Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) and Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) released the following statements regarding the legislative Emergency Medical Services (EMS) task force recommendations:

“The bottom line is that EMS services are essential, and they should be considered as such, and the recommendations we put forward should reflect that,” said Sen. Lang, who previously carried a bill that offered exemptions to alleviate stresses on the industry. “We’ve heard from the folks working in these services – they are working outstate, they’re saving lives, and they’re reiterating the obvious: we have an industry that is struggling, and they need help from the state. I’m glad we’re putting partisanship aside to work on this issue, and the recommendations we’re putting forward are a great step, but we need to do more to provide long-term relief and make this industry better.”

“Access to Emergency Medical Services is vital to Greater Minnesota but providing these services is often more challenging,” said Sen. Rasmusson. “That is why I am so appreciative of the EMS Task Force’s focus on this issue, and I am also grateful to the Minnesotans who engaged in the listening sessions across the state. The feedback we’ve received has allowed us to recognize what is driving a lot of the crisis today. With the problems identified, we now need to act this session on the solutions. I look forward to continuing our work on this important issue on a bipartisan basis.”

Recommendations include:

• Elevating the EMS Regulatory Board to a commission or board that reports to the Governor
• Increase Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulance services
• Streamline the process for Emergency Medical Response Emergency Medical Technician, and paramedic license renewal
• Fund a “Sprint Medic Model” pilot programs in Ottertail County and the Iron Range

Watch the hearing for a full list of recommendations during the task force discussion. Sen. Lang and Sen. Rasmusson both served on the task force.