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Updates to Arkansas's Rules for Emergency Medical Services |
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See Rules Here
Updates were made to Arkansas’s Rules for Emergency Medical Services under the authority of Act 435 of 1975 in October 2024. Key changes include those related to EMS operations, licensing, and mutual aid:
• Licensing Requirements
• Patient Transport
• Communications
• Documentation & Reporting
• Specialized Care & Air Ambulance Service
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ArAA Featured Members - AAA Stars of Life Visit 2024 Archives - Stars of Life to read more about many ArAA members nominated as American Ambulance Association Stars of Life. |
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VA Delays Rule Change to 2029 that would have Impacted Reimbursement of Ambulance Services |
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On December 9, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs delayed a rule change that would have impacted the reimbursement of ambulance services to 2029: particularly air ambulance providers. The rule would have reduced reimbursements for specialty transportation services to lower Medicare rates opposed to reimbursing providers at the existing rates for veterans which are more reflective of the costs incurred by EMS providers. This delay allows veterans to continue accessing necessary emergency transportation services without disruption. |
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UPDATE: OSHA Emergency Response Rulemaking |
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OSHA provided an update on the Emergency Response Rulemaking Process on December 6, 2024. Per the update, the public hearing transcripts are in the process of being finalized and will be uploaded to Regulations.gov in the upcoming weeks. The docket remains open for submissions of post-hearing comments at Regulations.gov; comments are encouraged and welcomed by OSHA.
Recap on the rule:
The proposed rule by OSHA released this year with the intention of being finalized in 2025 is part of an effort to update the Emergency Response Standard and aims to improve safety protections for emergency responders, including EMS personnel, firefighters, and search and rescue teams. This rule would revise the existing Fire Brigades Standard (29 C.F.R. 1910.156) to extend its coverage to additional groups of emergency responders, such as those in EMS and technical rescue roles.
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EMS1 on the Recently Introduced Medicare No-Transport EMS Reimbursement Bill |
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The EMS1 article discusses the introduction of the Medicare No-Transport EMS Reimbursement Bill in December 2024. This legislation, introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), aims to allow Medicare to reimburse EMS services even when patients are not transported to a hospital.
Currently, EMS providers may face financial challenges when they treat patients on-site without transporting them, as Medicare does not reimburse for non-transport care. This bill seeks to address this issue by ensuring that EMS agencies can receive reimbursement for treating patients at the scene, a critical measure to support EMS agencies, especially in rural areas.
The bill is seen as a step toward improving EMS reimbursement policies, offering financial stability to providers and encouraging the growth of alternative care models, which can reduce unnecessary hospital visits and alleviate strain on emergency departments.
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Campaign to Extend Medicare Add-Ons |
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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. |
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Vanguard & EMSNext Nominations are Open DUE JANUARY 31, 2025 |
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Vanguard Awards Recognize women leaders that have 35+ years of experience in EMS.
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EMSNext Awards
Know a wonderful rising leader you’d like to recognize as the future of EMS? Nominate by clicking below (formerly Mobile Healthcare 40 Under 40)! |
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Assistance to Firefighters Grants |
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FY 2024 AFGP Update The FY 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Notice of Funding Opportunity is available under Assistance to Firefighters Grants Documents | FEMA.gov The FY 2024 AFG application period opened Nov. 12, 2024 at 9 a.m. ET and closes Dec. 20, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET. |
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Weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations - Arkansas DHS Report The data is updated by the state weekly and can be accessed here. |
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Respiratory Virus - % of Emergency Department Visits - CDC Data The data is updated by the CDC weekly and can be accessed here. |
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Rise in Tuberculosis Cases |
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Tuberculosis resources can be accessed through the Arkansas Department of Health.
According to Tuberculosis Cases Rise in Arkansas - NEA Report, the Arkansas Department of Health has recorded over 100 cases in the state since November 1, 2024 designating 2024 as the first year in 15 years to surpass 100 cases per year.
If you have been exposed to TB, it is recommended that you contact the ADH TB Program at 501-661-2152.
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December 13, 2024 - Feasibility Study for Certain Health Care Legislation introduced by a member of the General Assembly December 20, 2024 - Assistance Firefighters Grant Application Period Closes (Assistance to Firefighters Grants Documents | FEMA.gov)
December 25, 2024 - Merry Christmas! |
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ArAA wants to hear from you! |
Looking to contribute an article, news, or other information on the Pulse? Click below! |
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Looking to highlight an ArAA member on the Pulse and on the website? Click below! |
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