2008 NASEMSO News
700 MHz National Public Safety Broadband Communications Network
By Kevin McGinnis, NASEMSO Program Advisor (05/20/08)
In a Nutshell…
There has been considerable recent media attention about a process at the FCC to provide public safety with access to a significant swath of bandwidth for broadband use in a unique Public/Private partnership arrangement. Misinformation and speculation during the process led to an FCC inspector general’s investigation and two Congressional inquiries and the media attention. While the former has been completed, has identified the misinformation and largely exonerated the process and those involved, the latter are still under way. FCC Commissioners, key legislators, and the public safety interests involved remain optimistic that this Public/Private model will succeed in providing the next generation of interoperable communications for public safety nationwide.
NASEMSO is involved as being represented on the Board of Directors of the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST), the non-profit group of public safety and other interests named by the FCC during this process as the “public” half of the Public/Private partnership.
The process to create this national public safety broadband network hit a roadblock when an auction for part of the spectrum (to be operated by the commercial, “private” half of the partnership) failed to produce a winning bid. Between this failure and the media attention to other aspects of the process and participants, the road ahead is somewhat unclear. On May 14, 2008, the FCC voted unanimously to release a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that is intended to pave the way for another auction and to get the process back on track. The content below provides more detail on this process and the issues it has spun off. Readers can also go to the PSST website (www.PSST.org) for further information.
Download the complete article by Kevin McGinnis here.
U.S. Dept. of Labor Invites Comments on Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators/Facemasks for Pandemic Flu (05/16/08) The U.S. Department of Labor is inviting comments on its document entitled "Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza." The proposed guidance and instructions on submitting written or electronic comments are available on OSHA's Web page and through its publications office here.
FEMA Is Accepting Comments on the Draft National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Document (05/16/08) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating a final review of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in conjunction with the recent release of the National Response Framework (NRF). FEMA is accepting comments on the NIMS document during one final national comment period (May 1- June 2, 2008). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable Federal, state, tribal and local governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity. Comments must be received by June 2, 2008. The draft NIMS document is available online at www.regulations.gov, in Docket ID FEMA–2008–0008. All comment submissions received must include the agency name and docket ID (FEMA-2008-0008).
Gail J. McGovern Selected as President and CEO of the American Red Cross (04/09/08) Gail J. McGovern has been named President and CEO of the American Red Cross. She has held top management positions at AT&T Corporation and Fidelity Investments, has experience running large organizations in competitive industries, and has a track record for improving business performance and service delivery to the public. McGovern joined the faculty of the Harvard Business School in June 2002, where she teaches marketing in the MBA and Executive programs. She was recognized by Fortune magazine in 2000 and 2001 as one of the top 50 most powerful women in corporate America. press release
Dept. of Justice Provides Addendum to Recent Federal Guidance on Pan Flu (03/27/08) The U.S. Dept. of Justice has provided an addendum to the recently released guidance on state pandemic flu plans. The appendix and related documents are provided here for download:
Appendix B.15 (core of DOJ guidance).
New Guidelines for State Pandemic Planning (03/21/08) The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled a comprehensive pandemic influenza guidance document for states this week. Guidance materials outline three overarching strategic goals that states' plans should address: ensuring continuity of state government and agency operation, protecting citizens, and maintaining critical infrastructure and key assets. Several operating objectives are included in each goal. For example, for maintaining critical infrastructure, states are encouraged to build private-public partnerships and beef up protection and information sharing. Objectives for incorporating EMS and 9-1-1 into state planning activities are included as Appendices B-12 and B-13 and follow guidance documents coordinated by NASEMSO through a cooperative agreement with NHTSA in 2007. Download document.
NASEMSO Members Asked to Review
Federal Guidance to Assist States in Improving State-Level PI Operating Plans & the Annex Resource Documents and to Participate in Mar. 13 Webcast (03/12/08) The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services has asked NASEMSO members to review and comment on the draft federal guidance to assist states in improving state-level pandemic influenza operating plans.
- Federal Guidance to Assist States in Improving State-Level Pandemic Influenza Operating Plans.
- Annex: Resource Documents (deadline for submission of state plans will be June 16, 2008.
