Four members of the Howard County Ambulance Service discussed issues with state legislators during the EMS Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City on March 5. 

Frank W. Flaspohler (Director/Paramedic), Kathryn Flaspohler (EMT), Xavier Barton (EMT) and Frank R. Flaspohler (EMT) met with Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Tim Taylor to discuss several important EMS bills that are working their way through the General Assembly this session.

“We were there to visit about several EMS bills, many of which are important for the ambulance service community throughout Missouri,” explained Frank R. Flaspohler. “The ones that are specifically important to Howard County include House Bill 457, which Representative Taylor introduced to protect health information obtained by fire departments and 911 tele-communicators. Oddly enough, because neither of those agencies participate in Medicare billing (as an ambulance does), the records are not covered by HIPAA. However, it is certainly important that first responders and 911 be able to gather such health information to assist the ambulance upon their arrival.”

Another bill of concern is SB33, which changes the appointment process to the State Advisory Council for EMS (making them appointed by the Department of Social Services rather than the governor) and increasing training requirements for district administrators. 

“The bill is focused on helping assist ultra-rural ambulances, some of which are struggling around the state (fortunately, we are not among them),” Mr. Flaspohler said.