(a) For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(1) “EMSC Program” means the Emergency Medical Services For Children Program administered by the authority.
(2) “Technical advisory committee” means a multidisciplinary committee with pediatric emergency medical services, pediatric critical care, or other related expertise.
(3) “EMSC component” means the part of the local agency’s EMS plan that outlines the training, transportation, basic and advanced life support care requirements, and emergency department and hospital pediatric capabilities within a local jurisdiction.
(b) Contingent upon available funding, an Emergency Medical Services For Children Program is hereby established within the authority.
(c) The authority shall do the following to implement the EMSC Program:
(1) Employ or contract with professional, technical, research, and clerical staff as necessary to implement this chapter.
(2) Provide advice and technical assistance to local EMS agencies on the integration of an EMSC Program into their EMS system.
(3) Oversee implementation of the EMSC Program by local EMS agencies.
(4) Establish an EMSC technical advisory committee.
(5) Facilitate cooperative interstate relationships to provide appropriate care for pediatric patients who must cross state borders to receive emergency and critical care services.
(6) Work cooperatively and in a coordinated manner with the State Department of Health Services and other public and private agencies in the development of standards and policies for the delivery of emergency and critical care services to children.
(7) On or before March 1, 2000, produce a report for the Legislature describing any progress on implementation of this chapter. The report shall contain, but not be limited to, a description of the status of emergency medical services for children at both the state and local levels, the recommendation for training, protocols, and special medical equipment for emergency services for children, an estimate of the costs and benefits of the services and programs authorized by this chapter, and a calculation of the number of children served by the EMSC system.
(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 171, Sec. 3. Effective August 10, 2001.)