HB1767

House Bill 1767 mandates the abolition of the current Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council in Arkansas and replaces it with an Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee within the Department of Health. The bill transfers all existing powers, duties, functions, records, and financial responsibilities of the council to the new committee and the Department of Health. Existing rules, regulations, and licensing standards established by the previous council will remain in effect until amended or repealed by the state. The legislation also updates various sections of the Arkansas Code to reflect the name change from 'council' to 'committee' and clarifies the Department of Health's authority over administrative and grant-related activities for emergency medical services. Finally, it repeals the original statutes creating the council, effectively consolidating oversight authority within the Department of Health and the newly formed advisory committee.