The BUGLE

A guidance document is available for EMS Cost Recovery/Ambulance Billing. On April 9, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the 2022-2023 New York State Budget. Part KK of this legislation amended Section 209-b of the General Municipal Law to allow fire departments previously not permitted to bill for ambulance services to begin doing so for a four-year period, beginning July 8, 2022. NYSAFC and FASNY have provided answers to frequently asked questions in an effort to clarify fire department requirements and responsibilities. Chiefs and authorities having jurisdiction should also read the full text of the new law, included as an appendix to the FAQ document.

In partnership with PERMA, NYSAFC has announced an additional series of free emergency services behavioral health and wellness workshops. Participants will review the behavioral health problems that first responders face, then learn how to recognize and help members who are struggling with these issues. This important discussion is open to all first responders, including fire, EMS, and 911 personnel, and their families. Past Chiefs Mike Healy and Jared Meeker will present workshops in Albany, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Monroe, Nassau, Orange, Schenectady, Steuben, and Suffolk Counties in the fall. Pre-registration is preferred.

Fire departments and county agencies or associations that are interested in hosting classroom-based programs or Regional Hands-On Training are invited to submit host request forms. The forms outline the specific host responsibilities and logistical considerations for each NYSAFC program. Sites are now being considered for programs in 2023.

Assistant Chief Sam Usborne of the Cazenovia Fire Department was honored as this year's recipient of the Chief Fred Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award for excellence in fire service instruction. Usborne was among the first responders recognized in June at the NYSAFC Annual Conference in Syracuse.