NC H358

Establishes a Community Paramedicine Program within the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Program implements at least four sites throughout the state with preference for counties with existing community paramedic programs, with goals including improving health, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits, improving patient satisfaction, and reducing healthcare costs.

Department shall adopt rules specifying educational requirements for community paramedics, site selection criteria, payment/reimbursement systems, and outcome reporting requirements.

Appropriates $700,000 in recurring funds for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, allocated as: $210,000 each to McDowell County, New Hanover Regional, and Wake Emergency Medical Services program sites, and up to $70,000 to a fourth site selected by the Department.

Program is not an entitlement and funding is limited to amounts appropriated by the General Assembly; becomes effective July 1, 2019.