ARC 8542C

ARC 8542C

Proposing rulemaking related to EMS system development grants fund
and providing an opportunity for public comment

A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on October 16, 2024. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

●November 6, 2024

Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

ITEM 1.Rescind 641—Chapter 140 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 140

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FUND

641—140.1(135) Definitions. For the purpose of these rules, the following definitions apply:

“Ambulance service” means the same as defined in 641—132.1(147A).

“CEHs” means the same as defined in 641—131.1(147A,147D,272C).

“Continuing education” means the same as defined in 641—131.1(147A,147D,272C).

“County EMS association” means a countywide group of EMS providers and various agency and organization representatives and consumers who provide leadership for the local EMS system on needs and objectives. The county EMS association should also include representatives of services located in a neighboring county if service is provided on a regular basis to residents of the county receiving funding.

“Emergency medical care provider” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 147A.1.

“Emergency medical services” or “EMS” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 147A.1.

“EMS course” means a course for emergency medical care personnel pursuant to Iowa Code section 147A.4(2).

“Infrastructure” means those elements that make up an EMS system.

“Nontransport service” means nontransport service as defined in 641—132.1(147A).

“Regional EMS council” means a multicounty nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to facilitate EMS development on a regional basis.

“Service program” means service program as defined in Iowa Code section 147A.1.

“Strategic plan” means a document produced via a multiagency effort to evaluate and define needs and goals to improve the local EMS system.

“Training” means EMS-related courses designed and intended for EMS providers and includes any item used in training, including but not limited to slides, films, mannequins, emergency care devices, books and other items pertinent and necessary for training purposes.

641—140.2(135) County EMS associations. Each county will have a county EMS association, council or board to develop and maintain the countywide EMS system strategic plan and to provide leadership on related EMS system development funding needs and objectives.

641—140.3(135) County EMS system development grants. Grants for EMS system development proposals at the regional, county, and local level are available through a grant process from the department to county boards of supervisors or local boards of health for equipment, training, and support of infrastructure needs as identified in the countywide EMS strategic plan and the department system standards. County boards of supervisors or local boards of health shall not take any administrative fee from these funds to support their work under this rule. County recipients of funds may subcontract work under this agreement to a county EMS association. Funds for training will be used to train members of a service program that provides service on a regular basis to residents of the county being funded. Funds for equipment require a $1 match of regional, county, or local funds for each $1 of EMS system development grant funds.

140.3(1) Eligible costs. Costs eligible for EMS system development grant expenditures as defined in the request for proposal (RFP) include:

a.Training.

(1)Reimbursement for initial training tuition, fees and materials up to an amount that is the lowest fee charged by the training entity following successful completion of an EMS course. Practical and written examination fees may also be included.

(2)Payment of continuing education tuition, fees and materials. Education provided by an EMS program for the general public is an allowable expense.

(3)Payment for EMS training aids.

b.Other equipment as defined by the RFP.

c.Infrastructure support.

(1)Development and enhancement of EMS systems.

(2)Office equipment and supplies necessary to coordinate a countywide EMS system.

(3)Personnel services for staffing to provide countywide continuous quality improvement and medical direction.

The title to any EMS equipment purchased with these funds does not lie with the department but will be determined by the county.

140.3(2) Ineligible costs. Costs not eligible for funding include:

a.Certification/recertification fees.

b.Building and construction costs.

c.Debt amortization.

d.Land.

e.Rent.

f.Utilities.

g.Vehicles including ambulances, fire apparatus, boats, rescue/first-response vehicles, snowmobiles and vehicle parts.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 135.25.