Regional Emergency Medical Services Council s1

ADIRONDACK - APPALACHIAN REGIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL 2920 STATE ROUTE 30 PO BOX 212 SPECULATOR, NEW YORK 12164 TEL. (518) 548-3535 FAX (518) 548-7605 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.aarems.org

M I N U T E S

The regular monthly meeting of the Adirondack-Appalachian Regional Emergency Medical Services Council was held on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at the Holiday Inn, Johnstown, NY.

Chairman Lewis Jones, RN, presiding.

MEMBERS ATTENDING:

Sidney Chase Patricia Green, RN Joyce Mulleedy, RN Donald Coy Howard Hime Philip Mulleedy Allen Dunham (alt.), Lewis Jones, RN Thomas Pasquarelli John Early Richard Kersmanc (alt.) Elizabeth J. Putman John Farquhar Brian Knapp Michael Swartz Jared Gilston August Leinhart, MD Mark Zeek (adv.)

ABSENT AND EXCUSED:

William Averill Cynthia Dunham Dana Weygand Edward Brandt Steve Hood Gary Wickes Patrice Delameter Bonnie Looman, RN

ABSENT:

GUESTS:

Anthony Agresta - Amsterdam Fire Department First Responders Richard, Beebe, RN - REMO William Beevers - Rural/Metro Shirley Burtman, RN - JAVAC Joseph Farrell - NYS-EMS G. Brian Harrington - Mid-County Ambulance Howard Huth, III - SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program Deborah Kufs, RN - Hudson Valley Community College Paramedic Program David Markowitz, MD - AAREMS REMAC Elizabeth McGown - Cooperstown Medical Transport Mary Ramo - NYS-EMS

* The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM by Chairman Lewis Jones.

ROLL CALL

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 1 A quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JUNE 21, 2012 MEETING

The Minutes of the June 21, 2011 meeting had previously been made available electronically to all members in a timely manner, and in addition had been posted on the regional web site for review and/or downloading.

Motion was made by Mr. Hime and seconded by Mr. Coy, as follows:

RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the June 21, 2012 meeting are accepted as written.

This was adopted unanimously, with no abstentions.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Our guests, as named above, were introduced and welcomed.

CORRESPONDENCE

For the period from June 21, 2012 through September 19, 2012:

