42 U.S.C. § 290ee–10 — Rural emergency medical service training and equipment assistance program

1. (a)GrantsThe Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary, shall award grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to provide for improved emergency medical services in rural areas or to residents of rural areas.
2. (b)Eligibility; applicationTo be eligible to receive grant under this section, an entity shall—
   1. (1)be—
      1. (A)an emergency medical services agency operated by a local or tribal government (including fire-based and non-fire based); or
      2. (B)an emergency medical services agency that is described in section 501(c) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26; and
   2. (2)submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
3. (c)Use of fundsAn entity—
   1. (1)shall use amounts received through a grant under subsection (a) to—
      1. (A)train emergency medical services personnel as appropriate to obtain and maintain licenses and certifications relevant to service in an emergency medical services agency described in subsection (b)(1);
      2. (B)conduct courses that qualify graduates to serve in an emergency medical services agency described in subsection (b)(1) in accordance with State and local requirements;
      3. (C)fund specific training to meet Federal or State licensing or certification requirements;
      4. (D)acquire emergency medical services equipment; and
      5. (E)ensure emergency medical services personnel are trained on mental health and substance use disorders and care for individuals with such disorders in emergency situations; and
   2. (2)may use amounts received through a grant under subsection (a) to—
      1. (A)recruit and retain emergency medical services personnel, which may include volunteer personnel;
      2. (B)develop new ways to educate emergency health care providers through the use of technology-enhanced educational methods;
      3. (C)acquire personal protective equipment for emergency medical services personnel as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; or
      4. (D)acquire drugs or devices approved, cleared, or otherwise legally marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] for emergency treatment of known or suspected overdose.
4. (d)Grant amountsEach grant awarded under this section shall be in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
5. (e)DefinitionsIn this section:
   1. (1)The term “emergency medical services”—
      1. (A)means resources used by a public or private nonprofit licensed entity to deliver medical care outside of a medical facility under emergency conditions that occur as a result of the condition of the patient; and
      2. (B)includes services delivered (either on a compensated or volunteer basis) by an emergency medical services provider or other provider that is licensed or certified by the State involved as an emergency medical technician, a paramedic, or an equivalent professional (as determined by the State).
   2. (2)The term “rural area” means—
      1. (A)a nonmetropolitan statistical area;
      2. (B)an area designated as a rural area by any law or regulation of a State; or
      3. (C)a rural census tract of a metropolitan statistical area (as determined under the most recent rural urban commuting area code as set forth by the Office of Management and Budget).
6. (f)Authorization of appropriations
   1. (1)In generalThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
   2. (2)Administrative costsThe Secretary may use not more than 10 percent of the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year for the administrative expenses of carrying out this section.