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2021 Stars of Life Postponed
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the AAA Board of Directors recently voted to postpone the 2021 Stars of Life event originally scheduled for May. This decision was made regretfully and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our Stars, hosts, and guests. We are truly sorry for this disappointing change of plan. Please stay tuned for additional updates about the program in the coming weeks as we research the feasibility of a hybrid Stars of Life-2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Texas in November.
The American Ambulance Association deeply appreciates your continued support and participation, as well as your flexibility as we adapt our programs for the COVID-19 era.
1-800-Flowers Celebrates Pafford Stars of Life
Don’t miss this 1-800-Flowers feature on Pafford EMS Stars of Life Lori and David Richardson! Fun fact: the author is Joanne Camas, mother of former American Ambulance Association staffer Aidan Camas.
Like many married couples, Brandon and Lori Richardson plan to celebrate their relationship and shared passions on Valentine’s Day. They might play board games as they did on their early dates, hang out with their dogs, or enjoy a romantic dinner.
But there’s a chance they’ll instead be stabilizing a broken leg, responding to a heart attack, or transporting a COVID-19 patient to the hospital. The Richardsons, it turns out, love not only each other but also the community they serve as emergency medical technicians.
The couple grew up, met, and put down roots in the small town of Marianna, Arkansas (pop. 4,115), about an hour southwest of Memphis. There, they work together in their ambulance and oversee two bases of EMTs who cover their region of Arkansas.
#StarsofLife Lori & David Richardson of @PaffordMedical have a special bond as partners in #EMS and life. Thanks to @1800flowers for shining light on this extraordinary pair! #SupportEMS #nolimitsonlove #AlwaysOpen #NotJustaRide #MobileHealthcare @haggis2 https://t.co/mUvF0kEr8Q
— AmericanAmbulanceAsc (@amerambassoc) February 3, 2021
When we met 2018 #StarsofLife Lori Richardson and David Richardson of Pafford Medical Services, it was immediately…
Posted by American Ambulance Association on Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Celebrating West Michigan EMS workers
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — This week marks the 46th annual National EMS Week and Life EMS of West Michigan is celebrating their nearly 600 workers.
This year’s theme is “Ready for Today; Prepared for Tomorrow” a timely message amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, and while the celebrations may look slightly different this year they’re still making things special.
EMS week dates back to 1974 and it was started by President Gerald Ford to celebrate the work EMS practitioners do for our nations communities.
Every year as part of the national recognition Life EMS recognizes a ‘Star of Life’ through the American Ambulance Association, whom they send to Washington, DC to be recognized. This year that’s not possible but they’re doing what they can to celebrate their recipient Mark De Graaf locally and virtually.
COVID-19 Message from President Aarron Reinert
President
American Ambulance Association
Dear Fellow AAA Members,
I write to you today during what we all recognize as an extraordinary time for EMS. As we collectively serve on the very front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, we know that the most challenging times are still ahead. However, I am heartened by the collective resolve of the members of the American Ambulance Association to provide 24/7 on-demand mobile healthcare, no matter the circumstances.
As President of the Association, I am sharing below a brief summary of the AAA’s activities to support its members in the face of this devastating disease.
COVID-19 Content & Approach
- Coronavirus Working Group—AAA Region III Director Tom Tornstrom, Executive Director of Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, has been appointed to lead the AAA Coronavirus Working Group. The team includes AAA’s lobbyists, leadership, staff, and members from across the nation. We meet frequently and collaborate constantly to track challenges and find solutions to EMS issues relating to COVID-19 response. Sample topics include:
- First responder safety and wellness
- Reimbursement for alternative destinations, treatment in place, and mobile testing
- Paperwork reduction / waivers
- Advocating for policies in federal legislation that support mobile healthcare and redacting those that can negatively impact the industry
Members will receive updates via our Digest e-newsletter as we continue to make progress on these and other issues.
- Representation in Stakeholder Groups—From CMS to Congress to local mayors, AAA has representatives and members working with legislators, regulators, and officials at every level of government to advocate for EMS. Simultaneously, AAA leaders are working to showcase mobile healthcare’s unique strengths and capabilities for addressing the viral threat.
- Member Newsletter—The frequency of our member Digest e-newsletter has been increased from weekly to near-daily to ensure that we are curating and communicating the most relevant and important information.
- COVID-19 Archive—All AAA posts related to the virus can be found on our website. A COVID-19 resource link has been added to the top navigation of the AAA website for easy access by providers.
Association Events & Operations
- Stars of Life—Out of an abundance of caution, the Stars of Life event in Washington has been canceled. All blocked rooms will be canceled and refunded by the hotel, and all attendee registration fees will be refunded by diflucan. Staff is working on the development of meaningful ways to celebrate 2020 Stars outside of the context of an in-person event.
- Ambulance Cost Education (Cost Collection)—A plan is in place to move ACE Gold cost collection education from face-to-face to an interactive online learning environment. Subscribers can expect additional updates in early April.
- Headquarters—Association staff is all working remotely whenever possible. Staff is adhering to strict health, hygiene, and social distancing. All order fulfillment, mail processing, and other functions have been moved offsite.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to staff at info@ambulance.org or 202-802-9020 if we can be of any assistance. Thank you again for your service to your communities during this very difficult time.
Aarron Reinert
President, American Ambulance Association
2020 Stars of Life Canceled Due to COVID-19
On the afternoon of March 16, 2020, the American Ambulance Association board regretfully voted to cancel the 2020 Stars of Life. This action was taken out of an abundance of caution given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees will be contacted with additional information within the next few days.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility.