 06/21 – to Mid-County, Margaretville Hospital ambulance and CMT, supplies of PCRs, as requested;  06/21 – to CMT and Mid-County, supplies of continuation forms, as requested;  06/25 – to the FMCC sponsor administrator, replying about numbers of ALS personnel for possible refresher training (via email);  06/25 – to Ray Serowik, Susquehanna Region, with cc to Dr. Dailey and Tim Mirabile, REMO, replying about protocol testing materials (via email);  06/26 – to an agency officer, replying about items in the BLS formulary (via email);  06/26 – to Tom Behanna, DOH, replying about an onsite visit (via email);  06/27 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members and others usually receiving the Minutes, the Minutes of the June 21 AAREMS meeting (via email);  06/27 – to Donna Johnson, DOH, the SEMSCO reappointment letter for Mark Zeek (via email);  06/27 – to Joe Farrell, DOH, about a QI matter (via email);  06/27 – to Donna Johnson, DOH, replying about SEMSCO nominations (via email);  06/28 – to Robert O’Brien, Otsego County, replying about a CLI recertifying (via email);  06/29 – to Coleen Vesely, Bassett Healthcare, a listing of agency medical directors, as requested (via email);  06/29 – to AAREMS and REMC members, the latest weekly bulletin from Homeland Security (via email);  07/02 – to Tom Behanna, DOH, replying about an onsite audit, and about payment issues (via email);  07/03 – to the Holiday Inn, Johnstown, confirmation of 2013 meeting dates;  07/03 – to Oneonta FD ambulance, Gloversville FD and Central Bridge, very small supplies of PCRs, as requested;  07/06 – to an agency, replying about the PCR situation (via email);  07/06 – to Lisa DeLong, DOH, the quarterly program and council deliverables and vouchers see below);  07/11 – to Tom Behanna, DOH, replying about payments (via email);  07/13 – to an agency member, replying about controlled substances paperwork (via email); AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 2  07/13 – to an applicant TEK, a letter of reference (addressed to SREMS)(via email);  07/16 – to Donna Johnson, DOH, reappointment paperwork to SEMAC for Dr. Leinhart, as requested (via email);  07/16 – to the above, further information as requested (via email);  07/16 – to all usually receiving the Minutes, informational mailing on the Mountain Lakes Conference in September in lake Placid (via email);  07/19 – to Lisa DeLong, DOH , the 2013-14 budget template and training plan (via email);  07/20 – to keypunch, 2019 screened PCRs;  07/20 – to AAREMS and REMAC members, the latest bulletin from Homeland Security (via email);  07/23 – to an agency officer, replying about HIPAA regulations (via email);  07/24 – to Lee Burns, Lisa DeLong and Tom Behanna at DOH about late payments (via email);  07/25 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members and others usually receiving the Minutes, copy of AP article on “bath salts” (via email);  07/26 – to an agency officer, a provisional TEK number for a member (via email);  07/27 – to Lee Burns, Tom Behanna, Lisa DeLong and Dan Clayton of DOH, about late payments (via email);  07/27 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, the latest Homeland Security bulletin (via email);  07/30- to Lisa DeLong, DOH, replying with the requested information for multi-year program agency contract (via email);  07/31 – to an instructor candidate, replying about his email on paperwork missing (via email);  08/02 – to Robert O’Brien, Otsego County, replying about an agency issue (via email);  08/03 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, the latest bulletin from Homeland Security (via email);  08/03 – to an agency officer, replying about the shortage of paper PCRs (via email);  08/06 – to all AAREMS members, and others, about the availability of PCRs from CMT (via email);  08/07 – to an agency officer, about a TEK issue (via email);  08/07 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, forwarding the updated BLSFR listings from Dan Clayton (via email);  08/09- to an agency officer, replying about level of service (via email);  08/09 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, about an agency new level of service (via email);  08/10 – to Dr. Markowitz, replying about an agency status question (via email);  08/10 – to an agency officer, replying about a CPR device (via email);  08/13 – to Lee Burns, Lisa DeLong, Tom Behanna and Dan Clayton, about payment received (via email);  08/13 - to Tom Behanna, DOH, replying about visit on August 16 (via email);  08/13 – to the new director at SREMS, replying to his introduction (via email);  08/14 – to a practitioner, replying about training courses (via email);  08/15 – to Dr. Markowitz, replying about agency medical direction (via email);  08/15 – to Pat Delameter, replying about a standard of care (via email);  08/15 – to AAREMS and REMAC members, forwarding an active shooter course notice from Homeland Security (via email);  08/17 – to two new Paramedics, new TEK numbers, as requested (via email);  08/20 – to Dan Clayton and Tom Behanna, DOH, paperwork as requested (via email);  08/20 – to an agency officer, controlled sub information, as requested (via email);  08/20 – to Lisa DeLong, DOH, replying about late payments (via email);  08/20 – to CMT, a supply of continuation forms, as requested;

