https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/Recent content in Chapter 144E — Comprehensive Advanced Life Support on MinnesotaLawyer.comHugoen-ushttps://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144.6062/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144.6062/This section requires the Commissioner of Health to create a comprehensive advanced life support training program aimed at rural health care workers. The program teaches physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and other health care providers to work as a team to recognize and treat life-threatening emergencies before a patient suffers serious injury or cardiac arrest. The focus is on rural areas where access to emergency specialists may be limited.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.001/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.001/This section defines key terms used throughout Minnesota’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) law. It explains what words like ‘ambulance,’ ‘EMT,’ ‘paramedic,’ ‘basic life support,’ and ‘advanced life support’ mean. These definitions help everyone understand the rules that apply to ambulance services and emergency medical workers in the state.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.01/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.01/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. The content that was previously here has been removed from Minnesota law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.011/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.011/This section creates the Office of Emergency Medical Services in Minnesota. The governor appoints a director to run the office. The office has the power to license ambulance services, certify EMTs and paramedics, approve training programs, investigate complaints, and manage grants related to emergency medical services.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.015/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.015/This section creates a Medical Services Division within the Office of Emergency Medical Services. A deputy director who must be a licensed physician leads this division. The division oversees the medical and clinical side of emergency care and training programs for EMS workers.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.016/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.016/This section creates an Ambulance Services Division within the Office of Emergency Medical Services. A deputy director leads this division and handles the licensing and operation of ambulance services, registration of medical response units, setting up service areas, and managing grants.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.017/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.017/This section creates an Emergency Medical Service Providers Division within the Office of Emergency Medical Services. A deputy director leads this division and handles the certification and registration of individual EMS providers, worker safety and well-being, training programs, and grants.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.03/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.03/This section creates the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, a group of people from different backgrounds who advise the state on EMS matters. Members include an EMT, a paramedic, a medical director, a firefighter, a nurse, a hospital administrator, a social worker, tribal representatives, public members, and legislators.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.035/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.035/This section creates the Emergency Medical Services Physician Advisory Council. The council is made up of physicians who advise the state on the medical and clinical side of emergency care. Members include doctors from regional EMS systems, a pediatrics specialist, and a fire department medical director.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.04/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.04/This section creates the Labor and Emergency Medical Service Providers Advisory Council. This council focuses on the needs and concerns of EMS workers. Members include EMS providers from each region, an EMT instructor, employee organization representatives, and providers from both fire departments and non-fire-department services.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.05/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.05/This section gives the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services the power to accept grants, gifts, and donations for emergency medical purposes. The director can also enter into contracts with people or organizations for EMS-related services, and money from those contracts goes back to the office to pay for those services.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.06/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.06/This section requires the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services to create rules that define primary service areas. Each licensed ambulance service is assigned to serve one or more specific geographic areas in the state.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.07/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.07/This section explains how an ambulance service can request changes to its primary service area through a simpler approval process. Changes can include removing overlap with another service, expanding into a neighboring area without coverage, or pulling back from an area. The service must submit a written application and get approval from affected ambulance services.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.10/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.10/This section requires anyone who wants to operate an ambulance service in Minnesota to have a valid license from the director. The license must state the base of operations, the primary service area, and the type of ambulance service. A new license is needed to expand the service area or add new types of service.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.101/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.101/This section sets the detailed requirements for running an ambulance service in Minnesota. It covers staffing rules for basic, advanced, part-time, and specialized life support. Ambulance services must operate 24/7, cannot refuse emergency care based on ability to pay, must have mutual aid agreements, and must follow trauma transport guidelines.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.103/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.103/This section lists the equipment that every ambulance in Minnesota must carry. Required items include oxygen, airway equipment, splints, bandages, tourniquets, an obstetric kit, vital sign equipment, a stretcher, a defibrillator, a fire extinguisher, and opiate antagonists. All equipment must be kept clean, in good working order, and properly stored.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.11/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.11/This section explains how to apply for an ambulance service license in Minnesota. The application goes through a public notice and comment period. If five or fewer objections are received, the process can skip a formal hearing. If more than five objections are filed, the case may go to a contested hearing before an administrative law judge. Licenses expire every two years and must be renewed.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.12/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.12/This section covers licensing for air ambulance services (helicopter and fixed-wing). Air ambulance services follow a simpler application process than ground ambulances. They do not need to go through the full public comment and hearing process, and they do not need a designated primary service area.