State Representative Dave Prestin today celebrated as the Michigan state Senate approved his legislation to give small Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance services greater flexibility to deliver advanced care.

“After years on the front lines as a paramedic, firefighter, and volunteer first responder, I’ve seen firsthand how rigid rules can delay lifesaving care,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “This bill cuts through the bureaucracy. When a trained paramedic is on the rig in our rural communities, where every minute counts, they should be able to use those advanced skills instead of being held back by the vehicle’s base license level.”

House Bill 5249 creates an Adaptive Care License that allows qualifying BLS services to temporarily operate at the Limited Advanced Life Support level when they can properly staff and equip at least one ambulance. This targeted flexibility enables EMS providers to deliver critical interventions during transport without being constrained by 24/7 staffing requirements.

Current state law requires ambulance services to deliver their licensed level of care on a continuous 24/7 basis. As a result, many smaller agencies are unable to offer higher levels of care even when qualified personnel and equipment are available for specific shifts or calls. HB 5249 addresses this by tying the Adaptive Care License to the service’s ability to meet requirements on a per-ambulance, as-needed basis rather than mandating full-time advanced staffing.

“This is common sense reform that puts patients first,” Prestin added. “In areas where hospital transport can take an hour or more, the ability to provide advanced care en route can prevent complications, reduce risky emergency runs, and improve survival rates. Small EMS agencies across northern Michigan have been asking for this kind of practical solution.”

The bill previously passed the House with strong support and now advances to the Governor’s desk following the Senate’s approval.