Also the agency is offering a Webcast Series on Pandemic Influenza. NASEMSO members are invited to join in for live discussions in the first of three web seminars ("webinars") on Mar. 13 to help state planners in the next round of pandemic influenza planning. The Federal government will issue guidance for the second round of State planning assessments. Assessments of the first round of plans showed improved progress but also underscored the need for better Federal guidance, as well as increased efforts by State-level agencies to fill the remaining gaps in preparedness. This webcast will give an overview of the guidance and will provide an opportunity for a live question-and-answer session with representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
How: Email your questions for the webcast panelists during the program to hhsstudio@hhs.gov Please include your first name and hometown.
When: March 13, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. ET
Where: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/news/panflu_webinar.html
Please join in for future webcasts on the state planning and assessment process on Apr. 2, 2008, and Apr. 30, 2008. More details will be available on www.pandemicflu.gov.
FEMA Releases FY 2008 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance Package (03/10/08) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has posted the Fiscal Year 2008 NIMS compliance package. Meeting NIMS compliance objectives forms the basis for NIMS compliance determinations for states, territories, tribal nations and local government. NIMS compliance directly impacts elibility for Federal Preparedness Awards under Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSDP) 5, Managing Domestic Incidents. Posted are:
- NIMS Compliance Memorandum
- NIMS Compliance Objectives and Metrics For States and Territories
- NIMS Compliance Objectives and Metrics for Tribal Nation
- NIMS Compliance Objectives and Metrics for Local Governments
REAL ID Extensions Granted to States by DHS (03/08/08) In a recent press release, DHS has recognized that states cannot meet the full requirements of the REAL ID Act by May 11, 2008, so it will grant extensions for those states that request them up to Mar. 31, 2008. The extension is good through Dec. 31, 2009. In addition, states that meet certain benchmarks for the security of their credentials and licensing processes will automatically be granted a second extension until May 11, 2011, to complete full implementation of REAL ID. If an individual chooses to present a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for an official purpose as of May 11, 2008, that driver’s license or identification card must be issued by a state that is complying with the REAL ID Act. Those official purposes include: accessing a Federal facility, boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants. Any person presenting a driver's license or state identification card from a state with an approved extension will be able to use the document for official purposes. The deadline for a state to request an initial extension is Mar. 31, 2008. If a state chooses not to request an extension, its driver’s licenses and identification cards will no longer be acceptable for official purposes as of May 11, 2008. Individuals of these states can still present other forms of acceptable identification (government-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or government identification badge, is often acceptable) to board federally regulated commercial aircraft or access Federal facilities and nuclear power plants. Individuals who do not have other acceptable forms of identification (e.g., government-issued photo identification, such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or other government identification badge) may suffer delays at the airport due to the requirement for additional security screening. Funding is by far the biggest problem that state DMVs face. Real ID compliance is not cheap, with estimates currently at approximately $40 million per state and $38 billion across the United States. The lack of federal funding is perhaps the biggest reason why many states are considering not complying. Maine, South Carolina, Montana, Oklahoma and New Hampshire have indicated no intention to comply by various online news sources. Fifteen other states including, populous ones like Texas, Virginia, and Michigan and the District of Columbia, have not decided whether to comply or ask for an extension. Learn more about implementation of the REAL ID Act.
FCC Issues Public Advisory on U.S. Digital Television Transition (02/28/08) The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a public advisory on the digital television (DTV) transition, which refers to the switch from analog to digital television broadcasts. On Feb. 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. Consumers who own a digital television, or who subscribe to pay television services (e.g. cable or satellite) should not be affected by the Feb. 17, 2009, cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting. The FCC encourages consumers who subscribe to pay television services to contact their service provider to determine the impact of the DTV transition on their TV viewing and whether any additional components, such as a digital set-top box, may be needed to watch digital broadcast programming. Consumers who do not have subscription TV services and own analog televisions must acquire a digital-to-analog converter box for each of their analog TV sets. There is a public safety implication, since it is estimated that approximately 33.6 million, or 12 percent, of people in the United States watch television via an over-the-air signal only. For many individuals, the television is the primary source of news, weather, emergency and other public safety information in their local communities. Individuals who do not take the appropriate measures to ensure that their analog televisions are capable of receiving digital TV signals after Feb. 17, 2009 may be at risk of losing access to important public safety notifications. Download the FCC advisory here.
U.S. Senate Approves IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Bill (02/27/08) The U.S. Senate has approved S. 428, the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, the companion bill to HR3403, the 9-1-1 Modernization Act. According to the National Emergency Number Association, the primary effects of this bill are:
- Requires VoIP companies to provide 9-1-1 and E9-1-1 in accordance with FCC rules.
