AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 11, Part 2 and Title 68, Chapter 140, Part 5, relative to emergency medical services for children.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 11, Part 2Error! Bookmark not defined., is amended by adding the following language as a new, appropriately designated section:

On or before July 1, 1999, the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities shall promulgate regulatory standards to ensure the adequacy of emergency medical services for children. In developing the rules, the board shall be guided by national standards and shall collaborate with, and draw upon the expertise of the committee on pediatric emergency care, the membership of which shall be jointly appointed by such board and the Emergency Medical Services Board. The rules shall ensure the adequacy of emergency medical care for children relative to:

(1) facility equipment standards;

(2) qualifications of facility personnel; and

(3) continuing professional education of facility personnel.

The rules shall take into account the size and location of facilities and shall ensure appropriate triage, stabilization and referral of patients.

On or before July 1, 1999, and annually thereafter, the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities and the Emergency Medical Services Board shall jointly prepare a report on the current status of emergency medical services for children and on continuing efforts to improve such services. The joint report shall be submitted to the General Welfare Committee of the Senate, to the Health and Human Resources Committee of the House of Representatives, and to the Select Committee on Children and Youth.

SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 140, Part 5Error! Bookmark not defined., is amended by adding the following language as a new, appropriately designated section:

On or before July 1, 1999, the Emergency Medical Services Board shall promulgate regulatory standards to ensure the adequacy of emergency medical services for children. In developing the rules, the board shall be guided by national standards and shall collaborate with, and draw upon the expertise of the committee on pediatric emergency care, the membership of which shall be jointly appointed by such board and the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. The rules shall ensure the adequacy of emergency medical care for children relative to:

(1) equipment for ambulances and facilities;

(2) qualifications of personnel; and

(3) continuing professional education.

The rules shall take into account the size and location of facilities and shall ensure appropriate triage, stabilization and referral of patients.

On or before July 1, 1999, and annually thereafter, the Emergency Medical Services Board and the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities shall jointly prepare a report on the current status of emergency medical services for children and on continuing efforts to improve such services. The joint report shall be submitted to the General Welfare Committee of the Senate, to the Health and Human Resources Committee of the House of Representatives, and to the Select Committee on Children and Youth.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.