An Act establishing a task force to study the sustainability of emergency medical services

This bill establishes a task force to study the sustainability of emergency medical services (EMS) in Massachusetts. The task force, co-chaired by the health secretary and public health commissioner, includes representatives from EMS providers, hospitals, fire departments, behavioral health groups, and ambulance associations. It will examine key issues like reimbursement rates for ambulance services, workforce challenges (training, pay, retention), municipal contract exemptions, and the impact of minimum wage increases on EMS staffing. The task force must submit a detailed report with recommendations within six months, addressing barriers to EMS sustainability that affect both providers and patients.