Legislation aimed at helping rural ambulance services stay staffed and respond more quickly to emergencies is headed to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk.

The measure, sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer of Murrayville and State Senator Steve McClure of Springfield, would give rural ambulance providers more flexibility in meeting state staffing requirements.

Davidsmeyer says staffing shortages in rural communities can lead to longer wait times for patients experiencing medical emergencies. He says the legislation will allow qualifying ambulance services to use part-time employees to help keep more ambulances in service and improve response times.
McClure says ambulances provide a critical link between patients and medical care, regardless of where they live. He says the bill updates staffing standards to help ensure rural ambulance crews can remain available and continue saving lives.

Under current law, minimum staffing requirements can be difficult for rural ambulance services to meet. House Bill 5446 would allow qualifying rural providers additional staffing flexibility with the goal of reducing response times and getting patients to hospitals faster.

The legislation passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and now awaits the governor's signature.