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CDC | Emergency Medical Services (EMS): A Look at Disparities in Funding and Outcomes

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News.

CDC | Emergency Medical Services (EMS): A Look at Disparities in Funding and Outcomes

“Limited EMS funding may affect nationwide EMS quality. The scarcity of nationwide EMS data makes studying disparities challenging; however, studies have found disparities in EMS services based on geography (urbanicity), income, sex, and race.123 Using data from California’s local EMS agency reports, we conducted a limited case study that illustrates geographic disparities in EMS revenue, spending, and cardiovascular (CV)-related quality indicators.”

 

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NEMSAC | Applications Open

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs, Regulatory.

National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council; Solicitation of Applications

NHTSA is soliciting applications for appointment to the DOT’s NEMSAC. The purpose of NEMSAC is to serve as a nationally recognized council of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to DOT. Through NHTSA, NEMSAC’s advice is provided to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS). Deadline: November 1, 2024

Learn More or Apply>>

InvestigateTV | Dire delays at hospital ERs create long waits for ambulance crews

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care, Regulatory, Uncategorized.

On Hold: Dire delays at hospital ERs create long waits for ambulance crews, put patients at risk

National data shows delayed EMS crews frequently wait an hour or more before returning to service

“To look at the scope and severity of wall times nationwide, InvestigateTV obtained data from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS), a program run through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Utah that provides a standardized method of recording and reporting information about 911 calls involving EMS.

The data, which local EMS agencies report to their respective states that in turn submit it to the national database, documents all aspects of the call, including if the ambulance crew experienced any kind of delay.”

Read the full article>>

CAAS Panel of Commissioners Seeks New Business Representative

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care.

CAAS - Driven to a Higher Standard
 

CAAS Panel of Commissioners Seeks New Business Representative

At the end of 2024, the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services will be replacing its business representative on the CAAS Panel of Commissioners due to the completion of term limits. Joe Penner has served expertly in this position for the past six years, and as panel chair for the past two of those years.

CAAS is now soliciting applications from qualified and experienced EMS business representatives to fill the upcoming three-year term, beginning in January of 2025.

Applicants must have at least ten years of experience in EMS with at least five years at the level of manager or above and a bachelor’s degree. Desirable candidates should possess industry awareness, systematic thinking and a national or international perspective. Having worked at a CAAS accredited agency, being a CAAS reviewer or familiarity with the CAAS Standards is also desired.

Applications will be accepted now until September 10, 2024.

Please email Marcie McGlynn at CAAS headquarters for further details on qualifications and the application process.
 

Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)

1926 Waukegan Road, Suite 300
Glenview, Illinois 60025-1770

Phone: (847) 657-6828 Fax: (847) 657-6825
E-mail: CAAS Staff Website: www.caas.org

 

EMS.gov | Responding to Behavioral Health Emergencies

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Employee Wellness, Regulatory.

EMS News

Responding to Behavioral Health Emergencies

Don’t Miss this Virtual Symposium, August 2, 2024
The EMS community is increasingly tasked with responding to behavioral health emergencies. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the emergence of dedicated behavioral health response teams have enhanced support for those in crisis, but also present unique challenges in building impactful, sustainable collaborations.

Hosted by Coalition Psychiatric Emergencies, APHA Medical Care Section, National Association of EMS Physicians and American College of Emergency Physicians, join your EMS colleagues for this important virtual symposium to help your EMS agency prepare for behavioral health emergencies.

Responding to Behavioral Health Emergencies
August 2, 2024
10 am – 4 pm ET

Register Here

This free symposium will examine the call, the response and the destination for behavioral health emergencies and explore lessons learned regarding 988 and dedicated behavioral health response teams.

Key Topics Include:

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Learn how it supports those in crisis, including what help is available and how the EMS community can promote 988 for accessing care.
  • Behavioral Health Response Teams: Discover their success factors and differences from traditional EMS responses.
  • De-escalation Techniques: Understand the process of managing behavioral health crises and removing individuals from the scene.
  • Emergency Room Treatment: Explore treatment options, barriers to care, and assessments for ER versus dedicated behavioral health facilities.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to help your agency prepare for behavioral health emergencies.

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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

Joint Position Statement on EMS Performance Measures Beyond Response Times

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs.