2020 Stars of Life Nominations Are Open!
#StarsofLife | www.stars.ambulance.org | May 4-6, 2020 | Intercontinental Wharf | Washington, DC
The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the #mobilehealthcare profession.
Nominate YOUR rockstars at www.stars.ambulance.org by March 1, 2020!
AAA Honors 107 EMS Professionals at 2019 Stars of Life Awards
For Immediate Release
AAA HONORS 107 EMS PROFESSIONALS AT 2019 STARS OF LIFE AWARDS
Contact
Amanda Riordan
703-610-9018
ariordan@ambulance.org
www.ambulance.org
Washington, DC, June 23, 2019– The American Ambulance Association (AAA) celebrated the best and brightest of EMS professionals during its annual Stars of Life celebration June 24-26. At this year’s event, 107 individuals from across the United States and Trinidad & Tobago, were honored as the 2019 Stars of Life. The Stars of Life program pays tribute to the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.
During their time in Washington, the Stars of Life recipients, accompanied by executive hosts, met with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss legislative issues critical to emergency medical services. In addition to honoring the Stars, Representative Terri Sewell of Alabama was recognized as Legislator of the Year for her distinguished service, and 25 United States Senators and Representatives received Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of ambulance services.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Stars of Life
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life honors the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 107 EMS professionals will be honored as the 2019 Stars of Life. Meet the stars at www.stars.ambulance.org.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
2019 AAA Legislative Awards
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2019 AAA Legislative Awards, in recognition of their strong advocacy for emergency medical services. Each legislator was chosen for their ongoing dedication to the ambulance services across the United States.
2019 AAA Legislator of the Year
Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL)
2019 AAA Legislative Recognition Award Recipients
Senators
- Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D.
- Senator Susan M. Collins
- Senator Chuck Grassley
- Senator Doug Jones
- Senator Patrick J. Leahy
- Senator Pat Roberts
- Senator Charles E. Schumer
- Senator Debbie Stabenow
- Senator Jon Tester
- Senator John Thune
- Senator Ron Wyden
Representatives
- Representative Earl Blumenauer
- Representative Rosa DeLauro
- Representative Debbie Dingell
- Representative Richard Hudson
- Representative Darin LaHood
- Representative Markwayne Mullin
- Representative Richard E. Neal
- Representative Devin Nunes
- Representative Steve Scalise
- Representative Scott Tipton
- Representative Fred Upton
- Representative Greg Walden
- Representative Peter Welch
- Representative Lee Zeldin
Representative Terri Sewell To Receive Highest Legislative Honor From American Ambulance Association
Washington, DC – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will honor Representative Terri Sewell with its Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of her advocacy for emergency medical services.
Representative Sewell is scheduled to receive this honor at the AAA’s Annual Stars of Life Awards Ceremony on June 25 in Washington, D.C.
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. The Stars of Life program pays tribute to the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 107 EMS professionals will be honored as 2019 Stars of Life. In addition to Representative Sewell’s recognition as 2019 Legislator of the Year, 25 United States Senators and Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of ambulance services.
Representative Sewell was selected for the Legislator of the Year Award in recognition for helping lead the effort that secured a five-year extension of the Medicare ambulance temporary add-on increases of 2% urban and 3% urban and the super rural bonus payment. Representative Sewell also ensured that other key provisions for the industry were included in the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act. Representative Sewell continues to go above and beyond to ensure that EMS in Alabama and across the country, receive sustainable reimbursement.
AAA President Aarron Reinert notes, “Representative Sewell has been a trusted advocate for emergency medical services, both in Alabama and across our country. The AAA is honored to present her with the distinction of Legislator of the Year Award.”
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, Representative Sewell is her fifth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. Representative Sewell sits on the exclusive House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Representative Sewell has carried out her longstanding commitment to healthcare issues through her work as the Vice-Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee Subcommittee on Health.
In recognition of her ongoing service to the ambulance services of the United States, AAA is proud to call Representative Sewell our Legislator of the Year.
AAA To Honor 100 EMS Professionals at 2018 Stars of Life
For Immediate Release
AAA TO HONOR 100 EMS PROFESSIONALS AT 2018 STARS OF LIFE
Contact
Amanda Riordan
703-610-9018
ariordan@ambulance.org
www.ambulance.org
Washington, DC, May 25, 2018– The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will celebrate the best and brightest of EMS professionals during its annual Stars of Life celebration June 11–13. At this year’s event, 100 individuals from across the United States, will be honored as the 2018 Stars of Life. The Stars of Life program pays tribute to the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.
This year’s distinguished recipients are:
- Alex Aste, Acadian Ambulance Service, Houston, TX
- Alec D’Storm, Acadian Ambulance Service, Bexar County, TX
- Jerret Dunlap, Acadian Ambulance Service, Lafayette, LA
- Seth “Taylor”, Acadian Ambulance Service, Lafayette, LA
- Robert Scott Morency, Armstrong Ambulance Service, Arlington, MA
- Robert Aberle, American Medical Response, Clackamas, OR
- Alexander Anderson, American Medical Response, Las Vegas, NV
- Nicole Androski, American Medical Response, San Diego, CA
- Karis Arce, American Medical Response, San Francisco, CA
- Dr. Michael Barnam, American Medical Response, Las Vegas, NV
- Stacy Dockery, American Medical Response, Las Vegas, NV
- Brett Dragun, American Medical Response, Las Vegas, NV
- Lindsey Duff, American Medical Response, Englewood, CO
- Joshua Epperson, American Medical Response, Washington, D.C.
