Florida Appeals Court Holds Employers Are Not Required to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use
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EEOC Proposes to Eliminate Longstanding EEO-1 Workforce Reporting Requirements: What Employers Need to Know
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would eliminate decades-old regulations requiring many employers to submit annual workforce demographic reports to the agency. If finalized, the proposal would rescind the regulatory requirement for private employers to file the familiar EEO-1 Report, as well as several similar reporting requirements applicable to unions, state and local governments, and educational institutions. The proposal represents one of the most significant changes to federal equal employment opportunity reporting requirements in 60 years.
What Is Being Proposed?
Since 1966, private employers with at least 100 employees (and certain federal contractors) have been required to submit annual EEO-1 reports identifying the race, ethnicity, and sex of employees across standardized job categories. The EEOC uses this information to identify potential patterns of discrimination, support enforcement activities, and publish aggregated workforce demographic statistics.
Under the proposed rule, the EEOC would rescind regulations requiring:
- Employer Information Reports (EEO-1)
- Apprenticeship Information Reports (EEO-2)
- Local Union Reports (EEO-3)
- State and Local Government Reports (EEO-4)
- Elementary and Secondary School Reports (EEO-5)
- Higher Education Staff Information Report (EEO-6)
It should be noted that the EEOC has not collected EEO-2 or EEO-6 reports for many years. This rule would formally eliminate that requirement.
Why Is the EEOC Proposing This Change?
According to EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, the Commission believes mandatory collection of demographic workforce data is no longer supported by Title VII and may itself encourage employment decisions based on race or sex. The EEOC also concluded that the reporting requirements impose significant administrative and financial burdens on employers while providing limited additional enforcement value.
The EEOC estimates that eliminating these reporting requirements would reduce employer compliance costs by approximately $275 million annually.
What Does the Proposal Not Change?
Importantly, this proposal does not eliminate or meaningfully modify federal anti-discrimination laws.
Employers remain fully subject to:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
- Equal Pay Act requirements
Likewise, employers would continue to have obligations to maintain employment records required under federal law. The proposed rule would simply remove the requirement to submit annual demographic reports to the EEOC. The proposal affects reporting requirements, not the substantive prohibitions against discrimination.
Potential Implications for Employers
Although many employers may welcome the reduction in administrative reporting obligations, the proposal raises several practical compliance considerations.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Covered employers would likely spend less time compiling demographic information, categorizing employees by EEO job classifications, and completing annual EEO-1 submissions.
Continued Need for Internal Data
Despite the proposed rescission, employers should be cautious about abandoning demographic data collection altogether.
Many organizations use workforce demographic information to:
- Evaluate recruiting effectiveness
- Conduct adverse impact analyses
- Monitor promotion and compensation practices
- Defend discrimination claims
- Support internal compliance audits
Without internal demographic information, employers may find it more difficult to identify potential disparities before they become litigation risks.
State Law Considerations
The proposal affects only federal EEOC reporting requirements. Any reporting obligations under state law remain intact. Some states or local jurisdictions may continue to require demographic reporting or workforce analyses for certain employers, contractors, or public entities. Employers operating in multiple states should review whether any state-specific obligations remain.
Litigation Considerations
It is important to note that while the proposed rule would reduce mandatory federal reporting, employers defending discrimination claims may still need demographic information during litigation.
Courts frequently consider statistical evidence in disparate treatment and disparate impact cases. Employers that discontinue demographic tracking altogether could lose valuable information useful in evaluating or defending employment decisions.
What Happens Next?
The proposal is currently at the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking stage.
Before any changes become effective:
- The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register.
- The public will have an opportunity to submit comments.
- The EEOC will review those comments.
- The Commission must publish a Final Rule before the reporting requirements are formally rescinded.
Until that process is complete, existing reporting requirements remain in effect. Employers should continue to comply with all current EEO reporting obligations unless and until the regulations are officially changed. The comment period closes 30 days following publishing in the Federal Register and a public hearing is set for Aug. 11, 2026.
Practical Takeaways
Employers should not interpret this proposal as signaling a reduced need for equal employment opportunity compliance. Instead, organizations should:
- Continue complying with current EEO-1 reporting requirements until any final rule becomes effective.
- Monitor developments during the rulemaking process.
- Evaluate whether maintaining internal demographic data continues to support compliance, litigation defense, and workforce planning.
- Review hiring, promotion, compensation, and selection practices to ensure they remain consistent with federal and applicable state anti-discrimination laws.
