2008 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 144E. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES REGULATORY BOARD

GENERAL PROVISIONS

144E.001 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of sections 144E.001 to 144E.52, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 1a.Advanced airway management.

"Advanced airway management" means insertion of an endotracheal tube or creation of a surgical airway.

Subd. 1b.Advanced life support.

"Advanced life support" means rendering basic life support and rendering intravenous therapy, drug therapy, intubation, and defibrillation as outlined in the United States Department of Transportation emergency medical technician-paramedic curriculum or its equivalent, as approved by the board.

Subd. 2.Ambulance.

"Ambulance" means any vehicle designed or intended for and actually used in providing ambulance service to ill or injured persons or expectant mothers.

Subd. 3.Ambulance service.

"Ambulance service" means transportation and treatment which is rendered or offered to be rendered preliminary to or during transportation to, from, or between health care facilities for ill or injured persons or expectant mothers. The term includes all transportation involving the use of a stretcher, unless the person to be transported is not likely to require medical treatment during the course of transport.

Subd. 3a.Ambulance service personnel.

"Ambulance service personnel" means individuals who are authorized by a licensed ambulance service to provide emergency care for the ambulance service and are:

(1) EMTs, EMT-Is, or EMT-Ps;

(2) Minnesota registered nurses who are: (i) EMTs, are currently practicing nursing, and have passed a paramedic practical skills test, as approved by the board and administered by a training program approved by the board; (ii) on the roster of an ambulance service on or before January 1, 2000; or (iii) after petitioning the board, deemed by the board to have training and skills equivalent to an EMT, as determined on a case-by-case basis; or

(3) Minnesota registered physician assistants who are: (i) EMTs, are currently practicing as physician assistants, and have passed a paramedic practical skills test, as approved by the board and administered by a training program approved by the board; (ii) on the roster of an ambulance service on or before January 1, 2000; or (iii) after petitioning the board, deemed by the board to have training and skills equivalent to an EMT, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Subd. 4.Base of operations.

"Base of operations" means the address at which the physical plant housing ambulances, related equipment, and personnel is located.

Subd. 4a.Basic airway management.

"Basic airway management" means:

(1) resuscitation by mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask, bag valve mask, or oxygen powered ventilators; or

(2) insertion of an oropharyngeal, nasal pharyngeal, esophageal obturator airway, esophageal tracheal airway, or esophageal gastric tube airway.

Subd. 4b.Basic life support.

"Basic life support" means rendering basic-level emergency care, including, but not limited to, basic airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, controlling shock and bleeding, and splinting fractures, as outlined in the United States Department of Transportation emergency medical technician-basic curriculum or its equivalent, as approved by the board.

Subd. 5.Board.

"Board" means the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

Subd. 5a.Clinical training site.

"Clinical training site" means a licensed health care facility.

Subd. 5b.Defibrillator.

"Defibrillator" means an automatic, semiautomatic, or manual device that delivers an electric shock at a preset voltage to the myocardium through the chest wall and that is used to restore the normal cardiac rhythm and rate when the heart has stopped beating or is fibrillating.

Subd. 5c.Emergency medical technician or EMT.

"Emergency medical technician" or "EMT" means a person who has successfully completed the United States Department of Transportation emergency medical technician-basic course or its equivalent, as approved by the board, and has been issued valid certification by the board.

Subd. 5d.Emergency medical technician-intermediate or EMT-I.

"Emergency medical technician-intermediate" or "EMT-I" means a person who has successfully completed the United States Department of Transportation emergency medical technician-intermediate course or its equivalent, as approved by the board, and has been issued valid certification by the board.

Subd. 5e.Emergency medical technician-paramedic or EMT-P.

"Emergency medical technician-paramedic" or "EMT-P" means a person who has successfully completed the United States Department of Transportation emergency medical technician course-paramedic or its equivalent, as approved by the board, and has been issued valid certification by the board.

Subd. 6.First responder.

"First responder" means an individual who is registered by the board to perform, at a minimum, basic emergency skills before the arrival of a licensed ambulance service, and is a member of an organized service recognized by a local political subdivision whose primary responsibility is to respond to medical emergencies to provide initial medical care before the arrival of a licensed ambulance service.

Subd. 7.License.

"License" means authority granted by the board for the operation of an ambulance service in the state of Minnesota.

Subd. 8.Licensee.

"Licensee" means a natural person, partnership, association, corporation, Indian tribe, or unit of government which possesses an ambulance service license.

Subd. 8a.Medical control.

"Medical control" means direction by a physician or a physician's designee of out-of-hospital emergency medical care.

Subd. 9.Municipality.

"Municipality" means any city of any class, however organized, and any town.

Subd. 9a.Part-time advanced life support.

"Part-time advanced life support" means rendering basic life support and advanced life support for less than 24 hours of every day.

Subd. 9b.Physician.

"Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine under chapter 147.

Subd. 9c.Physician assistant.

"Physician assistant" means a person registered to practice as a physician assistant under chapter 147A.

Subd. 9d.Prehospital care data.

"Prehospital care data" means information collected by ambulance service personnel about the circumstances related to an emergency response and patient care activities provided by the ambulance service personnel in a prehospital setting.

Subd. 10.Primary service area.

"Primary service area" means the geographic area that can reasonably be served by an ambulance service.

Subd. 11.Program medical director.

"Program medical director" means a physician who is responsible for ensuring an accurate and thorough presentation of the medical content of an emergency care training program; certifying that each student has successfully completed the training course; and in conjunction with the program coordinator, planning the clinical training.

Subd. 12.Registered nurse.

"Registered nurse" means a person licensed to practice professional nursing under chapter 148.

Subd. 13.Standing order.

"Standing order" means a type of medical protocol that provides specific, written orders for actions, techniques, or drug administration when communication has not been established for direct medical control.

Subd. 14.Training program coordinator.

"Training program coordinator" means an individual who serves as the administrator of an emergency care training program and who is responsible for planning, conducting, and evaluating the program; selecting students and instructors; documenting and maintaining records; developing a curriculum; and assisting in the coordination of examination sessions and clinical training.

Subd. 14a.Tribe.

"Tribe" means a federally recognized Indian tribe, as defined in United States Code, title 25, section 450b, paragraph (e), located within the state of Minnesota.

Subd. 15.Volunteer ambulance attendant.

"Volunteer ambulance attendant" means a person who provides emergency medical services for a Minnesota licensed ambulance service without the expectation of remuneration and who does not depend in any way upon the provision of these services for the person's livelihood. An individual may be considered a volunteer ambulance attendant even though the individual receives an hourly stipend for each hour of actual service provided, except for hours on standby alert, or other nominal fee, and even though the hourly stipend or other nominal fee is regarded as taxable income for purposes of state or federal law, provided that the hourly stipend and other nominal fees do not exceed $6,000 annually.

History:

1997 c 199 s 1; 1999 c 8 s 1; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 4-22; 2005 c 147 art 10 s 1-3

144E.01 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES REGULATORY BOARD.

Subdivision 1. Membership.

(a) The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board consists of the following members, all of whom must work in Minnesota, except for the person listed in clause (14):

(1) an emergency physician certified by the American Board of Emergency Physicians;

(2) a representative of Minnesota hospitals;

(3) a representative of fire chiefs;

(4) a full-time firefighter who serves as a first responder and who is a member of a professional firefighter's union;

(5) a volunteer firefighter who serves as a first responder;

(6) an attendant currently practicing on a licensed ambulance service who is a paramedic or an emergency medical technician;

(7) an ambulance director for a licensed ambulance service;

(8) a representative of sheriffs;

(9) a member of a local board of health to represent community health services;

(10) two representatives of regional emergency medical services programs, one of whom must be from the metropolitan regional emergency medical services program;

(11) a registered nurse currently practicing in a hospital emergency department;

(12) a pediatrician, certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, with experience in emergency medical services;

(13) a family practice physician who is currently involved in emergency medical services;

(14) a public member who resides in Minnesota; and

(15) the commissioners of health and public safety or their designees.

(b) The governor shall appoint members under paragraph (a). Appointments under clauses (1) to (9) and (11) to (13) are subject to the advice and consent of the senate. In making appointments under clauses (1) to (9) and (11) to (13), the governor shall consider recommendations of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Minnesota Hospital Association, the Minnesota and State Fire Chief's Association, the Minnesota Ambulance Association, the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Association, the Minnesota State Sheriff's Association, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Nurses Association, and the Minnesota chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics.

(c) At least seven members appointed under paragraph (a) must reside outside of the seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121.

Subd. 2.Ex officio members.

The speaker of the house and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the senate shall appoint one representative and one senator to serve as ex officio, nonvoting members.

Subd. 3.Chair.

The governor shall designate one of the members appointed under subdivision 1 as chair of the board.

Subd. 4.Compensation; terms.

Membership terms, compensation, and removal of members appointed under subdivision 1, are governed by section 15.0575.

Subd. 5.Staff.

The board shall appoint an executive director who shall serve in the unclassified service and may appoint other staff. The service of the executive director shall be subject to the terms described in section 214.04, subdivision 2a.

Subd. 6.Duties of board.

(a) The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board shall:

(1) administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and other duties as assigned to the board;

(2) advise applicants for state or federal emergency medical services funds, review and comment on such applications, and approve the use of such funds unless otherwise required by federal law;

(3) make recommendations to the legislature on improving the access, delivery, and effectiveness of the state's emergency medical services delivery system; and

(4) establish procedures for investigating, hearing, and resolving complaints against emergency medical services providers.

(b) The Emergency Medical Services Board may prepare an initial work plan, which may be updated biennially. The work plan may include provisions to:

(1) prepare an emergency medical services assessment which addresses issues affecting the statewide delivery system;

(2) establish a statewide public information and education system regarding emergency medical services;

(3) create, in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety, a statewide injury and trauma prevention program; and

(4) designate an annual emergency medical services personnel recognition day.

Subd. 7.Conflict of interest.

No member of the Emergency Medical Services Board may participate or vote in board proceedings in which the member has a direct conflict of interest, financial or otherwise.

History:

1995 c 207 art 9 s 35; 1996 c 324 s 2; 2004 c 144 s 1; 2004 c 279 art 11 s 1; 2008 c 156 s 1

144E.05 GENERAL AUTHORITY.

Subdivision 1.Grants or gifts.

The board may accept grants or gifts of money, property, or services from a person, a public or private entity, or any other source for an emergency medical health purpose within the scope of its statutory authority.

Subd. 2.Contracts.

The board may enter into contractual agreements with a person or public or private entity for the provision of statutorily prescribed emergency medical services-related activities by the board. The contract shall specify the services to be provided and the amount and method of reimbursement for the contracted services. Funds generated in a contractual agreement made pursuant to this section are appropriated to the board for purposes of providing the services specified in the contracts.

