[MMA News Now, February 17, 2011] A bill has been proposed in both the Minnesota House and Senate that would allow paramedics to be certified as community health workers and to be reimbursed by Medical Assistance (MA).

Paramedics would be certified as “community paramedics” by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, according to the bill (S.F. 119and H.F. 262).

To be eligible for certification by the board a paramedic would have to be currently certified as a paramedic, have two or more years of full-time experience as a paramedic or its part-time equivalent, and complete a community paramedic training program from an accredited college or university in Minnesota.

Community paramedics would also be required to practice in accordance to the protocols and supervisory standards established by the ambulance service medical director; observe all certification, disciplinary, complaint, and other regulatory requirements that apply to paramedics; and be included in the patient care plan developed in coordination with other providers to prevent duplication of services.

The following services would be covered by MA when performed by a certified community paramedic: chronic disease monitoring and treatment, minor medical procedures to prevent unnecessary ambulance transportation or hospital emergency department use, provision of patient information and care referral options to meet physical and mental health needs, and other services approved by the Minnesota Department of Health commissioner.

The MMA has not taken a position on the bill, which committees in both the House and Senate passed this week.