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 3  08/20 – to Carlisle, JAVAC and Mid-County, small supplies of PCRs and continuation forms, as requested;  08/20 – to keypunch, 3212 screened PCRs;  08/22 – to Senator Seward’s office, replying about late payments (via email);  08/22 – to an agency officer, replying about a medical director issue (via email);  08/22 – to Dr. Leinhart, about the above (via email);  08/24 – to AAREMS and REMAC members, the latest bulletins received from Homeland Security (via email);  08/24 – to Broadalbin, Carlisle, JAVAC and Oneonta FD, supplies of PCRs and continuation forms as needed;  08/24 – to Tom Behanna and Dan Clayton , DOH, copies of the current employee evaluations, as requested (via email);  08/24 – to a TEK, a letter of clear record, as requested (via email);  08/27 – to a downstate practitioner, replying about training courses (via email);  08/28 – to all AAREMS members and others usually receiving the Minutes, the flier and registration form for the Trauma Teaching Day (via email)(also placed on regional web site);  08/29 – to Franklin, replying about their service level status (via email);  08/29 – to Martha Gohlke, DOH, replying about ePCR paperwork (via email);  08/29 – to Northampton, ASFC and Conesville, supplies of continuation forms, as requested;  08/29 –to Conesville and Gloversville FD, supplies of PCRs, as requested;  08/31 – to the usual recipients, the bulletin received this date from Homeland Security (via email);  09/04 – to all AAREMS members, the transcript of the Mid-County C.O.N. public hearing (via email);  09/06 – to an agency officer, replying about a personnel update (via email);  09/06 – to an agency officer, replying about protocol use;  09/07 – to the usual recipients, the latest Homeland Security bulletin (via email);  09/07 – to Nathan Littauer Hospital Pharmacy, replying to drug shortage list (via email);  09/11 – to Jack Early, a training program, as requested (via email);  09/11 – to an agency officer, replying about a new medical director (via email);  09/11 – to an interested party, replying about the length of EMS courses (via email);  09/13 – to a newspaper editor, replying about models for EMS delivery (via email);  09/13 – to those usually receiving such mailings, the special bulletin from Homeland Security (via email);  09/13 – to Dan Clayton, DOH, the requested regional test site renewal paperwork (via email);  09/13 – to an agency officer, replying about CLIA waiver renewals (via email);  09/14 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, also Mary Ramo and Joe Farrell, the meeting reminder for September 20, plus the REMAC agenda for that date (via email);  09/14 – to all usually receiving it, the latest regular bulletin from Homeland Security (via email);  09/17 – to an agency officer, replying about their new medical director (via email);  09/17 – to Summit and Richfield Springs, supplies of PCRs, as requested;  09/17 – to Richfield Springs, a supply of continuation forms;  09/18 – to a firefighter in Brazil, replying about Paramedic certification (via email);  09/19 – to a practitioner, CME certificates as requested;  09/19 – to keypunch, 2605 screened PCRs;

Received:

