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Author: AAA Staff

ACE Cost Data Collection Newsletter | May 2024

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Cost Data Collection, Cost Survey.

Submit Your GACDS Data By May 31, 2024

Ground Ambulance Organizations with an NPI identified in the Year 3 and Year 4 CMS GADCS selection lists are expected to submit their data to CMS in 2024. Agencies are expected to submit their data 5 months after the close of their data collection period. For most organizations the data collection period was January 1, 2023-December 31, 2023 with a submission deadline of May 31, 2024.

The GADCS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document contains several examples of data collection periods and submission deadlines. If your organization has an NPI identified in the Year 3 or Year 4 selection list and you have not yet submitted your initial information, you are required to do so via the Palmetto GBA website immediately.
CMS provided a walkthrough of the GADCS system. This video is approximately 2.5 hours long.

5 Tips for Submitting On Time and Avoiding Penalties

  1. Verify your organizations selection year via the lists available on the CMS GADCS website and determine your timeline for collection and submission.
    • If you have not submitted your initial information to CMS, do so immediately via this Palmetto GBA website.
  2. Request access to the CMS GADCS portal so you can submit your data on time and avoid penalty! (This process can take time, do not wait until the last minute!)
    • CMS requires 2 user roles: submitter & certifier. Follow the steps outlined in the CMS GADCS User Guide for successful setup and submission.
  3. Login or request FREE access to Amber, the cost collection tool for EMS & Fire. This web-based tool will help you collect, organize, and verify your data prior to submitting it to CMS.
    • Amber allows organizations to retain a copy of the data submitted
    • Amber provides a PDF export to assist with CMS submission
  4. Engage with your team members. This is bigger than billing and you will need to engage several departments and team members to gather all required cost and revenue information.
  5. If you get stuck, ask for help! Our Cost Collection Experts are on standby, ready to assist you. Email hello@ambulance.org with your question for assistance.
This 20-minute video walks through the updated features and flow of Amber: The Cost Collection Tool for EMS & Fire.
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) has learned that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has started to send notices to ground ambulance providers that missed their deadline to submit cost data under the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS).  The notice indicates that these providers will be subject to a 10% reduction in their Medicare payments for a full calendar year unless they take certain remedial steps.  The good news is that CMS is offering providers that failed to submit their cost data in a timely manner a grace period in which to submit this information and avoid the future payment reduction.

Read the full member advisory on the AAA website.
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EMS.gov | EMS Day at the Museum and National Mall Event

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Events.

EMS News

Join Us for “EMS Day at the Museum” and National Mall Event to Commemorate EMS Week

It’s the 50th anniversary of EMS Week and to celebrate this momentous occasion, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is presenting “EMS Day at the Museum.” This day of events will explore the history of emergency medical services in the United States.

Wednesday, May 22, 12 to 4 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
First Floor West & Warner Bros. Theater

This special exhibit will trace the roots of EMS, beginning with field-care during Revolutionary and Civil War battles, to the very specialized care provided by modern-day emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Historical objects from the museum’s archives and vintage ambulances will also be on display. The exhibit will highlight Pittsburgh’s Freedom House Ambulance Service, one of the nations first ambulance services to offer emergency medical care, founded in 1967 and staffed by Black paramedics. The afternoon events will include a panel discussion about the life-saving medical care delivered by our nation’s EMS clinicians, featuring important figures in EMS, including John Moon, one of the Freedom House paramedics.

Learn More

The following day, Thursday, May 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 50th anniversary celebration will continue on the National Mall with the following events:

  • Antique ambulances on display
  • Hands-on Hearts CPR training
  • Stop the Bleed and tourniquet application training
  • Table demonstration of the new DC Fire & EMS Whole Blood Program
  • Presentations from national EMS organizations (1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Join representatives from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services (NHTSA’s OEMS), the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the DC Fire and EMS (DCFEMS) Foundation as they host these two special events.

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us

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

Life-Assist Unlocks Grant Opportunities for First Responders

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Operations.

The Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program helps First Responders navigate the over 1400 grants available nationwide to pinpoint those tailored to meet their specific needs. Life-Assist offers unlimited and customized grants at no cost, powered by Lexipol.

