Community Paramedicine Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 13, 2025
Bottom line
This bill establishes a federal grant program to expand and support community paramedicine services in rural areas, aiming to improve healthcare access and reduce reliance on emergency care, with a specific focus on Tribal communities.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a new grant program, authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award funds to eligible entities. These grants are specifically intended to support the development and operation of community paramedicine programs in rural areas, with a dedicated reservation of funds for Tribal communities. The bill outlines eligible uses for the funds, applicant criteria, and establishes an advisory board to guide the program.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that community paramedicine programs are crucial for improving health outcomes in underserved rural areas by providing accessible primary care, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, and making emergency resources more available. They emphasize the cost-effectiveness and patient-centered benefits of leveraging trained paramedics to deliver essential services where traditional healthcare infrastructure is limited.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the potential for duplication of services with existing healthcare programs, the administrative burden a new federal grant program could place on small rural EMS agencies, or question the long-term sustainability of such programs without consistent federal funding beyond the initial grant period. Some might also scrutinize the scope of practice for paramedics in these expanded roles or the oversight mechanisms for grant expenditures.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough review by any interested reader.
Section 2(a), inserting new subsection (h)(1) into 42 U.S.C. 254c
Authorization of Community Paramedicine Grants for Rural Areas
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants to eligible entities. These grants are specifically designated for supporting community paramedicine programs that operate in rural areas, with the goal of enhancing healthcare services and access in regions where medical resources may be scarce.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this program directly addresses healthcare disparities in rural areas by leveraging trained paramedics to deliver essential services, thereby improving health outcomes and optimizing emergency resource utilization. They highlight that this approach can fill critical gaps in primary care and preventative services.
Critics contend
Critics might express concern about the potential for creating new federal programs without clear long-term funding strategies, or question the efficiency of a grant-based approach versus other healthcare delivery models. Some may also argue about the administrative overhead associated with managing a new federal grant program.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for flexible local healthcare solutions tailored to rural needs against concerns about federal program proliferation and the sustained funding required for long-term impact.
Section 2(a), new subsection (h)(2)
Permitted Uses of Grant Funds
This section specifies how grant funds received under the program may be utilized. Eligible uses include hiring and retaining community paramedicine personnel, covering costs for medical director oversight, purchasing necessary equipment (such as personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and vehicles), reimbursing certification and recertification expenses, and conducting public outreach and education on patient-centered outcomes. It also allows for 'any other activity the Secretary determines appropriate related to paramedicine services'.
Section 2(a), new subsection (h)(3)
Eligibility Criteria for Grant Applicants and For-Profit Exclusion
This provision defines which entities are eligible to receive grants, including emergency medical services agencies, State, Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, county, or municipality governments, and organizations representing EMS interests. Crucially, it explicitly states that for-profit entities are ineligible to apply for these grants, ensuring that funding supports public or non-profit initiatives. The provision also allows grant recipients to make subgrants or enter into contracts with other persons or governmental entities to provide services.
Section 2(a), new subsection (h)(13)
Dedicated Funding Reservation for Tribal Communities
This provision mandates that 15 percent of the total grant funds allocated for a fiscal year must be reserved specifically for applicants proposing to use a grant to serve one or more Tribal communities. If the full amount of this reservation is not obligated through successful applications, the unobligated portion may then be reallocated for grants to other eligible entities.