FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2015
CONTACT: Rep. Todd Novak 608.266.7502
Governor Signs Novak’s Ambulance Licensure Bill
Law Enables Timely Emergency Response across State Lines
MADISON – Earlier today, Governor Walker signed into law Assembly Bill 249 authored by Representative Todd Novak (Dodgeville). The legislation addresses an inter-state licensure reciprocity concern in Lafayette County and paves the way for timely and potentially life-saving emergency service. AB 249 is Novak’s first bill to be signed into law.
“We all know that in medical emergencies, time is of the essence. When a life is on the line, citizens shouldn’t have to wait for emergency care because of government red tape,” said Rep. Novak. “At the request of concerned constituents, I brought forward this bill to make sure that emergency services can be delivered in a timely fashion”.
The issue was first brought to light after the state Department of Health Services determined that because of a licensure difference between the two states, the Warren Illinois Ambulance Service could not provide service in Wisconsin – even if it was the closest responding unit to the Gratiot and South Wayne area.
“I’m honored to have championed this important, constituent-driven issue in the legislature,” Novak said. “One of the reasons I ran for office was to help the people of the 51st Assembly District, and I’m proud to say that this bill accomplishes that”.
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