Type of Intervention: Executive Order
Sectors Involved: Civil Defence, Health
Intervention Categories: Legal and policy; Regulatory change
Level of Jurisdiction: Texas
Lead People/Agency: Governor of the State of Texas
Overview: Governor Greg Abbott today suspended regulations to increase the amount of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers and first responders in Texas during the state’s response to COVID-19. Under the Governor’s direction, local medical directors for licensed EMS providers can permit individuals who are qualified, though not formally certified, to provide critical emergency response services for patients treated and transported by the EMS provider.
Full details here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-suspends-regulations-to-increase-ems-first-responder-workforce
Type of Justification: Perception of an increased threat
Evidence/Justification: Our EMS providers and first responders play a critical role in the front-line fight against COVID-19, and these waivers remove barriers that could otherwise prevent a much-needed availability of essential EMS workers and first responders in our communities, said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is committed to supporting the EMS and first responder workforce and maximizing the number of available response services for Texans.