Legislative and Funding
In keeping with the association's goal of staying actively engaged in the legislative process, we provide our current position statements regarding various key legislative issues identified by our membership as critical to Virginia's EMS System. In addition, we will post information designed to help
members educate our local governmental executives as well as our state and federal legislators regarding key issues. We encourage VAGEMSA members and interested visitors to check the status of this page frequently and especially in proximity to the Virginia General Assembly Session each year. Watch for talking points and various briefing documents as a highlight of this section. We will also post pertinent documentation such as
the minutes of meetings of other coalition organizations with whom VAGEMSA participates. Please direct questions regarding our legislative efforts to our leadership. Current status of bills and state budget information can be found among attached documents and through links provided
below. We also recommend that you visit the web
sites of our Regional EMS Councils and the Virginia Office of EMS for additional updates.
Links of Interest
Virginia's
Regional EMS Councils
Virginia
Office of Emergency Medical Services (VAOEMS)
LINKS TO LEGISLATIVE AND FUNDING
DOCUMENTS
Virginia Association of Governmental EMS
Administrators
VAGEMSA
November, 2001
Position Paper on EMS System Funding
While Virginia’s first responders - EMS providers, local fire fighters, law enforcement officers, hospital workers, public health officials, and emergency managers continue on the front line of protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth, the stakes and risks have never been higher. September 11 truly changed our lives in a multitude of ways, many of which our members never imagined. VAGEMSA supports the need for immediate action to substantially improve funding for Virginia’s EMS System to meet the needs our citizens expect and
demand. For more than 10 years, the funding level for the Emergency Medical Services system has remained essentially unchanged. All of the stakeholders have talked, studied, debated, evaluated, documented, validated and used a number of administrative and legislative means to deliver the message that the funding of EMS in Virginia is grossly inadequate. The response to date has been minimal at best. VAGEMSA is compelled to send a clear and concerted message that EMS in the Commonwealth of Virginia needs additional public funding support. Even prior to September 11, 2001, these specific needs included:
-
Upgrading and maintaining equipment, supplies, facilities and response vehicles;
- Improving the availability, quality, and instructor pool to ensure all new and experienced providers meet the continuously changing training standards;
- Improving electronic mediums needed to keep citizens and providers informed;
- Providing a communication network that allows all agencies in the system to transmit and receive critical information;
- Ensuring that administrative and support functions are adequate to meet the needs in a timely and responsible fashion.
With the events of 9-11 coupled with the ever-evolving environment, much has changed for Virginia’s first responders. We continue to struggle every day to answer the increasing number of requests for services in many of our localities with the addition of the newest threats posed by
terrorism. It is VAGEMSA’s plea that the executive and legislative branches of the Commonwealth of Virginia join in partnership with the 816 licensed EMS agencies and their 32, 748 certified providers to immediately and adequately address the funding crises. We are specifically requesting that the original EMS Funding Task Force Report recommendations, commissioned by the Governor, be adopted. In addition, we strongly support the options of general operating budget funding for EMS and/or the increase of the $2-for-Life license plate fee to $4.00-for-Life. Additional funds will also be needed to assure the appropriate level of local preparedness in response to the terrorism/homeland defense threat assessments currently underway by local, state and federal authorities.
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Virginia Association of Governmental EMS
Administrators
VAGEMSA
November, 2001
Position Paper on Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction Funding and Support For Virginia’s First Responders
Virginia’s Governmental Emergency Medical Services Administrators (VAGEMSA) appreciate the concern and offers of support which have been voiced from Virginia’s elected and executive officials since United States Citizens once again became the victims of terrorism on September 11th. We share your concerns and commit to making safe and effective systematic improvements for our emergency response and patient care system to address the specific needs of this deadly threat called terrorism. We provide the following recommendations on a number of key issues surrounding the ability of the Commonwealth’s EMS Providers to effectively respond to the consequences of acts of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
Legislation Needs:
-
Regional Terrorism Response Plan Security – Protection from FOIA
Requests Additions to Disaster Laws allowing: A) temporary suspension of Pharmacy Regulations to allow mass distribution of Medications to populations. B) Emergency credentialing of medical and allied health providers, out-of-state first responders – Emergency Medical, Fire and Law Enforcement
Specific Funding Needs:
- Seamless interoperable communications between regions and responding agencies.
- Additional personal protective clothing and equipment, including respiratory protection and the required training in their appropriate use for all of Virginia’s First
Responders. Additional field monitoring and detection equipment for biological, chemical and hazardous materials agents.