- Eric Forsythe, American Medical Response, Tacoma, WA
- Jamie Georgi, American Medical Response, Houston, TX
- Bruce Hagen, American Medical Response, Napa, CA
- Timothy Hoffman, American Medical Response, Grand Rapids, MI
- Sheri Jones, American Medical Response, Las Vegas, NV
- Jimmy Miller, American Medical Response, Jackson, MS
- Randy Nichols, American Medical Response, La Grange, GA
- Rosemary O’Keefe-Kirschner, American Medical Response, New Haven, CT
- Michaael Schwenke, AMR Abbott EMS, Effingham, IL
- Andrea Strongman, American Medical Response, Santa Rosa, CA
- Luke Tschirhart, American Medical Response, Tucson, AZ
- Laura Wolcott, American Medical Response, Rochester, NY
- Brendan Clusky, Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin, TX
- Dena Morgan, Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin, TX
- Kyle Schutt, Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin, TX
- Marco Villasenor, Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin, TX
- Robert Kelter, Baraboo District Ambulance, Baraboo, WI
- Randy Booker, Bay Cities Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Briggett Rizzo, Bay Cities Ambulance Roseburg, Hillsboro, OR
- Elisabeth “Lis” Handgraaf, Bell Ambulance, Milwaukee, WI
- Tim Chopelas, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA
- Sean Maney, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA
- Edgar Bibiano, Community Ambulance, Henderson, NV
- Julian Ness, Community Ambulance, Henderson, NV
- Joe Schubert, Community Ambulance, Henderson, NV
- Lauren Taylor, Community Ambulance, Henderson, NV
- Trudi Marcial, Community Care Ambulance Network, Ashtabula, OH
- Kenneth “Erik” Riggle, Community Care Ambulance Network, Ashtabula, OH
- Antonio Bland, Emergency Transport, LLC., Virginia Beach, VA
- Brandon Jones, EMSA, Tulsa, OK
- Kathy Duval, F-M Ambulance Service, Fargo, ND
- Ty March, Gold Cross Ambulance Service, Salt Lake City, UT
- Duane Lessie, Global Medical Response, Trinidad & Tobago
- Marisol Puerto, Harris County Emergency Corps, Houston, TX
- Shaun Kirkdorffer, Harris County Emergency Corps, Houston, TX
- Lyle Stoll, HealthEast Medical Transport, St. Paul, MN
- Pam Gohn, LifeCare Ambulance Service, Battle Creek, MI
- Tawny Province-Ward, Life Emergency Medical Service, Enid, OK
- Richard Church, Life EMS Ambulance, Grand Rapids, MI
- Dan Krant, LifeLine Ambulance Service, Woburn, MA
- Chelsea Punty, LifeLine Ambulance Service, Woburn, MA
- Terry Childers, Lifenet, Inc., Hot Springs, AR
- Casey Dodson, Lifenet, Inc., Stillwater, OK
- Cyndy Rider, Lifenet, Inc., Texarkana, TX
- Chris Roser, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Dominic Romero, Medic Ambulance Service, Inc., Vallejo, CA
- Gordon Tsang, Medic Ambulance Service, Inc., Vallejo, CA
- Antonio “Tony” Bland, Medical Transport LLC, Virginia Beach, VA
- Nick Heasley, MEDIC EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
- Sharon Taulbert, MEDIC EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
- Thomas “Tim” Brake, MEDIC EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
- Callen Daquioag, MedicWest, Las Vegas, NV
- Stacy Dockery, MedicWest, Las Vegas, NV
- Nicole Cleary, Medix Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Brandon Pate, MedStar Mobile Healthcare, Fort Worth, TX
- Erik Sonnenburg, Metro West Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Jason Fleming, Metro West Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Michael Gaul Jr., Metro West Ambulance Eugene Springfield, Hillsboro, OR
- Wendy Becofsky, Mohawk Ambulance Service, Schenectady, NY
- Rebekah Garcia, Mohawk Ambulance Service, Schenectady, NY
- Brandt Hiler, Muskogee County EMS, Muskogee, OK
- Kristen Bias, Muskogee County EMS, Muskogee, OK
- Caroline Cooper, Nature Coast Emergency Medical, Lecanto, FL
- Marcy Dawson, North Dakota EMS Association, Bismarck, ND
- Michele Connolly, Northwell Health EMS, Syosset, NY
- Brian Faby, Northwell Health EMS, Syosset, NY
- Robert Garzone, Northwell Health EMS, Syosset, NY
- Laura T. Ballanger, Pacific West Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Patrick Bankston, Pafford Medical Services, Clarksdale, MS
- Nick Goff, Pafford Medical Services, Sequoyah County, OK
- David Brandon Richardson, Pafford Medical Services, Hope, AR
- Lori Nicole Richardson, Pafford Medical Services, Hope, AR
- Dale Reighter, Paramedics Plus (Fort Wayne), Fort Wayne, IN
- Monte Matthews, Paramedics Plus (Sioux Falls), Sioux Falls, SD
- Dave Mike, Paratech (PAAW Star), Milwaukee, WI
- Erin O’Grady, REACT EMS, Shawnee, OK
- Chris “Jake” Jakubiak, Regional Ambulance Service (Rutland), Rutland, VT
- James “Scott” Kiniry, Richmond Ambulance Authority, Richmond, VA
- Luke Tschirhart, Rural Metro Fire Department, Tucson, AZ
- Joshua Daly, Sunstar Paramedics, Largo, FL
- Damian Gonzalez, Sunstar Paramedics, Largo, FL
- Jeffrey Collins, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., Highland, IN
- Dane Domagal, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., Elmhurst, IL
- Demel Fountain, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., Elmhurst, IL
- Kenneth Truax, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., Warren, MI
- Laura Hooker, Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service, Niles, MI
- Robert Bukovac, Trinidad Ambulance District, Trinidad, CO
- Richard McFadden, UT Health East Texas EMS, Tyler, TX
- Travis Waswick, West Traill Ambulance Service, Mayville, ND
AAA President Mark Postma notes, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide life-saving health care every day across our nation. We are proud of the positive impact this year’s Stars of Life recipients have made within their communities and for the profession.”