History:

1997 c 199 s 2

LIFE-SUPPORT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

144E.06 PRIMARY SERVICE AREAS.

The board shall adopt rules defining primary service areas under which the board shall designate each licensed ambulance service as serving a primary service area or areas.

History:

1997 c 199 s 3

144E.07 SUMMARY APPROVAL.

Subdivision 1.Eliminating overlap; expansion.

An ambulance service may request a change in its primary service area, as established under section 144E.06, to eliminate any overlap in primary service areas or to expand its primary service area to provide service to a contiguous, but undesignated, primary service area. An ambulance service requesting a change in its primary service area must submit a written application to the board on a form provided by the board and must comply with the requirements of this section.

Subd. 2.Retraction.

An applicant requesting to retract service from a geographic area within its designated primary service area must provide documentation showing that another licensed ambulance service is providing or will provide ambulance coverage within the proposed area of withdrawal.

Subd. 3.Overlapping expansion.

An applicant requesting to provide service in a geographic area that is within the primary service area of another licensed ambulance service or services must submit documentation from the service or services whose primary service areas overlap the proposed expansion area, approving the expansion and agreeing to withdraw any service coverage from the proposed expanded area. The application may include documentation from the public safety answering point coordinator or coordinators endorsing the proposed change.

Subd. 4.No primary service.

An applicant requesting to provide service in a geographic area where no primary ambulance service has been designated must submit documentation of approval from the ambulance service or services which are contiguous to the proposed expansion area. The application may include documentation from the public safety answering point coordinator or coordinators endorsing the proposed change. If a licensed ambulance service provides evidence of historically providing 911 ambulance coverage to the undesignated area, it is not necessary to provide documentation from the contiguous ambulance service or services approving the change. At a minimum, a 12-month history of primary ambulance coverage must be included with the application.

Subd. 5.Reporting.

The board shall report any approved change to the local public safety answering point coordinator.

History:

1997 c 199 s 4

AMBULANCE SERVICE LICENSING

144E.10 AMBULANCE SERVICE LICENSING.

Subdivision 1.License required.

No natural person, partnership, association, corporation, or unit of government may operate an ambulance service within this state unless it possesses a valid license to do so issued by the board. The license shall specify the base of operations, the primary service area, and the type or types of ambulance service for which the licensee is licensed. The licensee shall obtain a new license if it wishes to expand its primary service area, or to provide a new type or types of service.

Subd. 2.Requirements for new licenses.

The board shall not issue a license authorizing the operation of a new ambulance service, provision of a new type or types of ambulance service by an existing service, or an expanded primary service area for an existing service unless the requirements of this section and sections 144E.101 to 144E.127 and 144E.18 are met.

History:

1997 c 199 s 5; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 23,65

144E.101 AMBULANCE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Personnel.

(a) No publicly or privately owned ambulance service shall be operated in the state unless its ambulance service personnel are certified, appropriate to the type of ambulance service being provided, according to section 144E.28 or meet the staffing criteria specific to the type of ambulance service.

(b) An ambulance service shall have a medical director as provided under section 144E.265.

Subd. 2.Patient care.

When a patient is being transported, at least one of the ambulance service personnel must be in the patient compartment. If advanced life-support procedures are required, an EMT-P, a registered nurse qualified under section 144E.001, subdivision 3a, clause (2), item (i), or a physician assistant qualified under section 144E.001, subdivision 3a, clause (3), item (i), shall be in the patient compartment.

Subd. 3.Continual service.

An ambulance service shall offer service 24 hours per day every day of the year, unless otherwise authorized under subdivisions 8 and 9.

Subd. 4.Denial of service prohibited.

An ambulance service shall not deny prehospital care to a person needing emergency ambulance service because of inability to pay or because of the source of payment for services if the need develops within the licensee's primary service area or when responding to a mutual aid call. Transport for the patient may be limited to the closest appropriate emergency medical facility.

Subd. 5.Types of service.

The board shall regulate the following types of ambulance service:

(1) basic life support;

(2) advanced life support;

(3) part-time advanced life support; and

(4) specialized life support.

Subd. 6. Basic life support.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (e) and (f), a basic life-support ambulance shall be staffed by at least two EMTs, one of whom must accompany the patient and provide a level of care so as to ensure that:

(1) life-threatening situations and potentially serious injuries are recognized;

(2) patients are protected from additional hazards;

(3) basic treatment to reduce the seriousness of emergency situations is administered; and

(4) patients are transported to an appropriate medical facility for treatment.

(b) A basic life-support service shall provide basic airway management.

(c) A basic life-support service shall provide automatic defibrillation, as provided in section 144E.103, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).

(d) A basic life-support service licensee's medical director may authorize the ambulance service personnel to carry and to use medical antishock trousers and to perform intravenous infusion if the ambulance service personnel have been properly trained.

(e) Upon application from an ambulance service that includes evidence demonstrating hardship, the board may grant a variance from the staff requirements in paragraph (a) and may authorize a basic life-support ambulance to be staffed by one EMT and one first responder driver for all emergency ambulance calls and interfacility transfers. The variance shall apply to basic life-support ambulances operated by the ambulance service until the ambulance service renews its license. When a variance expires, an ambulance service may apply for a new variance under this paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "ambulance service" means either an ambulance service whose primary service area is located outside the metropolitan counties listed in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and outside the cities of Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud; or an ambulance service based in a community with a population of less than 1,000.

(f) After an initial emergency ambulance call, each subsequent emergency ambulance response, until the initial ambulance is again available, and interfacility transfers, may be staffed by one registered first responder driver and an EMT. The EMT must accompany the patient and provide the level of care required in paragraph (a). This paragraph applies only to an ambulance service whose primary service area is located outside the metropolitan counties listed in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and outside the cities of Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud, or an ambulance based in a community with a population of less than 1,000 persons.

Subd. 7. Advanced life support.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (f) and (g), an advanced life-support ambulance shall be staffed by at least:

(1) one EMT and one EMT-P;

(2) one EMT and one registered nurse who is an EMT, is currently practicing nursing, and has passed a paramedic practical skills test approved by the board and administered by a training program; or

(3) one EMT and one physician assistant who is an EMT, is currently practicing as a physician assistant, and has passed a paramedic practical skills test approved by the board and administered by a training program.

(b) An advanced life-support service shall provide basic life support, as specified under subdivision 6, paragraph (a), advanced airway management, manual defibrillation, and administration of intravenous fluids and pharmaceuticals.

(c) In addition to providing advanced life support, an advanced life-support service may staff additional ambulances to provide basic life support according to subdivision 6 and section 144E.103, subdivision 1.

(d) An ambulance service providing advanced life support shall have a written agreement with its medical director to ensure medical control for patient care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The terms of the agreement shall include a written policy on the administration of medical control for the service. The policy shall address the following issues:

(1) two-way communication for physician direction of ambulance service personnel;

(2) patient triage, treatment, and transport;

(3) use of standing orders; and

(4) the means by which medical control will be provided 24 hours a day.

The agreement shall be signed by the licensee's medical director and the licensee or the licensee's designee and maintained in the files of the licensee.

(e) When an ambulance service provides advanced life support, the authority of an EMT-P, Minnesota registered nurse-EMT, or Minnesota registered physician assistant-EMT to determine the delivery of patient care prevails over the authority of an EMT.

(f) Upon application from an ambulance service that includes evidence demonstrating hardship, the board may grant a variance from the staff requirements in paragraph (a), clause (1), and may authorize an advanced life-support ambulance to be staffed by a first responder driver with a paramedic for all emergency calls and interfacility transfers. The variance shall apply to advanced life-support ambulance services until the ambulance service renews its license. When the variance expires, an ambulance service may apply for a new variance under this paragraph. This paragraph applies only to an ambulance service whose primary service area is located outside the metropolitan counties listed in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and outside the cities of Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud, or an ambulance based in a community with a population of less than 1,000 persons.

(g) After an initial emergency ambulance call, each subsequent emergency ambulance response, until the initial ambulance is again available, and interfacility transfers, may be staffed by one registered first responder driver and an EMT or paramedic. This paragraph applies only to an ambulance service whose primary service area is located outside the metropolitan counties listed in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and outside the cities of Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud, or an ambulance based in a community with a population of less than 1,000 persons.

Subd. 8.Part-time advanced life support.

(a) A part-time advanced life-support service shall meet the staffing requirements under subdivision 7, paragraph (a); provide service as required under subdivision 7, paragraph (b), for less than 24 hours every day; and meet the equipment requirements specified in section 144E.103.

(b) A part-time advanced life-support service shall have a written agreement with its medical director to ensure medical control for patient care during the time the service offers advanced life support. The terms of the agreement shall include a written policy on the administration of medical control for the service and address the issues specified in subdivision 7, paragraph (d).

Subd. 9.Specialized life support.

A specialized ground life-support service providing advanced life support shall be staffed by at least one EMT and one EMT-P, registered nurse, or physician assistant. A specialized life-support service shall provide basic or advanced life support as designated by the board, and shall be restricted by the board to:

(1) operation less than 24 hours of every day;

(2) designated segments of the population;

(3) certain types of medical conditions; or

(4) air ambulance service that includes fixed-wing or rotor-wing.

Subd. 10.Driver.

A driver of an ambulance must possess a current driver's license issued by any state and must have attended an emergency vehicle driving course approved by the licensee. The emergency vehicle driving course must include actual driving experience.

Subd. 11.Personnel roster and files.

(a) An ambulance service shall maintain:

(1) at least two ambulance service personnel on a written on-call schedule;

(2) a current roster of its ambulance service personnel, including the name, address, and qualifications of its ambulance service personnel; and

(3) files documenting personnel qualifications.

(b) A licensee shall maintain in its files the name and address of its medical director and a written statement signed by the medical director indicating acceptance of the responsibilities specified in section 144E.265, subdivision 2.

Subd. 12.Mutual aid agreement.

A licensee shall have a written agreement with at least one neighboring licensed ambulance service for coverage during times when the licensee's ambulances are not available for service in its primary service area. The agreement must specify the duties and responsibilities of the agreeing parties. A copy of each mutual aid agreement shall be maintained in the files of the licensee.

Subd. 13.Service outside primary service area.

A licensee may provide its services outside of its primary service area only if requested by a transferring physician or ambulance service licensed to provide service in the primary service area when it can reasonably be expected that:

(1) the response is required by the immediate medical need of an individual; and

(2) the ambulance service licensed to provide service in the primary service area is unavailable for appropriate response.

Subd. 14. Trauma triage and transport guidelines.

