23-R-14 STRAC Southwest Regional Advisory Council AgreementRESOLUTION NO. 23-R-14
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (STRAC) TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE EMS WORKFORCE EDUCATION FUNDING
PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the City of Schertz EMS provides ambulance services to the City of Schertz
and other surrounding communities and emergency services districts; and
WHEREAS, the City of Schertz EMS employs Emergency Medical Technicians
(EMT's); and
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature, through Senate Bill 8, is providing $21.7 million to
distribute towards funding EMS education and retention; and
WHEREAS, Southwest Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) is accepting applications
to provide funding for EMTs to attend paramedic school; and
WHEREAS, Schertz EMS has a need for more paramedics.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS THAT:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes an agreement with Southwest Regional
Advisory Council (STRAC) to participate in the EMS Workforce Education Funding
Program.
Section 2. The recitals contained in the preamble hereof are hereby found to be true, and
such recitals are hereby made a part of this Resolution for all purposes and are adopted as
a part of the judgment and findings of the City Council.
Section 3. All resolutions, or parts thereof, which are in conflict or inconsistent with any
provision of this Resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, and the
provisions of this Resolution shall be and remain controlling as to the matters resolved
herein.
Section 4. This Resolution shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws
of the State of Texas and the United States of America.
Section S. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance shall be held to be invalid, the remainder of this Resolution and the
application of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall nevertheless be
valid, and the City Council hereby declares that this Resolution would have been enacted
without such invalid provision.
Section 6. It is officially found, determined, and declared that the meeting at which this
Resolution is adopted was open to the public and public notice of the time, place, and
subject matter of the public business to be considered at such meeting, including this
Resolution, was given, all as required by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as
amended.
Section 7. This Resolution shall be in force and effect from and after its final passage,
and it is so resolved.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, this 28`' day of February, 2023.
CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
- A�9L
R i G 'errez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sheila Edmonds n, City Secretary
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Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
EMS Workforce Education Funding
Process & Application Packet
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforce@ str;
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
The 87th Texas Legislature, through Senate Bill 8, provided DSHS with $21.7M funding for the
recruitment of EMS personnel. DSHS has in turn provided STRAC with approximately $2.OM
to assist with the education and recruitment of EMS personnel through training and outreach.
In accordance with Senate Bill 8, 65% of the funding is reserved for rural counties, defined as
counties with a population under 50,000.
Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Individuals desiring a
scholarship for EMS Education must be sponsored by an EMS Transport Provider operating
within the STRAC region. All recipients of EMS Workforce dollars will be required to work at
least 96 hours per month on an ambulance for either 1 year (EMT Certification) or 2 years
(AEMT or Paramedic Certification). Recipients that do not successfully complete their education
or fulfill their post -certification work requirements will be required to repay their scholarship
funds.
If you are an EMS Transport Provider, please complete this packet for potential recipients you
want to sponsor and email it to EMSWorkforce@strac.org.
If you would like more information on how to become sponsored by an EMS transport provider
or to locate an agency that could sponsor you, email EMSWorkforce@strac.org and we will
help you.
STRAC will make scholarship payments to the EMS Sponsoring Agency prior to the student
starting the course. The scholarship is to cover education, books, necessary materials, and the
student's cost for one National Registry examination process at the following maximum
amounts. Amount paid will be the lesser of actual costs or these amounts per course:
$2,000 - Emergency Medical Technician (includes $98 fee for NR exam)
$3,200 - Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (includes $136 fee for NR exam)
$8,000 — Paramedic (includes $152 fee for NR exam)
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforce@strac.c .. 2
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
Completed Packet Checklist
Required documentation:
❑ Scholarship Application
❑ EMS Sponsoring Agency Information
❑ Education Entity Information
❑ Proof of enrollment
❑ Enrollment course fee schedule and book ISBN number and cost
❑ EMS Sponsoring Agency/Scholarship Applicant Agreement
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforce strac.oi.
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r
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
EMS Education Funding Process
STEP 1- The EMS Agency has agreed to be the Sponsor for the Scholarship Applicant (e.g., pre-
employment verification, background check, drug screening, scholarship packet, hiring, post
exam follow up). A DSHS approved EMS provider course has been located and proof of
acceptance, cost of tuition and educational materials/books has been sent to the EMS Sponsor
Agency. Scholarship Applicant signs commitment to volunteering/working a minimum of 96
hours per month for EMS Sponsoring Agency after certification is achieved to remain eligible
for scholarship.
STEP 2 - EMS Sponsor Agency provides completed application packet to STRAC
(EMSWorkforce@strac.ore ) showing proof of enrollment and educational costs due to the
education entity for training class and educational material (not to include student uniform, lab
coat, required equipment, etc.). Course must begin after scholarship award to be eligible.
STEP 3 - STRAC approves the application packet and issues scholarship check to the EMS Sponsoring
Agency to pay for the tuition and educational materials on behalf of the Scholarship Recipient.
