AR HB1958

Amends the definition of "nonemergency ambulance services" to clarify that it does not include transportation provided by licensed hospitals and nursing homes that own and operate ambulances for their own admitted patients or residents.

Modifies local regulation authority to exempt ambulances owned and operated by licensed hospitals for their own admitted patients from local regulation, except under specific circumstances outlined in the bill.

Allows patients to choose between a regulating city's emergency medical service or a hospital-owned emergency medical service for transports originating from medical facilities outside the city.

Permits cities to regulate patient transports by emergency medical service providers holding an existing special purpose license from the Department of Health as of the bill's effective date.

Authorizes cities to regulate patient transports arranged through mutual aid agreements between franchised emergency medical service providers and third-party ambulance services, including hospital-owned ambulances, when the franchised provider cannot provide timely service.