As a dedicated paramedic and an owner of an IV therapy company in Texas, I am personally impacted by the proposed HB 3749, which seeks to exclude paramedics from providing IV hydration therapy. Every day, my team and I work tirelessly to offer this essential service to our community, helping individuals improve their health and wellbeing through alternative medical solutions before they reach a stage where serious medications become necessary.

However, with the passing of HB 3749, not only will I be forced to cease offering these vital services, but I will also face the heart-wrenching decision of having to let go of talented and committed paramedics who work under the oversight of licensed physicians. This decision will not only affect me and my employees but also the countless Texans who rely on our services.

Paramedics in Texas, certified under the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), undergo extensive training in IV therapy, pharmacology, and patient monitoring. According to the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 157, licensed physicians are granted the authority to delegate medical tasks, such as IV Administration, to qualified providers including paramedics. The proposed changes undermine this delegation, disregarding the valuable skills and training paramedics provide in emergency and non-emergency settings alike.

By amending HB 3749 to explicitly include licensed paramedics in the provision of IV therapy under physician oversight, we can ensure that Texas residents continue to have access to safe and effective healthcare services. We urge lawmakers to recognize the critical role paramedics play in the healthcare system and to support this amendment, allowing us to continue delivering quality care to those in need.

Sign this petition to call on Texas legislators to amend HB 3749 and protect the role of paramedics in IV therapy provision, safeguarding jobs and health services in our community.