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Pa. House GOP aims to establish EMS Commissioner Office following audit

House Republicans advanced House Bill 1491 to overhaul EMS oversight in Pennsylvania, creating an independent Office of EMS Commissioner inside the Pennsylvania Department of Health and adding a dedicated EMS budget line and advisory board.
Auditors issued 18 recommendations after a four‑year distribution review, with Auditor General DeFoor saying many were repeatedly ignored over 15 years, involving $29.3 million during the audit period.
With providers stretched, lawmakers stressed EMSOF funds must support training, staffing, equipment and patient care, and Rep. Michael Stender urged reforms so EMS professionals are heard and funding managed responsibly.
Calls to hold the Department of Health accountable intensified after auditors said internal controls were lacking and lawmakers insisted on accountability as local EMS providers face tighter budgets.
Co-Sponsors including Reps. Kerry Benninghoff, Tina Pickett and Michael Stender joined Rep. Martin Causer, state representative , to back House Bill 1491 through the committee.

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Pa. House GOP aims to establish EMS Commissioner Office following audit

After an audit questioned the Department of Health’s handling of Emergency Medical Services funds, the Pa. House GOP is pushing to develop an independent EMS office modeled after the Fire Commissioner’s Office.

5 days ago·Calhoun, United States

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