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 4  06/22 – from the FMCC sponsor administrator, asking about numbers of ALS personnel for possible refresher training (via email);  06/25 – from Dr. Dailey, asking about testing materials for use by Ray Serowik (Susquehanna Region) (via email);  06/25 – from Ray Serowik, about the above (via email);  06/26 – from an agency officer, about items in the BLS formulary (via email);  06/26 – from Tom Behanna, DOH, about an onsite visit (via email);  06/27 – from a concerned citizen, a QI matter (via email);  06/27 – from Donna Johnson, DOH, about SEMSCO delegate nominations (via email);  06/28 – from Robert O’Brien, Otsego County, about a CLI recertifying (via email);  06/29 – from Coleen Vesely, Bassett Healthcare, requesting a current listing of agency medical directors (via email);  06/29 – from Homeland Security, their weekly bulletin (via email);  07/02 – from Beth McGown, CMT, about printing PCRs (via email);  07/02 – from Tom Behanna, DOH, about an onsite audit, and about payment issues (via email);  07/02 – from the State Comptroller’s office, their latest newsletter (via email);  07/03 – from the Holiday Inn, confirmation of 2013 meeting dates (new listing also posted on regional web site);  07/03 – from Joe Farrell, DOH, a QI issue;  07/06 – from an agency, about the PCR situation (via email);  07/06 – from Tom Behanna, DOH, about a voucher payment (via email);  07/11 – from Tom Behanna, DOH, about payments (via email);  07/13 – from Mary Ramo, DOH, a QI matter (via email);  07/16 – from Donna Johnson, DOH, about Dr. Leinhart’s reappointment to the SEMAC;  07/16 – from the above, request for further information (via email);  07/16 – from Travis Howe, Mountain Lakes Region, informational mailing on their EMS Conference in September in lake Placid (via email)(posted on regional web site);  07/19 – from Walton PD, regarding an AED use (see below);  07/20 – from Homeland Security, their latest bulletin (via email);  07/22 – from an agency officer, about HIPAA regulations (via email);  07/23 - from CMT, advising of blank PCRs available (via email);  07/24 – from Lee Burns, DOH, replying about late payments (via email);  07/25 – from Monroe-Livingston Region, about a CIU course (via email) (posted on regional web site);  07/26 - from an agency officer, application for a TEK number for a member;  07/27 - from DOH, payment for the Instructor Update of June 02;  07/27 – from Homeland Security, their latest bulletin (via email);  07/30 – from Rich Beebe, about a training class (via email) (posted on regional web site);  07/30 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, about additional paperwork for a multi-year program agency contract (via email);  07/31 – from an instructor candidate, asking about missing paperwork (via email);  07/31 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, about late payments (via email);  08/02 – from Robert O’Brien, Otsego County, asking about an agency issue (via email);  08/02 – from Bassett Healthcare, notice of training course (via fax transmission) (posted on regional website);  08/03 – from an agency officer, about paper PCRs (via email);  08/07 – from an agency officer, replying about a TEK issue (via email);  08/07 – from the American Trauma Society, notice of training course (posted on regional web site);  08/07 – from Dan Clayton, DOH, the updated BLSFR agency listings (via email);  08/09 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, about late payments (via email);  08/09 – from an agency officer, about level of service (via email); AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 5  08/10 – from Dr. Markowitz, about an agency status question (via email);  08/10 – from an agency officer, about a CPR device (via email);  08/11 – from DOH, fourth quarter program agency payment;  08/13 - from Tom Behanna, DOH, about visit on August 16 (via email);  08/13 – from the Lifestar Regional Trauma System, announcing their 17th annual symposium in Albany (posted on regional web site);  08/13 – from Mary Ramo, notice of instructor update and also notice of ACLS class (both via email)(posted on regional web site);  08/13 – from the new director at SREMS, introducing himself (via email);  08/13 – from a practitioner, about training courses (via email);  08/15 – from Dr. Markowitz, about squad medical direction (via email);  08/15 – from Pat Delameter, about a standard of care (via email);  08/15 – from an agency officer, about agency medical direction (via email)(reply by phone);  08/15 – from Homeland Security, notice of active shooter course (via email);  08/17 – from an interested party, a written QI issue;  08/17 – from Dan Clayton, DOH, about a new type of Epi-Pen (via email);  08/20 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, asking about late payments (via email);  08/20 – to a new AEMT, a provisional TEK number, as requested (via email);  08/20- from DOH, a QI issue;  08/21 – from an agency officer, about a medical director issue (via email);  08/21 – from Dr. Leinhart, about the above (via email);  08/22 – from Senator Seward’s office, about late payments (via email);  08/23 – from DOH, three cases of blank PCRs (1000 per case);  08/27 – from a downstate practitioner, asking about training courses (via email);  08/27 – from DOH, notice of enforcement action (see below);  08/29 – from Franklin, about their service level status (via email);  08/29 – from Martha Gohlke, DOH, about ePCR paperwork (via email);  08/31 – from Town of Broome FD, about an AED use (see below);  08/31 – from Homeland Security, their regular bulletin (via email);  09/04 – from DOH, Council payment for the first quarter;  09/05 – from Tom Behanna, DOH, replying about payment received, and also about onsite audit of 08/16 (via email);  09/05 – from Bassett Healthcare, notice of CME opportunity (posted on regional web site (received via fax);  09/06 – from an agency officer, a personnel update (via email);  09/06 – from an agency officer, about a protocol use (via email);  09/07 – from Homeland Security, their latest bulletin (via email);  09/07 – from Nathan Littauer Hospital Pharmacy, a current drug shortage list (via email);  09/10 – from Fulton County EMS Advisory Council, noting reappointment of current Council members from Fulton County;  09/10 – from Dana Jonas, DOH, approving the F&C paperwork for Mid-County;  09/11 – from Rockwell Falls Ambulance (Warren County), notice of a training course (via email) (posted on regional web site);  09/11 – from an agency officer, about a new agency medical director (via email);  09/11 – from an interested party, asking about the length of EMS courses (via email);  09/12 – from a newspaper editor, about EMS delivery models (via email);  09/12 – from Homeland Security, a special bulletin (via email);  09/13 – from Dan Clayton, DOH, about regional test site renewal paperwork (via email);  09/13 – from an agency officer, about CLIA waiver renewals (via email);  09/14 – from Homeland Security, their regular bulletin (via email);  09/17 – from Delaware County, notice of new courses (posted on regional web site);