Read Statement

Authors:

Douglas F. Kupas*, Matt Zavadsky, Brooke Burton, Chip Decker, Robert Dunne, Peter Dworsky, Richard Ferron, DanielGerard, Joseph Grover, Joseph House, Jeffrey Jarvis, Sheree Murphy, Jerry Overton, Michael Redlener, George W.Solomon, Andrew Stephen, Randy Strozyk, Marv Trimble, Thomas Wieczorek, Kathryn Wire

Endorsed By:

  • Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration
  • American AmbulanceAssociation
  • American College of Emergency Physicians
  • American Paramedic Association
  • International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
  • International Association of EMS Chiefs
  • International City/County Management Association
  • National Association of EMS Physicians
  • National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
  • National Association ofState EMS Officials
  • National EMS Management Association
  • National EMS Quality Alliance
  • National Volunteer Fire
  • Council and Paramedic Chiefs of Canada

National EMS Advisory Council Meeting August 7-8, 2024

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Uncategorized.

EMS News

Register Now: National EMS Advisory
Council Meeting August 7-8, 2024

The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) will host a hybrid meeting on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET, and August 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET for updates on initiatives and innovations, as well as facilitated panel discussion and public comment. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting virtually or in person.

Location: Hyatt Place (Georgetown)
2121 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20037
Due to limited space, virtual public attendance is encouraged.

NEMSAC meets several times each year to discuss issues facing the EMS community. Members of NEMSAC provide counsel and recommendations regarding EMS to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Register Now

Agenda copy:

  • Updates from OEMS and FICEMS Chairperson
  • NRSS and Post-Crash Care update
  • Reports on advisories in progress, including:
    • Adaptability & Innovation
    • Equitable Patient Care
    • Preparedness & Education
    • Professional Safety
    • Sustainability & Efficiency
    • Integration & Technology
  • Guest Presentations (Day 1 & 2)
    • CMS Authorities with Sean Michael, MD, MBA, FACEP & Rodney Waltersdorff
    • The EMS Compact, REPLICA, ICEMSPP, & NEMSCD with Donnie Woodyard, Jr.
    • Updates from National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) with Dia Gainor, MPA
    • Updates from National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) with Christopher Way, BA, PMDC
    • Applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare with Micky Tripathi, PhD, MPP

Registrants who wish to address the Council during the public comment periods can submit comments in writing to NHTSA.NEMSAC@dot.gov by July 31, 2024. Questions and comments for the Council may also be presented during the meeting using the live chat feature.

NHTSA is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all program participants. Persons with disabilities in need of accommodation should send their request to Clary Mole by phone at (202) 868-3275 or by email to Clary.Mole@dot.gov no later than July 31, 2024. A sign language interpreter and closed captioning services can be provided through the Zoom virtual meeting platform upon request.

This NEMSAC meeting will take place the day following the virtual August 6 Post-Crash Care Summit sponsored by the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) with assistance from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

The public meeting will identify and describe best practices and promising approaches for advancing post-crash care with collaboration between highway safety partners, EMS, and 911. This meeting is open for anyone to attend virtually.

Register Here

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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov
911.gov NHTSA DOT

CMS Schedules ODF for August 1, 2024 | CY 2025 PFS

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News.

CMS header
The next CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum scheduled for:

Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024

Start Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm PM Eastern Time (ET);

Please log in at least 15 minutes before call start time.

Conference Leaders: Jill Darling, Maria Durham

**This Agenda is Subject to Change**

  1. Opening Remarks

Chair- Maria Durham, Director, Division of Data Analysis and Market Based Pricing

Moderator – Jill Darling (Office of Communications)

  1. Announcements & Updates
  1. Ambulance Fee Schedule Proposal in the Calendar Year 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule
    1. CY 2025 PFS proposed rule
  1. Update on the Ambulances Services Center Website
    1. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/ambulances-services-center

III. Open Q&A

**DATE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

Next Ambulance Open Door Forum: TBA

ODF email: AMBULANCEODF@cms.hhs.gov

———————————————————————

This Open Door Forum is open to everyone, but if you are a member of the Press, you may listen in but please refrain from asking questions during the Q & A portion of the call. If you have inquiries, please contact CMS at Press@cms.hhs.gov. Thank you.

NEW and UPDATED Open Door Forum Participation Instructions:

This call will be a Zoom webinar with registration and login instructions below.

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://cms.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_vfsU5LSKR3atiW9T_AhrDg

Meeting ID: 160 823 4591

Passcode: 200020

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. You may also add the webinar to your calendar using the drop-down arrow on the “Webinar Registration Approved” webpage after registering. Although the ODFs are now a Zoom webinar, we will only use the audio function, no need for cameras to be on.

