NYSAFC: Glucometer Law Not So Sweet

The New York State Fire Chiefs is disappointed about a recent law exempting volunteer fire department ambulances from a $200 application fee to register for blood glucose testing. The bill, signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo after being sponsored by Senator Kemp Hannon (S.4361) and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (A.6121), exempts only fire departments that operate ambulances under Section 209(b) of New York State General Municipal Law.

"This exemption covers only 20 percent of fire departments in New York state," says NYSAFC EMS Director Mike McEvoy, "and was developed without consultation from our members." McEvoy noted that, "467 of the 700 first response agencies in New York are fire departments and 475 of 1,100 ambulances are operated by fire departments. The law does not exempt any first response fire department and fails to cover the many fire department ambulances not operated under 209(b). It seems odd that first responders, who arrive before ambulances and often carry glucometers, were not even considered for exemption."

NYSAFC has called on the bill sponsors and the governor to remedy their oversight and offered to assist in assuring that future legislation benefits the entire fire service.