PRINTER'S NO. 1013
No. 872 Session of 2001
INTRODUCED BY THOMPSON AND COSTA, MAY 17, 2001
REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE, MAY 17, 2001
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of July 3, 1985 (P.L.164, No.45), entitled "An
2 act relating to the prevention and reduction of premature
3 death and disability in this Commonwealth; providing for
4 assistance, coordination and support of the development and
5 maintenance of a comprehensive emergency medical services
6 system and for qualifications, eligibility and certification
7 of emergency medical services personnel and licensing
8 ambulance services; imposing powers and duties on the
9 Department of Health; and making repeals," further providing
10 for minimum standards for ambulance service.
11 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
12 hereby enacts as follows:
13 Section 1. Section 12(h) and (l) of the act of July 3, 1985
14 (P.L.164, No.45), known as the Emergency Medical Services Act,
15 are amended to read:
16 Section 12. Minimum standards for ambulance service.
17 * * *
18 (h) Issuance of license.--The department shall issue a
19 license to an ambulance service pursuant to this act when it is
20 satisfied that the following standards have been met:
21 (1) The ambulance service is staffed by responsible
1 persons.
2 (2) The ambulance or other vehicle used to provide
3 emergency medical services is adequately constructed,
4 equipped, maintained and operated to safely and efficiently
5 render the services offered.
6 (3) The ambulance service meets the required staffing
7 standards set forth in this act.
8 (4) The ambulance service provides safe and efficient
9 services which are adequate for the emergency medical care,
10 the treatment and comfort and, when appropriate, the
11 transportation of patients.
12 (4.1) The ambulance service is the named insured on a
13 general commercial liability insurance policy which contains
14 minimum limits of $1,000,000. The policy must include medical
15 malpractice coverage.
16 (5) There is compliance with the rules and regulations
17 promulgated by the department under this act.
18 * * *
19 (l) Refusal or suspension.--The department may refuse to
20 renew a license or may suspend or revoke a license of an
21 ambulance service for the following reasons:
22 (1) A serious violation of the provisions of this act or
23 of the regulations for minimum ambulance standards
24 promulgated under this act. For purposes of this paragraph, a
25 serious violation is one which poses a continued significant
26 threat to the health of the patient.
27 (2) Failure of a licensee to submit a reasonable
28 timetable to correct deficiencies.
29 (3) The existence of a continuing pattern of
30 deficiencies over a period of three or more years.
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1 (4) Failure, by the holder of a provisional license, to
2 correct deficiencies in accordance with a timetable submitted
3 by the applicant or licensee and agreed upon by the
4 department.
5 (5) Fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain
6 a license.
7 (6) Lending, borrowing or using the license of another,
8 or in any way knowingly aiding or abetting the improper
9 granting of a license.
10 (7) Incompetence, negligence or misconduct in operating
11 the ambulance service or in providing emergency medical
12 services to patients.
13 (8) Failure of a licensee to maintain liability
14 insurance in accordance with subsection (h)(4.1).
15 * * *
16 Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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