- Additional Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction and command and control training and continuing education for all responders and health care providers.
- Additional field and hospital based patient decontamination equipment.
- Additional mobile command units and equipment
- Additional mobile mass casualty incident management supply caches, mass care equipment and supplies.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary awareness, operations, technician, and management training in incident command/unified command, mass casualty incident management and weapons of mass destruction incident management.
VAGEMSA strongly supports a systematic and all hazards (structured, multidisciplinary, and coordinated approach to responding to the consequences of terrorist incidents. This is especially true as we face the growing possibility that terrorists may deploy one or more types of weapons against a single or multiple targets, with some specifically targeting first responders.
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Executive & Legislator Briefs
Key Talking Points $4 for Life
House Bill 82 (HB701 combined into 82) &Senate Bill 3
- No additional funding assistance for the EMS System since 1991
- Current Two-for-Life is the funding assistance source for EMS in Virginia, there is no General Fund support for EMS.
- Any loss of existing two-for-life funding assistance would create substantial system harm by eliminating quality assurance safeguards; cutting training and the acquisition of patient care equipment.
- From 1991-1999, CPI for 1999 BASE SERVICES ALONE rose
$6.5 Million. Need for full funding was completely justified in report to the Governor in 1999 and reaffirmed in 2000 report by task force.
- Virginia Code has mandated many new services yet provided no funding assistance sources, i.e. Data Collection, Trauma Triage, Durable Do Not Resuscitate program
25% goes directly back to localities
Changes in past 10 years: 1991 2001 % Increase
Licensed EMS Agencies 540 835 54%
Certified EMS Personnel 23,800 32,840 38%
Permitted EMS Vehicles 1969 3699 88%
Paramedic Training 750 hrs 1200 hrs 65%
Data Source: Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services FY-2001 Annual Report, Commonwealth of Virginia EMS Advisory Board
See attached Two-for-Life Appropriations Graph for FY-2001
Data Source: Virginia Department of Health, Office
of Emergency Medical Services
Annual Report.
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VAGEMSA Letters and
Legislative Meeting Minutes
Letter to EMS Advisory Board Members November 16, 2001
To: All EMS Advisory Board Members
From: David B. Palmer, President – Virginia Association of Governmental EMS Administrators
(VAGEMSA)
Subject: Position Papers on EMS and Terrorism/Homeland Defense Funding in Virginia
On behalf of the member agencies of VAGEMSA, I appreciate this opportunity to request your support of two (2) position papers developed by the Association in recent weeks. As you may know, VAGEMSA serves the licensed governmental EMS agencies in Virginia for the purpose of advancing the quality of Virginia’s EMS System for the direct benefit of the patients we serve. Within this primary purpose, VAGEMSA also exists to actively participate in the legislative process, represent the concerns and issues of governmental EMS Agencies and to promote the professional growth of individual members and managers. Over the past several years, VAGEMSA has grown in both membership and involvement at many levels within the EMS System. Evidence of our continuing commitment to EMS system improvements includes our EMS Management program sponsorship at the annual symposium, active participation in the rules and regulatory process and coalition building for legislative and funding
issues.
At our recent annual meeting on November 7, 2001, VAGEMSA members crafted the two (2) positions for the Advisory Board’s consideration. These position papers are attached and include: 1) EMS System Funding based upon the Task Force Report. 2) Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction Funding and Support for Virginia’s First Responders. Our intent is to again bring critical system funding and resource issues and recommendations before Virginia’s executive and legislative leaders for action. VAGEMSA believes these positions can serve as a model for all of Virginia’s EMS System’s leadership, the Advisory Board and for the organizations represented on the EMS Advisory
Board.
VAGEMSA members have pledged their active support and participation with the EMS Advisory Board, its agencies and organizations and in the upcoming legislative process. We ask the EMS Advisory Board to act upon the position papers in such a manner as to insure that a cohesive, concise, positive and professionally delivered message is provided to the new administration and legislature in Commonwealth of Virginia in the very near future.
Respectfully submitted,
David B. Palmer, NREMT-P, MPA
VAGEMSA President
Postscript: The State EMS Advisory Board unanimously supported these positions and adopted them as those of the entire Board.