For ODF schedule updates and E-Mailing List registration, visit our website at http://www.cms.gov/OpenDoorForums/.

Were you unable to attend the recent Ambulance ODF call? We encourage you to visit our CMS Podcasts and Transcript webpage where you can listen and view the most recent Ambulance ODF call. The webinar recording and transcript will be posted to: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/OpenDoorForums/PodcastAndTranscripts.html.

CMS provides free auxiliary aids and services including information in accessible formats. Click here for more information. This will point partners to our CMS.gov version of the “Accessibility & Nondiscrimination notice” page. Thank you.
CMS Open Door Forum Footer

2024 Ambulance Ride-Along Toolkit

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Advocacy Priorities, Government Affairs, Regulatory.

Government Affairs Update
View this email in your browser

2024 Ambulance Ride-Along Toolkit
Educating your members of Congress about ambulance industry issues makes them much more likely to support your efforts. An easy and effective way to educate them is to invite them to participate in a local Ambulance Ride-Along!

The House and Senate will be adjourning for summer recess at the end of July and members of Congress will return home to their districts and states. This is the perfect opportunity for you to educate your members of Congress about issues facing our industry, in particular the extension of our Medicare add-on payments, the VA Final Rule,  and the EMS workforce shortage, which are important to your operation. For additional information on these issues, visit the AAA Advocacy Page, which includes one pagers about all of our initiatives.

The most effective way to deliver these key messages is to host your member of Congress or their staff on a tour of your operation and an ambulance ride-along. The AAA has made the process of arranging a ride-long or scheduling a meeting easy for you with our 2024 Congressional Ride-Along Toolkit. 

Are you willing to host a Member of Congress at your service but unsure of how to set it up? Email  Meghan Winesett at mwinesett@ambulance.org!

Everything you need to arrange the ride-along or schedule a meeting is included in the Toolkit.  Act now and invite your elected officials to join you on an Ambulance Ride-Along!

Questions?: Contact Us:

If you have questions about the legislation or regulatory initiatives being undertaken by the AAA, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the AAA Government Affairs Team.

Additionally, if you are interested in setting up a virtual meeting with your member of Congress please do not hesitate to reach out! We would be happy to schedule the meeting on your behalf and have a member of our advocacy team join the meeting with you.

Tristan North – Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
tnorth@ambulance.org

Meghan Winesett– AAA Senior Manager of Government Affairs
mwinesett@ambulance.org

Thank you for your continued membership and support.
The AAA has launched a new Call to Action page to enhance our grassroots efforts! Use the button below to contact your members of Congress requesting them to cosponsor the Protecting Access the Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act (H.R. 1666 / S. 1673) and the PARA-EMT Act (H.R. 6433).
Contact Your Representatives Today!

NREMT Launches New Certification Examinations for Paramedics and AEMTs

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Human Resources, Operations, Patient Care, Training.

From the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Launches New Certification Examinations for Paramedics and AEMTs

The examinations align the National Registry with other health-based professions while retaining the rigor needed for advanced-level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) clinicians.   

(Columbus, Ohio) – Today, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians launched new certification examinations for Paramedics and Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), integrating new advancements in clinical practice, science, research, and technologies. These updates ensure that Paramedics and AEMTs are knowledgeable and prepared to manage emergency medical events.

“As the national certifying organization for emergency medical clinicians, it’s imperative that our examinations stay current with changes to our profession and evaluate candidates based on the best research and science available,” said Bill Seifarth, Executive Director at the National Registry. “Whenever someone calls 911, no matter where they are in the country, they trust that whoever arrives with the ambulance has the knowledge and skills to care for them. At the National Registry, we’re responsible for validating that trust by keeping our examinations up to date and ensuring all clinicians are competent to successfully respond to an emergency.”

To ensure the National Registry’s certification examinations measure current practice, the most recent National EMS Practice Analysis and its subsequent Addendum were conducted to identify the knowledge, skills, abilities, and clinical judgment required for entry-level clinician competency. This information, coupled with the feedback from the EMS community and continuous collaboration with the National Registry’s accreditor, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), formed the foundation for these new examinations.

“The new Paramedic and AEMT certification examinations incorporate current EMS practices and use innovative item types that leverage interactive technology to evaluate candidates’ knowledge and clinical judgment in diverse ways beyond traditional multiple-choice or multiple-response formats,” explained Dr. Mihaiela Gugiu, Chief Assessment Officer at the National Registry. “These enhancements ensure a unified and thorough assessment process for all certification seekers.”