- Consult legal counsel before making significant changes to workforce data collection or recordkeeping practices.
Conclusion
The proposed rescission represents a significant shift in the EEOC’s approach to civil rights enforcement, moving away from mandatory demographic reporting and toward a more limited regulatory framework. If finalized, employers could see meaningful reductions in administrative reporting obligations. However, the proposal does not alter employers’ obligations to comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws, nor does it eliminate the value of maintaining workforce demographic information for internal compliance, risk management, and litigation purposes. Employers should continue to comply with existing reporting requirements while closely monitoring the progress of the rulemaking process.
We will continue to monitor the progress of this rule through the rulemaking process. If you have questions about how this, or any, workplace regulations, please contact the AAA at hello@ambulance.org.
CMS Proposes to Update ZIP Codes for Ground Ambulance Fee Schedule; Proposed Rule Implements Continuation of the Add-ons and Promises Future Rulemaking on Data Collection
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servies (CMS) issued the CY 2026 Ambulance Fee Schedule (AFS) proposed rule as part of the annual Physician Fee Schedule rule. It includes three of the American Ambulance Association’s policy priorities germane to the AFS.
First, the Proposed Rule extends the ground ambulance add-ons for urban (2%), rural (3%), and super-rural (22.6%) transports consistent with the statutory mandate. CMS’ Office of the Actuary estimates the extension will provided $260 million over the 10-year budget window to ground ambulance service organizations. CBO had calculated the increase to be $197 million over the same period.
Second, CMS states that it will address future data collection under the Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) in next year’s rulemaking. This recognition of future rounds aligns with the AAA’s ongoing efforts for CMS to continue the data collection, which included securing language in the FY26 appropriations report calling on CMS to continue the program. It is also consistent with our work with MedPAC, which included a recommendation to continue GADCS in its June 2026 report.
Third, the AAA has been steadfast in its call for CMS to update the geographic designations used to apply the rural and super rural add-on payments. We worked closely with Congressional champions in the House and Senate to echo our request through letters, phone calls, and questions raised during Congressional hearings to administration officials to support the update.
In the Proposed Rule, CMS has finally proposed updating the ZIP codes based on the most recent 2020 U.S. Census and other relevant data. Under the proposal, the vast majority of ZIP codes will remain the same. However,
- 1,172 ZIP codes would shift from urban to rural; and
- 602 ZIP codes would shift from rural to urban.
The preamble does not mention ZIP codes shifting to super-rural. CMS indicates that the detailed results will be available on its website at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/ambulances-services-center.
The AAA is reviewing these materials and will provide a detailed analysis with the membership shortly. Based on an analysis by Health Management Associates at the request of the AAA, the latest Census data would result in a net change of 1,490 zip codes changing from rural to super rural – which CMS did not address in the Proposed Rule. Also, HMA had estimated that 119 zip codes would change from rural to urban as opposed to 602 zip codes cited in the document.
In addition to working to ensure the appropriate application of the data to the AFS geographic designations, the AAA will encourage CMS to deem an area designated as a rural or super-rural that would otherwise no longer receive such designation to retain its previous designated status if there are 1,000 or fewer individuals per square mile in the area. We will also urge CMS to establish an administrative appeals process to allow ambulance services providers and suppliers to seek reconsideration of a change in a ZIP code’s status as a rural or qualified rural area during the first 12 months after the Secretary finalizes a change in the designation.
AAA Announces AI in EMS Member Forum
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Bill on Proposed FLSA Change Could Significantly Impact Rural EMS Employers
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The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Recommends CMS Continue Data Collection Streamlining the Required Data Elements
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Congress Advances Significant Labor Law Reform: What EMS Employers Need to Know About the Faster Labor Contracts Act
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What You Need to Know About DEA Form 41 for Drug Destruction
Post Authored and Shared by LogRX 
Destruction of drugs sounds a little strange, but it’s part of the process the DEA requires for EMS and other first responders when handling controlled substances. It’s important to understand a little about controlled substance destruction, but this phase is often where auditors run into questions.
Destruction is a high-risk moment in the chain of custody process. It’s when partials and expired meds are destroyed as part of the restock cycle. An important piece of the workflow is filling out a DEA Form 41.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re recording drug destruction in a clear, safe, DEA-compliant way.
Key Takeaways:
- DEA Form 41 documents the final step in the controlled substance lifecycle.
