From Crisis to Care: ​EMS Transformation Program

The Rural Health Transformation Program EMS Transformation funding opportunity is administered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as part of a broader statewide initiative supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Kentucky received substantial federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Fund to implement a multi-year strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure in rural communities. One of the five core initiatives under this strategy is Crisis to Care, which focuses on improving emergency medical services by expanding care pathways beyond traditional emergency department transport. This initiative is designed to enhance access, improve patient outcomes, and optimize healthcare resource utilization across rural regions. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support EMS agencies in developing and implementing Treat No Transport and Transport to Alternative Destination protocols. These models allow EMS providers to assess, treat, and resolve appropriate cases on scene or transport patients to more suitable healthcare settings such as urgent care centers, primary care offices, or behavioral health facilities. The program emphasizes reducing unnecessary emergency department utilization while ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care. By enabling EMS clinicians to function as decision makers within the care continuum, the initiative seeks to align emergency response with patient needs, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Funding under this opportunity supports one year of initial program implementation, with allowable uses including workforce development, clinical protocol development, training, medical oversight, equipment, and technology necessary for field-based care coordination. Specific allowable expenses include staff time for program coordination, physician oversight for protocol approval, training materials, personal protective equipment, and telehealth infrastructure such as tablets and connectivity solutions. Administrative and indirect costs are capped at ten percent of the total award. While funding is initially provided for one year, continuation into subsequent years is not guaranteed and depends on performance, compliance, and available funding. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit EMS agencies licensed by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services as Class Ia or Ib providers. Applicants must provide 911 emergency response services within Kentucky and remain in good standing with both the state EMS board and the Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services. This includes maintaining proper licensure, compliance with regulatory standards, and adherence to reporting requirements. Agencies must also demonstrate readiness to implement TNT and TAD protocols, including leadership capacity, staffing, and alignment with clinical oversight requirements. Applications must be submitted via email as a complete application packet, including agency information, program proposal, implementation plan, and required attachments such as a budget template and supporting documentation. The application narrative must address methodology, anticipated barriers, evaluation plans, and long term sustainability strategies. Supporting documentation such as letters of support, licensure verification, and partnership agreements with alternative care destinations are also required. Applications are evaluated based on program readiness, rural impact, sustainability, partnerships, and the feasibility of implementation timelines and budgets. The timeline for this opportunity includes a release date in mid May 2026, informational sessions and office hours in late May and early June, and a final application deadline of June 15 2026 for first year funding consideration. Awards are expected to be announced by July 15 2026, with the funding period beginning August 1 2026 and extending through September 30 2027. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the lifecycle of the program, though submissions after the stated deadline may not be considered for initial funding. The program is part of a multi year initiative running through 2030, with future funding opportunities anticipated for expansion phases. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in transforming emergency medical services in rural Kentucky by promoting innovative care delivery models, strengthening system integration, and improving access to appropriate care. By supporting EMS agencies in adopting new protocols and technologies, the program aims to create a more efficient, patient centered, and sustainable healthcare system for underserved communities.

Focus on demonstrating readiness with clear implementation timelines leadership capacity and documented partnerships with alternative care destinations while aligning budget and sustainability plans with program goals