OKLAHOMA CITY –Freshman Rep. Arturo Alonso Sandoval, D- Oklahoma City said he wants more Oklahomans to have access to high-quality emergency medical care.

“This bill allows licensed Emergency Medical Service providers to practice across state lines. This will especially benefit underserved populations with a shortage of medical professionals like border towns and rural areas,” Rep. Alonso-Sandoval said.

The bill passed the House floor Tuesday and is headed to the Senate for consideration.

The measure authorizes Oklahoma to become a member state of the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact. The compact will increase public access to EMS personnel, enhance patient safety and encourage participation among other member states.

“On Tuesday, I passed my first bill out of the House chamber! Thank you to all of the legislators that helped me pass this bill UNANIMOUSLY with bipartisan support,” Rep. Alonso-Sandoval added.