Senate Bill 2696

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI FIRST RESPONDER ASSISTANCE, SAFETY AND TRAINING (FAST) PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER (UMMC) FOR THE PURPOSE OF COORDINATING HEALTH CARE EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE FAST PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) There is hereby established the Mississippi First Responder Assistance, Safety and Training (FAST) Program for the purpose of providing health care education and services for public safety professionals in the State of Mississippi. The program shall be directed by the Mississippi Center for Emergency Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The program shall be dedicated to providing medical care, understanding, improving and researching the health of public safety professionals in the State of Mississippi. The University of Mississippi Medical Center shall coordinate its efforts with the cooperation of local and state health and public safety agencies, offices, and organizations in Mississippi which shall assist in meeting objectives established by the program.

(2) Funding for the creation and implementation of the FAST Program shall be paid from funds specifically appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.