NVFC Endorses Bills Protecting Patient Access to Medications and Establishing EMS Memorial

March 15, 2016

On March 11 the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) formally endorsed the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act (H.R. 4365) and the National EMS Commemorative Work Act (H.R. 2274/S. 2628). H.R. 4365 statutorily protects the practice of medical directors issuing standing orders authorizing qualified EMS personnel to administer controlled substances to patients. H.R. 2274/S. 2628 authorizes the establishment of a national EMS memorial in Washington, DC.

“I’d like to thank Representative Richard Hudson for introducing H.R. 4365,” said NVFC Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. “For years, qualified EMS personnel have been administering pain medication in a prehospital setting based on advanced level patient assessment and under the oversight of a medical director. Having the ability to continue dispensing medications in this manner, which H.R. 4365 would ensure, is critical.”

“I’d also like to thank Representative Stephen Lynch and Senator Christopher Coons for introducing the National EMS Commemorative Work Act,” Quinn continued. “EMS providers deliver critical health services to the public in a dangerous work environment and deserve to have a national memorial dedicated to recognizing those who make the ultimate sacrifice.”