The bill establishes a new chapter, 23-27.2, in the North Dakota Century Code, which creates the Distressed Ambulance Service Program aimed at improving the reliability and sustainability of emergency medical services in areas where ambulance services are struggling. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with administering the program, which includes evaluating licensees, monitoring their compliance with federal and state regulations, and developing emergency medical services plans for those declared as distressed ambulance services. The bill outlines the procedures for identifying distressed services, notifying them of their status, and requiring them to respond with corrective action plans.

Additionally, the bill creates a continuing appropriation for a distressed ambulance service program fund, which will be used to support the program's administration and cover related expenses. The Department is also required to report to the legislative management on the program's status, including the number of distressed services, program costs, and overall effectiveness. This structured approach aims to ensure that emergency medical services can effectively respond to community needs while maintaining public health and safety.