AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 23-27-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to emergency medical services response requirements.
Summary
SB 2101 amends North Dakota law governing emergency medical services (EMS) operations by directing the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules for EMS operator standards. The bill keeps the basic licensing requirement in place and expands the list of rule topics the department must address, including when services must be available, how operators must ensure reliable response to 911 calls and emergent interfacility transports, and how nonemergent services may be provided.
The bill also specifies that the rules must cover driver licensing for ground vehicles, training standards, equipment and vehicle standards, annual license fees, staffing levels for each run, scope of practice for uncertified drivers and certified personnel, performance standards such as response times, and any other requirements needed to carry out the chapter. In effect, the measure gives the department clearer statutory direction for regulating EMS operations and response expectations across the state.
Impact
SB 2101 updates section 23-27-04 of the North Dakota Century Code by broadening and clarifying the regulatory framework for EMS operations. It does not create a new program, but it strengthens the department’s authority and obligation to set detailed standards for licensing, staffing, equipment, training, and service availability. The bill affects EMS providers, ground ambulance operators, drivers, certified personnel, and the state agency responsible for oversight, with particular emphasis on reliable emergency response and interfacility transport service.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition. It passed the Senate unanimously and the House by a wide margin, with only two no votes, suggesting general agreement that clearer EMS response standards and licensing rules are needed. The absence of committee transcript material also suggests the measure was not highly controversial in the available record.
Contention
The main substantive issue in the bill is how prescriptive the state should be in regulating EMS operations, especially around response-time expectations, staffing requirements, and the scope of practice for different categories of personnel. While the final votes indicate little opposition overall, these topics can affect provider costs, operational flexibility, and compliance burdens for ambulance services and local EMS systems. No specific named opponents or competing viewpoints are available in the provided record.