Bill > HR2220

This bill aims to address the critical workforce shortage in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by establishing two primary pilot programs and commissioning a comprehensive workforce study. The first program, the EMS Preparedness and Response Workforce Shortage Pilot Program, will award grants up to $1 million to emergency medical services agencies to support recruitment, training, and retention of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics. Grant recipients can use funds for activities like recruiting personnel (including volunteers), providing training and certification support, developing technology-enhanced educational methods, establishing wellness programs, and creating mental health awareness initiatives. The program will prioritize recruiting youth, rural populations, veterans with military medical training, and small/rural agencies, with at least 20% of grants allocated to rural EMS agencies. The second program focuses specifically on helping veterans who completed military medical training transition to civilian EMT and Paramedic roles by covering training, certification, and licensure costs. Additionally, the bill mandates a study by the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services to analyze the current and projected EMT and Paramedic job market, training program availability, and workforce shortages, with a report to Congress recommending potential solutions. The bill authorizes $50 million for the first program and $20 million for the veteran transition program annually from 2026 to 2030.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2220/all-info