NHTSA, DOT: National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council; Solicitation of Applications Federal Register

Dec 18, 2020 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking applications for appointment or reappointment to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). The purpose of NEMSAC is to serve as a nationally recognized council of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to DOT. Applications are due by January 15, 2021.

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First the Hospitals Closed, Then COVID-19 Came. This Is How the Rural South Is Coping

Dec 14, 2020 - Discusses how rural hospital closures have impacted healthcare access and emergency care services in the South, including rural areas in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues for rural residents in their communities.

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FCC: Implementing Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S Act; Inquiry Concerning 911 Access, Routing, and Location in Enterprise Communications Systems; Amending the Definition of Interconnected VoIP Service Federal Register

Dec 3, 2020 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing the effective and compliance dates for rules adopted in the following previously published final rule: Implementing Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S Act; Inquiry Concerning 911 Access, Routing, and Location in Enterprise Communications Systems; Amending the Definition of Interconnected VoIP Service. This rule is effective December 3, 2020.

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Partnering with Law Enforcement to Improve Health Outcomes in Rural Communities

Dec 2, 2020 - Blog post discusses how rural law enforcement often act as first responders in emergency situations as they are typically the first - and sometimes only - responder on scene. Highlights the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust's Rural Healthcare program that launched two initiatives to connect law enforcement agencies with mental health professionals and life-saving devices, increasing access to care in rural communities.

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FRNA: Combined Board and Board Committees Meeting Federal Register

Dec 1, 2020 - Notice from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announcing a public meeting of the FirstNet Authority Board and Board Committees on September 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Agenda items are being finalized and will be published on the FirstNet Authority website.

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CMS: Medicare Program; National Expansion of the Prior Authorization Model for Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transports Federal Register

Nov 23, 2020 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing the national expansion of the Prior Authorization Model for Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transports to all states, but delaying the implementation of the expansion to all additional states due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The model will continue to operate in the states currently participating in the model. CMS will continue to monitor the Public Health Emergency and will provide public notice before implementing the model in additional states.

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