Committee hears update from new state EMS office, advances bills on rural ambulance funding and workforce

The Minnesota House Health Finance and Policy Committee on Monday heard an update from the newly created Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services and advanced several bills intended to address ambulance funding shortfalls and workforce shortages, particularly in Greater Minnesota.

Director Ferguson, head of the new Office of Emergency Medical Services, told the committee the office began operating under its new structure on Jan. 1 after provisions in last session’s EMS omnibus bill moved regulatory operations from an independent board to a state agency. "That change became effective on January 1 and has been functioning under that since," he said, describing three divisions for ambulance operations, EMS providers, and EMS physicians and noting the office has posted a part‑time state EMS medical director position.

The director highlighted two financial measures enacted last session: a $24,000,000 aid program distributed to ambulance services and a $6,000,000 pilot for alternate EMS response (the "sprint medic" pilot). He said the $24 million was disbursed by the Department of Revenue on Dec. 26 and must be spent or encumbered by December 30, 2025. On the pilot, Ferguson said Otter Tail and Grant counties have an executed grant agreement and are preparing to begin operations, while St. Louis County’s application remains pending.

Committee members and multiple…