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SB 2101

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 23-27-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to emergency medical services response requirements.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Todd Beard and 1 co-sponsor

North Dakota SB 2101 requires the health department to set minimum EMS operator standards (availability, response reliability, staffing, training, equipment, fees) through rules.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/20
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Bill Summary · SB 2101

Summary — SB 2101 (North Dakota)

Title: An Act to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 23‑27‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to emergency medical services response requirements

Note: the legislative packet also contains unrelated material from an Illinois bill (also labeled SB 2101). This summary covers the North Dakota bill introduced by Senator Beard and Representative Richter.

Purpose / Intent

SB 2101 updates the statutory licensing framework for emergency medical services (EMS) operations in North Dakota by directing the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules that establish minimum standards for EMS operators. The overall intent is to ensure licensed EMS providers deliver a reliable emergency response (including 911 and emergent interfacility transports) while continuing to provide nonemergent services.

Key provisions

The bill amends subsection 1 of NDCC § 23‑27‑04 to require the department to adopt rules establishing operator standards. The required rule elements include:

  • Time when an operator’s services must be available.
  • Requirements to ensure a reliable response to 911 calls and emergent interfacility transports, while allowing nonemergent services.
  • Type of motor vehicle operator’s license required for ground‑vehicle drivers.
  • Training standards for operation personnel.
  • Equipment and ground vehicle standards.
  • Annual license fees.
  • Number of personnel required for each run.
  • Scope of practice definitions for uncertified drivers, certified personnel, and EMS professionals.
  • Performance standards (these may include response time standards).
  • Any other requirements necessary to carry out the chapter’s intent.

The bill clarifies that EMS operations must be licensed under the chapter and places the rule‑making responsibility with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Who is affected

  • EMS operations and providers operating in North Dakota (ambulance services, private and public EMS agencies).
  • EMS personnel, including drivers, certified staff, and other emergency medical services professionals (training, scope of practice, staffing).
  • Patients and the public who rely on pre‑hospital emergency and interfacility transport services.
  • Local governments and health authorities that interface with EMS providers.
  • Fiscal impact on providers from annual license fees and possible compliance costs for vehicle/equipment, staffing, and training.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced in the 2025 legislative session by Senator Beard (Senate) and Representative Richter (House).
  • The version in the legislative packet shows rule language and lists the specific standards the department must adopt.
  • Committee report(s) and hearings are recorded in the documents; for the bill’s current formal status (passed, enacted, or pending rulemaking), consult the official North Dakota legislative website or the Secretary of State for up‑to‑date action and effective dates.

Related legislation

  • Companion bill: HB 3225 (listed as companion in the packet).

Considerations / potential impacts

  • Sets statewide minimums for EMS availability, training, staffing, equipment, and performance which could improve consistency and emergency response reliability.
  • Could impose operational and financial requirements (licensing fees, staffing ratios, equipment standards) that smaller or volunteer EMS services may find challenging; rule details will determine the scope of those impacts.
  • Inclusion of performance/response time standards would be significant for operational planning and funding but is left to the rule‑making process.

For the final enacted language, rule text, and any fiscal notes, refer to the Department of Health and Human Services rulemaking docket and the official legislative history.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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