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.121/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.121/This section sets specific requirements for air ambulance services. Air ambulances must comply with Federal Aviation Administration rules and state aeronautics rules. All medical crew members (except pilots) must be certified EMS providers and trained on the effects of altitude changes on patients. Air ambulances must carry equipment appropriate to their service level.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.123/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.123/This section requires ambulance services to collect and report data about every emergency response to the director. The data must follow national standards. A copy of the ambulance report must be given to the receiving hospital when a patient is transported. The data is classified as private under Minnesota law, but overdose data may be shared with the ODMAP tracking system.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.125/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.125/This section requires every licensed ambulance service to create and follow written procedures for handling complaints, maintaining ambulances and equipment, managing drugs, and controlling infections. These written procedures must be kept on file.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.127/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.127/This section allows ambulance services to use substitute medical staff when transferring patients between hospitals or other medical facilities. During hospital-to-hospital transfers, a physician, nurse, or physician assistant can take the place of one ambulance crew member if they know the ambulance equipment and protocols. Rural services get additional staffing flexibility for interfacility transfers.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.13/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.13/This section allows the director to issue a temporary ambulance service license when an area would otherwise have no ambulance service. The temporary license is good for up to six months. The temporary licensee must show they will meet all the normal ambulance service requirements.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.14/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.14/This section covers how to transfer an ambulance service license or ownership to a new person or organization. The director must approve any transfer based on whether the new owner can meet all service requirements. If the transfer involves expanding the service area or adding new service types, the full application process applies.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.15/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.15/This section explains how an ambulance service can move its base of operations to a different city or township within its service area. The service must notify the director in writing before moving. The director reviews the move to make sure it will not hurt service coverage in the area.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.16/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.16/This section gives the director authority to adopt rules for ambulance services covering many areas, including licensing, staffing, equipment, communication, and training. Local governments can set stricter standards with the director’s approval. The section also requires ambulance services to develop special transport protocols for stroke and heart attack patients.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.17/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.17/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. The content that was previously here has been removed from Minnesota law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.18/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.18/This section gives the director the power to inspect ambulance services as often as needed to make sure they follow the law. The director can also review any documents or electronic files that ambulance services are required to keep on hand.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.19/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.19/This section gives the director the power to discipline ambulance services by suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew their licenses. The ambulance service has the right to a hearing before action is taken. In emergencies where public safety is at risk, the director can temporarily suspend a license right away, with a hearing scheduled within 60 days.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.25/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.25/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. The content that was previously here has been removed from Minnesota law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.265/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.265/This section sets the requirements for medical directors of ambulance services. A medical director must be a licensed physician in Minnesota with experience in emergency care and knowledge of EMS systems. The medical director is responsible for approving training, equipment, standing orders, drug procedures, and quality improvement programs.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.266/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.266/This section automatically suspends many ambulance service requirements during declared emergencies. During a national security emergency, peacetime emergency, or local emergency, rules about licensing, staffing, equipment, and other requirements are temporarily lifted for affected areas. This also applies to ambulance services providing mutual aid to the emergency area.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.27/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.27/This section covers registration, renewal, and discipline for emergency medical responders (EMRs) and ambulance drivers. EMRs must complete an approved training program or have national credentials. Registration must be renewed every two years with a refresher course. The director can deny, suspend, or revoke registration for violations including felony convictions, substance abuse, patient mistreatment, or unprofessional conduct.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.275/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.275/This section allows local governments to register ‘medical response units’ — groups of trained first responders who provide initial emergency care before an ambulance arrives. To be registered, a unit must have a medical director, at least one EMT or EMR on staff, and be officially recognized by a local government. Registration lasts two years and must be renewed. The section also allows certified EMTs with two or more years of experience to become ‘Community Emergency Medical Technicians’ (CEMTs), who can provide follow-up patient care and help prevent repeat 911 calls through planned, non-emergency visits.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.28/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.28/This section sets the rules for becoming and remaining certified as an EMT, AEMT, or paramedic in Minnesota. Initial certification requires completing a DOT-approved training course and passing written and practical exams. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education — 48 hours for AEMTs and paramedics, plus a CPR or ACLS course. Certifications expire if renewal requirements are not met, and expired certifications can be reinstated within four years without retaking the full course. The director can deny, suspend, or revoke a certification for patient abuse, criminal convictions, impairment, or other misconduct.