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Letter to Virginia Fire Services Council Leadership 12/01/01
Virginia Association of Governmental
Emergency Medical Service Administrators
9250 Lee Avenue, Manassas, Virginia 20110
703-792-7482, FAX 703-792-6492
EIN # 54-1583252
President: Dave Palmer, 1st
Vice President: Bill Bullock,
2nd Vice President Dave Hoback,
Secretary/Treasurer: Jennie Collins
To: Member Agencies and Leaders of the Virginia Fire Services
Council
From: David B. Palmer, President – Virginia Association of Governmental EMS Administrators (VAGEMSA)
Subject: Recommended Funding Positions – 2001-2001 Legislative
Sessions
December 5, 2001
I take this opportunity to thank the Virginia Fire Services Council for inviting VAGEMSA to participate in the legislative summit. Our association represents governmental EMS agencies across the Commonwealth. These agencies serve a large portion of Virginia’s
population.
You will find VAGEMSA’s funding positions attached for your review and support. Recent unanimous action by the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board not only supported these positions but also adopted them as those of the Advisory Board. There can be no better
endorsement.
VAGEMSA stands ready to partner with all of our fellow public safety agencies to achieve a much-needed improvement in the funding stream for emergency operations. With you we commit to actively work with the legislature and Virginia’s administration to make the long overdue system improvements. Please contact myself or any of our executive committee members for additional information and
support.
Sincerely,
David B. Palmer, NREMT-P, MPA
City of Norfolk Fire & Paramedical Services
100 Brooke Ave. Suite 500
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
(757) 664-6664
dpalmer@city.norfolk.va.us
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Virginia Fire Council
Legislative Summit
Minutes
December 5, 2001
Williamsburg, Virginia
Participants
International Association of Arson Investigators
Norfolk Fire/Rescue
Roanoke County Fire/Rescue
State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia
Technical Rescue association of Virginia
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
Virginia Association of Governmental Emergency Medical Service Administrators - VAGEMSA
Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads
Virginia Beach Fire Department
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Virginia Fire Prevention Association
Virginia Fire Service Council
Virginia Fire Services Board
Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association
Virginia State Fire Fighters Association
Issue 1 – Presented by Hazardous Materials
Association
Allowing Virginia Department of Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Officers to be eligible to participate in the VRS LEO/VALORS retirement programs.
Rationale
VDEM Hazardous Materials Officers are similar to other Fire and Rescue responders and operate in environments that may create exposure to hazardous situations.
Currently, hazardous materials officers are not covered under state provisions as other public safety responders. They are required to enter hazardous atmospheres and could become injured as any other responder.
Patron
None identified at this time.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
None available at this time. ADDITIONS:
Number effected
Job classifications
Issue 2 – Presented by Virginia Association of Governmental Emergency Medical Service Administrators - Bill Bullock
$4.00-for-Life. The current program is Two for Life. Each time a license plate is sold in Virginia two dollars is collected and distributed according to a specific formula.
This proposal will add two dollars to the fund, which would be distributed according to the current formula.
Rationale
State preparedness issues, no increase since 1990. This is the only method for funding provided by the state for Emergency Medical Service. All other funding is from local taxes or
fees.
Patron
Senator Reynolds
Organizational Position
Consensus to support as is, change later if needed to 3/1.
Supporting Documentation
- Recommended Funding Position – 2001-2001 Legislative
Sessions
Position Paper on EMS System Funding, November 2001
Position Paper on Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction Funding and Support for Virginia’s First Responders, November 2001
Issue 3- Presented by State Fire Chief’s Association of
Virginia
Increase the percentage collected from fire insurance premiums from 1% to 3% and allocate according to current formula. In the Fire Programs Fund
Rationale
Increase percentage to allow for additional funding to the fire service. $2.5 million to VDFP for training programs, $2.5 million to the VFSB for grants (burn buildings, mini-grants, aid, unsafe fire apparatus replacement, etc.), $10 million for the start of a permanent Virginia State Training Facility. Possible increase to 3%, with 5-year sunset clause. Suggested increase of 1% to 3% of the five years. Any legislative proposal to include SFCAV documentation. The proposed training facility, to be located at Fort Picket, would have a broad based mission and suitable for use by a wide range of emergency services organizations.
Patron
None identified at this time.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
Position Paper to be drafted by SFCAV
Issue 4 – Presented by State Fire Chief’s Association of
Virginia
Support of funding for a new Virginia State Emergency Operations Center
Rationale
To support any legislation that provides funding for the construction/operation of a new Virginia Emergency Operations Center. Current facilities are aging and undersized and in need of replacement. Further recommendation is to seek state funding for the center if no federal funds are available (Fire Programs Funds are not to be used).
Patron
None identified at this time.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
None. As of today the congress has approved 14 or 14 million for this project. Need to follow up and remove if federal money is allocated.
