The Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety advanced Bill 36-0346, a proposal to establish a territory-wide emergency medical services system under Department of Health regulation.
The bill would set licensing requirements for EMS personnel and agencies, standards for ambulances, training and medical supervision, and rules for data reporting, quality review and enforcement. It also calls for a system plan within one year and twice-yearly updates.
Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion supported the framework while asking lawmakers to address implementation needs including staffing, technology, training, inspections, data systems and funding. The bill authorizes regulatory fees, but the hearing did not establish that those fees would cover the full cost.
Committee approval does not make the proposal law. The measure next goes to the Rules and Judiciary Committee and would still require full Senate passage and action by the governor; a separate EMS governing-board bill is also expected.
The Legislature and Health Department should publish the draft system plan, implementation cost, staffing model, inspection schedule and response-time benchmarks before final passage.
Source published October 19, 2026; publication time not displayed. Read the original reporting or release for the complete record.
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