The process is easy and increases the likelihood of success in securing grants. With the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program, first responders have access to a comprehensive grant database to easily identify the grant that will support them with their EMS needs. To help navigate this vast landscape, unlimited and personalized grant research assistance specific to each agency’s project is provided. First Responders can also set up alerts for projects when using this program.

Getting started with the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program is as simple as visiting our dedicated Grant webpage and filling out a 2-page form powered by Lexipol. The agency will hear from a Grant consultation expert soon after, who will help throughout the entire process to maximize the chances of successfully securing the funding sought.

Andy Selby, Vice-President of Sales at Life-Assist, explains why we started the Grant Assistance Program. “At Life-Assist, our primary purpose is to provide the best resources and tools available to First Responders. OurGrants Program will give access to unlimited funding opportunities to support critical patient care programs to our First Responders in local communities across the country,” Andy Selby, VP of Sales, Life-Assist.

To apply for a Grant through the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program free of cost, visit: https://www.life-assist.com/info/grants

NHTSA | What Are the Potential Applications for AI in EMS?

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

EMS News

What Are the Potential Applications for AI in EMS and Transportation?

DOT’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure Requests Information
What are the potential applications, opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) related to EMS and transportation? The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advanced Research Projects Agency—Infrastructure (ARPA-I) has announced a Request for Information (RFI) on this topic.

AI has the potential to transform many elements of EMS and this is an opportunity for the EMS community to weigh in on emerging AI technology as it relates to transportation. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain input from a broad array of stakeholders on AI opportunities, challenges and related issues in transportation pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14110 of October 30, 2023 entitled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence”. NHTSA’s Office of EMS (OEMS) encourages the EMS community to provide their input on transportation-related opportunities and challenges of AI, including software-defined AI enhancements impacting autonomous mobility ecosystems.

PROVIDE COMMENTS

Please submit any written comments by 7/2/2024 on the regulations.gov portal. Note that all submissions, including any personal information provided, will be posted and will be available to the public on https://www.regulations.gov.

For more information, please email ARPA-I@dot.gov or contact Timothy A. Klein, Director, Techno

NAEMSP Survey on Drug Shortages: Impact on Fire Departments and EMS Agencies

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

NAEMSP is currently conducting a vital survey aimed at understanding the effects of drug shortages on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies. As esteemed leaders in the field of EMS, your insights are invaluable in comprehending the challenges faced by frontline responders due to medication scarcities.

 

In recent years, the healthcare sector has grappled with an increasing number of drug shortages, presenting significant hurdles for EMS agencies and fire departments. These shortages not only disrupt standard protocols but also pose potential risks to patient care and safety. As such, it is imperative to gather comprehensive data to address these issues effectively.

 

Your participation in this survey will contribute to a deeper understanding of the following:

  1. The frequency and severity of drug shortages experienced by EMS agencies and fire departments.
  2. The impact of drug shortages on patient care, treatment protocols, and outcomes.
  3. Strategies employed by EMS agencies and fire departments to mitigate the effects of drug shortages.

By sharing your expertise and experiences, you will play a crucial role in shaping strategies to address drug shortages and enhance emergency medical services nationwide. Your input will inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders about the challenges faced on the ground, enabling us to develop targeted solutions to safeguard patient care and optimize resource allocation.

 

Thank you in advance for your participation and commitment to advancing the quality and effectiveness of prehospital patient care.
Take the Survey
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Emergency Medical Products for First Responders Since 1977

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Marketing & PR, Operations.

What is the Life-Assist Difference?
Life-Assist has been serving First Responders with emergency medical products and equipment since 1977.

We Offer a Personal Touch in an Automated World

Our genuine care for our customers is demonstrated through the quality of service we provide and the important connections we maintain with our First Responder customers. When you call Life-Assist at 1-800-824-6016 during business hours, you are never be greeted by an automated phone system. Instead, you will speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists.

Life-Assist is an Employee-Owned Company

Thriving as a family-owned business for 45 years by following the philosophy that the customer always comes first, in July 2022, Life-Assist went one step further, giving its employees a vested interest in serving others by becoming an ESOP company (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).