Issue 5 – Presented by The Association of Public-Safety Communications
Officials
Twenty -Three changes to the Code Of Virginia regarding emergency communications by the State Corporation Commission.
Rationale
Code changes to support E-911 telephone charges used to support emergency services communications centers.
Patron
Unknown.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
To be provided by The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.
Issue 6 – Presented by The Association of Public-Safety Communications
Officials
Wireless and Wireline Funding Issues
Rationale
Support for keeping funding at the local level for Wireless and Wireline E-911 charges. Currently the is $50 million in wireless 911 funding to pay for development to include hardware/software to help pinpoint the location of a caller. Tax levels should have equity. Current Wireline tax is $3.00, and wireless tax is $.75. Tax for wireless should increase, Wireline funding level should not decrease.
Patron
Senator Stolle, Virginia Beach
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
To be provided by The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.
Issue 7 – Presented by State Fire Chief’s Association of
Virginia
Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) Grant Fund. I believe this was passed last year but the funds were not allocated. We need to check this.
Rationale
$500,000 a year for two years to help provide thermal imaging camera to Virginia fire and rescue departments. Funding should come from the general fund and not the Fire Programs Fund. Grant to be administered by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Bill passed in last session but was not funded. The goal is to provide one TIC to each fire department.
Patron
Unknown.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
To be provided by the State Fire Chief’s Association of Virginia.
Issue 8 – Presented by State Fire Chief’s Association of
Virginia
Virginia Highway Responders Act (Scott’s Law, Illinois)
Rationale
Protection for public safety personnel operating on Virginia highways. Penalties for those who kill or injure fire, law enforcement, and EMS personnel. Class B Felony.
Patron
Yes, but unknown.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
Could be provided by SFCAV.
Issue 9 – Presented by Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
Association
Changes to the Virginia Retirement System to include “LEO for Life”, Straight 25 Years of Service Retirement, and Increase the multiplier to 2% from
1.7%.
Rationale
Changes to the Virginia Retirement System benefits for profession fire fighters.
Patron
Unknown.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
To be provided by the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Issue 10 – Presented by Virginia Department of Fire
Programs
Request of an additional $100,000 from the Fire Programs Fund to the Northern Neck region for the construction of a burn building.
Rationale
In a previous session of the General Assembly, legislation was passed to authorize $100,000 of the Fire Programs Fund for the construction of a burn building in the Northern Neck region. This year, this same area is requesting an additional $100,000 from the Fire Programs Funding. At this time, none of the previous funding has been used, however it has been dispersed to the locality.
Patron
Delegate Pollard (sp?)
Organizational Position
Consensus to oppose.
Supporting Documentation
To be drafted by State Fire Fighters Association.
Issue 11 – Presented by Virginia Department of Fire
Programs
Resolutions regarding two studies of the needs of the fire service.
Rationale
Resolutions only. First, more Congressional support for fire and rescue organizations near interstate highways. Second, VACO and VML, more resources for fire and rescue organizations.
Patron
Delegate Landis
Organizational Position
Resolutions only, not code changes.
Supporting Documentation
None provided.
Issue 12 – Presented by Virginia State Fire Fighters
Association
Fund state matching for Volunteer Retirement.
Rationale
Provide $500,000 matching funds for volunteer retirement system. Changes to rules and regulations.
Patron
Unknown.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
To be drafted by State Fire Fighters Association.
Issue 13 – Presented by Virginia State Fire Fighters
Association
Workers Compensation for fire and rescue volunteers.
Rationale
Local funding for workers compensation for volunteer fire and rescue providers.
Patron
Senator Puckett
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
To be drafted by State Fire Fighters Association.
Issue 14 – Presented by Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association
“Meet and Discuss”. This proposal is to require localities to recognize employee groups and to discuss work related
issues
Rationale
Meet and confer for all public safety employees, not select groups.
Patron
Unknown.
Organizational Position
Consensus in favor.
Supporting Documentation
To be provided by the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Issue 15 – Presented by State Fire Chief’s Association of
Virginia
Departments must participate in VFIRS to be eligible for grants from the Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Fire Services Board
Rationale
Amend that the use of Fire Programs Fund grant monies is to be tided into the participation in the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System. Phased plan for implementation. This issue is to be tabled for the next year so that the State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia, Virginia State Fire Fighters Association, Virginia Fire Services Board, and Virginia Department of Fire Programs can meet and discuss.
Patron
Unknown.
Organizational Position
Opposed by the Virginia State Fire Fighters Association.
Supporting Documentation
Could be provided by SFCAV.
Click here
for the List of Participants
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