Copyright 2015 linkinglewiscounty.com  all rights reserved       privacy policy here
Video: Area Volunteer Firefighters Gather in
Lowville to Discuss 2018 Legislative Agenda
01/07/18 07:30pm
Shop for 2016 NFL Drafted Player Jerseys at NFLShop.com
Google Suggested Content:
                                                                            linkinglewiscounty.com
Lewis County's 24/7 Home for News,
Sports, Weather, Events &  More
    Lowville, NY- A few dozen volunteer firefighters, representing departments
    from throughout the north country, gathered at the Lowville Fire Hall this
    afternoon for an presentation from the Firemen's Association of the State on
    New York(FASNY) 2018 legislative agenda. Representatives from the offices of
    State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush and State Senator Patty Ritchie were
    also in attendance.

    The session provided an overview of issues relating to local volunteer first
    responders that FASNY will lobby for during the 2018 New York State
    legislative session. Paul Zuber, representing FASNY's legislative affairs,
    delivered the presentation and covered a number of topics.

    A primary focus is a bill that would allow fire departments to bill for providing
    emergency medical services (EMS). Currently, standalone volunteer
    ambulance services and private ambulance companies can bill patients and/or
    their insurers for their services, while volunteer fire departments providing EMS
    ambulance services can not.

    The 'Fair Play' Cost Recovery for Fire Department Ambulance Services bill,
    currently in committee in both the State Senate and Assembly, would even the
    playing field by allowing- but not mandating- volunteer departments to bill for
    these services if they choose, FASNY officials said.  EMS calls can be complex
    and require a heavy investment in training, equipment, time, and manpower to
    meet the demands of providing coverage, which can be costly officials said.

    Local FASNY representatives would also like to see the legislation signed last
    year expanding cancer coverage expanded further.

    The rest of the agenda items are included below, along with the full video of
    the presentation.