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 6  09/17 – from an agency officer, about their new medical director (via email);  09/18 – from a firefighter in Brazil, asking about paramedic certification (via email);  09/19 – from a practitioner, about CME certificates (via email);

A listing of the correspondence was distributed before the start of the meeting to each member present, for his or her perusal. Other handouts distributed to the members present included the cash flow and balance sheet and a list of meeting dates.

[N.B., at this point, due to time constraints of some members, and because an important vote was scheduled, the Chairman asked for the report of the Transportation and Standards Committee. It is presented in these written Minutes in its usual place in the agenda, however.]

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Mr. Jones had no formal report.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

On July 02, Steve Sonder at DOH stated that there was no forward movement on getting PCRs printed by the state. On August 20, he called to advise that a limited supply of PCRs was becoming available, and some would be forwarded to our office for distribution. On August 23, we received three cases of blank PCRs from DOH (1000 per case), with the promise that more would follow. We requested more (in a voice mail to Mr. Sonder) on September 19. [They were delivered on September 25]

On July 17, we received word of an AED use by the Walton Police Department. The patient was a 39 year old female who unfortunately could not be resuscitated. On July 19, we also received word of an AED use by the same agency (on July 02). The patient in this instance was a 46 year old male who also unfortunately did not survive.

The 2013-14 budget template and training plan was forwarded to Lisa DeLong at DOH on July 19.

On August 13, we received an introductory email form Richard Blackley, the new program director at the Susquehanna regional office (SREMS). He replaces Richard Hoke, who was acting in a temporary capacity, since the former director left some months ago.

On August 16, we were visited by Tom Behanna and Dan Clayton of DOH for an audit of the regional program paperwork and policies. They found overall operations to be in order, and said they would have some suggestions to improve filing and other procedures. They also noted that blank PCRs might be available sooner than anticipated. Mr. Mulleedy read the letter, and advised that all the members would be provided with a copy of the reply to it.

On August 21, we were advised by Chris Georgia, Captain of the Broadalbin Ambulance, of the untimely passing of Kristie Proctor, a Paramedic with Broadalbin.

On August 28, the flier and registration form for the regional trauma teaching day on November 03, 2012 was emailed to all Council members and others who usually receive the Minutes. As of September 19, we have received 14 registrations. [As of September 26, there were 28 registrants]

On August 31, we received written notice from the Town of Broome Fire Department of an AED use. The patient was a 64 year old male who unfortunately was not able to be resuscitated.

On September 10, we received notice from the Fulton County EMS Advisory Council of the reappointment of the current members of the Council from that county.

Notices of enforcement actions have been received, as follows: AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 7 Name/ DOB/Violation Address Cert. Number Action Taken Richard Warner, Jr. 86 Wilbur Blvd. #153242 Suspended for one DOB 02/19/70 Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 year, effective Violation Part 800.16.d; 08/09/12;

A cumulative listing of training courses announced or in progress can be found on the Council’s web site – www.aarems .org. E-mail links to all of the course sponsors are also to be found with the course listings on the web site. For further information by phone, contact the following: Otsego County – Fred Lemister (607) 547-4226; Bassett Hospital – (518) 255-5367; Delaware County – Stephen Hood (607) 746-9600; Margaretville Hospital – Patrice Delameter (845) 586-2631, ext. 3226; Schoharie County – Bill Averill (518) 234-2839; Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) – Mark Hitchcock (518) 774-0425; Hamilton County – Gary Wickes (518) 548-4380.