By July 1, 2010, a licensee shall have written age appropriate trauma triage and transport guidelines consistent with the criteria issued by the Trauma Advisory Council established under section 144.608 and approved by the board. The board may approve a licensee's requested deviations to the guidelines due to the availability of local or regional trauma resources if the changes are in the best interest of the patient's health.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 24; 2000 c 313 s 1; 2001 c 74 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 6 s 34; 2007 c 147 art 16 s 11; 2008 c 156 s 2; 2008 c 222 s 1,2

144E.103 EQUIPMENT.

Subdivision 1.General requirements.

(a) Every ambulance in service for patient care shall carry, at a minimum:

(1) oxygen;

(2) airway maintenance equipment in various sizes to accommodate all age groups;

(3) splinting equipment in various sizes to accommodate all age groups;

(4) dressings, bandages, and bandaging equipment;

(5) an emergency obstetric kit;

(6) equipment to determine vital signs in various sizes to accommodate all age groups;

(7) a stretcher;

(8) a defibrillator; and

(9) a fire extinguisher.

(b) A basic life-support service has until January 1, 2001, to equip each ambulance in service for patient care with a defibrillator.

Subd. 2.Advanced life-support requirements.

In addition to the requirements in subdivision 1, an ambulance used in providing advanced life support must carry drugs and drug administration equipment and supplies as approved by the licensee's medical director.

Subd. 3.Storage.

All equipment carried in an ambulance must be securely stored.

Subd. 4.Safety restraints.

An ambulance must be equipped with safety straps for the stretcher and seat belts in the patient compartment for the patient and ambulance personnel.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 25

144E.11 AMBULANCE SERVICE APPLICATION PROCEDURE.

Subdivision 1.Written application.

Each prospective licensee and each present licensee wishing to offer a new type or types of ambulance service or to expand a primary service area shall make written application for a license to the board on a form provided by the board.

Subd. 2.Application notice.

The board shall promptly send notice of the completed application to each county board, community health board, governing body of a regional emergency medical services system designated under section 144E.50, ambulance service, and municipality in the area in which ambulance service would be provided by the applicant. The board shall publish the notice, at the applicant's expense, in the State Register and in a newspaper in the municipality in which the base of operation is or will be located, or if no newspaper is published in the municipality or if the service is or would be provided in more than one municipality, in a newspaper published at the county seat of the county or counties in which the service would be provided.

Subd. 3.Comments.

Each municipality, county, community health board, governing body of a regional emergency medical services system, ambulance service, and other person wishing to make recommendations concerning the disposition of the application shall make written recommendations or comments opposing the application to the board within 30 days of the publication of notice of the application in the State Register.

Subd. 4.Contested case exemption; procedure.

(a) If no more than five written comments opposing the application have been received by the board under subdivision 3, and the board has determined, after considering the factors listed under subdivision 6, that the proposed service or expansion of primary service area is needed, the applicant shall be exempt from the contested case hearing process under subdivision 5.

(b) An applicant exempted from a contested case hearing under this subdivision shall furnish additional information, as requested by the board, to support its application. The board shall approve the application and grant a license to the applicant within 30 days after final submission of requested information to the board, and upon a determination by the board that the applicant is in compliance with the rules adopted by the board and with the inspection requirements of section 144E.18.

(c) If an applicant does not comply with the inspection requirements under section 144E.18 within one year of the board's approval of its application, the license shall be denied. The one-year time limit applies to any licensing decision made by the board or to any prior licensing decision made by the commissioner of health or an administrative law judge.

(d) If, after considering the factors under subdivision 6, the board determines that the proposed service or expansion of primary service area is not needed, the case shall be treated as a contested case under subdivision 5, paragraphs (c) to (g).

Subd. 5.Contested case; procedure.

(a) If more than five written comments opposing the application are received by the board as specified under subdivision 3, the board shall give the applicant the option of immediately proceeding to a contested case hearing or trying to resolve the objections within 30 days.

(b) If, after considering the factors under subdivision 6, the board determines that the proposed service or expansion of primary service area is not needed, the board shall give the applicant the option of immediately proceeding to a contested case hearing or using up to 30 days to satisfy the board that the proposed service or expansion of primary service area is needed.

(c) The board shall request that the chief administrative law judge appoint an administrative law judge to hold a public hearing in the municipality in which the applicant's base of operation is or will be located:

(1) if more than five opposing comments remain after 30 days;

(2) if, after considering the factors under subdivision 6, the board determines that the proposed service or expansion of primary service area is not needed after 30 days; or

(3) at the applicant's initial request.

(d) If the applicant's base of operation is located outside of Minnesota, the hearing shall be held at a location within the area in which service would be provided in Minnesota. The public hearing shall be conducted as a contested case hearing under chapter 14. The board shall pay the expenses for the hearing location and the administrative law judge.

(e) The board shall provide notice of the public hearing, at the applicant's expense, in the State Register and in the newspaper or newspapers in which the notice was published under subdivision 2 for two successive weeks at least ten days before the date of the hearing.

(f) The administrative law judge shall:

(1) hold a public hearing as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d);

(2) allow any interested person the opportunity to be heard, to be represented by counsel, and to present oral and written evidence at the public hearing; and

(3) provide a transcript of the hearing at the expense of any individual requesting it.

(g) The administrative law judge shall review and comment upon the application and make written recommendations as to its disposition to the board within 90 days of publication of notice of the hearing in the State Register. In making the recommendations, the administrative law judge shall consider and make written comments as to whether the proposed service or expansion in primary service area is needed, based on consideration of the factors specified in subdivision 6.

Subd. 6.Review criteria.

When reviewing an application for licensure, the board and administrative law judge shall consider the following factors:

(1) the recommendations or comments of the governing bodies of the counties, municipalities, community health boards as defined under section 145A.09, subdivision 2, and regional emergency medical services system designated under section 144E.50 in which the service would be provided;

(2) the deleterious effects on the public health from duplication, if any, of ambulance services that would result from granting the license;

(3) the estimated effect of the proposed service or expansion in primary service area on the public health; and

(4) whether any benefit accruing to the public health would outweigh the costs associated with the proposed service or expansion in primary service area. The administrative law judge shall recommend that the board either grant or deny a license or recommend that a modified license be granted. The reasons for the recommendation shall be set forth in detail. The administrative law judge shall make the recommendations and reasons available to any individual requesting them.

Subd. 7.Licensing decision.

After receiving the administrative law judge's report, the board shall approve or deny the application and grant the license within 60 days if the application is approved, and upon determination by the board, that the applicant is in compliance with the rules adopted by the board and with the inspection requirements of section 144E.18. In approving or denying an application, the board shall consider the administrative law judge's report, the evidence contained in the application, and any hearing record and other applicable evidence. The board's decision shall be based on a consideration of the factors contained in subdivision 6. If the board determines to grant the applicant a license, the applicant must comply with the inspection requirements under 144E.18 within one year of the board's approval of the application or the license will be denied. This one-year time limit applies to any licensing decision by the board or to any prior licensing decision made by the commissioner of health or an administrative law judge.

Subd. 8.Final decision.

The board's decision made under subdivision 7 shall be the final administrative decision. Any person aggrieved by the board's decision or action shall be entitled to judicial review in the manner provided in sections 14.63 to 14.69.

Subd. 9.Renewal requirements.

An ambulance service license expires two years from the date of licensure. An ambulance service must apply to the board for license renewal at least one month prior to the expiration date of the license and must submit:

(1) an application prescribed by the board specifying any changes from the information provided for prior licensure and any other information requested by the board to clarify incomplete or ambiguous information presented in the application; and

(2) the appropriate fee as required under section 144E.29.

History:

1997 c 199 s 6; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 26; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 8 s 1

144E.12 LICENSURE OF AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES.

Except for submission of a written application to the board on a form provided by the board, an application to provide air ambulance service shall be exempt from the provisions of section 144E.11. A license issued pursuant to this section need not designate a primary service area. No license shall be issued under this section unless the board determines that the applicant complies with sections 144E.10, 144E.11, subdivision 1, 144E.121 to 144E.127, and 144E.18 and the requirements of applicable federal and state statutes and rules governing aviation operations within the state.

History:

1997 c 199 s 7; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 65

144E.121 AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Aviation compliance.

An air ambulance service must comply with the regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration and the rules of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division.

Subd. 2.Personnel.

(a) With the exception of pilots, each of the air ambulance emergency medical personnel must:

(1) possess current certification, appropriate to the type of ambulance service being provided, according to section 144E.28, be a registered nurse, or be a physician assistant; and

(2) be trained to use the equipment on the air ambulance.

(b) Emergency medical personnel for an air ambulance service must receive training approved by the licensee's medical director that includes instruction in the physiological changes due to decreased atmospheric pressure, acceleration, vibration, and changes in altitude; medical conditions requiring special precautions; and contraindications to air transport.

(c) A licensee's medical director must sign and file a statement with the licensee that each of its emergency medical personnel has successfully completed the training under paragraph (b).

(d) A licensee shall retain documentation of compliance with this subdivision in its files.

Subd. 3.Equipment.

An air ambulance must carry equipment appropriate to the level of service being provided. Equipment that is not permanently stored on or in an air ambulance must be kept separate from the air ambulance in a modular prepackaged form.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 27

144E.123 PREHOSPITAL CARE DATA.

Subdivision 1.Collection and maintenance.

A licensee shall collect and provide prehospital care data to the board in a manner prescribed by the board. At a minimum, the data must include items identified by the board that are part of the National Uniform Emergency Medical Services Data Set. A licensee shall maintain prehospital care data for every response.

Subd. 2.Copy to receiving hospital.

If a patient is transported to a hospital, a copy of the ambulance report delineating prehospital medical care given shall be provided to the receiving hospital.

Subd. 3.Review.

Prehospital care data may be reviewed by the board or its designees. The data shall be classified as private data on individuals under chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Subd. 4.Penalty.

Failure to report all information required by the board under this section shall constitute grounds for license revocation.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 28

144E.125 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES.

A licensee shall establish and implement written procedures for responding to ambulance service complaints, maintaining ambulances and equipment, procuring and storing drugs, and controlling infection. The licensee shall maintain the procedures in its files.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 29

144E.127 INTERHOSPITAL; INTERFACILITY TRANSFER.

Subdivision 1.Interhospital transfers.

When transporting a patient from one licensed hospital to another, a licensee may substitute for one of the required ambulance service personnel, a physician, a registered nurse, or physician's assistant who has been trained to use the equipment in the ambulance and is knowledgeable of the licensee's ambulance service protocols.

Subd. 2.Interfacility transfers.

