Senator Mullica, primary bill sponsor, introduced House Bill 26-1069, which makes several changes to the availability, scope, and reimbursement of emergency medical services (EMS) in the state, including requiring EMS to be available 24 hours per day 7 days per week; expands the definition of EMS; expands the definition of first responder to include peace officers, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, and mental health professionals responding to a medical emergency; requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to adopt rules authorizing EMS providers with a community paramedic endorsement to administer or oversee medications, procedures, and diagnostic testing when working with an agency providing out-of-hospital services by June 1, 2027; and beginning January 1, 2027, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing must reimburse additional services under Medicaid.

Mr. Reuben Farnsworth, representing Delta County Ambulance District, testified in support of the bill. Mr. James McLaughlin, representing Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Timothy Dienst, representing Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Michelle Reese, representing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, was available to answer committee questions.

Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment C).

Senator Mullica introduced and explained amendment L.009 (Attachment D).

The primary bill sponsor provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.