The EMS Sponsoring Agency sends proof of payment back to STRAC.
NOTE: Scholarship Recipient becomes a student, attends, and passes class.
STEP 4— Within 90 days of course completion, Scholarship Recipient takes National Registry (NR) exam,
passes exam, completes TX DSHS requirements for certification (fees not reimbursable by this
program) and secures employment from sponsoring agency.
If Scholarship Recipient passes National Registry exam on first attempt, STRAC will
validate and provide an incentive to the education entity (See Payment Appendix),
If Scholarship Recipient does not pass National Registry exam on first attempt, student
will need to reschedule test and pay for any additional attempts made.
STEP 5 — Scholarship Recipient becomes Volunteer/Employee for EMS Sponsoring Agency and begins
volunteering/ working a minimum of 96 hours per month on an ambulance for the duration of
the commitment.
A signed agreement to provide EMS in an ambulance for one (1) year for EMT and two
(2) years for AEMT and Paramedic within 90 days of the last official day of class will be
submitted with initial application packet.
At the end of the commitment period, EMS Sponsoring Agency will sign an affidavit of completion and
submit a copy to STRAC.
If the Scholarship Recipient does not complete the class or does not fulfill the time requirement for
working on an ambulance, the Scholarship Recipient will be required to repay the scholarship to the
EMS Sponsoring Agency.
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforcc•g a 4
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
Application Requirements
A complete EMS Application Packet submitted to STRAC by the EMS Sponsoring Agency will include:
➢ EMS Sponsoring Agency Information
➢ Education Entity Information
➢ Signed Scholarship Applicant Agreement
EMS Sponsor Agency Information
• Name of EMS Sponsoring Agency
• EMS Sponsoring Agency Administrator of Record or Chief
• Address
• County
• Name of Applicant(s) being sponsored
• Type of course
• Start and end dates to complete the course prior to submitting the application.
o EMT max of 120 days to complete
o AEMT max of 240 days to complete
o Paramedic max of 365 days to complete
• Work Commitment must start within 90 days of completion of the course.
• Agency completing application must have:
o A valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, EIN)
o Be in good standing with the state
o If applicable, franchise tax account status must be active
• If the above information or forms are not submitted and completed, your application request
may be delayed.
• These funds must not be supplanting current budgetary funds.
Education Entity Information
• EMS course approval number provided by DSHS must be supplied on the application
• The education entity must be in good standing with DSHS
• Course coordinator's contact information
• Proof of enrollment
• Documented program fees for tuition and books
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforce@stri 5
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
Scholarship Application
EMS Sponsoring Agency Information
1. EMS Sponsor Agency:
2. EMS Sponsor Agency Administrator:
1 3. Physical address
(Street, City, Zip):
4. Mailing address, if different from
physical (PO box, city, zip):
5. Agency Admin Email Address:
6. EMS Provider Phone:
6. EMS Provider License Number:
7. County or counties you serve:
8. Name of Medical Director:
9. Medical Director phone
(Office or Cell):
10. Medical Director email address:
11. Number of Students Sponsoring:
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforce@strac.or
Er
1] a�
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
Education Entity Information
1. Name of Education Entity:
2. Name of course coordinator:
3. Physical address
(Street, City, Zip):
, 4. Mailing address, if different from
physical (PO box, city, zip):
5. Phone (Office):
6. Phone (Fax):
7. DSHS Education Entity ID#:
8. Email address:
9. County of Course:
10. Type of Course*:
11. DSHS Course Approval Number:
j 12. Course start and end date**:
I
13. Copy of program fees*** and book
cost
*Choose one: EMT, AEMT, Paramedic
** EMT max of 120 days, AEMT max of 240 days, Paramedic max of 365 days to complete from start
*** Enrollment course fee schedule and book ISSN number and cost
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforce
Scholarship Applicant Agreement
(One per Applicant)
1. Name of Scholarship Applicant:
2. Mailing Address:
3. City, State, Zip:
4. County:
5. Phone:
6. Email:
7. EMS Sponsoring Agency:
8. Employment Type:
Volunteer/ Employment
9. Commitment Range:
(e.g., May 22, 2023, to May 22, 2024/2025)
(scholarship applicant), confirm that, in return for
receiving EMS scholarship funds under the 87th Texas Legislature, Senate Bill 8, 1 will successfully
complete the EMS Education class, the NREMT certification examination, Texas DSHS Certification and
fulfill the ambulance work requirements as selected below. I understand that failure to complete any of
these obligations will require the repayment of the scholarship funds that I have been granted. I also
understand that failure to repay these funds may cause the Texas Department of State Health Services
(DSHS) to take administrative action against me, including but not limited to tuition repayment.
My application is for the following Education Program with the associated years of ambulance service.
