Upcoming events

Follow Us

Menu
Log in


ARKANSAS AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION






Advocacy in Action
Log in

latest News


View the latest EMS-related news, updates, and policy changes here.

Check out The Pulse of ArAA and subscribe.


<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   Next >  Last >> 
  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025 6:07 PM | Anonymous


    The document, An International Community Paramedic Career Structure: A Synthesis of the Literature, Regulatory Frameworks, and Community Paramedicine Expert Advice, investigates the emergence and structuring of community paramedicine (CP) as an essential extension of emergency medical services (EMS). This review synthesizes findings from global research, regulatory standards, and expert consultations to establish a career framework for community paramedics.

    Key insights include:

    • Core Competencies: Identifies the unique skillsets required for community paramedics, blending emergency response capabilities with public health and primary care knowledge to address underserved and remote populations.

    • Training and Education: Highlights the need for specialized and standardized educational pathways that align with international best practices, ensuring community paramedics are adequately prepared for expanded roles.

    • Integration with Healthcare Systems: Stresses the importance of community paramedicine being recognized as an integral part of broader health systems to enhance access to care and reduce strain on emergency departments and hospitals.

    • Regulatory Support: Advocates for uniformity in certification and licensure processes to ensure career mobility and adherence to a standard scope of practice across jurisdictions.

    • Sustainability: Emphasizes the role of structured career progression, ongoing professional development, and supportive workplace policies in sustaining a skilled CP workforce.

    This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and continuity of community-based care, positioning community paramedic programs as a vital solution to contemporary healthcare challenges.


  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025 5:01 PM | Anonymous

    Assessment of The ImPACTS Project

    An article recently published in the Pediatric Emergency Care journal discusses how the ImPACTS program (Improving Acute Care Through Simulation) fosters partnerships between pediatric specialty centers (hubs) and general emergency departments (spokes) to enhance pediatric care through simulation-based training. The study highlighted key success factors, including strong institutional support, leadership buy-in, effective communication, and the role of Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECCs). Barriers like resource logistics and lack of engagement were mitigated through collaboration. Outcomes included improved pediatric readiness, stronger clinical education, and enhanced institutional partnerships. 

  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025 8:26 AM | Anonymous


    HHS Strategic Plan for Use of AI Release

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its AI Strategic Plan on January 10, 2025, detailing a roadmap to responsibly implement artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, human services, and public health. The Plan focuses on improving safety, accessibility, equity, and health outcomes through AI while mitigating risks.

    Key Goals of the Plan:

    1. Catalyzing AI Innovation: Accelerating breakthroughs to enhance people's health and well-being.
    2. Promoting Responsible AI Use: Ensuring ethical and safe adoption of AI to minimize potential harm.
    3. Democratizing AI Access: Facilitating equitable availability of AI technologies for all.
    4. Cultivating AI-Ready Workforce: Equipping staff with skills and resources to effectively integrate AI.

    The Plan builds on existing HHS initiatives and includes regular updates, risk assessments, and stakeholder engagement to adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. It aims to position HHS as a global leader in advancing AI responsibly, protecting patient safety, and promoting equity in its deployment across healthcare systems.

  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025 8:13 AM | Anonymous

    McKinsey & Company: What to expect in US healthcare in 2025 

    The McKinsey & Company article "What to expect in US healthcare in 2025 and beyond" highlights key trends anticipated to shape the healthcare landscape in 2025:

    • Patient Affordability and Cost Containment: Efforts to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and enhance price transparency are expected to continue, influenced by legislative measures like the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to lower Medicare prescription costs.

    • Shift Toward Non-Acute Care Delivery: There's a projected movement from traditional hospital settings to non-acute care environments, including increased care provided at home. This transition is facilitated by advancements in healthcare technology and a focus on patient convenience.

    • Growth in Healthcare Technology and Specialty Services: Segments such as healthcare software, data analytics, and specialty pharmacy services are anticipated to experience significant growth, reflecting the industry's emphasis on digital transformation and personalized care.

    The anticipated changes in the U.S. healthcare system could expand the responsibilities in home-based care, increase reliance on technology, and promote a continued focus on delivering cost-effective, high-quality services.


  • Wednesday, January 08, 2025 5:42 PM | Anonymous


    EMS Now: Trends to Watch in 2025

    The article "EMS Trends to Watch in 2025" from EMSNOW explores key challenges and trends within the EMS industry for 2025, building upon the difficulties faced in 2024. Key points include:

    1. Demand Uncertainty: EMS companies must carefully navigate market predictions, particularly in sectors like medical, automotive, and defense, as growth is difficult to forecast.
    2. Inventory Visibility: Following pandemic-driven disruptions, EMS companies are struggling with high levels of inventory and need better forecasting data to manage component acquisitions effectively.
    3. Workforce Challenges: The rise in labor costs in low-cost regions is making workforce recruitment and retention difficult, especially with lower demand leading to fewer hours.
    4. Automation: More investment is being made in automating repetitive tasks in the manufacturing process, though high-mix, low-volume manufacturing continues to face challenges.
    5. Reshoring/Regionalization: The industry anticipates a continued shift toward localizing manufacturing due to geopolitical issues, with countries aiming for the "China Plus One" strategy.
    6. Regional Manufacturing Ecosystem: Rebuilding the regional electronics supply chain, including PCBs, will be crucial for future stability and security in the industry.
    7. Macroeconomic Factors: Global tensions and economic shifts may impact the EMS market, with expected growth slowing until late 2025.

