(a) For the purpose of this act, the following terms shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:

“Board”, the EMS system advisory board established in section 13 of chapter 111C of the General Laws.

“Department”, the department of public health.

“Emergent medical condition”, a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, including severe pain that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in: (i) placing the health of the individual or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child in serious jeopardy; (ii) serious impairment to bodily functions; or (iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. With respect to a pregnant woman who is having contractions that: (A) there is inadequate time to effect a safe transfer to another hospital before delivery; (B) transfer may pose a threat to the health or safety of the woman or the unborn child; or (C) an urgent, unexpected and usually dangerous situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or environment and requires immediate action.

“Emergency medical services”, the pre-hospital assessment and treatment and other services utilized in responding to an emergency or provided during the transport of patients to appropriate health care facilities as defined in regulations promulgated by the department.

“EMS”, emergency medical services.

“Emergency medical service providers”, licensed emergency medical service organizations, including municipal fire departments and private ambulance services, delivering pre-hospital care.

“Non-emergent medical condition”, a medical issue identified by emergency medical service  providers that does not require immediate treatment at an emergency department to stabilize the patient.

“Program”, the emergency medical services treat-in-place pilot program established in this act.

“Treat-in-place”, a model of emergency medical care that allows emergency medical technicians and paramedics to treat patients at the scene or through telehealth services without requiring transport to an emergency department for non-emergent medical conditions.

(b) The department, in collaboration with the board, shall establish a 3-year pilot program to test, evaluate and advance treat-in-place models for EMS in the commonwealth. The program shall: (i) improve access to EMS for aging residents; (ii) enhance patient care; (iii) reduce unnecessary emergency department visits; and (iv) create innovative financial models to support EMS systems in the commonwealth.

(c) Emergency medical services providers within the commonwealth shall be allowed to participate in the program at no additional cost. The program shall prioritize emergency medical service providers serving populations with high percentages of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries or communities with limited access to emergency departments in hospitals.

(d) Emergency medical service providers participating in the program may: (i) administer medical care at the scene of an emergency or through telehealth consultations for non-emergent conditions; (ii) coordinate follow-up care with primary care providers or urgent care clinics; or (iii) refer patients to community health resources or other appropriate services.

(e) The department shall develop and test alternative payment models for emergency medical service providers that incorporate reimbursement for treat-in-place services, in lieu of payment solely based on patient transport to an emergency department in a hospital.

(f) The department shall collaborate with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to align the program’s reimbursement structures with existing federal programs.

(g) Emergency medical service providers participating in the program shall receive financial incentives to implement and evaluate treat-in-place services effectively.

(h) Emergency medical service providers participating in the program shall collect data on patient outcomes, cost savings, patient satisfaction and other metrics as determined by the department for the annual report pursuant to subsection (k).

(i) The department shall engage with EMS organizations, health systems, health insurers and patient advocacy groups to ensure the program addresses the needs of patients, providers and communities in the commonwealth.

(j) Subject to appropriation, the department shall allocate funding necessary to support the implementation and evaluation of the program.

(k) The department shall prepare an annual report that shall include: (i) an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness in improving access to EMS care; (ii) analysis of cost savings and financial sustainability; (iii) collected data by emergency medical service providers pursuant to subsection (h); and (iv) any recommendations for expansion of the treat-in-place model or the program. The annual report shall be submitted, not later than December 31 of each year, to the governor, the chairs of the joint committee on public health, the chairs of the joint committee on health care financing and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate.