To help fill gaps in underserved communities, some emergency medical technicians could be certified to expand their roles.
A new law signed April 6 by Gov. Mark Dayton allows the creation of a new health care definition, “community paramedics,” which would allow paramedics to monitor and provide some treatment to patients with chronic disease, and perform minor medical procedures intended to prevent ambulatory or emergency room services. Sponsored by Rep. Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley) and Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont), the law allows experienced paramedics in communities to undergo 120 additional hours of training to become certified by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board as “community paramedics.” The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system recently approved the accredited training program that would teach and certify EMTs as “community paramedics.”
The law requires the human services commissioner, in consultation with representatives of emergency medical service providers, physicians and local public health agencies, to determine specified services and payment rates for community paramedics. Services provided by community paramedics would be covered by Medical Assistance. Community paramedics would be directed by a local physician.
Community paramedic definition and eligibility portions of the law take effect July 1, 2011; funding and evaluation portions take effect Aug. 1, 2011.
HF262/
SF119*/CH12
A positive balance
Omnibus health care law focuses on reform, restoring cuts and delaying pending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Looking out for children and families
Law offers new safe haven option for newborns; addresses adoption and child safety
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Caring for those who care for others
Omnibus health and human services bill remains a moving target
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
Nursing home funding models
Should residents who can afford to, pay more?
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
Minnesota Index: Smoking in the state
Facts and statistics on tobacco use in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/16/2012
Reform measures draw support
Health and human services reductions draw sharp DFL rebuke
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
Delivery of health and human services
Governor says proposal puts too many people in health care jeopardy
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Surgical precision
HHS budget — end-of-session sticking point
(view full story)
Published 5/20/2011
Advocating for patients and constituents
Nurses as legislators add their perspective to health care issues
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2011
Aiming for reform
House approves omnibus health and human services finance bill
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Omnibus game and fish bill approved
Deer hunting, two-line fishing provisions push people’s buttons
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Care for underserved communities
Community paramedic program is a ‘first of its kind’ proponents say
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
A hand up in climb out of poverty
Bipartisan initiative looks to fund expansion of ‘Circles of Support’ program
(view full story)
Published 4/1/2011
Feature: A healthier Minnesota
Long-term savings the goal of statewide improvement plan
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
At Issue: No access for all
Report says more oversight needed of state-funded non-emergency transportation
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011