The bill S.F. No. 2128 proposes modifications to Minnesota's Community Emergency Medical Technician (CEMT) certification requirements and the state's Medical Assistance coverage for CEMT services.

Key Changes to CEMT Certification Requirements (Minn. Stat. § 144E.275, subd. 7)

1. Eligibility Criteria Adjustments:

   • CEMTs must be currently certified EMTs or AEMTs with at least two years of service.
   • Previously required membership in a medical response unit or ambulance service is removed.

2. Training and Education:

   • CEMTs must successfully complete an approved education program (colleges, universities, or healthcare systems).
   • Must receive clinical experience under supervision of various healthcare professionals (physician medical director, APRN, PA, or public health nurse).
   • Must complete training in culturally appropriate care.

3. Scope of Practice:

   • CEMTs must follow protocols set by their medical response unit or ambulance service.
   • Allowed to provide episodic patient care, education, and prevention services, but only under a patient care plan created by the patient’s primary healthcare provider.
   • Permitted CEMT services include:
     • Health assessments
     • Chronic disease monitoring and education
     • Vaccinations
     • Laboratory specimen collection
     • Post-hospital discharge follow-up care

4. Regulatory and Certification Requirements:

   • CEMTs will be subject to certification, disciplinary, and regulatory requirements for EMTs.
   • Must complete an additional 12 hours of continuing education in clinical topics.
   • CEMTs cannot administer medications but may provide verbal or visual reminders.

Medical Assistance Coverage for CEMT Services (Minn. Stat. § 256B.0625, subd. 60a)

1. Medical Assistance (Medicaid) will cover specific CEMT services, including:

   • Post-discharge visits after hospital or nursing facility discharge (upon provider order).
     • Includes medication reminders, vital sign monitoring, discharge order reinforcement, food access confirmation, and home hazard identification.
   • Safety evaluation visits for individuals at risk of falls or nursing home placement (requires provider order and must align with patient’s care plan).
     • Includes medication and food access confirmation and home hazard identification.

2. Payment for CEMT Services:

   • CEMTs will be compensated at $100 per hour, billed in 15-minute increments at $25.
   • Mileage reimbursement at $1.25 per mile, but only for travel to the patient’s home.
   • Safety evaluation and post-discharge visits cannot be billed on the same day for the same patient.

3. Provider Identification Requirement:

   • To receive payment, CEMTs must obtain a Unique Minnesota Provider Identifier (UMPI) number.

Summary

The bill expands eligibility for CEMT certification, clarifies scope of practice, and formalizes Medicaid reimbursement for specific CEMT services. It aims to enhance patient care in the community, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve access to essential health services.