1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "Liaison" means a regional emergency medical services liaison hired under this section.
   2. (b) "Rural county" means a county of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth class.

2. (2) The department, in consultation with the bureau, shall hire five individuals to serve as regional emergency medical services liaisons to:

   1. (a) serve the needs of rural counties in providing emergency medical services in accordance with this chapter;

   2. (b) act as a liaison between the bureau and individuals or entities responsible for emergency medical services in rural counties, including:

      1. (i) emergency medical services providers;
      2. (ii) local officials; and
      3. (iii) local health departments or agencies;
   3. (c) provide support and training to emergency medical services providers in rural counties;
   4. (d) assist rural counties in utilizing state and federal grant programs for financing emergency medical services; and
   5. (e) serve as emergency medical service personnel to assist licensed providers with ambulance staffing needs within rural counties.

3. (3) Each liaison hired under Subsection (2):

   1. (a) shall reside in a rural county; and

   2. (b) shall be licensed as:

      1. (i) an advanced emergency medical technician as defined in Section 53-2e-101; or
      2. (ii) a paramedic as defined in Section 53-2e-101.
4. (4) The bureau shall provide each liaison with a vehicle and other equipment.

Amended by Chapter 340, 2025 General Session