Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) to reauthorize the only federal program focused on enhancing emergency health care for children and adolescents recently became law with President Joe Biden’s signature.
“I am proud to lead this important bill reauthorizing the program, which is now law, and will continue supporting policies that promote children’s health and well-being,” Rep. Carter said in a Jan. 2 statement.
The president on Dec. 23, 2024 enacted the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024, H.R. 6960, which Rep. Carter sponsored in January 2024 alongside original cosponsors including U.S. Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL).
The new law reauthorizes the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) State Partnership Program through fiscal year 2029. Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program awards grants to state governments and medical schools to support emergency medical services for children who need treatment for trauma or critical care, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
“As a pharmacist, I understand how critical it is that children receive high-quality care that is specialized to their unique needs,” said Rep. Carter. “The EMSC program has proven effective at saving lives and provides all hospitals with the resources necessary to treat young patients.”
Rep. Castor pointed out that the EMSC reauthorization builds on 40 years of research and care to seriously ill and injured children to ensure that — no matter where a child lives — the health systems in their area provide quality emergency care services.
“As the co-chair of the Children’s Health Care Caucus and representative of several major children’s hospitals, I know that reauthorizing EMSC is a critical step toward improved outcomes and fully prepared pediatric specialists,” she said.
The bill received support from numerous organizations, including the Children’s Hospital Association, the Emergency Nurses Association, the Academic Pediatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of State EMS Officials, among many others.