TREASURER’S REPORT

For the period from June 21, 2012, through September 19, 2012:

General Accounts Program Account

Checking - 357.42 Payroll - 1096.35 Savings - 32641.53 C.O.N. - 425.83

The city of Oneonta still has not paid their final C.O.N. costs, but the item has been removed from our account posting in the interests of simplification. There was brief discussion on this.

On March 31, we forwarded to Lisa DeLong at DOH, the quarterly Council deliverables together with a voucher in the amount of $8915.20, reflecting expenses for the period from January 01 through March 31. On the same date, we forwarded program agency deliverables plus a voucher in the amount of $44012.37, showing expenses for the same period. On May 04, we began inquiries as to payment receipt. The delay was reported by DOH to be the new voucher system break-in period at the OSC. On May 16, after several emails and phone calls, we forwarded an email to her (with copy to Lee Burns), advising that fund balances were depleted and prompt action was needed. On June 05 we were advised that the new OSC system was still creating issues, and we then contacted Senator Hugh Farley’s office for assistance. On June 08, Mr. Zeek was in contact with Senator Seward’s office on this matter as well. Follow-up with Senator Seward’s office continued on June 14. On June 18, Lisa DeLong requested a letter of financial hardship from each of the Regions. She stated she would forward them to the appropriate persons at once to expedite the late payments. This letter was forwarded the same day, with copies to Senators Farley and Seward. Senator Seward’s office replied at once and assured of continued close contact with DOH and OSC. Senator Farley’s office essentially stated the same in a phone conversation on that date. On June 20, a flurry of emails was received from a number of the Program Agencies. Three reported they were paid for their March 31 vouchers on June 18. Others are still waiting for payment. On July 02, Thomas Behanna of DOH sent an email assuring that the council voucher was being paid momentarily. He was still checking on the program agency voucher. In the most recent newsletter received from his office (on July 02), Comptroller Di Napoli noted that the Department of Health in the 2011-12 fiscal year, incurred a total of 1.3 million dollars in late fees, an increase of 130% over the prior fiscal year.

On July 05, we received a check for $8943.46, as payment for the Council voucher for 8915.20. The 28.26 overage is presumably for the required late payment, although that was not explained in the remittance. On July 11, we received word from Tom Behanna, DOH that funds had been released and we could expect our program agency payment in about a week. On July 31, Lisa DeLong advised that DOH was still waiting for funds to be released, but has put a rush on our voucher. On August 09, we

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 8 were advised in an email from Lisa DeLong, that payment should be received by the middle of the week of August 12.

On July 06, we had forwarded to Lisa DeLong at DOH, the Council deliverables for the period 04/01/12 – 06/30/12 together with a voucher for $2009.99, showing expenditures for the period. We also forwarded the program agency deliverables and a voucher in the amount of $21003.41 for the same period. Payment of $21003.41 was received on August 11. On August 22, Senator Seward’s office advised that they had just been told by DOH that the March 31 voucher was approved and sent to OSC, and payment would be forthcoming within a week’s time. On August 24, we received from DOH a check for $44274.58, which is the amount of the program agency voucher of March 31 for $44012.37, plus a late payment fee of $262.21. The check for $2009.99 was received on September 04. As of September 04, DOH is up to date in payments due to this Region.

On June 05, a voucher for $950.00 was submitted to DOH, as payment for Instructor Update #112041. Payment was received on July 27. Appropriate disbursements have been made.

