GEMSA Update
July 3, 2019
The Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association received a call from Commissioner Frank Berry, Head of the GA Dept. of Community Health on Tuesday, July 2, regarding two issues, the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) and EMS License Fees.
Commissioner Berry indicated that for the upcoming July board meeting, they will delay the UPL implementation until August. The UPL for Ambulance Services will not have any time limits. Previously it was said you would need to wait until next year for those who were not accepted in the initial process. For services who want to form an Intergovernmental agreement with their hospital authority, or one outside county if not such authority exist in their county, they can start participating once that IGA is completed.
So in summary - starting in August, they will start the UPL program. Those who can get an IGA with hospital authority by then can participate, those who may take more time, once completed, can start participating in the UPL Program.
The Department of Community Health will be putting out information on process, etc. in the near future so everyone is updated and understands the process.
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For EMS Licensing Fees, Commissioner Berry has also agreed to discuss additional areas that would increase reimbursement to all EMS.
Commissioner Berry will be reaching out in the near future to initiate those discussions.
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This is very good news and appreciative of all who helped get the word to DCH on both issues EMS was facing.
GEMSA will provide more information as we hear more.
October 4-8, 2019
The Summer issue of the GEMSA Journal is now available in a 
Interview: Keith Wages, Director of OEMS