- Provides liability parity for PSAPs, providers and their vendors equivalent to wireless and wireline for all communications services that are required by the FCC to provide 9-1-1/E9-1-1 (today and in the future) as well as for services that voluntarily provide information to PSAPs, in the absence of an FCC requirement, with approval from the appropriate state or local 9-1-1 governing authority.
- Confirms state authority to impose and collect 9-1-1 fees from VoIP and wireless providers and requires the FCC to report annually on the status of the imposition and collection of 9-1-1 fees in the states, including if fees are being used for purposes not provided for in the statute adopting the fee.
- Requires National 9-1-1 Program Office to produce a report to Congress within 270 days on migration to NG9-1-1, with focus on needed legislative/regulatory changes.
- Amends ENHANCE 9-1-1 Act to make PSAP grant funds available for Phase II wireless upgrades and also for the "migration to an IP-enabled emergency network."
- Requires owners of E9-1-1 infrastructure to provide open access to VoIP providers for the completion of E9-1-1 service and authorizes FCC to delegate enforcement of this section to the states.
Webcast/Television Broadcast on National Response Framework (NRF) Set for Mar. 5, 2008 (02/27/08) The Dept. of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following a lengthy period of input, an extended comment period, and formal approval by the President on Jan. 8, 2008, are now moving into the implementation phase of the National Response Framework (NRF). As one of the first steps in implementation, FEMA will be conducting a nationwide broadcast on the NRF on Mar. 5, 2008, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Eastern time from the studio of the National Preparedness Network (PREPnet) located at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, MD. Learn more.
NREMT Seeking Item Writers (02/25/08) The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is seeking participation and involvement from EMS educators and medical directors in its 2008 NREMT Item Writing Committee meetings, as a crucial component in developing valid, reliable, psychometrically sound and legally defensible national EMS certification materials. Anyone interested in participating should submit a letter of interest and resume/CV to Gabe Romero at gromero@nremt.org or 614-888-4484 x129. Please identify the date(s) and level(s) of the meeting(s) in which you wish to participate. The 2008 NREMT Item Writing meetings to be held in Columbus, Ohio, are as follows:
- Mar. 13-15: EMT
- Apr. 10-12: EMT
- May 15-7: Paramedic
- June 19-21: Paramedic
- July 24-26: EMR
- Aug. 7-9: EMR
- Sept. 18-20: AEMT
- Oct. 23-25: AEMT
- Dec. 4-6: AEMT
Please provide NREMT with correct contact information so that they can confirm participation and forward item writing assignments and other related information. If assigned to a meeting, each item writer will be asked to draft and submit 20-30 multiple choice items (based on a list of tasks provided from the current NREMT Practice Analysis) about 2 weeks prior to the meeting date. The committee will then meet at the NREMT offices in Columbus, Ohio, to review all items prepared by the committee. Each 2½-day Item Writing Meeting is scheduled for Thursday and Friday (08:30–17:00 hours) and will conclude on Saturday (08:30–12:00 hours). All reasonable and customary travel expenses for participating in the item writing process are covered by the NREMT. Their travel agent will also work with you to arrange your flights.
U.S. Senate Approves IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Bill (02/27/08) The U.S. Senate has approved S. 428, the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, the companion bill to HR3403, the 9-1-1 Modernization Act. Learn about the primary effects of the bill.
Nominations Are Open for EMSC National Heroes Awards (02/24/08) The EMSC National Resource Center (NRC) is seeking nominations for the 2008 EMSC National Heroes Awards (NHA). The awards are presented to individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the EMSC program. Nominations are due April 4, 2008.
2008 NHA nomination form | NHA brochure
Specialty EMS License Plate Is in the Works for California (02/22/08) The Emergency Medical Services Authority is developing a specialty license plate to honor EMS professionals in California. Anyone who owns a car in California will be able to get the EMS License Plate. Creating a specialty plate will support and recognize healthcare professionals who work in the emergency setting. Learn more.
