Pulaski Times

The American Ambulance Association has honored U.S. Senator John Boozman with its 2024 Legislative Recognition Award for his advocacy of emergency medical services. The award is given to Members of Congress who show dedication to ambulance services nationwide.

Senator Boozman emphasized the importance of maintaining access to emergency services, especially for veterans and rural communities. "Protecting access to emergency services, particularly for our veterans and those living in rural communities, must always be a priority. I am proud to champion policies ensuring this critical resource that delivers lifesaving medical care is available and sustainable. It is an honor to partner with the American Ambulance Association and support Arkansas’s outstanding EMS personnel," he stated.

Jamie Pafford-Gresham, CEO of Pafford Medical Services based in Hope, Arkansas, presented the award at Boozman's Washington office. Her company operates a family-owned ground ambulance service providing emergency and interfacility transports across Arkansas. Pafford-Gresham also serves as President-elect of the American Ambulance Association.

"On behalf of the American Ambulance Association and Pafford Medical Services, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Senator John Boozman for his support of EMS professionals in Arkansas and beyond. His dedication to ensuring that EMS providers have the resources they need to serve their communities has been invaluable. We are proud to recognize him for his steadfast commitment to our field and his leadership in advocating for the health and safety of Arkansans," said Pafford-Gresham.

During this Congress session, Boozman led efforts with bipartisan support through the introduction of the VA Emergency Transportation Access Act. This legislation aimed at preventing rate reductions by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on special mode transportation providers like ambulances unless certain conditions were met that ensured no reduction in veteran access.

Boozman's work on these issues also influenced a delay by the VA on planned rule changes regarding specialty ambulance reimbursements, allowing more time for providers to negotiate reimbursement rates.