During their time in Washington, the Stars of Life recipients, accompanied by executive hosts, will meet with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss legislative issues critical to emergency medical services. In addition to honoring the Stars, Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan will be recognized as Legislator of the Year for her distinguished service, and 34 United States Senators and Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of ambulance services.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Stars of Life
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life honors the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 100 EMS professionals will be honored as the 2018 Stars of Life. Meet the stars at www.stars.ambulance.org.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
Senator Debbie Stabenow Named Legislator of the Year
For Immediate Release
Senator Debbie Stabenow To Receive Highest Legislative Honor From American Ambulance Association
To Be Recognized As AAA Legislator of the Year
Contact
Amanda Riordan
703-610-9018
ariordan@ambulance.org
www.ambulance.org
Washington, DC – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will honor Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan with its Legislator of the Year Award in appreciation of her advocacy for emergency medical services.
Senator Stabenow is invited to receive this honor at the AAA’s Annual Stars of Life Recognition Ceremony on June 11 in Washington, D.C.
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. The Stars of Life program pays tribute to the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 100 EMS professionals will be honored as 2018 Stars of Life. In addition to Senator Stabenow’s recognition as 2018 Legislator of the Year, 34 United States Senators and Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of ambulance services.
Senator Stabenow was selected for the Legislator of the Year Award in thanks for leading the effort in the United States Senate that secured a five-year extension of the Medicare ambulance temporary add-on increases of 2% urban and 3% urban and the super rural bonus payment. Senator Stabenow also ensured that other key provisions for the industry were included in the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Senator Stabenow continues to go above and beyond to ensure that EMS in Michigan and across the country, receive sustainable reimbursement.
AAA President Mark Postma notes, “Senator Stabenow has been a trusted advocate for health care and emergency medical services, both in Michigan and across our country. The AAA is proud to present her with the distinction of Legislator of the Year Award.”
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, Senator Stabenow is the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Center, and Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, and bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus.
In recognition of her ongoing service to the ambulance services of the United States, AAA is proud to call Senator Stabenow our Legislator of the Year.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Stars of Life
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life honors the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 100 EMS professionals will be honored as the 2018 Stars of Life. Meet the stars at www.stars.ambulance.org.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
President’s Perspective: April 2018
Dear Fellow AAA Member,
Spring has sprung, and the American Ambulance Association is busier than ever working on your behalf to build the future of EMS.
The AAA is pleased to announce that since our last Response Times update, Congress has passed the 5-year extension of the Medicare ambulance add-ons. The extension included the AAA’s preferred method of cost data collection that provides flexibility to the Secretary of HHS in developing the system. Consultation with the industry is required so that it strikes the appropriate balance between obtaining meaningful data and avoiding overly burdening or onerously penalizing the ambulance services. This legislation was a true victory for the AAA and the entire industry. Learn more►
This success would not have been possible without months of effort by AAA volunteer leaders, advocacy experts, and staff, as well as support from our key champions in Congress. In particular, the AAA would like to thank Senator Debbie Stabenow for spearheading our legislation and ensuring that the Senate language prevailed. In recognition of Senator Stabenow’s support, she has been named the AAA’s 2018 Legislator of the Year. The AAA would also like to thank Senators Schumer, Roberts, Collins, Leahy, Hatch, Wyden, Thune, and many others who will be receiving AAA Legislative Recognition Awards this year. The successful passage of this legislation would not have occurred without also having strong champions in the House of Representatives. The AAA is sincerely thankful to Representative Devin Nunes (2015 Legislator of the Year Award winner) for his continued leadership in the House on this issue. The AAA also wishes to thank Representatives Sewell, Upton, Welch, Walden, Neal, Brady, Pallone, and Speaker Ryan for supporting this crucial extension of the Medicare add-on payments.
Despite this success, the AAA is not resting on its laurels. AAA Committees, staff, and consultants are taking proactive steps to ensure that the new cost data system both collects meaningful data and is not overly burdensome on providers. The AAA will continue to update members as this process moves forward. Thank you, again, for your support. We truly couldn’t have made it this far without you!
Get Involved!
In mid-May, AAA will open the nominations process for our board of directors. (Full details and criteria for participation will be posted then.) In the meantime, I encourage you to consider becoming more involved with the American Ambulance Association by joining a committee with open positions, and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Stars of Life
I look forward to seeing many of you in Washington, DC in June at Stars of Life. Stars recognizes EMS providers from across the nation who have served their communities with distinction. The Stars, accompanied by their executive-level Hosts, meet with legislators to shine a light on the importance of ambulance services to our healthcare network.
I hope you will enjoy meeting the 2018 class of Stars as we share their stories and accomplishments on our website and social media.
Haven’t yet nominated a Star? It’s not too late! The deadline has been extended to this Friday, April 20. Nominate a Star►
Education
The Education Committee has been hard at work developing the program for the 2018 AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show. We look forward to announcing the full agenda in June, and hope that you will join us in exciting Las Vegas September 6–8. (Yes, I said September! Our conference is two months earlier than usual this year.)
