Bill > S1269

This bill aims to support rural volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) by establishing a student tuition reimbursement program. Key provisions include: 1. Defining a "sponsoring EMS first responder agency" as a certified EMS provider in the Commonwealth serving as a call or volunteer fire department, ambulance department, or other volunteer EMS agency, operating in a service zone with a population density of less than 500 residents per square mile. 2. Allowing the Department of Public Health to administer a student tuition reimbursement program for volunteer EMTs who agree to provide emergency medical services for at least two successive years through or in association with a sponsoring EMS first responder agency. 3. Providing up to $1,000 in tuition reimbursement to cover the actual tuition costs paid by the student to obtain EMT certification, subject to the student's successful completion of the EMT training course and two years of volunteer service. 4. Requiring recipients to repay the reimbursed tuition amount plus 5% monthly interest if they fail to meet the two-year service requirement, unless it's due to extreme hardship. 5. Directing the Department of Public Health to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to implement the program.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1269