity must be completed within six months of the allegation. (Sections 190.196 - 190.248).

STRETCHER VAN SERVICES - No one may operate a stretcher van without a license. Certain political subdivisions may adopt stricter regulations. Stretcher van services may transport certain passengers and must be staffed by at least two individuals. Licenses may be issued for up to five years and the Department may refuse licensure for specified reasons. Any person violating these sections is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. (Sections 190.525 - 190.537).

EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS - The "Automated External Defibrillator Advisory Committee" is established to advise on the placement of AEDs in public buildings. The initial report is due June 1, 2002 and a final report is due before December 31, 2002. The Committee will consist of five members, appointed by the Director of the Department of Health. (Section 191.938).

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS - No cause of action will exist against fire protection entities that donate equipment used to suppress fire if certain conditions are met, including motor vehicle safety, proper working order, and notification of defects. A portion of fireworks sales taxes and, beginning July 1, 2002, all fireworks sales taxes and five-tenths of one percent of personal property taxes must be transferred to into the Fire Education Fund. Fifty-five percent of such money must be used for fire education. Twenty-five percent must be deposited into the Fire District Equipment Fund. Moneys in the Fire District Equipment Fund will provide funds to fire department with less than $10,000 revenue per year and volunteer fire departments serving populations of less than 10,000. The fire education commission must prepare a use plan. Such fire departments must apply for grants with the Division of Fire Safety. (Sections 320.091 - 320.098).

Members of a fire protection district board will receive fees for up to four monthly meetings. Certain counties will receive more. (Section 321.130).

Fire protection districts providing emergency services to a redevelopment project may impose a retail sales tax up to one- half of one percent if it is accompanied by a property tax reduction. No tax will be imposed unless submitted to the voters. (Section 321.247)

Current law outlines boundary procedures for fire protection districts. New language requires an annexing city to reimburse any outstanding obligations. (Section 321.300).

Not-for-profit ambulance service entities are added to the definition of "public benefit corporation". (Section 355.066).

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS - New definitions are provided regarding emergency communications. Counties may establish an emergency communications commission composed of seven members. Such counties may levy an additional property tax or sales tax, upon voter approval in order to operate the system. All moneys collected must be deposited in the Emergency Communications System Fund. Obligations by the county may be paid out of the fund or by the issuance of bonds. (Sections 650.390 - 650.411).
ERIN MOTLEY