Call-in Info Now Available for EMSC Webcast on Interfacility Transfers (02/17/08) On Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 2:00 p.m. (EST), the EMSC National Resource Center will host a conference call to provide additional opportunities for EMSC grantees to ask questions about performance measures 66D and 66E. The measures were previously discussed during the February 13 webcast "When Minutes Count: Making Transfers Work for Critically Ill and Injured Children." The call-in number is 1-877-355-6338. Press 1 to enter the meeting: Enter Meeting ID 1395.
FLEX Grant Guidance Released (02/16/08) The Office of Rural Health Policy recently released grant guidance related to the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (MRHFP, referred to as the Flex Program.) The FLEX Program is an ideal mechanism for improving and sustaining access to appropriate healthcare services of high quality in rural
America, supporting conversion of small rural hospitals to critical access status, helping develop rural health care networks, and strengthening and integrating rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Not only is the FLEX Program an excellent funding opportunity for rural EMS programs, but most states are currently re-writing their State Rural Health Plans. This is an excellent opportunity to partner with the State Offices of Rural Health and others to assure the challenges and needs of rural EMS are integrated into the larger plan. Application deadline is Apr. 17, 2008. FLEX Program Grant Guidance. More details here.
FEMA: Moving the Vision Forward (02/07/08) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is building on the improvements of 2007 and lessons learned, so that they are better positioned to help the American people prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from a natural or manmade disaster. Download a summary of FEMA’s 2007 accomplishments. You can also visit the FEMA Web site for 2007 Quick Facts; a 2007 Flash slideshow and photo gallery of FEMA activities; 2007 Disaster Declaration Maps, which show declared disasters by region, type, state and total numbers of declared disasters; and Fact Sheets outlining accomplishments, improvements and future initiatives of FEMA Directorates.
EMSC Program Announces Targeted Issues Grant Competition (02/01/08) The Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program has announced a targeted issues grant competition. The Targeted Issue Demonstration grants are intended to meet HRSA/MCHB priorities of improving the health infrastructure and systems of care as well as assuring quality of care. Applicants should address specific needs in the field of pediatric emergency care that transcend state boundaries. Typically, the projects result in a new product/resource or the demonstration of the effectiveness of a model system component or service of value to the nation. Objectives must meet a demonstrable need, and methodologies and strategies for achieving the objectives must be realistic, appropriate and scientifically sound. Each application must contain an evaluation plan that contains measurable outcomes and clearly defined time frames for conducting the evaluation. Application deadline is Mar. 17, 2008. Download grant guidance with complete details. FAQ Sheet on EMSC targeted issues grant competition. FAQ Sheet on EMSC Network Development Demonstration Project (NDDP) funding opportunity.
FEMA National Advisory Council to Advise FEMA Administrator (02/01/08) The FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC) is scheduled to meet on Feb. 12-13, 2008, in Washington, DC. The NAC shall advise the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on all aspects of emergency management. The NAC shall incorporate state, local and tribal government and private sector input in the development and revision of the National Preparedness Goal, the national preparedness system, the National Incident Management System, the National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies. See attached Federal Register notice for more details.
NASEMSO Program Advisor Listed as Panelist in New Institute of Medicine Report (01/31/08) NASEMSO Program Advisor Leslee Stein-Spencer was an invited panelist toward the development of a new "Letter Report on Research Priorities for Emergency Preparedness and Response" just released by the IOM. In response to the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (Public Law 109–417, 2006), the CDC identified an immediate and critical need to define research priorities for the Centers for Public Health Preparedness (CPHP) at schools of public health. These priorities will be used to help develop a research agenda and inform research funding opportunity announcements that must be issued and filled, according to congressional mandate, during the 2008 fiscal year. Download report.
Center for Domestic Preparedness Offers All-Hazards Training (01/24/08) The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) is a federal training facility that currently hosts more than 35 different courses at no cost to state and local first responders, to include roundtrip airfare, lodging, meals, training and any equipment needed during the course of training. The CDP has trained more than 500,000 first responders since being established in 1998. The center offers a wide array of training courses to help prepare America’s first responders for a WMD or all-hazards response effort. Learn more.
Wall Street Journal Publishes NASEMSO President's Letter on Need for Innovative Approach to Solve Public Safety Communications Crisis (01/24/08) The Wall Street Journal has published a letter to the editor written by NASEMSO President Fergus Laughridge in which he noted, "We are now many years past the disasters of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and it remains painfully clear that without regulatory intervention, the marketplace, left to its own devices, will not solve our national public safety communications crisis. We need an innovative approach. The only way we can permanently solve this problem is by correctly aligning the interests of public safety with the commercial sector." The letter was published in the Wall Street Journal on Jan. 24, 2008. Read his letter here. See it on the Wall Street Journal Web site here.
