Volume 2; Issue 3                                                  February 5, 2025

Winter CJAA Meeting - Learn More Here

The ArAA is sponsoring a booth at the County Judges Association of Arkansas meeting from February 26–28, 2025, at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock. ArAA members are invited to join and help at the booth for networking opportunities. 

  • February 26: Booth setup (11 AM - 12 PM), booth duty (12 PM - 4 PM), dinner & reception at 5 PM (RSVP required).
  • February 27: Booth duty (9 AM - 4 PM), lunch at 12 PM (RSVP required).
  • February 28: Booth duty (9 AM - 11 AM), booth takedown at 11 AM.
Email admin@aaaintouch.com if interested in working the booth and/or attending dinner and/or lunch.

Learn More

The Stars of Life Celebration is a premier event honoring EMS professionals while educating legislators on their vital role in public safety. Held at the State Capitol on March 12, 2025, this is a key opportunity to advocate for the industry with a new administration and legislature.

By sponsoring a Star of Life and attending with other ArAA members, you help shape the industry's future while gaining valuable recognition for your team and organization.

Get involved: Nominate a deserving EMS professional and join us for this impactful event!

Click Here to Submit Nominations

April 29 - May 1, 2025 | Oaklawn Casino Resort | Hot Springs, AR

Learn More Here

Stay In The Know

dbhmanagement.com

Arkansas Legislative Updates

See Latest DBH Weekly Legislative Updates Here

ARAA BILL TRACKING REPORT 2/5/2025

  



 HB 1111  

Joint Budget( ) An Act for the Office of the Treasurer of State - Assistance to local law enforcement and emergency medical appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Last Action: 1-23-25 H Enrolled in the House - Sent to Governor
 HB 1145  

Wooten, Jim(R) To increase the purchase amount authorized for additional after-market equipment for a new motor vehicle purchased by a county or municipality.
Last Action: 1-22-25 H Meeting set for 10:00 a.m. - MAC Room B, H-City, County and Local Affairs
 HB 1165  

Johnson, Lee(R) To prohibit different reimbursement rates for services performed by the same type of provider in different settings within the Arkansas Medicaid program.
Last Action: 1-21-25 H Meeting set for Upon adjournment - Room 130, H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
 HB 1166  

Johnson, Lee(R) To clarify the types of epinephrine for use in elementary and secondary schools in this state.
Last Action: 1-16-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
 HB 1168  

Johnson, Lee(R) To provide criminal immunity for healthcare professionals for negligent acts or omissions.
Last Action: 1-21-25 H Moved to deferred list H-Judiciary
 HB 1169  

Johnson, Lee(R) To clarify the admission criteria for an involuntary commitment to include a person who is in a mental condition as a result of a medical condition.
Last Action: 1-21-25 H Meeting set for Upon adjournment - Room 130, H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
 HB 1172  

Johnson, Lee(R) To add definitions to the Medicaid Fairness Act to ensure that all rule enforcement actions are appealable.
Last Action: 1-21-25 H Meeting set for Upon adjournment - Room 130, H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
 HB 1176  

Joint Budget( ) An Act for the Department of Public Safety - Division of Emergency Management appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Last Action: 1-21-25 H Introduced and referred to Joint Budget
 HB 1186  

Vaught, DeAnn(R) To create the Pain Relief Parity Act; and to require pain relief parity in the Arkansas Medicaid Program.
Last Action: 1-22-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
 HB 1191  

Joint Budget( ) An Act for the Department of Public Safety appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Last Action: 1-22-25 H Introduced and referred to Joint Budget
 HB 1204  

Eubanks, Jon(R)
Irvin, Missy(R)
To establish recovery of damages for necessary medical care, treatment, or services rendered.
Last Action: 1-22-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Judiciary
 HB 1215  

Bentley, Mary(R) To authorize a coach or athletics personnel member of the opposite sex to address, supervise, or treat student athletes in a multiple occupancy restroom or changing area under certain conditions.
Last Action: 1-23-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Education
 HB 1398  

Johnson, Lee(R) To require schools to support, establish, and implement a cardiac emergency response plan that integrates nationally recognized elements.
Last Action: 2- 4-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Education


Week 2 Key Legislative Highlights:

  • HB1075 (Rep. David Ray): Prohibits local governments from regulating or taxing lawn care devices based on fuel type. Passed the House (76-17).
  • HJR1007 (Rep. Fran Cavanaugh): Proposes a constitutional amendment to allow recall of elected officials, from the Governor to Constables.
  • HR1010 (Rep. Aaron Pilkington): Seeks to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in all state documents and maps.

Other Updates:

  • HB1111 (Fine Fund Appropriations Bill): Passed both chambers and is headed to the Governor.
  • EMS Board: Dr. Johnson continues work on its establishment, with progress being made. A legislative fix is in the works for a conflict from last session.
  • Legislation Tracking: Review the bills above and inform DBH should any be removed.

DBH appreciates the opportunity to represent you at the Arkansas Capitol—please reach out for additional information!


2025 Legislative Session Dates & Deadlines

Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Daily Legislative Updates

Industry Insights

JEMS presents Dr. Paul Pepe in the EMS Handoff Podcast

This special episode of the EMS Handoff Podcast features Dr. Paul Pepe, a pioneering EMS medical director whose work has significantly shaped modern prehospital care. Hosted by Bradley Dean and David Blevins, the episode explores the history and evolution of EMS medical direction, Dr. Pepe’s personal contributions, and the role of medical directors in bridging field providers with the healthcare system.

Key topics include:

  • The early days of EMS and how medical direction began.
  • Dr. Pepe’s career journey and impact on prehospital medicine.
  • The challenges and successes in developing EMS protocols and education.
  • Advice for current and aspiring EMS leaders.

This episode is valuable for EMS professionals, new providers, and anyone passionate about EMS history and advancement. Dr. Pepe, known for his innovative work in EMS systems, resuscitation science, and disaster response, continues to be a global leader in improving patient outcomes.


Listen Here

Arkansas Health Update


Respiratory Virus - % of Emergency Department Visits - CDC Data

The data is updated by the CDC weekly and can be accessed here.

Upcoming Events

February 12, 2025: Deadline to file constitutional amendments

February 26 - 28, 2025: Arkansas Winter County Judges Conference

March 5 - 9, 2025: NWA Fire EMS Conference

March 12, 2025: Arkansas Stars of Life

April 29, 30, & May 1, 2025: 2025 Southern Regional EMS Expo


Resources

ArAA wants to hear from you!


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Submit Member Spotlight Nominations Here

ArAA Mission

"The ArAA is committed to promoting excellence in emergency medical services and mobile health care transportation. Our members work collaboratively to find better ways to serve others."

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Arkansas Ambulance Association  

P.O. Box 11330 El Dorado, AR 71730

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