Charitable Giving is Part of our DNA

Life-Assist takes pride in our support for those who selflessly serve others and contribute to the betterment of the community at large. We partner with First Responders Children’s Foundation, who support children who have lost a First Responder parent in the line of duty.

Life-Assist’s Project Pink was founded in response to the loss of one of our own, Debbie Lang. Debbie’s charity of choice was METAvivor. We honor her by donating a portion of all Project Pink proceeds to this organization every year.

We Offer a Grant Assistance Program to First Responders

More than $600 billion in nationwide grants are available to public safety agencies and local government each year. With our Grant Assistance Program, Life-Assist can help First Responders find the grants they need for EMS equipment.

Same Day Shipping Available

Orders placed by 4pm (M-F) local time will be shipped the same day.

Our National Account Manager Provides Extra Value

Chad Marsh’s experience in the EMS industry spans over 30 years. The key to the longevity of his success is his ability to create relationships with customers and provide valuable information relating to products, protocols and procedures used in the industry.

To contact Chad Marsh, call (503) 936-1879, or email: chad.marsh@life-assist.com

www.Life-Assist.com

Customer Care: 800.824.6016

Homeland Security | Homeland Threat Assessment 2024

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations.

Download PDF

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence Enterprise Homeland Threat Assessment reflects the insights from across the Department, the Intelligence Community, and other critical homeland security stakeholders. It focuses on the most direct, pressing threats to our Homeland during the next year and is organized into four sections. We organized this assessment around the Department’s missions that most closely align or apply to these threats—public safety, border and immigration, critical infrastructure, and economic security. As such, many of the threat actors and their efforts cut across mission areas and interact in complex and, at times, reinforcing ways.

Going forward, the annual Homeland Threat Assessment will serve as the primary regular mechanism for articulating and describing the prevailing terrorism threat level, which has previously been done through our issuance of National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) bulletins. In the future, the issuance of NTAS bulletins will be reserved for situations where we need to alert the public about a specific or imminent terrorist threat or about a change in the terrorism threat level.

Download PDF

GoAERO Prize Updated Guidelines

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Patient Care, Press.

Today, we are excited to announce our Updated Guidelines. The GoAERO blog provides a high-level review of these changes and the complete guidelines are available at https://www.herox.com/goaero.

For a more in-depth review of the updated GoAERO technical rules, guidelines, and timeline, please join our next webinar on Wednesday April 24th at 9 am PST/12 pm EST.

Register here for the webinar.

Please note: we have extended the Stage 1 Submission Deadline to December 11, 2024. You can review the complete timeline here.

We look forward to transforming the future of emergency response technology together!

Thank you,
The GoAERO Team

We would also appreciate it if you would forward this email, or share the webinar details with your network and encourage them to join GoAERO.
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4/11 CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

The next CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum scheduled for:
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Start Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm PM Eastern Time (ET);
Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time.
Conference Leaders: Jill Darling, Maria Durham

**This Agenda is Subject to Change**
I. Opening Remarks
Chair- Maria Durham, Director, Division of Data Analysis and Market Based Pricing
Moderator – Jill Darling (Office of Communications)
II. Announcements & Updates
1. Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS)
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 dropdown 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-andEducation/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.

EMS.gov | New Resources Address Important EMS Issues

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Press.

EMS News

New Resources Address Important EMS Issues

The Latest Updates on Highway Safety Regulations, Rural EMS Education and Special Pathogens
Updating the Highway Safety Improvement Program

The Federal Highway Administration has announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to update the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) regulations. These regulations address provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” (BIL), and reflect current priorities and state-of-practice. The proposed changes would strengthen and advance the safety and equity priorities of the Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and help states make safety gains to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. Comments must be received on or before April 22, 2024.

Learn More

Quality Improvement Course for Rural EMS

The Rural EMS Quality Improvement Basics Course, from Stratis Health, introduces rural EMS providers to the concept of quality improvement (QI). The program, which was initially designed for the staff of healthcare organizations, has been modified to meet the needs of rural EMS by dividing the QI concept into three distinct levels that build upon each other. The Rural EMS Quality Improvement Basics Course links to the relevant portions of the original healthcare program, while also providing content and examples relevant to rural EMS providers.

