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April 29 - May 1, 2025 | Oaklawn Casino Resort | Hot Springs, AR
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Arkansas Legislative Updates
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ARAA TRACKING REPORT 1/17/25

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HB 1145
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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: |
1-15-25 H Introduced and referred to H-City, County and Local Affairs
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HB 1165
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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: |
1-16-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
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HB 1166
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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
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HB 1168
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Johnson, Lee(R) |
To provide criminal immunity for healthcare professionals for negligent acts or omissions. |
Last Action: |
1-16-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Judiciary
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HB 1169
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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: |
1-16-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
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HB 1172
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Johnson, Lee(R) |
To add definitions to the Medicaid Fairness Act to ensure that all rule enforcement actions are appealable. |
Last Action: |
1-16-25 H Introduced and referred to H-Public Health, Welfare and Labor
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McKinsey & Company: What to expect in US healthcare in 2025 and beyond
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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HHS Strategic Plan for Use of AI Release
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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:
- Catalyzing AI Innovation: Accelerating breakthroughs to enhance people's health and well-being.
- Promoting Responsible AI Use: Ensuring ethical and safe adoption of AI to minimize potential harm.
- Democratizing AI Access: Facilitating equitable availability of AI technologies for all.
- 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.
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Assessment of The ImPACTS Project
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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.
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International Community Paramedic Career Structure
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Regulatory Support: Advocates for uniformity in certification and licensure processes to ensure career mobility and adherence to a standard scope of practice across jurisdictions.
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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.
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Association of Arkansas Counties: Winter County Judge Conference February 26 - 28, 2025
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Vanguard & EMSNext Nominations Due January 31, 2025
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2025 National Registry Update: EMR and EMT New Examination Blueprint Launch – Functional Activity
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When? January 23, 2025 at 11:00 am CST
*CEU Opportunity*
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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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ArAA wants to hear from you!
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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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