Relating to community paramedicine programs

HB 5216 authorizes West Virginia emergency medical services agencies to establish community paramedicine programs, allowing EMTs and paramedics to provide non-emergency medical services like chronic disease management, health assessments, home safety checks, medication assistance, and post-discharge care under a medical director's supervision. The bill requires agencies to define service protocols, establish training, and coordinate with healthcare providers for at-risk populations. Crucially, it mandates that all health insurers cover these services without prior authorization, aligning with existing emergency services coverage rules. This directly affects paramedics, emergency medical agencies, and patients in communities served by these programs, expanding access to non-emergency care.