FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING
Emergency medical service providers primarily transport patients to emergency departments even if that isn’t the most appropriate facility for care. That’s because it’s the only way they’re able to receive reimbursement. An Indiana House committee approved a bill that would change that.
The bill would allow E-M-S providers to bring patients to non-emergency facilities, including urgent care and mental health facilities. It would also require providers to establish protocols to determine the appropriate facility for each patient.
Advocates say this bill supports Indiana’s effort to create a statewide behavioral health crisis response system through what’s known as the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model. The state currently has eight pilot sites providing crisis services 24/7.
Sydney Moulton (MOLT-in) is with the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers. She says this bill means patients don’t have to make an additional stop at an emergency room before being transferred to one of the behavioral health crisis centers.
“The implementation of this bill will significantly help fill that gap with our Community Mental Health Center and Certified Behavioral Community Health Clinics to have patients get access to care more quickly,” she said.
Moulton says these eight sites currently serve the entire state. She also says Indiana is planning to expand the program to include 16 additional sites in the next few years.
The bill now moves to the full House.