- Manual DEA Form 41 workflows create unnecessary risk. Handwritten logs, duplicate data entry, and disconnected systems make it harder to maintain consistent, audit-ready documentation.
- Automating DEA Form 41 documentation improves accuracy and audit readiness.
What DEA Form 41 Actually Documents (in Plain-English)
As most first responders know, the DEA oversees and regulates “scheduled” drugs (also known as controlled substances. They require regular reporting of drug logs from first responders and practitioners.
Download DEA Form 41 Here
For many agencies, compliance used to mean jotting everything down in a paper logbook and then going through it every few months to compile reports. Now, as many in EMS are turning toward digital tracking and reporting solutions, options like LogRx make this job easier and more accurate.
Part of the process is the disposal of inventory (controlled substances) that may be expired, opened, or otherwise unusable. Because this is such a sensitive area, it’s very important that the process is clearly documented.
DEA registrants, agencies, and supervisors need to be familiar with the DEA Form 41, which is the appropriate form to file for drug destruction. The form is often known as “Registrant’s Inventory of Drugs Surrendered,” and it’s required documentation whenever controlled substances are formally destroyed.
The DEA Form 41 asks for several pieces of information
- Which controlled substances were destroyed (drug name, dosage form, strength)
- How much was destroyed (quantity and units)
- When and where destruction occurred
- Who handled and witnessed the destruction
Think of it as closing the chapter on the life of a controlled substance. Your numbers should reconcile, and everything should add up to show that your team keeps a careful eye on controlled substances.
When is the DEA Form 41 Required?
Controlled substances have to be discarded safely, according to proper regulations and instructions. That means documentation is crucial.
The DEA Form 41 is required to document:
- Expired medications
- Damaged/contaminated medications
- Partial waste in accordance with agency policy
- Meds removed from service
While the DEA Form is required, agency policy is still very important. You should follow the rules and guidelines of your particular agency, which may include additional requirements for drug destruction.
In the process, consistency is crucial. Drugs should be disposed of and documented in a clear, regular manner. It should be a natural part of your workflow. While the guidelines may vary on the frequency, it’s important to have a clear policy and procedure in place
What Auditors Look for on a DEA Form 41
When you face a DEA audit or need to send in reports, you might be wondering what auditors are looking for. When do questions start to pop up about the logs?
Controlled substances are destroyed when they can no longer be used. For many EMS agencies, the destruction events happen as part of the normal workflow and drug lifecycle management. During inventory and restocking, it’s quite common to discover that some drugs need to be discarded. Each time you get rid of a drug, the paperwork needs to be completed.
The problems and questions arise when manual paperwork doesn’t line up with reality.
Now, this doesn’t mean that your team had bad intent. In fact, most compliance issues aren’t because of diversion or theft. Most of the issues arise because manual steps are tricky.
Think of copying medication details by hand, entering quantities from one log or spreadsheet to another, chasing signatures and witnesses, deciphering handwriting, and rechecking totals because the numbers don’t add up. The biggest issue with manual tracking is how easy it is for records to be lost, misinterpreted, or damaged over time.
Factor all this into the many other responsibilities that first responders have, and compound that with the chaos of shift change, emergency response, and general exhaustion. It becomes pretty clear why manual documentation isn’t the best approach.
Should an audit come up (and it often does), one of the most important factors is reconciliation between those drug inventory logs and your destruction records. The records should include dates, quantities, and lot numbers. The records should also be easy to find when and if an audit occurs.
Make the job easier on yourself by storing completed forms in a way that’s clear and easy to retrieve later. That means digital files (but keep in mind that PDFs and shared drives can also get lost and messed up).
That’s why a tool like LogRx can help ensure that you’ve completed the proper documentation and you’re audit-ready any time.
How LogRx Supports DEA Form 41 Documentation
LogRx supports the DEA Form 41 documentation. It was built around the idea that documentation needs to be clear, simple, and first-responder-friendly. Moreover, it should come from a source of truth, which in EMS is your controlled substance tracking records.
LogRx makes it easy to automatically fill out your DEA Form 41, using the data you’ve already recorded as part of your team’s normal workflow.
When a medication is designated for destruction, LogRx pre-fills key fields from your inventory history like drug details, quantities, and associated events. Your team can focus on review and finalization, not retyping and piecing puzzles together.
With LogRx, you get faster paperwork, fewer errors, and a clean audit trail. The form is built directly from the same data you’re using to manage your controlled substance program. Compliance is less stressful when documentation is automatic.