Learn More

EMS Model Procedural Guidelines for Special Pathogens

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC) has launched a new set of model procedural guidelines designed to manage high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) patient encounters. EMS Model Procedural Guidelines for Special Pathogens is designed to improve the safety of EMS professionals as well as safeguard public health. EMS agencies are encouraged to use the guidelines to create SOPs for transporting and managing patients with a HCID. The guide features step-by-step instructions that can be incorporated into EMS agencies’ existing policies and procedures.

View The Guidelines

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us

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

EMS.gov Webinar | EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment

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

EMS Focus
WEBINAR

EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment

Hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS on March 22 at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT

According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, “harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use.” This can include improving access to naloxone (Narcan) to prevent death from opioid overdose, providing sterile syringes to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C, and fentanyl testing programs, among other types of help.

EMS clinicians are often on the frontline of addiction and the unintended consequences of both legal and illicit drug use and substance use disorder (SUD). In addition, drug use greatly impacts the larger context of our nation’s roads and highways through impaired driving and the resulting risks to the impaired driver, other drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. A 2022 NHTSA study of seven trauma centers around the U.S. found that nearly 56% of people injured or killed on roadways tested positive for one or more drugs, including alcohol. The most prevalent drug category was cannabis, and opioids made up 8.5% of cases at the trauma centers.

In this EMS Focus webinar, panelists will discuss:

  • Harm reduction and SUD treatment in the context of EMS care
  • Recent research
  • How innovation and intervention can drive overdose prevention in your community and reduction of other health risks, including traffic crashes that may be a result of impaired driving
REGISTER NOW

Panelists Include:

  • Kate Elkins, Emergency Medical Services/911 Specialist, NHTSA’s Office of EMS (moderator)
  • Gerard Carroll, M.D., EMS Medical Director, Cooper University Health Care; Division Head of EMS/Disaster Medicine; and Program Director, EMS Fellowship Program
  • John Ehrhart, Paramedic; EMS Manager, San Diego Health Connect; Co-Founder, California Paramedic Foundation; and Founder, Mission Critical Protocols
  • Simon Taxel, Paramedic Crew Chief and Public Safety Diver, Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS; Bloomberg Fellow, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

About EMS Focus

EMS Focus provides a venue to discuss crucial initiatives, issues and challenges for EMS stakeholders and leaders nationwide. Be sure to visit ems.gov for information about upcoming webinars and to view past recordings.

We are committed to providing equal access to this webinar for all participants. Persons with disabilities in need of an accommodation should contact nhtsa.ems@dot.gov to request an accommodation no later than Friday, March 15, 2024.

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us

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

GoAERO Competition + Informational Webinar Details

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

From GoAEROprize.com

Heroes who look past danger to help people in need,


Heroes to step in to be the difference between triumph and tragedy,

And Heroes who use their minds to create technology that saves lives.

We need those Heroes. 

GoAERO is offering $2+ Million in prizes for the best thinkers, creators and inventors to build Emergency Response Flyers and stretch and challenge their minds to unlock a new era of disaster and rescue response.

​By unleashing the power of autonomy, speed, and precision, GoAERO is looking for the brightest, boldest and bravest to change the way we rescue and respond to disaster.

​This is your chance to make history and save lives.

 

Register for Informational Webinars

CMS Statement on Continued Action to Respond to the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Legislative, News, Private Insurance.

From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on March 9

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is continuing to monitor and assess the impact that the cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary Change Healthcare has had on all provider and supplier types. Today, CMS is announcing that, in addition to considering applications for accelerated payments for Medicare Part A providers, we will also be considering applications for advance payments for Part B suppliers.

Over the last few days, we have continued to meet with health plans, providers and suppliers to hear about their most pressing concerns. As announced previously, we have directed our Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to expedite actions needed for providers and suppliers to change the clearinghouse they use and to accept paper claims if providers need to use that method. We will continue to respond to provider and supplier inquiries regarding MAC processes.

