Bill Summary: HB 7278

• Establishes a mobile integrated health care program by January 1, 2020, allowing paramedics to provide nonemergency health evaluations, treatment, monitoring, disease management education, and patient referrals within the emergency medical services system.

• Permits paramedics to transport patients to alternate destinations (non-emergency department facilities) approved by the Commissioner of Public Health in consultation with sponsor hospital medical directors.

• Adds definitions for mobile integrated health care, alternate destinations, and other emergency medical services terms to Connecticut statutes.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Public Health to establish rates for paramedic treatment and patient release services that do not involve emergency department transport, operating within scope of practice and sponsor hospital protocols.

• Expands the definition of telehealth providers to include paramedics licensed under chapter 384d, enabling them to provide telehealth services within their scope of practice.

• Effective date: July 1, 2019.