Senate 921

WEST virginia legislature

2025 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Bill 921

By Senator Maynard

[Reported March 27, 2025, from the Committee on Government Organization]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §16-4F-1, §16-4F-2, §16-4F-3, §16-4F-4, and §16-4F-5, relating to mandating oversight, guidance, and support from the Office of Emergency Medical Services to county commissions; establishing duties of Office of Emergency Medical Services; and providing for implementation and reports to the Legislature.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

Article 4F. West Virginia Emergency Medical Services Oversight and Support Act.

§16-4F-1. Short title.

This Act shall be known as the "West Virginia Emergency Medical Services Oversight and Support Act."

§16-4F-2. Purpose.

The purpose of this act is to ensure the efficient operation, accountability, and sustainability of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the state by mandating oversight, guidance, and support from the Office of Emergency Medical Services to county commissions.

§16-4F-3. Duties of the Office of Emergency Medical Services.

(a) Structure and Guidance. — The Office of Emergency Medical Services shall:  

(1) Develop and implement a standardized framework for county EMS operations;

(2) Provide guidance on best practices for staffing, resource allocation, and response efficiency; and

(3) Assist county commissions in structuring their EMS services, including those operated by volunteer fire departments.

(b) Auditing and Needs-Based Funding. — The Office of Emergency Medical Services shall:

(1) Conduct financial audits of all county EMS services, including those affiliated with volunteer fire departments, to ensure accountability and proper fund allocation;

(2) Distribute state EMS funding based on a needs-based assessment, prioritizing counties with limited resources and high call volumes; and

(3) Establish financial reporting requirements for all EMS providers receiving state funds.

(c) Facility Inspections and Operational Audits. — The Office of Emergency Medical Services shall:

(1) Conduct regular inspections of all EMS facilities, including those operated by county commissions and volunteer fire departments, to ensure compliance with state and federal standards;

(2) Audit operational procedures, equipment maintenance, and service readiness; and

(3) Provide corrective action plans and assistance for any facility found to be non-compliant.

(d) Continuing Education and Training. — The Office of Emergency Medical Services shall:

(1) Oversee and coordinate continuing education programs for EMS personnel;

(2) Ensure that training programs meet state and national accreditation standards; and.

(3) Offer technical assistance to counties in developing local training programs.

(e) County Commission Assistance. — The Office of Emergency Medical Services shall:

(1) Serve as a direct resource for any county commission facing challenges in maintaining or improving EMS services;

(2) Provide emergency operational support and recommendations for counties experiencing EMS shortages or failures; and

(3) Facilitate partnerships between counties to improve regional EMS coverage and response times.

§16-4F-4. Implementation and Reporting.

On or before December 31, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Office of Emergency Medical Services shall submit a report to the Legislature detailing:

(1) The Office of Emergency Medical Services facility inspection results;

(2) Audit findings and financial assessments;

(3) Distribution of needs-based funding;

(4) Continuing education initiatives; and

(5) County commission assistance provided.