H.R.4011 - Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 4011, the Community Paramedicine Act of 2025, aims to improve healthcare access in rural areas by authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities for community paramedicine programs. These programs would utilize specially trained paramedics, often teamed with other healthcare practitioners or social workers, to address health problems, minimize the use of emergency care resources when non-emergency resources are more appropriate, and enhance access to primary care for medically underserved populations. The bill amends Section 330A of the Public Health Service Act to establish this grant program.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would lead to increased funding for community paramedicine programs in rural areas. This would likely result in improved access to healthcare services for residents of these areas, particularly for those with limited access to traditional medical facilities. It could also reduce the strain on emergency medical services by diverting non-emergency cases to community paramedics.
Potential Benefits
- Improved healthcare access in rural areas.
- Reduced strain on emergency medical services.
- Job creation for community paramedics and related healthcare professionals.
- Enhanced primary care for underserved populations.
- Potential cost savings through preventative care and reduced emergency room visits.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for administrative overhead to consume a portion of the grant funds.
- Possible difficulty in recruiting and retaining community paramedicine personnel in rural areas.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if programs are not properly managed.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on rural areas and potentially neglecting other underserved communities.
- The bill does not specify the source of funding for the grant program, which could lead to concerns about its long-term sustainability.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes the health and well-being of citizens, particularly those in underserved rural areas. The establishment of grant programs falls under Congress's power to allocate funds for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).