Regional & Online Education
In the meantime, why not learn from our experts at an AAA Supervisor SimLab workshop? If you’re short on time, AAA is also proud to offer a wide variety of live and on-demand webinars on human resources, reimbursement, compliance, and other topics.
It continues to be my pleasure to serve so many talented, dedicated health care professionals. Thank you for your service to your communities, and I wish you continued success in 2018!
—POST
Mark Postma
President
American Ambulance Association
“Representing EMS in America”
President’s Perspective: January 2018
Dear Fellow AAA Members,
Happy New Year from the American Ambulance Association!
This year promises to bring new challenges and opportunities for ambulance services. As your association, AAA, its experts, and the whole member community will be there to support you every step of the way.
Advocacy Update
If you’ve missed your recent member advocacy emails, you may be wondering “What is going on with the add-ons?!” I’d like to address this first and foremost.
Despite the best efforts of the American Ambulance Association and other industry stakeholders, the temporary Medicare ambulance increases expired December 31. However, please rest assured that the AAA lobbying team, volunteer leadership, and staff are working tirelessly around-the-clock to advocate for this critical EMS revenue.
The good news is that the end may be in sight. However, we must remain engaged, active, and unified as an industry to carry this effort through in the face of the today’s contentious and unpredictable political climate.
Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate are working toward a long-term extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). As part of these negotiations, the House and Senate are working through the details of a Medicare provider extender package. Thanks to the work of our lobbying team and countless Hill visits, phone calls and letters by dedicated AAA members and our supporters on Capitol Hill, both the House and Senate proposals include five-year extensions of the ambulance increases retroactive to January 1, 2018.
We are cautiously optimistic that Congress will include CHIP in the next Continuing Resolution (CR) on or around January 19. Depending on the outcomes of last-minute discussions, the Medicare provider extender package may be attached to the CHIP bill or moved forward separately shortly thereafter. However, of course, Congress in 2018 is predictably unpredictable: we ask for your patience, and your continued confidence that AAA is doing everything possible on this issue.
To support this effort, AAA joined forces with other healthcare industry groups to send a letter to Congress urging them to pass the larger Medicare provider extender package. The AAA has also made the case to Congress that it must act now on the ambulance extension as ambulance service providers and suppliers are first responders and cannot afford to hold claims for prolonged periods of time. Congress must therefore move immediately to ensure that our nation’s health care safety net is not put at risk. We pointed out that submitting claims with the increases paid retroactively could result in long delays in providers and suppliers getting the additional funds, an unacceptable risk for an EMS network made up primarily of small providers. As a last resort, we have asked that if Congress cannot address a Medicare provider extender package by January 19 that they pass a short-term extension of the ambulance increases to sustain our operations.
The AAA is also working with congressional offices and committees of jurisdiction to implement a workable system for collecting cost data from ambulance service providers and suppliers and on an offset focused on reducing reimbursement just for those entities which abuse the dialysis transport benefit. The reality is that ambulance services will have to report their costs to the federal government. However, AAA will work to ensure that the system implemented is fair and does not place undue burden on ambulance services or subject ambulance services to standards and penalties that are not applied to other Medicare providers.
While we believe we may be approaching the endzone on the extender renewals, we must continue to push Congress to do what is right for EMS. Now, more than ever, we need you to add your voice to those of AAA, state-level ambulance associations, and thousands of your peers. Please take a moment today to send Congress your message of support for the Medicare ambulance add-ons—it takes just two clicks. Write a letter now>
Our advocacy team will continue to provide frequent updates as we work to keep this issue at the forefront.
Stars of Life
Despite the challenges on the Hill, I look forward to seeing many of you in Washington, DC in June at Stars of Life. Stars recognizes EMS providers from across the nation who have served their communities with great distinction. The Stars, accompanied by their executive-level Hosts, meet with legislators to shine a light on the importance of ambulance services to our healthcare network. Nominate your Stars today, and help AAA celebrate the best in EMS! (Early bird registration rates end March 31.)
Renew Your Support of AAA
Has your organization renewed its AAA membership? Your continued support is critically important as AAA fights for fair ambulance reimbursement. Membership also include benefits such as free use of the Savvik Buying Group, complimentary CISM and EAP-based counseling for your employees, and access to industry experts on Medicare, operations, and HR.
If you have already renewed, please accept our most sincere thanks. If you have not yet submitted payment for this year’s membership, I encourage you to renew online or reach out to staff at info@ambulance.org for assistance.
AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show
The 2017 AAA Annual Conference was an overwhelming success. In addition to powerful industry-centric presentations on leadership, reimbursement, and operations, this year’s AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show featured three inspiring keynotes—Steven M.R. Covey, Mel Robbins, and Dr. Zubin “ZDoggMD” Damania. Additionally, we honored AMBY Award winners and those who responded to the tragic Route 91 shootings. Check out the photo album for AAA 2017 on our Facebook page.
I hope that you will join me and hundreds of our colleagues for networking, learning, and fun in Las Vegas at next year’s Annual event September 6–8. Early bird registration is open now!
Webcasts & Regional Workshops
AAA is working hard to make it easier than ever to educate your team. Join us in 2018 for a variety of live and on-demand webcasts as well as convenient regional workshops. Upcoming webinar topics include sexual harassment, CMS low volume settlements, and cybersecurity. This year, we are also proud to host one-day workshops in each of AAA’s five regions (calendar soon to be announced).
Thank You, Members!
I would like to give special thanks to the members who dedicate their time and thought to AAA’s board, committees, and task forces. We literally could not do it without you.