In an interfacility transport, a licensee whose primary service area is located outside the metropolitan counties listed in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and outside the cities of Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud; or an ambulance service based in a community with a population of less than 1,000, may substitute one EMT with a registered first responder if an EMT or EMT-paramedic, physician, registered nurse, or physician's assistant is in the patient compartment. If using a physician, registered nurse, or physician's assistant as the sole provider in the patient compartment, the individual must be trained to use the equipment in the ambulance and be knowledgeable of the ambulance service protocols.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 30; 2007 c 147 art 16 s 12

144E.13 TEMPORARY LICENSE.

The board may issue a temporary license when a primary service area would be deprived of ambulance service. The temporary license shall expire when an applicant has been issued a regular license under this section. The temporary license shall be valid no more than six months from date of issuance. A temporary licensee must provide evidence that the licensee will meet the requirements of sections 144E.101 to 144E.127 and the rules adopted under this chapter.

History:

1997 c 199 s 8; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 65

144E.14 TRANSFER OF LICENSE OR OWNERSHIP.

A license, or the ownership of a licensed ambulance service, may be transferred only upon approval of the board, based upon a finding that the proposed licensee or proposed new owner of a licensed ambulance service meets or will meet the requirements of sections 144E.101 to 144E.127. If the proposed transfer would result in an addition of a new base of operations, expansion of the service's primary service area, or provision of a new type or types of ambulance service, the board shall require the prospective licensee or owner to comply with section 144E.11. The board may approve the license or ownership transfer prior to completion of the application process described in section 144E.11 upon obtaining written assurances from the proposed licensee or proposed new owner that no expansion of the service's primary service area or provision of a new type or types of ambulance service will occur during the processing of the application. If requesting a transfer of its base of operations, an applicant must comply with the requirements of section 144E.15.

History:

1997 c 199 s 9; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 65

144E.15 RELOCATION OF BASE OF OPERATIONS.

To relocate the base of operations to another municipality or township within its primary service area, a licensee must provide written notification to the board prior to relocating. The board shall review the proposal to determine if relocation would adversely affect service coverage within the primary service area. The applicant must furnish any additional information requested by the board to support its proposed transfer. If the board does not approve the relocation proposal, the licensee must comply with the application requirements for a new license under section 144E.11.

History:

1997 c 199 s 10

144E.16 RULES; LOCAL STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

Subd. 4.Rules.

The board may adopt rules needed to regulate ambulance services in the following areas:

(1) applications for licensure;

(2) personnel qualifications and staffing standards;

(3) quality of life-support treatment;

(4) restricted treatments and procedures;

(5) equipment standards;

(6) ambulance standards;

(7) communication standards, equipment performance and maintenance, and radio frequency assignments;

(8) advertising;

(9) scheduled ambulance services;

(10) ambulance services in time of disaster;

(11) basic, intermediate, advanced, and refresher emergency care course programs;

(12) continuing education requirements;

(13) trip reports;

(14) license fees, vehicle fees, and expiration dates; and

(15) waivers and variances.

Subd. 5.Local government's powers.

(a) Local units of government may, with the approval of the board, establish standards for ambulance services which impose additional requirements upon such services. Local units of government intending to impose additional requirements shall consider whether any benefit accruing to the public health would outweigh the costs associated with the additional requirements.

(b) Local units of government that desire to impose additional requirements shall, prior to adoption of relevant ordinances, rules, or regulations, furnish the board with a copy of the proposed ordinances, rules, or regulations, along with information that affirmatively substantiates that the proposed ordinances, rules, or regulations:

(1) will in no way conflict with the relevant rules of the board;

(2) will establish additional requirements tending to protect the public health;

(3) will not diminish public access to ambulance services of acceptable quality; and

(4) will not interfere with the orderly development of regional systems of emergency medical care.

(c) The board shall base any decision to approve or disapprove local standards upon whether or not the local unit of government in question has affirmatively substantiated that the proposed ordinances, rules, or regulations meet the criteria specified in paragraph (b).

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

History:

1997 c 199 s 11; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 31

144E.17 [Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

144E.18 INSPECTIONS.

The board may inspect ambulance services as frequently as deemed necessary to determine whether an ambulance service is in compliance with sections 144E.001 to 144E.33 and rules adopted under those sections. The board may review at any time documentation required to be on file with a licensee.

History:

1977 c 37 s 6; 1977 c 305 s 45; 1979 c 316 s 7; 1989 c 134 s 9; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 14; 1997 c 199 s 14; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 32

144E.19 DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Subdivision 1.Suspension; revocation; nonrenewal.

The board may suspend, revoke, refuse to renew, or place conditions on the license of a licensee upon finding that the licensee has violated a provision of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter or has ceased to provide the service for which the licensee is licensed.

Subd. 2.Notice; contested case.

(a) Before taking action under subdivision 1, the board shall give notice to a licensee of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14. If a licensee requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice, the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14.

(b) The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after closing the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

Subd. 3.Temporary suspension.

(a) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may temporarily suspend the license of a licensee after conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the board believes that the licensee has violated a statute or rule that the board is empowered to enforce and determining that the continued provision of service by the licensee would create an imminent risk to public health or harm to others.

(b) A temporary suspension order prohibiting a licensee from providing ambulance service shall give notice of the right to a preliminary hearing according to paragraph (d) and shall state the reasons for the entry of the temporary suspension order.

(c) Service of a temporary suspension order is effective when the order is served on the licensee personally or by certified mail, which is complete upon receipt, refusal, or return for nondelivery to the most recent address provided to the board for the licensee.

(d) At the time the board issues a temporary suspension order, the board shall schedule a hearing, to be held before a group of its members designated by the board, that shall begin within 60 days after issuance of the temporary suspension order or within 15 working days of the date of the board's receipt of a request for a hearing from a licensee, whichever is sooner. The hearing shall be on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or lift the temporary suspension. A hearing under this paragraph is not subject to chapter 14.

(e) Evidence presented by the board or licensee may be in the form of an affidavit. The licensee or the licensee's designee may appear for oral argument.

(f) Within five working days of the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the suspension is continued, notify the licensee of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14.

(g) If a licensee requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice under paragraph (f), the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14. The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after the closing of the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 33

144E.25 [Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

144E.265 MEDICAL DIRECTOR.

Subdivision 1.Requirements.

A medical director shall:

(1) be currently licensed as a physician in this state;

(2) have experience in, and knowledge of, emergency care of acutely ill or traumatized patients; and

(3) be familiar with the design and operation of local, regional, and state emergency medical service systems.

Subd. 2.Responsibilities.

Responsibilities of the medical director shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) approving standards for training and orientation of personnel that impact patient care;

(2) approving standards for purchasing equipment and supplies that impact patient care;

(3) establishing standing orders for prehospital care;

(4) approving written triage, treatment, and transportation guidelines for adult and pediatric patients;

(5) participating in the development and operation of continuous quality improvement programs including, but not limited to, case review and resolution of patient complaints;

(6) establishing procedures for the administration of drugs; and

(7) maintaining the quality of care according to the standards and procedures established under clauses (1) to (6).

Subd. 3.Annual assessment; ambulance service.

Annually, the medical director or the medical director's designee shall assess the practical skills of each person on the ambulance service roster and sign a statement verifying the proficiency of each person. The statements shall be maintained in the licensee's files.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 34; 2004 c 144 s 2

144E.266 EMERGENCY SUSPENSION OF AMBULANCE SERVICE REQUIREMENT.

(a) The requirements of sections 144E.10; 144E.101, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13; 144E.103; 144E.12; 144E.121; 144E.123; 144E.127; and 144E.15, are suspended:

(1) throughout the state during a national security emergency declared under section 12.31;

(2) in the geographic areas of the state affected during a peacetime emergency declared under section 12.31; and

(3) in the geographic areas of the state affected during a local emergency declared under section 12.29.

(b) For purposes of this section, the geographic areas of the state affected shall include geographic areas where one or more ambulance services are providing requested mutual aid to the site of the emergency.

History:

2005 c 147 art 10 s 4

FIRST RESPONDERS AND EMERGENCY
MEDICAL TECHNICIANS

144E.27 FIRST RESPONDER REGISTRATION.

Subdivision 1.Training programs.

Curriculum for initial and refresher training programs must meet the current standards of the United States Department of Transportation first responder curriculum or its equivalent as determined by the board. A training program instructor must be a first responder, EMT, EMT-I, EMT-P, physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse.

Subd. 2.Registration.

To be eligible for registration with the board as a first responder, an individual shall complete a board-approved application form and:

(1) successfully complete a board-approved initial first responder training program. Registration under this clause is valid for two years and expires at the end of the month in which the registration was issued; or

(2) be credentialed as a first responder by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Registration under this clause expires the same day as the National Registry credential.

Subd. 3.Renewal.

(a) The board may renew the registration of a first responder who:

(1) successfully completes a board-approved refresher course; and

(2) submits a completed renewal application to the board before the registration expiration date.

(b) The board may renew the lapsed registration of a first responder who:

(1) successfully completes a board-approved refresher course; and

(2) submits a completed renewal application to the board within 12 months after the registration expiration date.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2004 c 144 s 9]

Subd. 5.Denial, suspension, revocation.

(a) The board may deny, suspend, revoke, place conditions on, or refuse to renew the registration of an individual who the board determines:

(1) violates sections 144E.001 to 144E.33 or the rules adopted under those sections;

(2) misrepresents or falsifies information on an application form for registration;

(3) is convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any felony; any gross misdemeanor relating to assault, sexual misconduct, or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol; or any misdemeanor relating to sexual misconduct or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol;

(4) is actually or potentially unable to provide emergency medical services with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other material, or as a result of any mental or physical condition;

(5) engages in unethical conduct, including, but not limited to, conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, or demonstrating a willful or careless disregard for the health, welfare, or safety of the public; or

(6) maltreats or abandons a patient.

(b) Before taking action under paragraph (a), the board shall give notice to an individual of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14. If an individual requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice, the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14.

(c) The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after closing the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

(d) After six months from the board's decision to deny, revoke, place conditions on, or refuse renewal of an individual's registration for disciplinary action, the individual shall have the opportunity to apply to the board for reinstatement.

Subd. 6.Temporary suspension.

(a) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may temporarily suspend the registration of an individual after conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the board believes that the individual has violated a statute or rule that the board is empowered to enforce and determining that the continued provision of service by the individual would create an imminent risk to public health or harm to others.

(b) A temporary suspension order prohibiting an individual from providing emergency medical care shall give notice of the right to a preliminary hearing according to paragraph (d) and shall state the reasons for the entry of the temporary suspension order.

(c) Service of a temporary suspension order is effective when the order is served on the individual personally or by certified mail, which is complete upon receipt, refusal, or return for nondelivery to the most recent address provided to the board for the individual.

