Group photo of some of the TASA Board Members in attendance on the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol. Left to right: Wallace Elliott - Upper East TN Region Representative, Andrew Reed - TASA Past President, Joyce Noles - TASA President, Keith Douglas - TASA Vice President, Stan Clark - Southeastern Region Representative
TASA award presented to State Rep. Dan Howell
State Rep. Kevin Brooks
State Senator Mike Bell
TASA Appreciation Award presented to senators and representatives
The annual EMS Day on the Hill took place on Capitol Hill in Nashville. The Tennessee Ambulance Service Association (TASA) attended, as they do every year, with EMS representatives from all over the state.
The purpose for the annual visit is to meet with state senators and congressman to discuss and promote upcoming legislation that specifically affects Tennessee ambulance services. One very important item this year is the Tenncare: Ground Ambulance Service Provider Act.
When this legislation passes, it has the potential to increase annual revenue substantially for EMS services. So far there has been no pushback, and everyone is on board.
This year TASA wanted to show their appreciation to the senators and representatives for all of their hard work and support to the ambulance services in Tennessee. A very nice acrylic award was presented during each meeting displaying the TASA logo and a statement of thanks. "We are extremely blessed here in Bradley County to have such great leadership and representation in Nashville. TASA wanted to present a small token to show how much we appreciate everything that they do" Stan Clark.
Stan Clark, the assistant director for Bradley County EMS, is the TASA Southeastern EMS representative. He met with Representatives Dan Howell, Kevin Brooks, and Senator Mike Bell. All three showed great support for the upcoming legislation.
The 2017 EMS Day on the Hill was another huge success. Multiple meetings were attended by TASA board members and other EMS representatives including one with the Speaker of the House, Beth Harwell.
The National EMS Day on the Hill is set for April 25th in Washington D.C. sponsored by N.A.E.M.T. (National Association of EMT's). EMS responders from across the country will converge on D.C. to lobby for EMS related legislation.