CA SB438

Prohibits public agencies from delegating 911 call processing services for emergency dispatch to non-public agencies, except for joint powers authorities and agencies that had existing contracts before January 1, 2019.

Requires public safety agencies providing 911 call processing for medical response to establish connections to EMS provider dispatch centers and may recover actual costs for establishing and maintaining these connections.

Mandates that EMS providers within a jurisdiction be simultaneously notified and dispatched at the same response mode unless a local EMS agency has approved an alternative tiered response program.

Requires local EMS agencies to review and approve or deny public safety agency plans to implement emergency medical dispatcher or advanced life support programs within 90 days, with appeal rights available to public safety agencies.

Clarifies that local EMS agency medical control does not limit public safety agencies' authority to receive 911 calls, unilaterally reduce response modes, prevent emergency response, or alter emergency resource deployment within their jurisdiction.