CMS also recognizes that many Medicaid providers are deeply affected by the impact of the cyberattack. We are continuing to work closely with States and are urging Medicaid managed care plans to make prospective payments to impacted providers, as well.

All MACs will provide public information on how to submit a request for a Medicare accelerated or advance payment on their websites as early as today, Saturday, March 9.

CMS looks forward to continuing to support the provider community during this difficult situation. All affected providers should reach out to health plans and other payers for assistance with the disruption. CMS has encouraged Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to offer advance funding to providers affected by this cyberattack. The rules governing CMS’s payments to MA organizations and Part D sponsors remain unchanged. Please note that nothing in this statement speaks to the arrangements between MA organizations or Part D sponsors and their contracted providers or facilities.

For more information view the Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/change-healthcare/optum-payment-disruption-chopd-accelerated-payments-part-providers-and-advance

###

GoAERO Competition + Informational Webinar Details

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

From GoAEROprize.com

Heroes who look past danger to help people in need,


Heroes to step in to be the difference between triumph and tragedy,

And Heroes who use their minds to create technology that saves lives.

We need those Heroes. 

GoAERO is offering $2+ Million in prizes for the best thinkers, creators and inventors to build Emergency Response Flyers and stretch and challenge their minds to unlock a new era of disaster and rescue response.

​By unleashing the power of autonomy, speed, and precision, GoAERO is looking for the brightest, boldest and bravest to change the way we rescue and respond to disaster.

​This is your chance to make history and save lives.

 

Register for Informational Webinars

EMS.gov | HHS Announces New Performance Goals to Enhance Cybersecurity

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory, Technology.

EMS News

HHS Announces New Cybersecurity Performance Goals to Enhance Cybersecurity
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), announced on January 24, 2024, the release of new voluntary Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs). These guidelines are specifically designed for the Health Care and Public Health (HPH) sector. Additionally, HHS launched a gateway website to streamline the implementation of these cybersecurity measures and facilitate access to extensive resources provided by HHS and its federal partners.

The HPH CPGs are designed to better protect the healthcare sector from cyberattacks, improve response when events occur and minimize residual risk. HPH CPGs include both essential goals to outline minimum foundational practices for cybersecurity performance and enhanced goals to encourage adoption of more advanced practices.

View Resource

As healthcare continues to embrace digital transformation, the importance of cybersecurity has never been more critical. We urge the EMS community to engage with this significant development. The new CPGs represent a proactive step by ASPR and HHS to fortify the healthcare sector’s defenses against cyber threats.

Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

Contact Us

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

Ninth Brain: Unleashing Power-Packed Features with Open API, Single Sign-On, and Advanced Tools!

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Marketing & PR, News.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In the ever-evolving landscape of workforce management, Ninth Brain emerges as a pioneering force, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that prioritize cutting-edge technology, user-friendly features, and steadfast compliance.

As Ninth Brain continues its journey, they are thrilled to unveil insights into key functionalities that position them as a leader in the industry.

Developer Open API: Seamless Integration

Central to Ninth Brain’s commitment to seamless data integration is their Developer Open API. Features like the Forms Module API Endpoint enables management to effortlessly retrieve form responses, facilitate in-depth analysis and examine with external dashboard utilization. The Run Log Module API Endpoint empowers management to monitor and analyze debriefs, chart reviews, and utilization responses, providing invaluable insights into its patient care.

OSHA Logs and Electronic Reporting: Simplified Compliance

In the realm of Emergency Medical Services, compliance with OSHA regulations is paramount. Ninth Brain’s Employee Health module streamlines the management of workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents. This not only ensures compliance but also enhances reporting efficiency, enabling EMS agencies to focus on their life-saving missions.

Captain Grey Matter/Co-Owner, Lisa Tedford, underscores the commitment: “Our team is dedicated to researching regulations and finding innovative ways to enhance our platform. We aim to alleviate tasks for busy administrators, making our partners more efficient and ensuring ongoing compliance. The recent update to the Employee Health module was driven by the need to keep agencies compliant with the new 2024 electronic reporting mandate, designed to simplify the submission process.”