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.283/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.283/This section sets the qualifications required to be an instructor in EMT or emergency medical responder training programs. An EMT instructor must be a licensed or certified medical professional (EMT, paramedic, RN, physician, etc.), have at least two years of active field experience, be recommended by a medical director, complete the DOT’s EMS Instructor Education Program, and complete eight hours of continuing education on teaching topics every two years. EMR instructors have a simpler qualification requirement — they must hold a valid EMR, EMT, AEMT, paramedic, or clinical professional credential.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.285/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.285/This section requires all EMR, EMT, AEMT, and paramedic training programs in Minnesota to be approved by the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services. Programs must follow current DOT education standards, have a medical director and program coordinator, use qualified instructors for at least half the course content, and pay applicable fees. AEMT and paramedic programs must also be accredited by CAAHEP, a national health education accrediting body. The director can deny, suspend, or revoke a program’s approval and can conduct audits to ensure compliance.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.286/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.286/This section sets the qualifications for people who test EMT, AEMT, and paramedic practical skills during certification exams. An examiner must be certified, licensed, or registered at or above the level they are testing, or must be a registered nurse, physician, or physician assistant with knowledge of current out-of-hospital care. For AEMT and paramedic practical exams, a physician must also be available to answer questions about skill evaluation. Two earlier subdivisions of this section were repealed in 2004.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.287/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.287/This section requires the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services to either run a health professionals services program or contract with a diversion program for EMS workers who are unable to do their jobs safely because of illness, substance use, or mental or physical health conditions. This program gives impaired EMS workers a path to treatment and recovery rather than immediately facing disciplinary action.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.29/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.29/This section sets the fees that ambulance services and training programs must pay to the Office of Emergency Medical Services. The initial and renewal fee for an ambulance service license is $150, plus $96 per ambulance for a two-year period. Each additional ambulance added during the licensing period costs $96 for the full period or $4 per month. An education program approval costs $100, and duplicates of licenses or approvals cost $25. All fees except the duplicate fee cover two-year periods and are nonrefundable.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.30/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.30/This section gives the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services broad powers to investigate EMS license holders and certified personnel. Licensees and certified workers must fully cooperate with investigations, including providing documents, answering questions, and appearing at hearings. The director can bring court actions for injunctions to stop violations in Hennepin County or the county where the violation occurred. The director also has subpoena power to compel witnesses and records when investigating a serious public health threat.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.305/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.305/This section establishes a reporting system for misconduct by EMS workers. Anyone may voluntarily report suspected misconduct to the director. Ambulance service licensees must report within 60 days if they have verifiable knowledge that an EMR, EMT, AEMT, or paramedic has committed conduct that is grounds for discipline — and must also report any dismissal or pre-charge resignation. Reports made in good faith are confidential while under investigation and are protected by civil and criminal immunity. The director and investigators are also immune from liability for actions taken in good faith.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.31/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.31/This section describes how the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services can issue correction orders and impose fines on ambulance services and training programs that violate the law. When a violation doesn’t immediately endanger the public, the director can issue a correction order giving the licensee time to fix the problem. If the problem isn’t fixed in time, or for more serious violations, the director can impose fines ranging from $50 to $750 depending on the violation. Licensees may appeal a fine by notifying the director within 15 days. Failure to pay a fine results in suspension of the license.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.32/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.32/This section defines ambulance service and emergency medical responder quality review committees as ‘review organizations’ under Minnesota law, extending to them the same confidentiality and legal protections that apply to hospital peer review committees. These groups review patient care records, employee performance, and quality assurance data to improve emergency medical care. Their deliberations and records are protected from being used as evidence in lawsuits.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.33/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.33/This section makes it a misdemeanor to violate any provision of the Minnesota EMS law (sections 144E.001 through 144E.33). This covers all violations of the rules for ambulance service licensing, EMT certification, training program approval, and related requirements. Criminal prosecution under this section is separate from any civil fines, license suspensions, or other administrative penalties the director may impose.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.35/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.35/This section allows smaller ambulance services — those with 5,000 or fewer calls per year — to get reimbursed from the state for the costs of training their EMTs and EMRs. The state pays up to $1,200 per EMT who completes initial certification and $400 for continuing education, and up to $600 for initial EMR certification and $200 for EMR continuing education. To receive reimbursement, the ambulance attendant must also have served the licensed ambulance service for at least one full year after completing the final certification exam.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.37/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.37/This statute section was renumbered and is now found at section 144.6062, which requires the Commissioner of Health to establish a comprehensive advanced life support training program for rural health care providers.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.40/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.40/This section establishes the Cooper/Sams Volunteer Ambulance Program, a state program that rewards volunteer ambulance workers for long careers of community service. The program accumulates funds in a trust account and pays longevity awards to qualifying volunteers who complete substantial ambulance careers. The program is administered by the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, with the State Board of Investment managing the trust’s investments. Each ambulance service determines which of its workers qualify and reports that information to the director.