EMS Compact

Budget & Finance

Budget and Financing of the Commission

Overview

The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice operates under the fiscal and administrative provisions of the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA). As a governmental body, the Commission adheres to established public-sector standards of financial transparency, accountability, and fiscal restraint.

Financing the Commission

Section 10 of the REPLICA legislation authorizes the Commission to secure and manage funding necessary to carry out its duties. Under this authority, the Commission may:

  • Accept lawful revenue sources, including federal or state grants, donations, or other funding mechanisms.
  • Receive grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services to support its operations.
  • Levy annual assessments on Member States or impose reasonable fees on other parties, if necessary, to meet its operational budget.

The Commission may not incur obligations without first securing adequate funds, nor may it pledge the credit of any Member State without that state’s express authorization. These provisions safeguard responsible fiscal management while maintaining state sovereignty and financial independence.

Source of Funding

The United States EMS Compact Commission is presently funded through a stable, multi-year grant provided by the National Registry of EMTs. This partnership allows the Commission to operate effectively without creating additional financial burdens for Member States or EMS clinicians.

While the Commission, like all interstate compact commissions, has the statutory authority to require Member State contributions, the EMS Compact has never imposed any state assessments or fees. Likewise, no fees have ever been imposed on individual EMS clinicians. The EMS Compact Privilege to Practice is provided at no cost to licensed EMS clinicians, and the services of the Commission are provided at no cost to Member States.

The Commission also remains eligible to apply for federal grants and cooperative agreements to enhance national EMS mobility, workforce readiness, and data modernization efforts.

Commitment to State and Local EMS Sustainability

The Commission recognizes the fiscal challenges faced by many state EMS offices and local systems. Consistent with its mission, the Commission supports directing available resources toward strengthening the sustainability of state and local EMS operations. Financial stewardship at the Compact level is intended to complement—not compete with—state and local funding priorities, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality emergency medical care nationwide.

Financial Transparency and Accountability

The Commission upholds rigorous standards of transparency and public accountability in all fiscal matters:

  • Treasurer’s Reports: Comprehensive financial reports are presented at each Executive Committee Meeting and Commission Meeting.
  • Public Oversight: All budget discussions and approvals occur in open session, in compliance with the Compact’s public-meeting requirements.
  • Independent Review: The Commission follows standard governmental auditing and reporting practices for interstate public agencies.

By maintaining strict fiscal discipline and full public transparency, the Commission ensures that every resource is used to advance interstate EMS cooperation, clinician mobility, and public protection—while remaining free of cost to states and EMS professionals.