Single Sign-On:  Effortless Access

Ninth Brain’s adoption of Single Sign-On (SSO) has revolutionized the user experience, providing a simplified and secure login process. Centralizing authentication, SSO reduces password fatigue, enhances security, and streamlines administrative management. Password Administrators are encouraged to explore the benefits of SSO with their tech teams, as enabling this feature is an impactful and positive change.

Accreditation Assistant:  Streamlined Process

Notably, Ninth Brain recently introduced the Accreditation Assistant, revolutionizing the compliance journey for EMS leaders with features tailored for accreditation and reaccreditation, streamlined processes, and intelligent recommendations, reinforcing Ninth Brain’s commitment to comprehensive solutions.

Co-Owner Holly Taylor emphasizes, “At Ninth Brain, we’re all about making things better. Our latest software enhancements? They’re like your personal efficiency boosters, helping our partners get things done smarter and keeping them in the compliance sweet spot. We’re not just here to deliver software; we’re here to make their work life a whole lot easier!”

By highlighting these features, Ninth Brain reaffirms its commitment to supporting EMS agencies in optimizing workforce management, ensuring compliance, and contributing to the successful delivery of life-saving services. As they look ahead, Ninth Brain remains at the forefront of industry compliance, continuously enhancing its software to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

About Ninth Brain: Ninth Brain’s mission is to be a long-standing partner with First Responder agencies by providing quality and intuitive software solutions that evolve with the industry. They bundle comprehensive software with a fun, devoted, and knowledgeable support team that make their clients their top priority. Throughout the past 20+ years of their journey, Ninth Brain has continuously developed enhancements to provide efficiencies, aid in industry compliance, and ultimately elevate patient care practices. Ninth Brain offers Credential Tracking, Learning Management System, Workforce Scheduling, Quality Improvement Tracking, Digital Forms and Checklists, and more! To learn more, visit www.ninthbrain.com

Contact:  Holly Taylor, Chief Hat Holder

Phone: 888-364-9995 ext. 320

Email:  Holly@ninthbrain.com

AAA President Strozyk to Testify Before Congressional Committee

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs, Legislative, Uncategorized.

AAA President Randy Strozyk will testify tomorrow, February 14, at 10:00 am (eastern) before the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. The hearing is on “Legislative Proposals To Support Patients And Caregivers” and Randy will speak to the SIREN Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4646), EMS for Children Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6960) and legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury program (H.R. 7208) and certain poison control programs (H.R. 7251).

The hearing will be live streamed online at https://youtu.be/Zy-4NCuheGM.
The hearing will provide the AAA and Randy with a platform to voice support for the EMS proposals on the agenda as well as raise the need for the Committee to address our Medicare ambulance add-on payments and the EMS workforce shortage. For a copy of Randy’s written testimony and other details of the hearing, please go to the Committee website for the hearing.

JEMS | Adapting to Survive EMS Workplace Shortages, Part I

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Human Resources.

From the Journal of Emergency Medical Services on February 1, 2024

Why are females and individuals who identify as Black, indigenous and/or People of Color underrepresented in EMS?

EMS providers and leaders across all levels of care reported staffing to be one of the top challenges facing the industry. A recent study reported over 86% of providers experienced recruitment and retention challenges in the past three years.1

Fitch (2023) reported that many EMS providers have lowered educational requirements, lowered the minimum age, and eliminated certification before hiring (i.e., paid time for training) to overcome workforce shortages. Despite these efforts, maintaining an adequate workforce in EMS organizations and agencies across the country is a growing concern.

Providers continue to evaluate and adjust recruitment strategies to maintain their critical role in the public health and safety system in the United States; however, little is known about the efforts to recruit from underrepresented populations.

Continue reading

HHS/ASPR Project ECHO Clinical Readiness Rounds are Returning

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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and Project ECHO have launched this program designed to create peer-to-peer learning networks where clinicians who have more experience treating patients in emergency situations share their challenges and successes with clinicians across the U.S. and around the world with a wide variety of experience of these situations. Topics for sessions are based on new and emergent information around emergency preparedness, as well as topics requested by participants.

Register Now

Certification & Credits

Sessions will be eligible for CME credits.

Contact Information

Please contact C19ECHO@salud.unm.edu for more information.

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