LogRx and Other Form Support
LogRx helps make all your paperwork easier. Forms like the DEA 222 acquisition form are easier to manage when accurate inventory data is already available in a simple, user-friendly report.
LogRx stores images and helps you track inventory in a compliance-friendly way. You get end-to-end documentation continuity for the life of all controlled substances that you and your team may need to handle on the job.
When your inventory is tracked, and reports are easy to generate, you can quickly see what you have on hand. You can be proactive about ordering and inventory management. The data provided in the LogRx administrative dashboard gives you all the details you need to identify trends, monitor usage, and tell the story of each controlled substance in your organization’s purview.
One of the best features of LogRx is that it works directly from your team’s handheld devices, while they’re on the go. With a simple snap from their phone or tablet, they can scan in medication and log use fast, even while they’re on the go.
LogRx works out of range, too. Should your team lose cell service while in the field, they can still track, and the information will be updated automatically when they come in range. Real-time tracking is crucial for accuracy and simplicity. It saves the “what happened” scramble at the end of the day.
Compliance with controlled substance reporting rules may not be the most exciting thing on your administrative to-do list, but it protects your team and helps ensure you have exactly what you need on hand when your patients need it.
To see how seamlessly LogRx works with the DEA Form 41, reach out. We can demonstrate the process and show you what a difference that LogRx can make for your team. Make drug destruction reporting simple and fast with LogRx.
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always follow DEA requirements and your agency’s policies when handling and destroying controlled substances.
HMA Releases New White Paper on Ground Ambulance Payment Challenges and Policy Options
Health Management Associates (HMA) has released a new white paper, “Ground Ambulance Payment Landscape: Challenges and Policy Options,” providing an in-depth examination of the complex payment environment facing ground ambulance services and exploring potential policy solutions to improve sustainability and access.
The publication adds to a growing body of ambulance-focused research developed by HMA in recent years. Notably, this is the fourth ambulance-related white paper HMA has published. These studies have helped elevate critical issues affecting ambulance providers and have informed discussions among policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders nationwide.
For members who may have missed previous reports, HMA’s recent ambulance-focused publications include:
- Medicare Advantage Ground Ambulance Cost Sharing Levels Strain Enrollees and Ground Ambulance Entities
- Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) Dataset Reflects Complexity and Challenges of the Industry, Highlights the Need to Improve and Continue Cost Data Collection
- Analysis of the Costs and Medicaid Payment Adequacy for Ground Ambulance Services in New York State
Together, these reports underscore the ongoing financial, operational, and reimbursement challenges confronting ground ambulance services while providing data-driven insights to support meaningful policy reform.
Members interested in reviewing the new or previous white papers can access them through HMA’s website.
Member Survey: DEA Ambulance Registration
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Employee Turnover Survey – Open Now!
Survey will be open June 1 – June 30, 2026.
The American Ambulance Association is partnering with Newton 360, an ambulance industry partner, to conduct our eighth annual industry turnover study. Our intent is to comprehensively collect and analyze ambulance industry employee turnover data to produce a report that provides useful, actionable data. We are inviting selected EMS organizations to participate in the study. The purpose of the study is to better quantify and understand the reasons for turnover at nearly every organizational level within the EMS industry. The study will be conducted and managed by Dennis Doverspike, PhD, and Rosanna Miguel, PhD, affiliated with the Center for Applied Talent Analytics at John Carroll University. Each individual or organizational response will be strictly confidential; no individual organization will be identified in any report or publication. Participating organizations will have full access to the final report at no charge.
Why participate in the survey?
- Educate elected officials, municipalities, and healthcare clients regarding regulatory and funding policies at the federal, regional, or local level.
- Validate the critical staffing challenges faced by the EMS industry.
- Gain insight into combating staff shortages.
Before You Start
Estimated completion time is approximately 20-30 minutes. We recommend you gather information about your employees and about turnover before completing the questionnaire. We will be asking about headcount (filled and open positions) and the number of employees leaving the organization for each of the following job categories: supervisor, dispatch, EMT, part-time EMT, paramedic, and part-time paramedic. We will also be asking about volunteer positions and the costs of recruitment, selection, and training.
The survey will open on June 1, 2026, and close on June 30, 2026. The survey can be accessed by following the link below. If the hyperlink does not work when clicked, please copy the hyperlink and paste it into your browser.
Click here to access the link: AAA – Newton 360 Turnover Survey
Or copy and paste the link: https://johncarroll.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehQfLtOWwA6TEbQ
Thank you,
Scott Moore, Esq.
