MN SF1543

Authorizes Medical Assistance coverage for services provided by community paramedics certified under Minnesota Statutes section 144E.28, subdivision 9

Limits coverage to eligible recipients who have used hospital emergency department services three or more times in four consecutive months during the past 12 months, or who are identified by their primary health care provider as likely to benefit from community paramedic services to prevent facility admission or readmission

Requires community paramedic services to be part of a care plan ordered by a primary health care provider in consultation with an ambulance service medical director and billed by an enrolled medical assistance provider

Specifies covered services include health assessment, chronic disease monitoring and education, medication compliance, immunizations and vaccinations, laboratory specimen collection, hospital discharge follow-up care, and minor medical procedures approved by the ambulance medical director

Requires commissioner to seek federal approval for implementation; effective July 1, 2012, or upon federal approval, whichever is later