The new examinations allow candidates to take a single comprehensive examination on one date, reducing logistical challenges while preserving the examinations’ rigor, consistent with standards in other health-based professions.

Additional information about the examinations can be found online at https://nremt.org/Document/Get-Ready-For-The-New-Examinations or by listening to or watching the National Registry’s recently launched podcast, Registry Insider.

###

HELPFUL LINKS

Online Press Release: nremt.org/News/National-Registry-of-Emergency-Medical-Technicians

New AEMT and Paramedic Certification Examination Information Page: nremt.org/Document/Get-Ready-For-The-New-Examinations

Registry Insider Vodcast (video); Episode 1 is all about the new examinations: nremt.org/Document/Registry-Insider

Registry Insider Podcast (audio); Episode 1 is all about the new examinations: registryinsider.buzzsprout.com

PPRP | Make Sure You’re Ready for Children – Complete the Assessment!

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care.

While the majority of EMS and fire-rescue agencies provide emergency care to children, pediatric calls are rare. In fact, because most agencies see fewer than eight pediatric patients per month, many EMS clinicians don’t feel capable or confident when caring for children.

Being pediatric ready, or ensuring agencies are trained, equipped, and prepared for children in accordance with national recommendations, can reduce anxiety and increase confidence. Research suggests it may also improve outcomes.

But how do you know if your agency is really ready for its next pediatric call? The Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project Assessment, which launched May 1, can help. The online assessment tool is open to EMS and fire-rescue agencies that respond to public 911
calls. It takes an average of 30 minutes to complete.

Once you’ve completed the assessment you will receive a detailed report that will identify specific gaps in your EMS agency’s pediatric readiness. Your agency then can use the report to identify resources in the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Toolkit to help you make
improvements. As part of your report, you’ll also receive benchmarking information comparing your score with the national average score of all agencies, as well as the average score of agencies with similar pediatric volume.

You can be more comfortable, capable, and confident about caring for children by taking the steps to make sure your agency is truly “peds ready” – complete the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Assessment!

To find out more about the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Assessment, visit https://emspedsready.org/. You may also reach out to your state’s EMSC Program Manager with any questions

HealthAffairs | Health Insurance Coverage Projections

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Private Insurance.

Health Insurance Coverage Projections For The US Population  And Sources Of Coverage, By Age, 2024–34

Abstract

In the Congressional Budget Office’s projections of health insurance coverage, 92.3 percent of the US population, or 316 million people, have coverage in 2024, and 7.7 percent, or 26 million, are uninsured. The uninsured share of the population will rise over the course of the next decade, before settling at 8.9 percent in 2034, largely as a result of the end of COVID-19 pandemic–related Medicaid policies, the expiration of enhanced subsidies available through the Affordable Care Act health insurance Marketplaces, and a surge in immigration that began in 2022. The largest increase in the uninsured population will be among adults ages 19–44. Employment-based coverage will be the predominant source of health insurance, and as the population ages, Medicare enrollment will grow significantly. After greater-than-expected enrollment in 2023, Marketplace enrollment is projected to reach an all-time high of twenty-three million people in 2025.

Read on HealthAffairs

EMS.gov | State EMS Bill Tracking Database Updated with Key Enacted Legislation

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in State-Level Advocacy.

EMS News

State EMS Bill Tracking Database Updated with Key Enacted Legislation

NCSL.org features a searchable database of all state EMS legislation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) work together to create the EMS Legislative Database, which  provides up-to-date information about important EMS legislation nationwide

In 2023, 45 states and territories enacted 195 bills to address a variety of topics, including the anonymous surrender of infants to EMS providers, death benefits for EMS clinicians and other first responders, transport to alternative destinations, proclamation of EMS Week, allowable maximum rates for ground ambulance transportation, community paramedicine, reporting of overdose events and much more.

Visit EMS Legislation Database

The EMS Legislative Database offers a summary of enacted EMS legislation in an easy-to-use resource, allowing users to search legislation by topic, state, keyword, status, bill number, year (from 2021 to the present) and/or author. New legislation is added biweekly, and searchable topics include Administration, Funding, Rules, Systems and Workforce and subtopics within each.

For more information about the EMS Legislative Database, 2023 and 2024 Legislation updates or the State EMS Bill Tracking Database visit www.ncsl.org or contact Annie Kitch with NCSL at annie.kitch@ncsl.org.

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Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov
911.gov NHTSA DOT

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