OR HB3572

Emergency Medical Services Program must develop a 10-year strategic plan by December 31, 2026, addressing workforce staffing targets, rural access minimums, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement gaps, and whether Oregon should join the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact; strategic plan provisions sunset January 2, 2037.

Regional EMS advisory boards may receive up to $1 million each for innovation proposals to fund workforce pilot programs, infrastructure improvements, or equipment investments within their designated regions.

EMS providers licensed at levels requiring an associate degree are eligible for loan repayment subsidies (up to $500,000 total per biennium) and reimbursement of up to 100% of licensing costs (up to $500,000 total per biennium); these subsidies sunset January 2, 2030.

Governor gains authority to mobilize and deploy EMS resources statewide during emergencies, with the State Fire Marshal serving as backup; an EMS Mobilization Advisory Board is established to prepare deployment plans, and the state assumes liability for equipment loss/damage and personnel compensation during mobilization.

$9 million General Fund appropriation for the 2025-2027 biennium to the new Emergency Medical Services Program Fund; Criminal Fine Account allocations may also be directed to this fund.