(d) At the time the board issues a temporary suspension order, the board shall schedule a hearing, to be held before a group of its members designated by the board, that shall begin within 60 days after issuance of the temporary suspension order or within 15 working days of the date of the board's receipt of a request for a hearing from the individual, whichever is sooner. The hearing shall be on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or lift the temporary suspension. A hearing under this paragraph is not subject to chapter 14.

(e) Evidence presented by the board or the individual may be in the form of an affidavit. The individual or the individual's designee may appear for oral argument.

(f) Within five working days of the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the suspension is continued, notify the individual of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14.

(g) If an individual requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice under paragraph (f), the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14. The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after the closing of the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

History:

1997 c 199 s 13; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 35,36; 2004 c 144 s 3,4; 2005 c 147 art 10 s 5

144E.275 MEDICAL RESPONSE UNIT REGISTRATION.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Medical response unit" means an organized service recognized by a local political subdivision whose primary responsibility is to respond to medical emergencies to provide initial medical care before the arrival of a licensed ambulance service.

(b) "Specialized medical response unit" means an organized service recognized by a board-approved authority other than a local political subdivision that responds to medical emergencies as needed or as required by local procedure or protocol.

Subd. 2.Registration.

The board may establish registration for medical response units and specialized medical response units.

Subd. 3.Medical response unit qualifications.

To be registered with the board, a medical response unit must:

(1) submit an application form prescribed by the board;

(2) have a medical director according to section 144E.265;

(3) be staffed by at least one first responder or one emergency medical technician, as appropriate to the level of care given;

(4) submit a letter from the appropriate municipality, township, or county governing body recognizing the medical response unit as the unit in its geographical area designated to respond to a medical emergency; and

(5) be dispatched to the scene of a medical emergency on a routine basis by a public safety answering point, as defined under section 403.02, subdivision 19, or an ambulance service.

Subd. 4.Specialized medical response unit qualifications.

To be registered with the board, a specialized medical response unit must:

(1) meet the qualifications described in subdivision 3, clauses (1) to (3); and

(2) submit documentation from a board-approved authority other than a local political subdivision recognizing the specialized medical response unit as a unit designated to respond to medical emergencies as needed or required by local procedure or protocol.

Subd. 5.Expiration.

The medical response unit registration expires two years from the date it is issued. The board may stagger expiration dates in order to be consistent with the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 4690.7900.

Subd. 6.Renewal.

The board may renew the registration of a medical response unit or specialized medical response unit upon:

(1) submission, before the registration expiration date, of a completed renewal application form as prescribed by the board;

(2) compliance with subdivision 3, clauses (2) to (5), for a medical response unit or compliance with subdivision 3, clauses (2) and (3), and subdivision 4, clause (2), for a specialized medical response unit; and

(3) the provision of any other information as requested by the board.

History:

2002 c 310 s 1

144E.28 CERTIFICATION OF EMT, EMT-I, AND EMT-P.

Subdivision 1.Requirements.

To be eligible for certification by the board as an EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P, an individual shall:

(1) successfully complete the United States Department of Transportation course, or its equivalent as approved by the board, specific to the EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P classification;

(2) pass the written and practical examinations approved by the board and administered by the board or its designee, specific to the EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P classification; and

(3) complete a board-approved application form.

Subd. 2.Expiration dates.

Certification expiration dates are as follows:

(1) for initial certification granted between January 1 and June 30 of an even-numbered year, the expiration date is March 31 of the next even-numbered year;

(2) for initial certification granted between July 1 and December 31 of an even-numbered year, the expiration date is March 31 of the second odd-numbered year;

(3) for initial certification granted between January 1 and June 30 of an odd-numbered year, the expiration date is March 31 of the next odd-numbered year; and

(4) for initial certification granted between July 1 and December 31 of an odd-numbered year, the expiration date is March 31 of the second even-numbered year.

Subd. 3.Reciprocity.

The board may certify an individual who possesses a current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians registration from another jurisdiction if the individual submits a board-approved application form. The board certification classification shall be the same as the National Registry's classification. Certification shall be for the duration of the applicant's registration period in another jurisdiction, not to exceed two years.

Subd. 4.Forms of disciplinary action.

When the board finds that a person certified under this section has violated a provision or provisions of subdivision 5, it may do one or more of the following:

(1) revoke the certification;

(2) suspend the certification;

(3) refuse to renew the certification;

(4) impose limitations or conditions on the person's performance of regulated duties, including the imposition of retraining or rehabilitation requirements; the requirement to work under supervision; or the conditioning of continued practice on demonstration of knowledge or skills by appropriate examination or other review of skill and competence;

(5) order the person to provide unremunerated professional service under supervision at a designated public hospital, clinic, or other health care institution; or

(6) censure or reprimand the person.

Subd. 5.Denial, suspension, revocation.

(a) The board may deny certification or take any action authorized in subdivision 4 against an individual who the board determines:

(1) violates sections 144E.001 to 144E.33 or the rules adopted under those sections;

(2) misrepresents or falsifies information on an application form for certification;

(3) is convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any felony; any gross misdemeanor relating to assault, sexual misconduct, or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol; or any misdemeanor relating to sexual misconduct or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol;

(4) is actually or potentially unable to provide emergency medical services with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other material, or as a result of any mental or physical condition;

(5) engages in unethical conduct, including, but not limited to, conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public or demonstrating a willful or careless disregard for the health, welfare, or safety of the public; or

(6) maltreats or abandons a patient.

(b) Before taking action under paragraph (a), the board shall give notice to an individual of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14. If an individual requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice, the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14 and no disciplinary action shall be taken at that time.

(c) The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after closing the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

(d) After six months from the board's decision to deny, revoke, place conditions on, or refuse renewal of an individual's certification for disciplinary action, the individual shall have the opportunity to apply to the board for reinstatement.

Subd. 6.Temporary suspension.

(a) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may temporarily suspend the certification of an individual after conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the board believes that the individual has violated a statute or rule that the board is empowered to enforce and determining that the continued provision of service by the individual would create an imminent risk to public health or harm to others.

(b) A temporary suspension order prohibiting an individual from providing emergency medical care shall give notice of the right to a preliminary hearing according to paragraph (d) and shall state the reasons for the entry of the temporary suspension order.

(c) Service of a temporary suspension order is effective when the order is served on the individual personally or by certified mail, which is complete upon receipt, refusal, or return for nondelivery to the most recent address provided to the board for the individual.

(d) At the time the board issues a temporary suspension order, the board shall schedule a hearing, to be held before a group of its members designated by the board, that shall begin within 60 days after issuance of the temporary suspension order or within 15 working days of the date of the board's receipt of a request for a hearing from the individual, whichever is sooner. The hearing shall be on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or lift the temporary suspension. A hearing under this paragraph is not subject to chapter 14.

(e) Evidence presented by the board or the individual may be in the form of an affidavit. The individual or individual's designee may appear for oral argument.

(f) Within five working days of the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the suspension is continued, notify the individual of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14.

(g) If an individual requests a contested case hearing within 30 days of receiving notice under paragraph (f), the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14. The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after the closing of the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

Subd. 7.Renewal.

(a) Before the expiration date of certification, an applicant for renewal of certification as an EMT shall:

(1) successfully complete a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is approved by the board or the licensee's medical director;

(2) take the United States Department of Transportation EMT refresher course and successfully pass the practical skills test portion of the course, or successfully complete 48 hours of continuing education in EMT programs that are consistent with the United States Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum or its equivalent as approved by the board or as approved by the licensee's medical director and pass a practical skills test approved by the board and administered by a training program approved by the board. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation course and practical skills test may be included as part of the refresher course or continuing education renewal requirements. Twenty-four of the 48 hours must include at least four hours of instruction in each of the following six categories:

(i) airway management and resuscitation procedures;

(ii) circulation, bleeding control, and shock;

(iii) human anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, and medical emergencies;

(iv) injuries involving musculoskeletal, nervous, digestive, and genito-urinary systems;

(v) environmental emergencies and rescue techniques; and

(vi) emergency childbirth and other special situations; and

(3) complete a board-approved application form.

(b) Before the expiration date of certification, an applicant for renewal of certification as an EMT-I or EMT-P shall:

(1) for an EMT-I, successfully complete a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is approved by the board or the licensee's medical director and for an EMT-P, successfully complete a course in advanced cardiac life support that is approved by the board or the licensee's medical director;

(2) successfully complete 48 hours of continuing education in emergency medical training programs, appropriate to the level of the applicant's EMT-I or EMT-P certification, that are consistent with the United States Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum or its equivalent as approved by the board or as approved by the licensee's medical director. An applicant may take the United States Department of Transportation Emergency Medical Technician refresher course or its equivalent without the written or practical test as approved by the board, and as appropriate to the applicant's level of certification, as part of the 48 hours of continuing education. Each hour of the refresher course, the cardiopulmonary resuscitation course, and the advanced cardiac life-support course counts toward the 48-hour continuing education requirement; and

(3) complete a board-approved application form.

(c) Certification shall be renewed every two years.

(d) If the applicant does not meet the renewal requirements under this subdivision, the applicant's certification expires.

Subd. 8.Reinstatement.

(a) Within four years of a certification expiration date, a person whose certification has expired under subdivision 7, paragraph (d), may have the certification reinstated upon submission of:

(1) evidence to the board of training equivalent to the continuing education requirements of subdivision 7; and

(2) a board-approved application form.

(b) If more than four years have passed since a certificate expiration date, an applicant must complete the initial certification process required under subdivision 1.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 37; 2000 c 313 s 2,3; 2005 c 147 art 10 s 6-9

144E.283 EMT INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS.

An emergency medical technician instructor must:

(1) possess valid certification, registration, or licensure as an EMT, EMT-1, EMT-P, physician, physician's assistant, or registered nurse;

(2) have two years of active emergency medical practical experience;

(3) be recommended by a medical director of a licensed hospital, ambulance service, or training program approved by the board; and

(4) successfully complete the United States Department of Transportation Emergency Medical Services Instructor Training Program or its equivalent as approved by the board.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 38

144E.285 TRAINING PROGRAMS.

Subdivision 1.Approval required.

(a) All training programs for an EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P must be approved by the board.