It continues to be my pleasure to serve these individuals, as well as the many other talented, dedicated healthcare professionals who make up the AAA membership. We deeply appreciate your continued support, participation, and unity. Thank you!
—POST!
Mark Postma—President
American Ambulance Association
Representing EMS in America
Stars of Life Recognized for Their Service
EMS professionals from all walks of life descended on the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., this past week to be honored as the 2017 Stars of Life. The Stars were recognized by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) for their exceptional duty, service, and bravery while serving their communities as EMTs, paramedics, and as other ambulance services members. 107 Stars celebrated this distinction with their friends, family, and peers during the event, held June 12-14, which also shined a light on the importance of the services EMS professionals provide.
The Stars, hailing from across the country, plus Trinidad and Tobago, began their celebration with a luncheon, where their achievements were commemorated with a medal and a pin for their exceptional service. During the luncheon, keynote speaker Zubin Damania, MD, aka ZDoggMD, used humor and songs to address the future of health care and to congratulate the Stars on their award (along with garnering a few laughs) before AAA President Mark Postma presented the Stars with their medals and pins of recognition.
While Damania provided some humor and the Stars spent some time taking in the sights around the nation’s capitol, the following day pr
ovided the honorees an opportunity to head down to Capitol Hill to do some more serious work. The Stars met with members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to discuss the importance of EMS-related legislation, such as Medicare ambulance relief and add-on payments. The Stars hoped to convince Congress to support future measures that would provide critical resources and help improve EMS services. In addition to discussing important EMS policies, the Stars were honored by their representatives for their work in their community. Over 100 meetings took place between Stars, the representatives, and their aides.
The final night of the event brought all the Stars together, along with family and friends, during an awards banquet and dinner. During the event, the Stars were presented with plaques and commended for their exemplary work and for being an inspiration to all those working in the EMS field.
Learn more about the 2017 Stars of Life.
AAA to Honor 107 EMS Professionals at Stars of Life
For Immediate Release
June 3, 2017
Contact Amanda Riordan
Telephone 703-610-9018
Email ariordan@ambulance.org
Website www.stars.ambulance.org
American Ambulance Association to Honor 107 EMS Professionals at Stars of Life Event
Washington, DC– The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will celebrate the best and brightest of EMS professionals during its annual Stars of Life celebration June 12–14. At this year’s event, 107 individuals from across the United States, plus Trinidad & Tobago, will be honored as the 2017 Stars.
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life recognizes the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our health care infrastructure.
AAA President Mark Postma notes, “Across our great nation, EMS professionals provide life-saving health care every day. This year’s Stars of Life recipients represent the very best of our profession, and we are proud of the positive impact they have made.”
This year’s distinguished recipients are:
- Cody Medlock, Medstar Ambulance, Clinton Township, MI
- Mary Archie, Medstar Ambulance, Clinton Township, MI
- Jennel Smith, Metro West Ambulance Eugene-Springfield, Hillsboro, Oregon
- Heather Roy, Hunter’s Ambulance, Meriden, CT
- Dennis Dougan, Hunter’s Ambulance, Meriden, CT
- Galen Hankal, REACT EMS, Shawnee, OK
- Matthew Bradshaw, REACT EMS, Shawnee, OK
- Derek Weinkauf, EMSA, Tulsa, OK
- Shane Vargas, Rural/Metro Fire Department, Mesa, AZ
- Michael Turcio, American Medical Response, New Haven, CT
- Melinda Toy, American Medical Response, Topeka, KS
- Katrina Scaife, River Medical, Lake Havasu City, AZ
- Deborah Rath, American Medical Response, Santa Rosa, CA
- Chris Page, EMSA, Oklahoma City, OK
- Jeff Odenthal, Abbott EMS, Belleville, IL
- Susan Lutchman-Mohammed, Global Medical Response, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- Sheryl Maia, American Medical Response, Portland, OR
- Christopher “Tippy” Lee, American Medical Response – Air Ambulance, Aiea, HI
- Lisa Johnshoy, American Medical Response, Kalaheo, HI
- Cindy Hitchcock, American Medical Response, Greenville, TX
- Kira Gressman, American Medical Response, Golden, CO
- Peter Hastings, American Medical Response, Modesto, CA
- James Hassam, American Medical Response, Nashua, NH
- Theresa Hartman, American Medical Response, Holland, MI
- Ivan Gonzalez, American Medical Response, Scotts Valley, CA
- Lynn Flores, American Medical Response, Albuquerque, NM
- Christopher Dobson, MedicWest, Las Vegas, NV
- Michael Collums, MedStat EMS, West Point, MS (Posthumous Recipient)
- Hugo Badillo, American Medical Response, Lake Worth, FL
- Tracy Allen, American Medical Response, Holland, MI
- Chana Alexander, American Medical Response, Lancaster, CA
- Eric Eizenga, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., Elmhurst , IL
- Brian Porch, Regional Ambulance Service, Rutland, VT
- Christopher Waters, Arizona Ambulance Transport, Sierra Vista, AZ
- Kyle Wolber, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., Elmhurst , IL
- David Mikec, Bell Ambulance, Inc., MILWAUKEE, WI
- Derek Vermillion, Life Emergency Medical Service, Enid, OK
- Duane Thomas, LifeCare Medical Transports, Fredericksburg, VA
- Doug Volin, Lakes Region EMS, North Branch, MN
- Angela Jarrett, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- John E. Smith, Community Care Ambulance, Ashtabula, Ohio
