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Gov. Tim Walz Signs Emergency Medical Services Bill
The measure contains $24 million in one-time aid for rural ambulance services, creates a new oversight agency, and establishes an alternative emergency medical services (EMS) response model pilot program.
On May 23 Gov. Tim Walz signed Chapter 122, a bill aimed at addressing some of the challenges facing rural ambulance service providers, including some that are municipally operated. The measure contains $24 million in one-time aid for rural ambulance services, creates a new oversight agency, and establishes an alternative emergency medical services (EMS) response model pilot program. It also contains several provisions related to staffing and licensing. The League supported the bill but knows there is still work to be done.
Funding provisions
The bill contains two significant funding provisions. The first is a $24 million appropriation that will be distributed Dec. 26, 2024, to eligible ambulance services based on a formula. The formula considers the square mileage of primary service areas (PSAs) and response volumes. It is aimed at getting emergency relief to rural ambulance services.
Ambulance services will need to apply for the aid by Sept. 16, 2024. More information regarding the application process will be provided by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB), the state regulatory board currently responsible for EMS oversight, as it becomes available.
The League is not distributing EMS aid estimates at this time. The EMSRB notes in a May 21, 2024, memorandum (pdf) that “While estimates and projections may be made, the final aid amounts to be received by each ambulance service cannot be confirmed until the application window closes and calculations are performed by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. These calculations will be based on the number of eligible ambulance services that apply, the information provided on the application, and data points provided to the Department of Revenue by EMSRB.”
The second appropriation is $6 million for two alternative EMS response model pilot program. The pilots will occur in Grant, Ottertail, and St. Louis Counties. This would allow paramedics to drive standard vehicles directly to medical emergencies so patients can begin receiving care while ambulance crews are assembling.
New oversight agency
The bill also creates a new oversight agency for EMS called the Office of EMS. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, this office will replace the EMSRB. The governor will appoint the director of the office, and several divisions and advisory councils will inform and support operations.
Staffing provisions
The package contains several provisions related to EMS staffing. The provisions are aimed at improving recruitment and retention by providing more flexibility. This includes allowing an ambulance service to apply for a variance to staff their ambulances with one individual who is an emergency medical technician, or a registered nurse or physician’s assistant that meets certain requirements. These provisions are outlined in a May 29, 2024 EMSRB memorandum (pdf).
Looking ahead
The League is encouraged by the passage of Chapter 122; however, challenges in delivering ambulance services persist. The League is continuing to convene a task force to make recommendations about how to legislatively and administratively address regional and statewide EMS challenges that have emerged in recent years.
Read about the League’s task force to address challenges to EMS delivery and sustainability.
The League anticipates additional discussions and legislation during the 2025 session.