(b) To be approved by the board, a training program must:

(1) submit an application prescribed by the board that includes:

(i) type and length of course to be offered;

(ii) names, addresses, and qualifications of the program medical director, program training coordinator, and instructors;

(iii) names and addresses of clinical sites, including a contact person and telephone number;

(iv) admission criteria for students; and

(v) materials and equipment to be used;

(2) for each course, implement the most current version of the United States Department of Transportation curriculum or its equivalent as determined by the board applicable to EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P training;

(3) have a program medical director and a program coordinator;

(4) utilize instructors who meet the requirements of section 144E.283 for teaching at least 50 percent of the course content. The remaining 50 percent of the course may be taught by guest lecturers approved by the training program coordinator or medical director;

(5) have at least one instructor for every ten students at the practical skill stations;

(6) maintain a written agreement with a licensed hospital or licensed ambulance service designating a clinical training site;

(7) retain documentation of program approval by the board, course outline, and student information;

(8) notify the board of the starting date of a course prior to the beginning of a course;

(9) submit the appropriate fee as required under section 144E.29; and

(10) maintain a minimum average yearly pass rate on the state EMT certification exam that is equal to the national average pass rate on the certification exam. The pass rate will be determined by the percent of candidates who pass the exam on the first attempt. A training program not meeting this yearly standard shall be placed on probation and shall be on a performance improvement plan approved by the board until meeting the pass rate standard. While on probation, the training program may continue providing classes if meeting the terms of the performance improvement plan as determined by the board. If a training program having probation status fails to meet the pass rate standard after two years in which an EMT initial course has been taught, the board may take disciplinary action under subdivision 5.

Subd. 2.EMT-P requirements.

(a) In addition to the requirements under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), a training program applying for approval to teach EMT-P curriculum must be administered by an educational institution accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

(b) An EMT-P training program that is administered by an educational institution not accredited by CAAHEP, but that is in the process of completing the accreditation process, may be granted provisional approval by the board upon verification of submission of its self-study report and the appropriate review fee to CAAHEP.

(c) An educational institution that discontinues its participation in the accreditation process must notify the board immediately and provisional approval shall be withdrawn.

(d) This subdivision does not apply to an EMT-P training program when the program is operated by an advanced life-support ambulance service licensed by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board under this chapter, and the ambulance service meets the following criteria:

(1) covers a rural primary service area that does not contain a hospital within the primary service area or contains a hospital within the primary service area that has been designated as a critical access hospital under section 144.1483, clause (11);

(2) has tax exempt status in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, section 501(c)(3);

(3) received approval before 1991 from the commissioner of health to operate an EMT-P training program;

(4) operates the EMT-P training program exclusively to train paramedics for the local ambulance service; and

(5) limits enrollment in the EMT-P training program to five candidates per biennium.

Subd. 3.Expiration.

Training program approval shall expire two years from the date of approval.

Subd. 4.Reapproval.

A training program shall apply to the board for reapproval at least three months prior to the expiration date of its approval and must:

(1) submit an application prescribed by the board specifying any changes from the information provided for prior approval and any other information requested by the board to clarify incomplete or ambiguous information presented in the application; and

(2) comply with the requirements under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clauses (2) to (9).

Subd. 5.Disciplinary action.

(a) The board may deny, suspend, revoke, place conditions on, or refuse to renew approval of a training program that the board determines:

(1) violated subdivisions 1 to 4 or rules adopted under sections 144E.001 to 144E.33; or

(2) misrepresented or falsified information on an application form provided by the board.

(b) Before taking action under paragraph (a), the board shall give notice to a training program of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14. If a training program requests a contested case hearing within 30 days after receiving notice, the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14.

(c) The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after closing the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

(d) After six months from the board's decision to deny, revoke, place conditions on, or refuse approval of a training program for disciplinary action, the training program shall have the opportunity to apply to the board for reapproval.

Subd. 6.Temporary suspension.

(a) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may temporarily suspend approval of the training program after conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the board believes that the training program has violated a statute or rule that the board is empowered to enforce and determining that the continued provision of service by the training program would create an imminent risk to public health or harm to others.

(b) A temporary suspension order prohibiting the training program from providing emergency medical care training shall give notice of the right to a preliminary hearing according to paragraph (d) and shall state the reasons for the entry of the temporary suspension order.

(c) Service of a temporary suspension order is effective when the order is served on the training program personally or by certified mail, which is complete upon receipt, refusal, or return for nondelivery to the most recent address provided to the board for the training program.

(d) At the time the board issues a temporary suspension order, the board shall schedule a hearing, to be held before a group of its members designated by the board, that shall begin within 60 days after issuance of the temporary suspension order or within 15 working days of the date of the board's receipt of a request for a hearing from the training program, whichever is sooner. The hearing shall be on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or lift the temporary suspension. A hearing under this paragraph is not subject to chapter 14.

(e) Evidence presented by the board or the individual may be in the form of an affidavit. The training program or counsel of record may appear for oral argument.

(f) Within five working days of the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the suspension is continued, notify the training program of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14.

(g) If a training program requests a contested case hearing within 30 days of receiving notice under paragraph (f), the board shall initiate a contested case hearing according to chapter 14. The administrative law judge shall issue a report and recommendation within 30 days after the closing of the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of the administrative law judge's report.

Subd. 7.Audit.

The board may audit training programs approved by the board. The audit may include, but is not limited to, investigation of complaints, course inspection, classroom observation, review of instructor qualifications, and student interviews.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 39; 2000 c 313 s 4,5; 2001 c 74 s 2; 2006 c 177 s 1

144E.286 EXAMINER QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TESTING.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2004 c 144 s 9]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2004 c 144 s 9]

Subd. 3.Examiner qualifications.

An examiner testing EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P practical skills must be certified at or above the level the examiner is testing or must be a registered nurse, physician, or physician assistant. A physician must be available to answer questions relating to the evaluation of skill performance at the EMT-I and EMT-P practical examination.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 40; 2004 c 144 s 5

DIVERSION PROGRAMS

144E.287 DIVERSION PROGRAM.

The board shall either conduct a health professionals service program under sections 214.31 to 214.37 or contract for a diversion program under section 214.28 for professionals regulated by the board who are unable to perform their duties with reasonable skill and safety by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other materials, or as a result of any mental, physical, or psychological condition.

History:

2000 c 284 s 1

FEES

144E.29 FEES.

(a) The board shall charge the following fees:

(1) initial application for and renewal of an ambulance service license, $150;

(2) each ambulance operated by a licensee, $96. The licensee shall pay an additional $96 fee for the full licensing period or $4 per month for any fraction of the period for each ambulance added to the ambulance service during the licensing period;

(3) initial application for and renewal of approval for a training program, $100; and

(4) duplicate of an original license, certification, or approval, $25.

(b) With the exception of paragraph (a), clause (4), all fees are for a two-year period. All fees are nonrefundable.

(c) Fees collected by the board shall be deposited as nondedicated receipts in the general fund.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 41; 2000 c 313 s 6; 2000 c 479 art 2 s 2

PENALTIES; REVIEW

144E.30 COOPERATION; BOARD POWERS.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

Subd. 3.Cooperation during investigation.

A licensee, person credentialed by the board, training program approved by the board, or agent of one who is the subject of an investigation or who is questioned in connection with an investigation by or on behalf of the board shall cooperate fully with the investigation. Cooperation includes responding fully and promptly to any question raised by or on behalf of the board relating to the subject of the investigation, executing all releases requested by the board, providing copies of ambulance service records, as reasonably requested by the board to assist it in its investigation, and appearing at conferences or hearings scheduled by the board. The board shall pay reasonable costs for copies requested.

Subd. 4.Injunctive relief.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may bring an action for injunctive relief in the district court in Hennepin County or, at the board's discretion, in the district court in the county in which a violation of any statute, rule, or order that the board is empowered to enforce or issue, has occurred, to enjoin the violation.

Subd. 5.Subpoena power.

The board may, as part of an investigation to determine whether a serious public health threat exists, issue subpoenas to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of books, records, correspondence, and other information relevant to any matter involved in the investigation. The board or the board's designee may administer oaths to witnesses or take their affirmation. The subpoenas may be served upon any person named therein anywhere in the state by any person authorized to serve subpoenas or other processes in civil actions of the district courts. If a person to whom a subpoena is issued does not comply with the subpoena, the board may apply to the district court in any district and the court shall order the person to comply with the subpoena. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt of court. No person may be compelled to disclose privileged information as described in section 595.02, subdivision 1. All information pertaining to individual medical records obtained under this section shall be considered health data under section 13.3805, subdivision 1. All other information is considered public data unless otherwise protected under the Minnesota Data Practices Act or other specific law. The fees for the service of a subpoena must be paid in the same manner as prescribed by law for service of process used out of a district court. Subpoenaed witnesses must receive the same fees and mileage as in civil actions.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1999 c 245 art 9 s 66]

History:

1997 c 199 s 12; 1999 c 227 s 22

144E.305 REPORTING MISCONDUCT.

Subdivision 1.Voluntary reporting.

A person who has knowledge of any conduct constituting grounds for discipline under section 144E.27, subdivision 5, or 144E.28, subdivision 5, may report the alleged violation to the board.

Subd. 2.Mandatory reporting.

(a) A licensee shall report to the board conduct by a first responder, EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P that they reasonably believe constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under section 144E.27, subdivision 5, or 144E.28, subdivision 5. The licensee shall report to the board within 60 days of obtaining verifiable knowledge of the conduct constituting grounds for disciplinary action.

(b) A licensee shall report to the board any dismissal from employment of a first responder, EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P. A licensee shall report the resignation of a first responder, EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P before the conclusion of any disciplinary proceeding or before commencement of formal charges but after the first responder, EMT, EMT-I, or EMT-P has knowledge that formal charges are contemplated or in preparation. The licensee shall report to the board within 60 days of the resignation or initial determination to dismiss. An individual's exercise of rights under a collective bargaining agreement does not extend the licensee's time period for reporting under this subdivision.

Subd. 3.Immunity.

(a) An individual, licensee, health care facility, business, or organization is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution for submitting in good faith a report to the board under subdivision 1 or 2 or for otherwise reporting in good faith to the board violations or alleged violations of sections 144E.001 to 144E.33. Reports are classified as confidential data on individuals or protected nonpublic data under section 13.02 while an investigation is active. Except for the board's final determination, all communications or information received by or disclosed to the board relating to disciplinary matters of any person or entity subject to the board's regulatory jurisdiction are confidential and privileged and any disciplinary hearing shall be closed to the public.

(b) Members of the board, persons employed by the board, persons engaged in the investigation of violations and in the preparation and management of charges of violations of sections 144E.001 to 144E.33 on behalf of the board, and persons participating in the investigation regarding charges of violations are immune from civil liability and criminal prosecution for any actions, transactions, or publications, made in good faith, in the execution of, or relating to, their duties under sections 144E.001 to 144E.33.

(c) For purposes of this section, a member of the board is considered a state employee under section 3.736, subdivision 9.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 42; 2000 c 313 s 7,8; 2004 c 144 s 6

144E.31 CORRECTION ORDER AND FINES.

Subdivision 1.Correction order.

(a) If the board finds that a licensee or training program has failed to comply with an applicable law or rule and the violation does not imminently endanger the public's health or safety, the board may issue a correction order to the licensee or training program.

