A legislative committee in Maine has approved a proposal designed to help rural hospitals in the state hire more emergency medical technicians.
The bill clarifies state law to allow the EMTs to practice within the scope of their training under the employment of a hospital, supporters said in a statement. The Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee unanimously approved the proposal last week.
The proposal was made on behalf of Cary Medical Center in Caribou in northern Maine. The bill's sponsor, Democratic Senate President Troy Jackson, said the change will help fill gaps in the state's healthcare worker shortage.
Some hospitals in Maine are hoping to hire EMTs and paramedics to address the workforce shortage. The proposal will now head to the full Maine Legislature for a vote.