The new Program Agency contract for the period from July 01, 2012 to June 30, 2013 in the amount of $153842.00 was completed by us as requested and submitted to Lisa DeLong at DOH on June 11. There were delays in completing the required paperwork on this contract due to some DOH revisions in all the new program agency contracts over the past three months. On July 30, Lisa DeLong asked for additional budgetary paperwork since the EMS Bureau was developing multi-year (three year) contracts for all the program agencies. This was sent to her on the same date. [On September 24, she advised that approval of the program agency contracts by DOH was expected momentarily]

A printed report of the cash flow and balance sheet was distributed to all members. Mr. Jones, Mr. Hime and Mr. Chase first received detailed cash flow, balance sheets and register reports as per the review arrangements agreed on to meet audit standards. Copies of the cancelled checks of all accounts were also submitted, as per our auditor’s new request. They reported all was in order and there were no discrepancies noted.

Motion was made by Mr. Coy and seconded by Mr. Pasquarelli, as follows:

RESOLVED, that the Treasurer’s Report is accepted as presented.

Those voting adopted this unanimously. Mr. and Mrs. Mulleedy abstained, as staff members.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Regional Program Agency Committee

With invaluable assistance from a computer expert, the Regional Council has established a YouTube account (at no cost due to our non-profit status) and will have all meeting webcasts available at that location. The May 17 meeting is currently available there. [The September 20 REMAC meeting is also available as of September 21; the rest will be shortly] A new link is now provided on the regional website.

Training Committee

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 9 Mrs. Mulleedy advised that she was now also doing paper PCR screening, in addition to her previous other responsibilities. She spoke about the AAREMS Trauma Teaching Day that will be held on Saturday, November 03, 2012 at the Holiday Inn, Johnstown. [As of September 26, there are 28 registrants for this event] Mr. Beebe noted that the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) will be sponsoring a National Instructor Course Part One, in cooperation with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC). This course can be used as a substitute for the New York State CIC course with an additional three hour session for New York State specific paperwork, plus the usual internship. It will be presented over three days at HVCC from November 30 to December 02, 2012. A portion of the course will be conducted online. For full information, visit the NAEMSE website at www.NAEMSE.org. This information is also posted on the Regional web site.

Transportation and Standards Committee

On October 28, the C.O.N. application from Mid-County Ambulance was returned to them for completion. It was received back on November 12, but unfortunately, the Fitness and Competency portion was still not complete, lacking the required information on each person named. The application was returned again for completion. The revised application was received back on Dec ember 14, and forwarded to Dana Jonas at DOH, who contacted us with further issues. On January 05, the original application was returned to Mr. Harrington at his request for full revision as per DOH advice. It was received back on January 18 and was sent on CD to DOH and the members of the committee to review once again for completeness. On January 24, Dana Jonas sent an email expressing concerns about some further application issues. This email was shared with Mid-County and with our committee members on January 24. On February 14, the revisions from Mid- County were received in hardcopy. On March 01, having been received back in CD format, they were forwarded electronically to Mr. Jonas and the members of the Transportation and Standards Committee for review. The same day, Mr. Jonas advised of further deficiencies. This information was relayed to Mr. Harrington of Mid-County, and to the committee members. On March 06, revisions were received from Mr. Harrington and immediately sent to Mr. Jonas and our committee members. Mr. Jonas replied that he would review these latest revisions carefully. We requested information from him on May 16, and were advised by him that the application was complete in his opinion. Mr. Mulleedy advised that the 60 day window for action on a complete application would expire in July. This would necessitate the calling of a special meeting of the Council for the final vote on the application, but there is a high likelihood that such a special meeting might not have the quorum necessary for this vote. At this point, Mr. Harrington stated, on behalf of the applicant, that he would be willing to postpone the final vote until the regular meeting of the Council on September 20, 2012, and that he would gladly stipulate to this in writing. Motion was then made and adopted that the application was accepted as complete, and the active C.O.N. process was begun. The voting date stipulation has been received from Mr. Harrington. On June 01, the notice of public hearing was sent to all appropriate parties in Montgomery County as per DOH regulations. The date for the Public Hearing was set for Friday, June 29, 2012 at 7 PM at the Holiday Inn, Johnstown. Also on June 01, a copy of the entire Mid-County C.O.N. application was sent by email to all AAREMS members, with the request that each member acquaint themselves with the information contained therein. A copy of this was also sent to Dana Jonas at DOH on June 01, with the request that the Fitness and Competency review be undertaken by DOH. He replied in the affirmative, and on June 04, he was sent a copy of the Public Hearing letter and a copy of our May 17 Minutes, noting the date of final vote. On June 08, the notice of public hearing was published in the Gloversville Leader-Herald, the Schenectady Daily Gazette and the Oneonta Daily Star. These are the newspapers authorized by this Council for publication of these legal notices. The Public Hearing was held on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown. On September 05, the transcript of the Public Hearing was sent electronically to all AAREMS members, voting and non-voting, with copies to Mr. Harrington and Dana Jonas of DOH. On September 10, Mr. Jonas advised of DOH Fitness and Competency approval for Mid-County. Mr. Mulleedy announced that the final vote would now be taken. He began by reading the definition of