(b) The correction order shall state:

(1) the conditions that constitute a violation of the law or rule;

(2) the specific law or rule violated; and

(3) the time allowed to correct the violation.

Subd. 2.Reconsideration.

(a) If the licensee or training program believes that the contents of the board's correction order are in error, the licensee or training program may ask the board to reconsider the parts of the correction order that are alleged to be in error.

(b) The request for reconsideration must:

(1) be in writing;

(2) be delivered by certified mail;

(3) specify the parts of the correction order that are alleged to be in error;

(4) explain why they are in error; and

(5) include documentation to support the allegation of error.

(c) A request for reconsideration does not stay any provision or requirement of the correction order. The board's disposition of a request for reconsideration is final and not subject to appeal under chapter 14.

Subd. 3.Fine.

(a) The board may order a fine concurrently with the issuance of a correction order, or after the licensee or training program has not corrected the violation within the time specified in the correction order.

(b) A licensee or training program that is ordered to pay a fine shall be notified of the order by certified mail. The notice shall be mailed to the address shown on the application or the last known address of the licensee or training program. The notice shall state the reasons the fine was ordered and shall inform the licensee or training program of the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14.

(c) A licensee or training program may appeal the order to pay a fine by notifying the board by certified mail within 15 calendar days after receiving the order. A timely appeal shall stay payment of the fine until the board issues a final order.

(d) A licensee or training program shall pay the fine assessed on or before the payment date specified in the board's order. If a licensee or training program fails to fully comply with the order, the board shall suspend the license or cancel approval until there is full compliance with the order.

(e) Fines shall be assessed as follows:

(1) $150 for violation of section 144E.123;

(2) $400 for violation of sections 144E.06, 144E.07, 144E.101, 144E.103, 144E.121, 144E.125, 144E.265, 144E.285, and 144E.305;

(3) $750 for violation of rules adopted under section 144E.16, subdivision 4, clause (8); and

(4) $50 for violation of all other sections under this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter that are not specifically enumerated in clauses (1) to (3).

(f) Fines collected by the board shall be deposited as nondedicated receipts in the general fund.

Subd. 4.Additional penalties.

This section does not prohibit the board from suspending, revoking, placing conditions on, or refusing to renew a licensee's license or a training program's approval in addition to ordering a fine.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 43; 2000 c 479 art 2 s 3

144E.32 REVIEW ORGANIZATION.

Subdivision 1.Applicable law.

The provisions of sections 145.61 to 145.67 apply to an ambulance service or first responder review organization.

Subd. 2.Review organization defined.

A review organization, as defined under section 145.61, includes a committee of an ambulance service provider, a physician medical director, a medical advisor, or ambulance supervisory personnel who gather, create, and review information relating to the care and treatment of patients in providing emergency medical care, including employee performance reviews, quality assurance data, and other ambulance service or first responder performance data for ambulance services licensed under section 144E.10 or 144E.12 or first responders registered under section 144E.27, for the purposes specified under section 145.61, subdivision 5.

History:

1999 c 84 s 1

144E.33 PENALTY.

A person who violates a provision of sections 144E.001 to 144E.33 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 44

NONPROFIT AMBULANCE SERVICES

144E.35 REIMBURSEMENT TO NONPROFIT AMBULANCE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Repayment for volunteer training.

A licensed ambulance service shall be reimbursed by the board for the necessary expense of the initial training of a volunteer ambulance attendant upon successful completion by the attendant of a basic emergency care course, or a continuing education course for basic emergency care, or both, which has been approved by the board, pursuant to section 144E.285. Reimbursement may include tuition, transportation, food, lodging, hourly payment for the time spent in the training course, and other necessary expenditures, except that in no instance shall a volunteer ambulance attendant be reimbursed more than $600 for successful completion of a basic course, and $275 for successful completion of a continuing education course.

Subd. 2.Reimbursement provisions.

Reimbursement will be paid under provisions of this section when documentation is provided the board that the individual has served for one year from the date of the final certification exam as an active member of a Minnesota licensed ambulance service.

History:

1977 c 305 s 45; 1977 c 427 s 1; 1979 c 316 s 9; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 209 s 39; 1989 c 134 s 11; 1990 c 568 art 2 s 14; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 23; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 16; 1997 c 199 s 14; 1999 c 8 s 2; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 65; 2007 c 147 art 16 s 13

COMPREHENSIVE ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT

144E.37 COMPREHENSIVE ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT.

The board shall establish a comprehensive advanced life-support educational program to train rural medical personnel, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and allied health care providers, in a team approach to anticipate, recognize, and treat life-threatening emergencies before serious injury or cardiac arrest occurs.

History:

1999 c 245 art 9 s 45

PERSONNEL LONGEVITY AWARD AND INCENTIVE PROGRAM

144E.40 COOPER/SAMS VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance program is established. The program is intended to recognize the service rendered to state and local government and the citizens of Minnesota by qualified ambulance service personnel, and to reward qualified ambulance service personnel for significant contributions to state and local government and to the public. The purpose of the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust is to accumulate resources to allow for the payment of longevity awards to qualified ambulance service personnel upon the completion of a substantial ambulance service career.

Subd. 2.Administration.

(a) Unless paragraph (c) applies, consistent with the responsibilities of the State Board of Investment and the various ambulance services, the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance program must be administered by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. The administrative responsibilities of the board for the program relate solely to the record keeping, award application, and award payment functions. The State Board of Investment is responsible for the investment of the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust. The applicable ambulance service is responsible for determining, consistent with this chapter, who is a qualified ambulance service person, what constitutes a year of credited ambulance service, what constitutes sufficient documentation of a year of prior service, and for submission of all necessary data to the board in a manner consistent with this chapter. Determinations of an ambulance service are final.

(b) The board may administer its assigned responsibilities regarding the program directly or may retain a qualified governmental or nongovernmental plan administrator under contract to administer those responsibilities regarding the program. A contract with a qualified plan administrator must be the result of an open competitive bidding process and must be reopened for competitive bidding at least once during every five-year period after July 1, 1993.

(c) The commissioner of employee relations shall review the options within state government for the most appropriate administration of pension plans or similar arrangements for emergency service personnel and recommend to the governor the most appropriate future pension plan or nonpension plan administrative arrangement for this chapter. If the governor concurs in the recommendation, the governor shall transfer the future administrative responsibilities relating to this chapter to that administrative agency.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 54; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 23; 1997 c 199 s 14; 2007 c 11 s 1

144E.41 PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY; QUALIFIED AMBULANCE SERVICE PERSONNEL.

(a) Persons eligible to participate in the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance program are qualified ambulance service personnel.

(b) Qualified ambulance service personnel are ambulance attendants, ambulance drivers, and ambulance service medical directors or medical advisors who meet the following requirements:

(1) employment of the person by or provision by the person of service to an ambulance service that is licensed as such by the state of Minnesota and that provides ambulance services that are generally available to the public and are free of unfair discriminatory practices under chapter 363A;

(2) performance by the person during the 12 months ending as of the immediately previous June 30 of all or a predominant portion of the person's services in the state of Minnesota or on behalf of Minnesota residents, as verified by August 1 annually in an affidavit from the chief administrative officer of the ambulance service;

(3) current certification of the person during the 12 months ending as of the immediately previous June 30 by the board as an ambulance attendant, ambulance driver, or ambulance service medical director or medical advisor under section 144E.265 or 144E.28, and supporting rules, and current active ambulance service employment or service provision status of the person, as verified by August 1 annually in an affidavit from the chief administrative officer of the ambulance service; and

(4) conformance by the person with the definition of the phrase "volunteer ambulance attendant" under section 144E.001, subdivision 15, except that for the salary limit specified in that provision there must be substituted, for purposes of this section only, a limit of $6,000 for calendar year 2004, and $6,000 multiplied by the cumulative percentage increase in the national Consumer Price Index, all items, for urban wage earners and clerical workers, as published by the federal Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, since December 31, 2004, and for an ambulance service medical director, conformance based solely on the person's hourly stipends or salary for service as a medical director.

(c) The term "active ambulance service employment or service provision status" means being in good standing with and on the active roster of the ambulance service making the certification.

(d) For a person who is employed by or provides service to more than one ambulance service concurrently during any period during the 12-month period, credit towards an award under this chapter is limited to one ambulance service during any period. The creditable period is with the ambulance service for which the person undertakes the greatest portion of employment or service hours.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 55; 1997 c 199 s 14; 1999 c 8 s 3; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 65; 2003 c 2 art 1 s 17; 2004 c 144 s 7; 2007 c 11 s 1

144E.42 COOPER/SAMS VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE TRUST; TRUST ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.Trust.

There is established the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust.

Subd. 2.Trust account.

(a) There is established in the general fund the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust account and the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award and account.

(b) The trust account must be credited with:

(1) general fund appropriations for that purpose;

(2) transfers from the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award and account; and

(3) investment earnings on those accumulated proceeds. The assets and income of the trust account must be held and managed by the commissioner of finance and the State Board of Investment for the benefit of the state of Minnesota and its general creditors.

(c) The Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance account must be credited with transfers from the excess police state-aid holding account established in section 69.021, subdivision 11, any per-year-of-service allocation under section 144E.45, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), that was not made for an individual, and investment earnings on those accumulated proceeds. The Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance account must be managed by the commissioner of finance and the State Board of Investment. From the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance account to the trust account there must be transferred to the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust account, as the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance account balance permits, the following amounts:

(1) an amount equal to any general fund appropriation to the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust account for that fiscal year; and

(2) an amount equal to the percentage of the remaining balance in the account after the deduction of the amount under clause (1), as specified for the applicable fiscal year:

Fiscal year		Percentage
	1995	20
	1996	40
	1997	50
	1998	60
	1999	70
	2000	80
	2001	90
	2002 and thereafter	100

Subd. 3.Priority of claims.

The state of Minnesota intends that this program, trust, and trust account not constitute a separate fund for any legal purpose, including the federal Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Qualified ambulance service personnel have only an unsecured promise of the state of Minnesota to pay a longevity award upon meeting entitlement requirements set forth in section 144E.46, and qualified ambulance service personnel meeting those entitlement requirements have the status of general unsecured creditors with respect to the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award, if and when awarded.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 56; 1994 c 632 art 3 s 50; 1996 c 390 s 31; 1997 c 199 s 14; 2007 c 11 s 1

144E.43 DISTRIBUTIONS FROM ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.Award payments.

(a) The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board or the board's designee under section 144E.40, subdivision 2, shall pay Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance awards to qualified ambulance service personnel determined to be entitled to an award under section 144E.46 by the board based on the submissions by the various ambulance services. Amounts necessary to pay the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award are appropriated from the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust account to the board.