    While 2025 may not be as challenging as 2024, the industry will need to adjust to these trends for sustained growth.

    Read Full Article Here
  • Wednesday, January 08, 2025 5:41 PM | Anonymous


    JEMS: 2024 EMS Reflection

    In the article "2024 EMS Reflection: A Year of Continued Ups and Downs," Edward 'Ted' Lee, Ed.D, NRP, provides an overview of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) landscape in 2024. He notes significant advancements in technology and the expansion of mobile integrated health programs, which have enhanced patient care and operational efficiency. However, Lee also highlights ongoing challenges, particularly staffing shortages and financial constraints, which continue to impact EMS operations. He emphasizes the need for sustained support and innovation to address these issues and improve EMS services.

    Access Full Article Here


  • Wednesday, January 08, 2025 5:40 PM | Anonymous


    National Rural Health Association: 2024 Year-End Health Package Update

    The National Rural Health Association provided a 2024 Year-End Health Package Update as summarized below.

    The House Appropriations Committee has released the proposed Continuing Resolution (C.R.) for funding the federal government through March 14, 2025. The path forward for passage remains uncertain due to opposition within the House. Key health provisions in the C.R. include:

    • Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities: Extended for two years, ensuring continued access for beneficiaries.
    • Rural Healthcare Funding:Medicare payment adjustments for rural hospitals, including a one-year extension for low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals.
    • Rural ambulance services will receive two years of extended payment support.
    • Rural physician practices will benefit from an extended Medicare Geographic Practice Cost Index.
    • Community Health Centers funding extended for two years, with allocations for FY 2025 and FY 2026.
    • Seniors and Home-based Care: The C.R. includes funding for Medicare’s Acute Hospital Care at Home program for five years, supporting home care models.
    • Extension of Funding for various programs such as the National Health Service Corps and Medicaid DSH relief.
    • Payment Boosts: A 2.5% increase to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for one year, which helps mitigate cuts from the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule rule.

    In addition to healthcare provisions, the package includes measures for cost-offsetting, including a six-month extension of Medicare sequestration and reforms to pharmacy benefit managers.

    The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is advocating for:
    • A longer-term extension (3-5 years) of rural hospital and ambulance payment supports.
    • Preserving telehealth flexibilities.
    • Supporting the addition of Medicare Advantage prior authorization reform to the package.
    • Delaying Medicare sequestration extensions.

    NRHA calls for focused advocacy to maintain these provisions and ensure continued support for rural healthcare.


  • Wednesday, January 08, 2025 5:39 PM | Anonymous


    EMS1 Reviews the Actions Taken by the 118th Congress & President Biden

    The article "Inside Politics: Reviewing the Actions Taken by the 118th Congress and President Biden" provides an overview of the legislative and executive actions during the 118th Congress under President Biden.

    The article highlights key legislative efforts that impact fire and EMS, such as the reauthorization of firefighter assistance programs and funding for safety equipment. Although wildfire-related bills didn't pass, many of the provisions focus on funding initiatives designed to improve public safety, which directly affects EMS services, especially in rural areas and during large-scale emergency events. These measures aim to enhance EMS operations by ensuring better resources and funding, especially during disasters.

    Some of the bills passed include the following:

    • The Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which reauthorizes firefighter assistance programs.
    • Medicare payment extensions for rural ambulance services, extending support for EMS operations in underserved areas.
    • Funding for public safety relief, aimed at supporting EMS operations and providing necessary resources during emergencies.
    Read Full Article Here


  • Wednesday, January 08, 2025 5:37 PM | Anonymous


    Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

    The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, awarded $38 million to EMS and 911 systems working on highway safety. These funds will support efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on roadways. Key recipients include various cities and organizations, such as Alabaster, Alabama, and Batesville, Arkansas. The SS4A grants support both planning and demonstration projects, as well as implementation of strategies to improve safety and enhance prehospital care. EMS agencies are encouraged to apply for future funding opportunities.  

    Read Full Article Here




  • Wednesday, December 11, 2024 5:27 PM | Anonymous


    The campaign encourages EMS professionals to contact Congress in support of extending Medicare add-on payments for ambulance services, which are set to expire on December 31, 2024. The House and Senate bills (H.R. 1666 and S. 1673) seek to extend these payments and, in the Senate version, propose increased payment rates. The extension is crucial to prevent financial strain on EMS agencies, ensuring continued access to ambulance services. For more details and to take action, visit the campaign page.

    TAKE ACTION HERE: American Ambulance Association | Ask Congress to Extend the Ambulance Medicare Add-Ons!

<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   Next >  Last >> 
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software