Gianforte and Loebsack’s Rural EMS Bill Now Law

WASHINGTON – President Trump today signed into law the Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act of 2018. Congressmen Gianforte and Loebsack’s bipartisan law reauthorizes a federal grant program that helps rural communities and the EMS providers that serve them. “Our rural EMS providers are the first line of care for Americans in more remote areas who face a medical emergency,” Gianforte said. “The SIREN Act provides access to resources so that EMS providers in our rural areas have the training and equipment they need to get the job done. I appreciate working with Congressman Loebsack to get the SIREN Act signed into law.” “Patients in rural areas have the same medical conditions requiring an emergency response as those in urban areas do, however many rural EMS agencies face unique challenges in delivering quality care,” said Loebsack. “I am pleased to have worked with Rep. Gianforte to get this bipartisan legislation signed into law to invest in our rural communities and ensure they have the tools necessary to treat patients no matter where they live.” The SIREN Act creates a $10 million grant program for EMS agencies in rural areas to help address issues they face, including personnel recruitment and retention, providing continuing education and preparedness training, purchasing updated equipment, maintaining adequate coverage during prolonged transport times, and obtaining qualified medical oversight. The SIREN Act was included in the 2018 Farm Bill, which President Trump signed into law.