Emergency Medical Services Act

Emergency Medical Services Act - Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, an Emergency Medical Services Administration to be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that the Director shall establish, keep current, and from time to time publish standards to govern the operation of amublance and other emergency medical services.

Provides that such standards shall include standards and minimum requirements for: (1) the licensing of ambulance services; (2) the licensing of ambulance drivers; (3) the type and amount of equipment to be carried aboard ambulance vehicles; (4) adequate liability insurance to cover ambulance operations; (5) the performance of advisory and monitoring functions by physicians in connection with ambulance operations; (6) the filing of reports on all calls to which response is made in the provision of ambulance services; and (7) the revocation of licenses, or the imposition of other penalties, for violation of any of the standards established under this Act.

Authorizes the Director to allocate and pay to each State which qualifies an amount which reflects the needs of such State and its political subdivisions for improved ambulance services relative to the corresponding needs of other qualified States. Provides that a State is qualified for assistance under this Act with respect to any fiscal year if it has in effect throughout such year a fully implemented comprehensive ambulance program, submitted by the Governor of the State and approved by the Director, which provides for financial assistance to political subdivisions of the State or regional combinations thereof for the development and operation of ambulance services, and for the licensing of such services.

Authorizes the Director to make grants to political subdivisions of a State or combinations of such subdivisions of a State for the initial purchase of ambulance vehicles, equipment, and communication systems to be used in the provision of ambulance services by or under the supervision and auspices of such subdivision or combination.

Transfers to the Director all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation and the National Highway Safety Bureau relating to emergency medical services which are being exercised under, in connection with, or as a part of the uniform standards for State highway safety programs.

Provides that the standards established by the Director under this Act shall apply to and govern the operation of all ambulance and other emergency medical services which are provided or assisted in any way under Federal law or under programs established, carried on, or supported under Federal law. Provides that loans and grants authorized under this Act may be made only to services that meet the applicable standards established under this Act. Provides that the Director, with the approval of the Secretary, shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this Act. Provides that the Director shall annually submit to the President and the Congress a full and complete report on activities under this Act.

Authorizes to be appropriated for financial assistance for the operation of local ambulance servicesu and for the initial purchase of ambulance equipment $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes to be appropriated, for other expenses incurred by the Director and the Administration in carrying out this Act, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1976.