- Craig Sparks, Pafford Medical Services, Cleveland, MS
- Andrea Nicole Earley, Oklahoma Ambulance Association, Enid, OK
- Melissa Zimmer, Metro West Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Matthew Williams, LifeNet, Inc., Stillwater, OK
- Marilyn Williams, Pafford Medical Services, Claremore, OK
- James Wilcott, Bay Cities Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Ellen Fleming, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., Elmhurst , IL
- Jan Samson, North Dakota EMS Association, Bismarck, ND
- Sherri Steele, MEDIC EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
- Yadira Arroyo, NYC Fire Department, Brooklyn, NY (Posthumous Recipient)
- Amanda Wilkinson, American Ambulance of Visalia, Visalia, CA
- Tiffany Johnson, MEDIC EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
- James Garvin, Muskogee County EMS, Muskogee, OK
- Randall Frederick, North East Mobile Health Services, Scarborough, ME
- Kerry Flynn, Armstrong Ambulance Service, Arlington, MA
- Coty M. Peardon, Acadian Ambulance Service, Lafayette, LA
- Tyler Niblett, Acadian Ambulance Service, Lafayette, LA
- Rhonda Dees-Lockwood, Acadian Ambulance Service, Lafayette, LA
- Sloane Brown, Acadian Ambulance Service, Lafayette, LA
- Robbie Seastrunk, LifeNet, Inc., Texarkana, TX
- Cheryl Schweinsburg, Mohawk Ambulance, Schenectady, NY
- Jeff Russell, Pafford Medical Services, Hope, Arkansas
- Elizabeth Roden, MedStar Mobile Healthcare, Fort Worth, TX
- Aaron Pawol, Mercy Flights, Inc., Medford, OR
- Padrick O’Grady, Bay Cities Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Matthew Miner, Action Ambulance Service, Inc., Wilmington, MA
- Robert Mazzo, Northwell Health EMS, Syosset, NY
- Bob Johnson, Medix Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- William Ingle, North East Mobile Health Services, Scarborough, ME
- Mark Hogue, Action Ambulance Service, Inc., Wilmington, MA
- Paige Hoffman, Action Ambulance Service, Inc., Wilmington, MA
- Brandon Herron, LifeNet, Inc., Hot Springs, AR
- Chris Eachen, Paramedics Plus (Fort Wayne), Tyler, TX
- Kent Coleman, St. Francois County Ambulance District, Farmington, MO
- Josh Boden, Watonga EMS, Watonga, OK
- Jason Billington, Mohawk Ambulance, Schenectady, NY
- Lyle Armstrong, Del Norte Ambulance, Crescent City, CA
- Gabe Moreno, Trinidad Ambulance District, Trinidad, CO
- Renee McClure, St. Francois County Ambulance District, Farmington, MO
- Graham Losse, Nature Coast Emergency Medical Services, Lecanto, FL
- Deanne Lione, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA
- Beth Keegan, Armstrong Ambulance Service, Arlington, MA
- Ryan Lowe, MEDIC EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
- Kasey Ras, Sunstar Paramedics, Largo, Florida
- Kenneth R. Olp, Community Care Ambulance, Ashtabula, Ohio
- Lorrane Johansen, Paramedics Plus, Sioux Falls, SD
- Andy Jenkins, Community Ambulance, Macon, GA
- Theresa Helstowski, Metro West Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Thomas Faticone, MedStar Mobile Healthcare, Fort Worth, TX
- John Ehlich III, Life EMS Ambulance, Grand Rapids, MI
- Brian Galowitz, Lakes Region EMS, North Branch, MN
- Aaron Gagnepain, Taney County Ambulance District, Hollister, MO
- David Dormady, MedStar Mobile Healthcare, Fort Worth, TX
- Bridget Dickert, LifeCare Ambulance Service, Battle Creek, MI
- Darick Day, Madison County Ambulance District, Fredericktown, MO
- Ken Cook, LifeCare Medical Transports, Fredericksburg, VA
- Danielle Cohen, Northwell Health EMS, Syosset, NY
- Benjamin Cohen, Northwell Health EMS, Syosset, NY
- Jeff Cloutier, Taney County Ambulance District, Hollister, MO
- Donald Brown III, Jackson Community Ambulance/Emergent Health Partners, Jackson, MI
- Harlan Brock, Metro West Ambulance, Hillsboro, OR
- Jessica Berscheid, Taney County Ambulance District, Hollister, MO
- Jonathan Balzer, Sunstar Paramedics, Largo, Florida
- Andrea Ball, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA
- William Bailey, Northwell Health EMS, Syosset, NY
- Julie Anderson, Richmond Ambulance Authority, Richmond, VA
During their time in Washington, the Stars of Life recipients, accompanied by executive hosts, will meet with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss legislative issues critical to emergency medical services. In addition to honoring the Stars, Senator Susan Collins of Maine will be recognized as Legislator of the Year for her distinguished service, and 24 United States Senators and Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of ambulance services.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
Congressman Peter Welch to Receive AAA Legislative Honor
Congressman Peter Welch to
Receive AAA Legislative Recognition Award
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amanda Riordan
ariordan@ambulance.org
703-610-0264
Washington, DC, – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will honor Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont with a Legislative Recognition Award in appreciation of his advocacy for emergency medical services.
Congressman Welch will be presented this award in June in Washington, DC by AAA’s Vermont Stars of Life—EMS personnel selected for their excellence and dedication. This year’s Star from the Green Mountain State is Brian Porch of Regional Ambulance Service in Rutland.
Congressman Welch was selected for the Legislative Recognition Award for being a champion of the Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention and Reform Act which would make permanent the current temporary Medicare ambulance add-on increases of 2% urban and 3% urban and the super rural bonus payment. The legislation, HR 745 from the 114th Congress, would also treat ambulance services more like providers of health care services and require CMS to collect cost data utilizing a survey methodology that would result in usable information for future reform of the Medicare ambulance fee schedule.
