Whereas, the Legislature created the Emergency Medical Services Act of 1982 to promote and provide for a comprehensive emergency medical services system to ensure optimum patient care with standards for all providers; and

Whereas, the stated mission of the Act is to develop resources to improve the professional capabilities of team members and to make emergency medical services work safe, healthful and satisfying; and

Whereas, the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, section 89, subsection 2 sets the regional councils as the primary planning and operational units of the statewide emergency medical services system; and

Whereas, the health, safety and public welfare of citizens of the State may be in serious jeopardy without additional resources; and

Whereas, the establishment of an independent study commission is necessary to assess the needs, design and structure of an emergency medical services system in the State; and

Whereas, the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to the next legislative session; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission to Study the Emergency Medical Services System, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of the following 13 members:

1. Three Senators, one of whom is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and one of whom is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice, appointed by the President of the Senate;