(Initial one)
EMT— One year
Signature of Scholarship Applicant
AEMT— Two years Paramedic — Two years
EMS Sponsor Agency Representative Signature
Date
Printed Name
EMS Sponsor Agency Representative Printed
EMS Workforce Education Funding Application Packet, October 2022
EMSWorkforce@stra,.,,. 1; 8
EMS Education and Training Scholarships in Texas
TEXAS
Health and Human
Services
Texas Department of State
Health Services
Background
To support the field of emergency medical services (EMS), the Texas Legislature
is providing $21.7 million to distribute towards funding EMS education and retention.
Scholarships are provided by DSHS to approved EMS education programs or licensed
EMS providers.
Scholarships are available based on documented need, with special attention given to
rural and underserved areas within Texas. Courses can be in -person, online, or hybrid.
Students
Q: Where can I obtain information about EMS training scholarships that are available
in my area of the state?
A: Use this man to identify the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) that serves your county
and contact them to request information about available EMS scholarships in your area.
Q: What can be paid for using scholarship funds?
A: Scholarship funds can be used towards your education, education material and the
ability to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
examination for the first time only.
Q: What cannot be paid for using scholarship funds?
A: Scholarship funds cannot be used towards your student uniform, lab coat, required
equipment, etc. or towards your state certification.
Q: Can I receive education to move from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) consecutively, and receive funding?
A: Yes.
Q: I have one year left on my volunteer/employment obligation in this program.
I accept another job offer with an out-of-state ambulance. What happens?
A: Contact the Regional Advisory Council office or the EMS -Trauma Systems I
Funding will need to be returned to the sponsoring agency or entity.
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Students (Cont.)
Q: What happens to my tuition or any remaining balance if the education program
closes without notice and I cannot finish my course? Who do I contact for help?
A: You can contact the Regional Advisory Council that processed the scholarship
or the EMS -Trauma Systems Unit for assistance with completing the
scholarship requirements.
Q: If I'm working or volunteering for a DSHS-licensed EMS provider on an ambulance,
community paramedic program, or special event response, will these hours count
toward my service requirement?
A: Yes, so long as you are working or volunteering for a current texas -licensed
EMS provider.
Education Programs
Q: How will programs be able to use awarded incentives? Are there any restrictions
or must it go towards direct costs?
A: There are no restrictions on how an EMS Education program uses the
awarded incentives.
Q: Does the funding for one National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
(NREMT) examination include funding for psychomotor (skills) testing at the
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) and paramedic level?
A: Yes, this includes one skills exam session.
Q: May an education program get the incentive for a non -scholarship student?
Example: A community college has twenty students in a paramedic course with two
students on scholarship. How much of an incentive payment are they eligible for?
A: Only the students receiving scholarships through the approved education program
qualify for the incentive.
Q: What must an EMS education program include when applying for scholarships?
A: The minimum requirement to receive the student scholarship must include tuition,
books, and the fee to take the NREMT exam the first time. An EMS education program
is not prohibited from providing additional resources to the students.
Q: Who is eligible to receive the scholarship incentive?
A: The EMS education program will receive the incentive through the EMS provider or
the regional advisory council (RAC).
EMS Providers
Q: May time employed or volunteering with my local fire department on the
fire truck or rescue unit count toward the volunteer or employment obligation?
A: You may only count time volunteering or employed on a Texas Department of State
Health Services (DSHS) licensed ambulam .
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EMS Providers (Cont.)
Q: What happens if someone becomes injured on or off the job and cannot
complete the obligation to volunteer or work on an ambulance?
A: You may extend the requirement time until they are able to work. If they are
unable to work, contact the Regional Advisory Off!-- that processed the scholarship for
assistance.
Q: What happens if a scholarship recipient has not fulfilled their volunteer or
employment obligation and accepts a job offer with an out-of-state
ambulance service?
A: Contact the Regional Advisory Council office or the EMS -Trauma Systems Unit; funding
will need to be returned to the sponsoring agency or entity.
Q: Are EMS providers that provide 911 and/or inter -facility transports both eligible to
receive scholarships under this program?
A: Yes, both are eligible to participate if they are a current Texas -licensed L provider.
Q: Are first responder organizations eligible to participate in this program?
A: The initial scholarship awards are for students working for EMS providers only. The
department may review and consider recognized first responder organizations in
the future.
Regional Advisory Councils (RACs)
Q: Who is eligible for the funding?
A: All education programs and/or EMS providers currently licensed by DSH .
Q: May time employed or volunteering with a local fire department on the
fire truck or rescue unit count toward the volunteer or employment obligation?
A: No. Funds can only be distributed to DSHS approved education programs and/or EMS
providers for the benefit of students participating in the scholarship program.
Q: What happens to scholarship funds if a student does not complete the
education program?
A: The EMS education program that received the scholarship can redistribute the
funds to additional EMS education resources or participants if the initial recipient cannot
complete the process. Please contact the EMS -Trauma Systems Unit for questions.
Q: What happens with collected funds?
A:The Education Provider or the EMS Provider can redistribute the funds to
additional EMS education resources or participants if the initial recipient cannot complete the
process. Please contact the EMS -Trauma Systems Unit for questions.