PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A bill opposed by rural ambulance providers across South Dakota has passed the House Health and Human Services Committee.  H-B 1097 would allow an air ambulance provider to make interfacility transfers of patients.  Both sides met after an hour of testimony Tuesday to provide an amendment that Tim Rave with the South Dakota Association of Health Care Organizations focuses the bill.

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding testified against the bill Tuesday but shifted his stance because of the amendment.

Sturgis Ambulance Director Shawn Fischer says the state’s rural ambulance services want to have a conversation and bring the issue back to the administrative rules process, like originally proposed.

House Bill 1097 was transported to the House floor on an 11 to two vote.