Beginning this September, Indiana will become only the third state in the nation to end routine hospital diversions.

State health officials, EMS providers, and hospital leaders agreed to eliminate the practice of redirecting ambulances during emergency room crowding-a trend that grew significantly during the pandemic.

Officials say diversion often leads to longer transport times, EMS shortages, and delayed care.

Under the new policy, hospitals can only divert ambulances during major disasters or critical infrastructure failures.