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.41/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.41/This section defines who qualifies as ‘qualified ambulance service personnel’ eligible for the Cooper/Sams longevity award program. Eligible workers include ambulance attendants, ambulance drivers, and medical directors who: (1) serve a Minnesota-licensed ambulance service that serves the public; (2) perform most of their service in Minnesota; (3) hold current certification; and (4) qualify as volunteer ambulance attendants receiving $6,000 or less per year in stipends. Ambulance service chief administrators must report eligible personnel to the director each year by August 1 in a notarized affidavit.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.42/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.42/This section establishes the financial structure of the Cooper/Sams Volunteer Ambulance Trust, which holds the funds that will eventually be paid as longevity awards to qualifying volunteer ambulance workers. The trust and its accounts are held within the state general fund and managed by the commissioner of management and budget and the State Board of Investment. The trust is not a separate legal entity and is not a qualified retirement plan under federal tax law — participants are unsecured general creditors of the state, meaning the state’s creditors could have priority over award payments if the state faces severe financial stress.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.43/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.43/This section provides the legal authority for paying Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance longevity awards to qualifying workers. Money from the Cooper/Sams trust account is automatically appropriated to the director to pay awards to eligible volunteers as determined by their ambulance service’s submissions. The director must stop making payments if the state cannot meet its financial obligations, and if the state has general creditors who need to be paid, those creditors have priority over Cooper/Sams award payments from the trust account.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.44/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.44/This section directs the State Board of Investment to invest the Cooper/Sams Volunteer Ambulance Trust Account in non-retirement investment accounts, with an asset allocation similar to the income share account of the Minnesota Supplemental Investment Fund. This means the trust invests in a diversified mix of stocks and bonds aimed at moderate growth, consistent with the investment approach used for other state trust funds.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.45/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.45/This section describes how accumulated credits are calculated and tracked for each Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance program participant. On November 1 each year, the director calculates each participant’s allocation based on investment gains or losses and the annual state appropriation. Since July 1, 2008, each year of credited service is worth $447.19. Volunteers also receive credit for up to five years of pre-1993 service, adding one-fifth of a year of service for each year they served before the program began.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.46/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.46/This section sets the eligibility requirements for receiving a Cooper/Sams longevity award. A volunteer must have at least five years of credited service, be at least 50 years old, and have stopped providing active ambulance service. Each year, the award is limited to the 400 volunteers with the most credited service who apply — those who are not among the top 400 can reapply in future years. The award is paid as a single lump-sum payment, with applications due by October 1 and payments made on the last business day of December. If a qualifying volunteer dies before applying, the estate can claim the award without being subject to the 400-person cap.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.47/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.47/This section clarifies the legal nature of the Cooper/Sams Volunteer Ambulance Program. The program is a state gratuity — a gift from the state — not a vested retirement benefit. The legislature can change or eliminate the program at any time without creating any right to sue. The award is not taxable income to participants until they actually receive payment. Award amounts cannot be assigned, transferred, garnished, or subject to execution except in cases of court-ordered property division or child support. All qualifying ambulance service personnel are treated as public employees solely for purposes of receiving the award.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.48/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.48/This section limits the director’s role in the Cooper/Sams volunteer ambulance award program to purely administrative functions. The director cannot hear appeals of ambulance service eligibility decisions, cannot direct ambulance services on how to determine eligibility, cannot investigate individual complaints from volunteers, and can only act on the information submitted by the licensed ambulance services themselves. All eligibility decisions are made by the individual ambulance services and are final.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.50/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.50/This section, called the ‘Minnesota Emergency Medical Services System Support Act,’ establishes a state fund to develop and maintain regional EMS systems across Minnesota. The director distributes 95% of the fund equally to the state’s eight regional EMS systems through service contracts, and the remaining 5% goes to the director for statewide reporting and technical support. Regional boards must spend the money on personnel training, communications, transportation coordination, public education, and other EMS improvements — they cannot use the funds to directly subsidize ambulance service operations or purchase vehicles. Regional boards must be audited regularly, and the director can reduce funding for boards that fail to comply.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.52/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.52/This section requires the director to distribute state general fund money equally among the eight emergency medical services regions to help pay for continuing education costs for EMS workers. Eligible personnel who can be reimbursed through these regional funds include dispatchers, emergency room physicians, emergency room nurses, EMRs, EMTs, and paramedics, for out-of-pocket continuing education costs that are not covered by any other source.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.53/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.53/This section requires the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services to distribute annual grants to the two medical resource communication centers that were operating in Minnesota before January 1, 2000. Medical resource communication centers coordinate hospital-to-ambulance communications, help coordinate patient care and transport for ground and air EMS operations, and serve as a statewide communication hub for public safety entities, hospitals, and communities.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.55/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-144e/144e.55/This section establishes a new rural EMS uncompensated care pool payment program to help rural ambulance services get paid for calls where they respond but do not transport a patient and receive no payment. Eligible rural ambulance services outside the Twin Cities metro area can apply annually for payments based on a point system — calls where no transport occurs and no payment is received are eligible, with smaller services receiving more points per call than larger ones. The director calculates a per-point payment based on available appropriations and pays each eligible service by May 30 each year.