(b) If the state of Minnesota is unable to meet its financial obligations as they become due, the board shall undertake all necessary steps to discontinue paying Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance awards until the state of Minnesota is again able to meet its financial obligations as they become due.

Subd. 2.General creditors of the state.

The trust account is at all times subject to a levy under an execution of any general creditor of the state of Minnesota, and if no other funds are available to satisfy that levy, the levy has priority for payment from the trust account before any Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 57; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 24; 1997 c 199 s 14; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 50; 2007 c 11 s 1

144E.44 TRUST ACCOUNT INVESTMENT.

The trust account must be invested by the State Board of Investment in nonretirement funds established under the provisions of section 11A.14. The trust account must be invested in investment accounts so that the asset allocation is similar to the asset allocation of the income share account of the Minnesota supplemental investment fund, as governed by section 11A.17.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 58; 1996 c 438 art 5 s 1; 1997 c 199 s 14

144E.45 CREDITING QUALIFIED AMBULANCE PERSONNEL SERVICE.

Subdivision 1.Separate record keeping.

The board or the board's designee under section 144E.40, subdivision 2, shall maintain a separate record of potential award accumulations for each qualified ambulance service person under subdivision 2.

Subd. 2.Potential allocations.

(a) On November 1, annually, the board or the board's designee under section 144E.40, subdivision 2, shall determine the amount of the allocation of the prior year's accumulation to each qualified ambulance service person. The prior year's net investment gain or loss under paragraph (b) must be allocated and that year's general fund appropriation, plus any transfer from the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance account under section 144E.42, subdivision 2, and after deduction of administrative expenses, also must be allocated.

(b) The difference in the market value of the assets of the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust account as of the immediately previous June 30 and the June 30 occurring 12 months earlier must be reported on or before August 15 by the State Board of Investment. The market value gain or loss must be expressed as a percentage of the total potential award accumulations as of the immediately previous June 30, and that positive or negative percentage must be applied to increase or decrease the recorded potential award accumulation of each qualified ambulance service person.

(c) The appropriation for this purpose, after deduction of administrative expenses, must be divided by the total number of additional ambulance service personnel years of service recognized since the last allocation or 1,000 years of service, whichever is greater. If the allocation is based on the 1,000 years of service, any allocation not made for a qualified ambulance service person must be credited to the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance account under section 144E.42, subdivision 2. A qualified ambulance service person must be credited with a year of service if the person is certified by the chief administrative officer of the ambulance service as having rendered active ambulance service during the 12 months ending as of the immediately previous June 30. If the person has rendered prior active ambulance service, the person must be additionally credited with one-fifth of a year of service for each year of active ambulance service rendered before June 30, 1993, but not to exceed in any year one additional year of service or to exceed in total five years of prior service. Prior active ambulance service means employment by or the provision of service to a licensed ambulance service before June 30, 1993, as determined by the person's current ambulance service based on records provided by the person that were contemporaneous to the service. The prior ambulance service must be reported on or before August 1 to the board in an affidavit from the chief administrative officer of the ambulance service.

(d) Effective July 1, 2008, notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (c), the value of each service credit shall be $447.19.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 59; 1994 c 632 art 3 s 51; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 25; 1996 c 438 art 5 s 2; 1997 c 199 s 14; 2007 c 11 s 1; 2008 c 363 art 17 s 3

144E.46 COOPER/SAMS VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE AWARD.

(a) A qualified ambulance service person who has terminated active ambulance service, who has at least five years of credited ambulance service, who is at least 50 years old, and who is among the 400 persons with the greatest amount of credited ambulance service applying for a longevity award during that year, is entitled, upon application, to a Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award. An applicant whose application is not approved because of the limit on the number of annual awards may apply in a subsequent year.

(b) If a qualified ambulance service person who meets the service requirements specified in paragraph (a) dies before applying for a longevity award, the estate of the decedent is entitled, upon application, to the decedent's Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award, without reference to the limit on the number of annual awards.

(c) A Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award is the total amount of the person's accumulations indicated in the person's separate record under section 144E.45 as of November 1 in the calendar year in which application is made. The amount is payable only in a lump sum.

(d) Applications for a Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award must be received by the board or the board's designee under section 144E.40, subdivision 2, by October 1, annually. Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance awards are payable only as of the last business day in December annually.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 60; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 26; 1996 c 438 art 5 s 3; 1997 c 199 s 14; 2004 c 144 s 8; 2007 c 11 s 1

144E.47 EFFECT OF CHANGES.

Subdivision 1.Modifications.

The Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance program is a gratuity established by the state of Minnesota and may be modified by subsequent legislative enactment at any time without creating any cause of action for any ambulance service personnel related to the program as a result. No provision of Laws 1993, First Special Session chapter 1, and no subsequent amendment may be interpreted as causing or resulting in the program to be funded for federal Internal Revenue Code or federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 purposes, or as causing or resulting in any contributions to or investment income earned by the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance trust account to be subject to federal income tax to ambulance service personnel or their beneficiaries before actual receipt of a longevity award under section 144E.46.

Subd. 2.Nonassignability.

No entitlement or claim of a qualified ambulance service person or the person's beneficiary to a Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award is assignable, or subject to garnishment, attachment, execution, levy, or legal process of any kind, except as provided in section 518.58, 518.581, or 518A.53. The board may not recognize any attempted transfer, assignment, or pledge of a Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award.

Subd. 3.Public employee status.

Recognizing the important public function performed by ambulance service personnel, only for purposes of Laws 1993, First Special Session chapter 1, and the receipt of a state sponsored gratuity in the form of a Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award, all qualified ambulance service personnel are considered to be public employees.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 61; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 27; 1997 c 199 s 14; 1997 c 203 art 6 s 92; 2005 c 164 s 29; 1Sp2005 c 7 s 28; 2007 c 11 s 1

144E.48 SCOPE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES.

For purposes of administering the award and incentive program, the board cannot hear appeals, direct ambulance services to take any specific actions, investigate or take action on individual complaints, or otherwise act on information beyond that submitted by the licensed ambulance services.

History:

1Sp1993 c 1 art 9 s 62; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 28; 1997 c 199 s 14

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUND

144E.50 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUND.

Subdivision 1.Citation.

This section is the "Minnesota Emergency Medical Services System Support Act."

Subd. 2.Establishment and purpose.

In order to develop, maintain, and improve regional emergency medical services systems, the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board shall establish an emergency medical services system fund. The fund shall be used for the general purposes of promoting systematic, cost-effective delivery of emergency medical care throughout the state; identifying common local, regional, and state emergency medical system needs and providing assistance in addressing those needs; providing discretionary grants for emergency medical service projects with potential regionwide significance; providing for public education about emergency medical care; promoting the exchange of emergency medical care information; ensuring the ongoing coordination of regional emergency medical services systems; and establishing and maintaining training standards to ensure consistent quality of emergency medical services throughout the state.

Subd. 3.Definition.

For purposes of this section, "board" means the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

Subd. 4.Use and restrictions.

Designated regional emergency medical services systems may use emergency medical services system funds to support local and regional emergency medical services as determined within the region, with particular emphasis given to supporting and improving emergency trauma and cardiac care and training. No part of a region's share of the fund may be used to directly subsidize any ambulance service operations or rescue service operations or to purchase any vehicles or parts of vehicles for an ambulance service or a rescue service.

Subd. 5.Distribution.

Money from the fund shall be distributed according to this subdivision. Ninety-five percent of the fund shall be distributed annually on a contract for services basis with each of the eight regional emergency medical services systems designated by the board. The systems shall be governed by a body consisting of appointed representatives from each of the counties in that region and shall also include representatives from emergency medical services organizations. The board shall contract with a regional entity only if the contract proposal satisfactorily addresses proposed emergency medical services activities in the following areas: personnel training, transportation coordination, public safety agency cooperation, communications systems maintenance and development, public involvement, health care facilities involvement, and system management. If each of the regional emergency medical services systems submits a satisfactory contract proposal, then this part of the fund shall be distributed evenly among the regions. If one or more of the regions does not contract for the full amount of its even share or if its proposal is unsatisfactory, then the board may reallocate the unused funds to the remaining regions on a pro rata basis. Five percent of the fund shall be used by the board to support regionwide reporting systems and to provide other regional administration and technical assistance.

Subd. 6.Audits.

(a) Each regional emergency medical services board designated by the board shall be audited either annually or biennially by an independent auditor who is either a state or local government auditor or a certified public accountant who meets the independence standards specified by the General Accounting Office for audits of governmental organizations, programs, activities, and functions. The audit shall cover all funds received by the regional board, including but not limited to, funds appropriated under this section, section 144E.52, and section 169.686, subdivision 3. Expenses associated with the audit are the responsibility of the regional board.

(b) A biennial audit specified in paragraph (a) shall be performed within 60 days following the close of the biennium. Copies of the audit and any accompanying materials shall be filed by October 1 of each odd-numbered year, beginning in 1999, with the board, the legislative auditor, and the state auditor.

(c) An annual audit specified in paragraph (a) shall be performed within 120 days following the close of the regional emergency medical services board's fiscal year. Copies of the audit and any accompanying materials shall be filed within 150 days following the close of the regional emergency medical services board's fiscal year, beginning in the year 2000, with the board, the legislative auditor, and the state auditor.

(d) If the audit is not conducted as required in paragraph (a) or copies filed as required in paragraph (b) or (c), or if the audit determines that funds were not spent in accordance with this chapter, the board shall immediately reduce funding to the regional emergency medical services board as follows:

(1) if an audit was not conducted or if an audit was conducted but copies were not provided as required, funding shall be reduced by up to 100 percent; and

(2) if an audit was conducted and copies provided, and the audit identifies expenditures made that are not in compliance with this chapter, funding shall be reduced by the amount in question plus ten percent.

A funding reduction under this paragraph is effective for the fiscal year in which the reduction is taken and the following fiscal year.

(e) The board shall distribute any funds withheld from a regional board under paragraph (d) to the remaining regional boards on a pro rata basis.

History:

1Sp1985 c 9 art 2 s 13; 1987 c 209 s 39; 1992 c 549 art 5 s 14; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 17; 1996 c 324 s 1; 1997 c 199 s 14; 1999 c 245 art 9 s 46; 2000 c 313 s 9; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 7 s 44

REGIONAL FUNDING

144E.52 FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES REGIONS.

The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board shall distribute funds appropriated from the general fund equally among the emergency medical service regions. Each regional board may use this money to reimburse eligible emergency medical services personnel for continuing education costs related to emergency care that are personally incurred and are not reimbursed from other sources. Eligible emergency medical services personnel include, but are not limited to, dispatchers, emergency room physicians, emergency room nurses, first responders, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics.

History:

1990 c 568 art 2 s 15; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 18; 1997 c 199 s 14