This is probably one of the most niche blog and podcast that has been done for a while, but it is a special one given the work that has been put into this particular topic. This has been a long term goal that has finally made some real progress recently.
It is worth a little bit of background to explain why PAs can play a role in EMS. Given, much of the same can be applied to physicians and nurse practitioners. However, PAs have had some ground that they had to catch up on across the country.
It has been a long time since this was actually discussed on the podcast. In fact, a little over three years ago during an interview with Kevin Burns for Podcast #48. At that time, ground had been regained for flight EMS when CAMTS added PAs to the11th Edition of their Accreditation Standards as accepted clinical crew. AAPA also made an announcement regarding this important advancement. Two bills have been signed that affect PA practice for EMS in Missouri this year. Both are fairly similar with HB 2046 being signed by Governor Mike Parson on July 6, 2020 and HB 1682 being signed on July 13, 2020 (yesterday). The text forHB 2046 and HB 1682 have been linked. Both bills contain language allowing for PAs to staff ambulances without the need for a specific EMT license. Additionally, when treating patients on an ambulance, PAs are exempt from any mileage limitations in any collaborative arrangement prescribed under law. Why is all of this important? It allows for PAs to now officially act in their capacity versus being limited to the role of an EMT, paramedic, or other previously qualified license. PAs are now able to provide more complete patient care in the prehospital arena. This can include reducing burden to an EMS system from low acuity patients by treating them in the field and it also allows to provide advanced care allowed in their scope of practice for high acuity patients. Ground is still being gained to help better define medical control and being able to potentially serve as a medical director for an agency among other future goals in Missouri. There is also a lot of work ahead to enact similar legislation in other states. However, this is an important step in the right direction. Let us know what you think by giving us feedback here in the comments section or contacting us on Twitter or Facebook. Remember to look us up on Libsyn and on Apple Podcasts. If you have any questions you can also comment below, email at thetotalem@gmail.com, or send a message from the page. We hope to talk to everyone again soon. Until then, continue to provide total care everywhere. 
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