Rural Health
News by Topic: Emergency medical services
Nov 1, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing: 1) changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Part B payment policies; 2) policies for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; 3) updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; 4) payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; 5) updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; 6) Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; 7) updates to the Quality Payment Program; 8) Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; 9) updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); 10) electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan; 11) updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; 12) updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; 13) updates to the diabetes payment structure and COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities; 14) expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; 15) establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; and 15) Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Parts C and D Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act. These regulations are effective January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
NHTSA, DOT: National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council Notice of Public Meeting
Federal Register
Oct 21, 2024 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will hold a public meeting of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC) on November 6-7, 2024. Agenda items will include informational sessions, updates on NHTSA initiatives, subcommittee reports, and strategic planning. The agenda and instructions on how to register for the meeting will be posted on the NEMSAC section of the NHTSA Office of EMS website at least one week before the meeting. Pre-registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 16, 2024 - Announces a large donation to the Dartmouth Health Advanced Response Team in New Hampshire which transports patients from rural areas to healthcare facilities across New England. The funding will offer 3 phases of improvement including new equipment, an emergency medical technician training program, and software.
Source: VT Digger
NHTSA, DOT: National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council; Solicitation of Applications
Federal Register
Oct 7, 2024 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is accepting applications from qualified candidates to be considered for appointment as members of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). NEMSAC serves as a nationally recognized council of emergency medical services (EMS) representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Applications are due by November 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 3, 2024 - Announces anticipated shortages of IV fluids following damage to the factory that produces 60% of the nation's supply during Hurricane Helene. Discusses the unique challenges for preparing for a shortage for rural Alaska emergency medical service providers.
Source: Alaska Beacon
Sep 30, 2024 - Announces $68.5 million in grant funding for mental health, workforce education, health equity, and more. Includes $11.5 million in funding for rural emergency medical services training for first responders offering care to people with substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Sep 24, 2024 - Discusses efforts to reduce emergency medical service (EMS) response times for rural Arkansas residents in need of emergency care. The volunteer group has been trained with basic EMS and can respond while waiting for full EMS teams to arrive.
Source: KARK
Sep 22, 2024 - Highlights challenges with cell phone service across rural Colorado. Discusses the implications for emergency services, the cost of increasing coverage, and policy solutions being discussed.
Source: KUNC