NC S381

Appropriates $210,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2015-2016 to establish a community paramedicine pilot project that provides community-based care to reduce nonemergency emergency room usage and unnecessary hospital admissions.

Requires the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services to set education standards and qualification requirements for community paramedics participating in the pilot program.

Establishes up to three program sites with each site eligible to receive up to $70,000 in funding, with preference given to counties with existing community paramedic programs.

Requires the Department to submit a progress report by June 1, 2016 using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Community Paramedicine Evaluation Tool.

Requires a final report by November 1, 2016 including an updated evaluation plan, cost estimates for statewide expansion, potential state fund savings, and an expansion timeline if recommended.