MN HF2473

Establishes a rural ambulance service staffing grant program administered by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board to award grants for staffing costs.

Defines eligible rural ambulance services as publicly owned or nonprofit organizations located outside metropolitan counties and five specified cities, with at least 60 percent volunteer staffing in the prior calendar year.

Grant money may only be used for salary and benefits of EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics up to 168 hours per week at a maximum rate of $26 per employee per hour in fiscal year 2024, with annual inflation adjustments thereafter based on Consumer Price Index.

Appropriates $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 from the general fund to the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board for the program.