An ambulance ride is never easy, but it could be easier because of a bill co-sponsored by Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton of Cortez that passed from the House to the Senate this week.

The Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act ensures that paramedics and other emergency medical service providers can provide necessary drugs en route to the hospital, as long as they maintain physician oversight. The law would protect EMS agencies from liability.

“Too often, our federal laws and regulations do not keep pace with innovation,” Tipton said in a statement Wednesday. “I’m pleased that the House has acted to clarify existing controlled substances laws to make sure that our EMS personnel can provide the best possible care for Coloradans in emergency situations.”

Tipton is one of 135 House co-sponsors, but the only one from Colorado’s seven-member delegation.

This legislation was supported by the American Ambulance Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians. the Association of Air Medical Services. the Association of Critical Care Transport, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Association of EMS Physicians, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and the National Association of State EMS Officials.