Newton 360
Workforce Dynamics, Inc.
(781) 236-4411 office
(781) 771-9914 mobile
CDC Ebola Health Advisory: Guidance for EMS and 911
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CMS Proposed Rule on Medicaid State Directed Payments
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Because One Thank You Isn’t Enough: Ninth Brain Celebrates EMS Week with 52 Scholarships
Frankenmuth, MI — In celebration of EMS Week 2026, Ninth Brain is proud to continue its annual tradition of supporting EMS professionals through educational opportunities. This year, in recognition of the 52nd anniversary of EMS Week, Ninth Brain will award 52 scholarships for EMS providers to attend EMS World Expo 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
Following the momentum of past years, Ninth Brain remains committed to investing in those who serve communities across the nation. The scholarship program—which has supported over one hundred EMS professionals through previous EMS Week initiatives—continues to reflect the organization’s long‑standing dedication to uplifting the EMS community.
Each scholarship recipient will receive full conference registration to EMS World Expo 2026. In addition, in‑person attendees will receive a $500 Visa gift card to assist with travel expenses, ensuring greater accessibility for all. Winners are also invited to stop by the Ninth Brain booth during the conference for a photo opportunity and exclusive Ninth Brain swag.
“EMS World Expo continues to expand each year as the largest and most impactful educational and networking experience for EMS professionals worldwide,” stated Jonathan Bassett, Senior Content and Program Director of EMS World. “We’re proud to renew this very popular partnership with Ninth Brain in allowing deserving EMS providers the opportunity to expand their expertise and engage with the top voices in prehospital care.”
“At Ninth Brain, we work behind the scenes to help EMS agencies stay prepared, compliant, and focused on what matters most — their people and their patients,” said Holly Taylor, Co‑Owner of Ninth Brain. “While we may not be on the front lines, we see the demands this profession places on individuals and organizations every single day. EMS providers carry an extraordinary responsibility, often with limited time, resources, and recognition. These scholarships are our way of saying thank you in a tangible, celebratory way. EMS Week is about honoring the past, supporting the present, and investing in the future of this profession — and we’re proud to stand alongside the EMS community in that mission.”
The scholarships are open to EMS Professionals across the United States who are 18 years of age or older. The application window opens on Monday, May 18th and closes on June 9th, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an extraordinary event!
Applications will be available at: https://ninthbrain.com/ems-week
About Ninth Brain
Ninth Brain Suite, LLC, established in 2001, offers a comprehensive software solution that assists EMS organizations in managing daily operations such as credential tracking, education, workforce scheduling, and compliance. With a robust suite of tools and real-time support, Ninth Brain helps streamline complex processes, allowing EMS professionals to focus on what they do best—saving lives.
Learn more at www.ninthbrain.com.
About EMS World
EMS World is a leading authority in prehospital care education, serving EMS professionals across all roles—EMTs, paramedics, educators, medical directors, administrators, and more. Through its publications, digital resources, and the annual EMS World Expo—one of the industry’s largest and most influential conferences—EMS World provides high‑quality clinical and operational insights to support the advancement of out‑of‑hospital care.
Learn more at www.emsworld.com.
Emergency Responder Alert: Cychlorphine – New Synthetic Opioid Threat
| What EMS Should Know: Overdose Risk, Potency and Detection Challenges |
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Celebrating EMS Clinicians: EMS Week 2026 – May 17-23
Celebrating EMS Clinicians:
EMS Week 2026 – May 17-23Improving Outcomes, Together
As we approach National EMS Week—May 17-23, 2026—National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of EMS would like to recognize our nation’s emergency medical services clinicians for their dedicated service. Thank you for helping your communities by caring for those in need, making critical decisions under pressure and providing lifesaving care.
The theme for EMS Week 2026, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” invites us to reaffirm our commitment, as partners and communities, to support advancements that save lives before patients reach the hospital. The National EMS Week Resource Center features downloadable content to help you plan and promote this special week in your community.
Save A Life Day, Thursday, May 21, is an ideal day to conduct Stop the Bleed, CPR training or other programs that educate the community about the essential role of EMS. It’s also an opportunity to host a blood drive in your community, highlighting the critical intervention of prehospital blood transfusion. Access a toolkit of resources to jump start organizing a blood drive today.
