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Panel advances 'distressed ambulance' program to address rural EMS closures, refers funding to appropriations
Summary
The Senate Human Services Committee voted 5–1 to advance a bill creating a Distressed Ambulance Service Program that would identify struggling ambulance services, require corrective action plans, and allow state coordination when local responses fail.
The Senate Human Services Committee voted 5–1 to advance Senate Bill 2033, legislation that would create a Distressed Ambulance Service Program to identify ambulance services at risk of failing and help develop plans to maintain emergency medical services in affected areas.
Senator Kristen Rohrs introduced the measure as a product of interim work on ambulance sustainability. Adam Parker, advocacy chair for the North Dakota EMS Association, described the drivers behind the bill: volunteer shortages, rising costs to staff ambulances, and the strain on neighboring services when one provider fails. "The level of service that you get is directly related to the cost that the public has to provide to support," Parker told the committee, summarizing the tradeoffs communities face between staffing costs and response expectations.
Witnesses presented a detailed operational model for the proposed program. The bill would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to identify ambulance services that are out of compliance, have indicated an intention to cease operations within a short period, or otherwise show a substantial likelihood of failing to respond to calls. After notice, a licensee would have time to submit a corrective action plan (45 days unless imminent closure), the department would appoint a coordinator for declared distressed services, and the coordinator would develop a proposed EMS plan and convene public meetings. If parties cannot agree on a sustainable plan, the department could take additional actions — up to and including license revocation in extreme cases — and may require reimbursement to the department for reasonable costs incurred in ensuring response.
Chris Price from the Department of Health and Human Services said the program is intended to be proactive rather than purely punitive and recommended additional administrative support to implement the program. The hearing record includes a fiscal estimate given early in the hearing: $209,842 from the general fund for the current biennium and $218,180 for the next biennium (fiscal note presented with the bill).
Committee discussion emphasized the program’s role as a backstop when local coordination fails. Representative Robin Weisz and others testified in support, describing sudden closures or local conflicts that had left communities without reliable coverage. Committee members pushed back on creating excessive state bureaucracy; supporters said the program is targeted to intervene only when local planning and statutory remedies have been exhausted.
Senator Kathy Hogan moved a do-pass recommendation with re-referral to the Appropriations Committee; Senator Rohrs seconded. The committee roll call was: Senator Judy Lee — aye; Senator Kent Weston — aye; Senator Kristen Rohrs — aye; Senator Kathy Hogan — aye; Senator Van Oosting — aye; Senator Dave Clemens — nay. The motion passed 5–1; SB 2033 will go to Appropriations for consideration of funding and administrative resources.
Lawmakers and witnesses said the bill is intended to preserve access to emergency medical services by encouraging local planning, allowing temporary waivers, and creating a state-coordinated response when necessary.