National Response Framework Released by DHS (01/22/08) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Jan. 22 released the National Response Framework (NRF), successor to the National Response Plan. The NRF, which focuses on response and short-term recovery, articulates the doctrine, principles and architecture by which the United States prepares for and responds to all-hazard disasters across all levels of government and all sectors of communities. The NRF is being released following an extensive process of outreach and coordination between DHS and key stakeholders representing federal, tribal, state and local governments, non-governmental agencies and associations, and the private sector. Download the NRF, the Emergency Support Function Annexes, and Support Annexes at the NRF Resource Center.
New NFPA Standards in Effect for Emergency Medical Protective Clothing (01/18/08) The 2008 NFPA Standards have been updated to include revisions that address emergency medical protective clothing. "Many of the changes to the Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations were aimed at addressing requirements for clothing categories where there were no certified products being made available to the end user," noted Jeffrey O. Stull in an article on the FireRescue1 Web site. Stull noted that the 2003 standards "simply did not define products consistent with end user expectations." Read the article.
National EMS Advisory Committee Named (01/15/08) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Jan. 15 announced the appointment of 25 individuals to serve on the newly-established National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). The purpose of NEMSAC is to provide advice and counsel to the Department of Transportation on national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) initiatives, while offering a forum for the
non-Federal deliberation of national EMS issues. NASEMSO congratulates all appointees but especially Idaho State EMS Director, long time NASEMSO member and past president, Dia Gainor. Learn more.
Physician-Owned Specialty Hospitals Found Poorly Equipped to Handle Medical Emergencies (01/12/08) Most physician-owned specialty hospitals are poorly equipped to handle medical emergencies, underscoring a long-standing concern about their rapid proliferation. A report by the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services found that 55 percent of 109 physician-owned hospitals reviewed had emergency departments - and that the majority of those had only one bed, while fewer than a third of the hospitals had physicians on site at all times, and 34 percent relied on dialing 911 to get emergency medical assistance for patients in trouble, reported the Jan. 10 Washington Post. Moreover, seven percent of physician-owned hospitals failed to meet Medicare requirements that a registered nurse be on duty at all times and that at least one physician be on call if none are in the hospital, while 22 percent failed to address in their written policies how emergency cases should be evaluated and treated when they arise, the Post added. Read on...
NCSL Publishes Report on EMS in Rural America (01/05/08) The National Conference of State Legislatures has published a report on "EMS in Rural America" that summarizes its 2007 conference to inform policymakers about the challenges facing emergency medical service providers in rural America. The report covers challenges to the rural EMS system and strategies for improvement. Download report.
EMSC Program to Offer New Funding Opportunities (01/04/08) The EMSC Program anticipates releasing the following funding opportunities on or about Jan. 16, 2008, with both applications will be due 60 days from the date of issue. Check for publication on www.grants.gov, searching by CFDA number 93.127:
- New Targeted Issues Grants: The program anticipates funding 4-5 grants at $250,000 total costs per year for 3 years. If the proposed project requires IRB review, the applicant must include a letter from the IRB stating, at a minimum, that contact has been made by the applicant and information has been received by the IRB regarding the proposed project.
- Network Development Demonstration Project (NDDP): Applications for 4 grants will be accepted to form the infrastructure for the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN). Funding is anticipated for $860,000 total costs per year for 3 years.
Contact the EMSC National Resource Center (NRC) for assistance with any of these funding opportunities. The NRC can assist investigators with concept development, review drafts of the abstract or narrative, assist with IRB submissions, and provide support with budget development. You may contact the NRC by e-mailing Tasmeen Singh at tsingh@cnmc.org.
Park Services Publishes First Responder Field Manual (01/03/08) The National Park Service's latest product, “First Responder Field Manual: Procedures, Protocols and Drugs,” a 110-page document, is available for download here. The “NPS EMS-BLS/ALS and ACLS Field Manual” will be published in September 2008.
NASEMSO Members Asked to Comment on Model Plan Draft (01/02/08) NASEMSO members are asked to provide comments on the latest draft of the State EMS Systems Model Plan document. Please e-mail feedback to Kevin McGinnis, NASEMSO Program Advisor.