New California Legislation Improves Access to Emergency Services

Tribes across California can now have greater autonomy in healthcare access and emergency services.

That’s the promise of a new California law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 24, giving tribes the ability to certify and regulate their own ambulances. This allows tribal fire departments to increase their fleet and provide emergency services with quicker response times.

The new development is being applauded by tribal leaders like San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman Ken Ramirez who says Native American communities need better access to medical care.

“Our challenges of licensing an ambulance on the reservation are not isolated to San Manuel but are universally faced by tribes across the state,” Ramirez said. “By working government-to-government with the state on this legislation, we help our brother and sister tribes save lives today and well into the future as they grow and develop their emergency services.”

Assembly Bill 798 was sponsored by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and carried by Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland). The bill recognizes the right of tribal governments to self-certify their own ambulances, significantly reducing the time needed to license ambulances through outside agencies.

AB 798 was part of a package of legislation signed by Governor Newsom on the 54th annual Native American Day that honored the histories and cultures of California Native peoples. Newsom said the action sends a powerful message of the state’s commitment to reckoning with its past and working to advance future built on inclusion and equity.

“I’m proud to sign this long overdue legislation to honor the Native peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial and to further our important work in partnership with Native American communities to tackle the multi-faceted challenges facing California,” Newsom said.

One of the biggest challenges facing Native American communities is adequate healthcare and emergency services. According to Indian Health Service, Native Americans have a life expectancy that’s five years less than other Americans, with higher death rates from chronic liver disease, diabetes, injuries, and accidents. Due to the pandemic, high call volume paired with the shortage of paramedic workers slowed emergency response time to reservations.

That could soon change if the new law hits its mark.

Ramos said the bill helps ensure that Indian reservations have the prompt medical, fire, and other lifesaving response services they need when minutes count.

“COVID 19 exposed many gaps in essential services to Native Americans that other Californians take for granted,” he said. “Access to emergency response vehicles is an example of those gaps. Rebuilding a stronger California post-pandemic demands addressing these gaps.”