is dedicated to
EXCELLENCE
in providing superior service to all facets of its membership and EMS providers in its entirety
VA Officially Announces One Year Delay of Its Rule to Reduce Ambulance Payments
Some good news to start off the new year in the realm of ambulance reimbursement. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published in today’s Federal Register (12/29/23) official notice that it will delay the effective date of the “Final Rule on Special Modes of Transportation” - which would reduce payments to non-VA contracted ambulance services - for one year until February 16, 2025.
The VA, in its announcement, noted that there was “good cause” to issue this delay in the rule and forego the prior notice and opportunity for public comment that would ordinarily be required under the law for rule changes such as this. The VA stated, among other reasons, that such notice “would be contrary to the public interest because it could adversely impact veteran care or result in veterans being billed directly for services.”
This is good news for ambulance services across the country as the payment reduction rule was set to go into effect in just a few short weeks - on February 16, 2024. This delay comes on the heels of federal litigation that was initiated by several ambulance companies, including MedStar Mobile Healthcare in Texas, and Quaker Valley Ambulance Authority, Valley Ambulance Authority, and AMED Ambulance Authority in Pennsylvania, which filed a motion on November 1, 2023, in federal appeals court to “stay” (delay) implementation of the rule.
Read the complete announcement here.
First Responder Mental Health: How to Crush the Stigma
Finally, after years of avoidance, dismissal, fear of job loss and navigation through a pandemic mental healthcare has become the hot topic among first responders. After years of burnout, compassion fatigue, career changes and suicides there has been the realization that mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare.
9 Extreme Heat Safety Tips for Public Safety Personnel
Record setting heat is scorching the American west and putting tens of millions of people, as well as the public safety professionals who care for them, at risk of heat emergencies. Sustained high temperatures are dangerous for anyone working outdoors or living in a residence without air conditioning.
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About LAA
Founded in 1995, the Mission of the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance is:
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to promote emergency medical transport as a distinct concern in Louisiana;
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to serve as a forum for a unified voice for healthcare providers, public officials, healthcare workers, educators and consumers working to improve emergency medical transport in Louisiana;
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to provide a forum for the exchange and distribution of ideas and information related to the improvement of emergency medical transport;
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to serve as an advocate for emergency medical transport, promoting improved health status and improvements to the health system for residents of Louisiana; and
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to encourage the development of appropriate health resources for Louisiana.
Additionally, the Alliance recognizes Louisiana is unique and differs from other states in our geography, population mix and density, economic, lifestyles, values and social organization. Louisiana citizens and communities require programming and advocacy that responds to their unique characteristics and needs.
The Alliance represents ambulance services across Louisiana that participate in serving the citizens of Louisiana with emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation services.
The Alliance is a diverse group of providers from communities, spread across the state of Louisiana – providers who care about improving and providing pre-hospital care in Louisiana – providers who reach hospitals, physicians and homes – providers who plan for the healthcare services provided in the towns and parishes – for individuals who need quality pre-hospital services within their reach.
Consider membership in the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance today! Seize the opportunity to leverage your resources with other EMS professionals and improve the EMS system in our state.