CA AB1544

Establishes the Community Paramedicine or Triage to Alternate Destination Act of 2020, operating until January 1, 2024, authorizing local EMS agencies to develop programs providing community paramedicine and triage services under state standards and oversight.

Requires the Emergency Medical Services Authority to develop regulations and minimum standards for community paramedicine programs (including tuberculosis therapy and case management for frequent EMS users) and triage to alternate destination programs (including hospice care, mental health facility transport, and sobering center transport).

Mandates the authority approve or deny proposed programs within 6 months, establish an oversight advisory committee by March 1, 2021, and submit annual reports to the Legislature with a final independent evaluation by April 1, 2023.

Increases the Commission on Emergency Medical Services membership from 18 to 19 members and modifies appointment procedures for certain positions.

Prohibits unauthorized persons or organizations from providing these services and requires community paramedics and triage paramedics to be certified, accredited, and employed by authorized providers.