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 10 public need as published by the Department of Health EMS Bureau. He then made the following Motion:

RESOLVED, that Public Need has been shown to exist for the Mid County Volunteer Ambulance Service to expand their primary operating territory to include the geographical area consisting of the Town of Charleston and the Town of Root in Montgomery County.

This Motion was seconded by Mr. Hime. There followed a period of appropriate discussion among the voting members. Following the discussion period, the roll call vote was taken. The results of the vote were: Yes – 0; No – 13; Abstain – 04. The Motion was therefore not adopted. The members verbalized their determination that adequate service was already being provided by the agencies serving the geographical area in question. Notification will be made as per DOH guidelines [This was done on September 21, with receipt of information acknowledged by DOH].

STATE COUNCIL REPORT

Mr. Zeek advised that the State Council will meet on October 03 and 04, 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. He initiated a discussion on the new National Education Standards. There was considerable input from those present.

REGIONAL PROGRAM UPDATE

Regional Program Directors Meeting

The meeting is scheduled to be held on October 02 at the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad headquarters in Guilderland.

Other Program Updates

There was nothing to report.

REMAC Report

Dr. Leinhart gave the report. The REMAC approved a new medical director for the Garrattsville Emergency Squad. They approved the Morris Emergency Squad for service at the Critical Care level. They noted with approval the plans of CMT to soon enter the ePCR program. They received information that the Franklin Emergency Squad would begin providing service at the BLS level on October 01, 2012. The chief pharmacist at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville asked the REMAC for suggestions on a reasonable substitute for 1:10,000 EPI preloads, due to the medication shortage. There was also discussion on the use of Fentanyl in the Region, and discussion on the FCC narrowbanding mandate. The REMAC also met in executive session to discuss QI and personnel issues.

County Reports (Reported from North to South in the Region)

Hamilton County – Mrs. Mulleedy had nothing new to report Fulton County – Mr. Farquhar had nothing new to report. Montgomery County – Mr. Pasquarelli noted upcoming training courses at GAVAC Schoharie County – There was no Schoharie County representative present Otsego County – Mr. Knapp noted one EMT class started and one shortly upcoming. Delaware County – Mr. Jones had nothing new to report.

OLD BUSINESS

There was none.

AAREMS Minutes for September 20, 2012 Page 11 NEW BUSINESS

Ms. McGown asked that the Council advise CMT in writing of their approval of CMT’s entry into the ePCR program. Mr. Beebe advised that he was developing a Certified Lab Instructor (CLI) course to be held the last weekend in January.

Mr. Zeek advised that he had selected Mr. Pasquarelli to serve as his alternate delegate to the State Council, and requested that the Region confirm this. Motion was made by Mrs. Mulleedy and seconded by Mr. Coy as follows:

RESOLVED, that the appointment of Thomas Pasquarelli to serve as Mr. Zeek’s Alternate Delegate to the State EMS Council is approved.

This was adopted unanimously, with no abstentions.

ADJOURNMENT

At 2:01 PM. Next meeting will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Holiday Inn, Route 30A, Johnstown

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