Access Blood Drive Toolkit
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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov
National EMS Week 2026 Is Coming
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New Video: Connecting EMS, Highway Safety & Post-Crash Care
New Video Highlights Critical Response Capabilities
Help EMS, 911 and Highway Safety Work Together to Save Lives
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of EMS has released a new video explaining the vital role that EMS—in collaboration with 911 and highway safety—plays in responding to 1.5 million motor vehicle crashes every year. This short educational video joins a collection of OEMS resources, including a series of infographics, highlighting EMS’s role in post-crash care and the lifesaving impact of prehospital blood transfusion. These tools can be used as conversation starters to address the impact of EMS on transportation safety with a goal of developing joint projects through available funding opportunities (like the Safe Streets & Roads for All grant program).
Highlighting recent advancements in post-crash care, the video underscores critical response capabilities such as earlier crash detection, faster and more accurate dispatch, improved data sharing and innovations such as prehospital blood transfusion. These measures help EMS, 911 and highway safety partners improve coordination and access critical information and life-saving tools when seconds matter.
Watch Video
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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov
American Ambulance Association to Recognize 2026 Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Emily Nichols
enichols@ambulance.org
American Ambulance Association to Recognize 2026 Award Winners
Washington, DC—The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to honor the 2026 award recipients at the upcoming President’s Reception, taking place on April 21, 2026, during the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. These remarkable individuals embody the passion, innovation, and leadership shaping the future of mobile healthcare nationwide.
Affiliate of the Year
- Davidoff Strategy: For their partnership in developing and implementing the AAA’s 5-year strategic plan, dedicating extensive time and expertise to shaping the organization’s future.
- Merrill Lynch: For their commitment to strengthening the AAA’s financial position and supporting sustained advocacy for the EMS industry.
EMS Partnership of the Year
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT): For their leadership in advancing EMS through standardized certification and for their instrumental role in convening the EAS Summit to strengthen state and national collaboration.
Distinguished Service Award
- Katie Arens, Chair of the AAA Data Task Force, Vice-Chair of the AAA Payment Reform Committee, and former chair of the AAA Payer Relations Committee: For her dedication and service supporting ground ambulance data collection and analysis, and for her contributions to advancing revenue cycle education and data expertise across the EMS community.
- Bill Mergendahl, Chair of the AAA Medicaid Finance Committee: For his expertise and leadership in navigating UPL program implementation and advancing EMS finance and reimbursement practices.
President’s Award
- Dennis Brockway: For his decades of dedication to the ambulance service industry and tireless advocacy at both the state and national levels.
- Allyson Pharr, AAA Treasure and Former Region 4 Director: For her commitment to the AAA through exceptional leadership and expertise in legal, risk management, and governmental affairs.
Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award
- Rick Zehetner: For his distinguished 60-year career in EMS, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and lifelong commitment to the advancement of mobile healthcare.
EMS Visionary Award
- Gathering of Eagles: For their role in bringing together global EMS leaders to share innovative ideas and advance the future of emergency medical services.
- Henry Lewis, AAA State Association Liaison: For his leadership in fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships to advance EMS at the state and national levels.
Special Recognition Award
- Mark Van Arnam: For his lasting impact on ambulance manufacturing and longstanding partnership and expertise supporting the EMS industry.
- Julie Fontaine: For her impactful years of service in fostering strong partnerships and advancing key initiatives that strengthened the AAA and EMS community.
Exhibitor of the Year
- Commercial Acceptance Company: For their professional, results-driven approach to collections that supports sustainable and efficient EMS operations.
Chairman’s Award
- John Jonas: For his many years of service to the AAA where his leadership and advocacy has advanced EMS policy and legislative priorities at the national level.
Lifetime Membership
- Shawn Baird, AAA VP of State Affairs & Strategic Advocacy and Former AAA President: For his many years of dedicated service to the AAA and and his ongoing work shaping national payment reform and advancing state advocacy efforts to better support EMS nationwide.
- Mark Postma, Former AAA President: For his enduring service to the AAA and his leadership at both the state and national levels, including his contributions to professional standards and his role in advancing ambulance accreditation and quality through CAAS.
- Aarron Reinert, Chair of the AAA Payment Reform Committee and Bylaws Committee and Former AAA President: For his steadfast commitment to the AAA and his impactful leadership across multiple committees, as well as his dedication to developing the next generation of EMS leaders through education and training initiatives through Safetech Solutions.
About the American Ambulance Association
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.
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MedPAC Commissioners Vote on Ambulance Recommendations
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