AAA President Mark Postma notes, “Congressman Welch has been a trusted advocate for health care and emergency medical services, both in Vermont and across our country.”
Congressman Welch has represented Vermont in Congress since 2007. Rep. Welch serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He is also a member of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
In appreciation of his ongoing service to the ambulance services of the United States, AAA is proud to honor Congressman Welch with a Legislative Recognition Award.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Stars of Life
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life honors the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 101 EMS professionals will be honored as the 2017 Stars of Life. Meet the stars at www.stars.ambulance.org.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
Congressman Greg Walden to Receive AAA Legislative Honor
Congressman Greg Walden to
Receive AAA Legislative Recognition Award
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amanda Riordan
ariordan@ambulance.org
703-610-0264
Washington, DC, – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will honor Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon with a Legislative Recognition Award in appreciation of his advocacy for emergency medical services.
Congressman Walden will be presented this award in June in Washington, DC by AAA’s Oregon Stars of Life—EMS personnel selected for their excellence and dedication. This year’s Stars from the Beaver State are Harlan Brock, Theresa “Trese” Helstowski, Jennel Smith, Melissa Zimmer of Metro West Ambulance, Sheryl Maia of American Medical Response, Padrick O’Grady and James Wilcott of Bay Cities Ambulance, Bob Johnson of Medix Ambulance, and Aaron Pawol of Mercy Flights.
Congressman Walden was selected for the Legislative Recognition Award for championing the Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention and Reform Act which would make permanent the current temporary Medicare ambulance add-on increases of 2% urban and 3% urban and the super rural bonus payment. The legislation, H.R. 745 from the 114th Congress, would also treat ambulance services more like providers of health care services and require CMS to collect cost data utilizing a methodology that would result in usable information for future reform of the Medicare ambulance fee schedule.
AAA President Mark Postma notes, “Congressman Walden has been a trusted advocate for health care and emergency medical services, both in Oregon and across our country.”
Congressman Walden has represented Oregon’s 2nd congressional district since 1999. He is the current Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
In appreciation of his ongoing service to the ambulance services of the United States, AAA is proud to honor Congressman Walden with a Legislative Recognition Award.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Stars of Life
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life honors the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 101 EMS professionals will be honored as the 2017 Stars of Life. Meet the stars at www.stars.ambulance.org.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
Congressman Fred Upton to Receive AAA Legislative Honor
Congressman Fred Upton to
Receive AAA Legislative Recognition Award
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amanda Riordan
ariordan@ambulance.org
703-610-0264
Washington, DC, – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will honor Congressman Fred Upton of Michigan with a Legislative Recognition Award in appreciation of his advocacy for emergency medical services.
Congressman Upton will be presented this award in June in Washington, DC by AAA’s Michigan Stars of Life—EMS personnel selected for their excellence and dedication. This year’s Stars from the Great Lakes State are Tracy Allen and Theresa Hartman of American Medical Response, Bridget Dickert of LifeCare Ambulance Service, Donald Brown III of Jackson Community Ambulance/Emergent Health Partners, and John Eilich III of Life EMS Ambulance.
Congressman Upton was selected for the Legislative Recognition Award for his long-standing support of ambulance services and ensuring proper reimbursement under the Medicare ambulance fee schedule.
AAA President Mark Postma notes, “Congressman Upton has been a trusted advocate for health care and emergency medical services, both in Oregon and across our country.”
Congressman Upton represents Michigan’s 6th congressional district and was first elected to Congress in 1986. He is the current Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee, as well as a member of the Bipartisan Encryption Working Group.
In appreciation of his ongoing service to the ambulance services of the United States, AAA is proud to honor Congressman Upton with a Legislative Recognition Award.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Stars of Life
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life honors the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 101 EMS professionals will be honored as the 2017 Stars of Life. Meet the stars at www.stars.ambulance.org.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
Congressman Mike Thompson to Receive AAA Legislative Honor
Congressman Mike Thompson to
Receive AAA Legislative Recognition Award
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amanda Riordan
ariordan@ambulance.org
703-610-0264
Washington, DC, – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) will honor Congressman Mike Thompson of California with a Legislative Recognition Award in appreciation of his advocacy for emergency medical services.
Congressman Thompson will be presented this award in June in Washington, DC by AAA’s California Stars of Life—EMS personnel selected for their excellence and dedication. This year’s Stars from the Golden State are Amanda Wilkinson of American Ambulance of Visalia, Lyle Armstrong of Del Norte Ambulance, as well as Ivan Gonzalez, Chana Alexander, Peter Hastings and Deborah Rath of American Medical Response.
Congressman Thompson was selected for his support of the Medicare ambulance temporary add-on increases of 2% urban and 3% urban and the super rural bonus payment. Also for championing efforts to ensure that rural areas are correctly identified as such under the fee schedule.
AAA President Mark Postma notes, “Congressman Thompson has been a trusted advocate for health care and emergency medical services, both in California and across our country.”
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998, Congressman Thompson represents California’s 3rd congressional district. Congressman Thompson serves on the House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittees on Health and Tax Policy, as well as on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
In appreciation of his ongoing service to the ambulance services of the United States, AAA is proud to honor Congressman Thompson with a Legislative Recognition Award.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Stars of Life
The Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Stars of Life honors the dedication of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. This year, 101 EMS professionals will be honored as the 2017 Stars of Life. Meet the stars at www.stars.ambulance.org.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.