Dear Arizona AMT members,

I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits as we welcome the arrival of spring. It is my pleasure to invite you to our upcoming spring meeting in Phoenix at the Holiday Inn on April 6, 2024. This meeting promises to be an excellent opportunity for all medical professionals, regardless of their individual discipline, to gain valuable insights from our esteemed presenters. Attending the sessions will also qualify you for continuing education credits.

One of the key benefits of attending live presentations is the opportunity to network and connect with other medical professionals. Building relationships and exchanging knowledge with like-minded individuals can be immensely valuable for personal and professional growth. So, I encourage you to come and spend the day with us, fostering connections and expanding your professional network.

Additionally, I would like to extend a special invitation to all of you to attend the national meeting in St. Louis this year. The annual meeting is truly an unforgettable experience, where members interact as a family, fostering a sense of camaraderie that is unique to our organization. The event will be packed with educational opportunities, including workshops and sessions, spread over the course of a week. It is an excellent chance to learn, grow, and immerse yourself in the latest developments in our field.

Now, let's take a moment to discuss some important developments in the healthcare industry that may impact our work and the services we provide in Arizona.

• Extension of Provider Moratorium: The Provider Moratorium, which was set to expire, has been extended until June 8, 2024. This moratorium applies to the enrollment of Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic, Integrated Clinic, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Community Service Agencies, and Behavioral Health Residential Facility providers. Exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis under specific circumstances.
• AHCCCS Medicaid Expansion: The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has announced two changes to Arizona's Medicaid program that will positively impact children, including those with developmental disabilities. The upper income limit of KidsCare, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), has been increased, and parents of children with disabilities enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) will be reimbursed as paid caregivers.
• Healthcare Workforce Needs: By 2030, Arizona will require over 190,000 new direct care workers to provide long-term care and personal assistance to the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The demand for healthcare jobs is increasing, particularly in dental assisting, clinical laboratory technology, medical and health services management, medical assisting, and home health and personal care aide positions.
• Syphilis Rates: Arizona has seen an alarming increase in syphilis cases, ranking 5th highest in the nation for primary and secondary syphilis rates and 3rd highest for congenital syphilis. Syphilis can have severe health consequences if left untreated, particularly for infants born to infected mothers.
• Mesa College Promise Expansion: The City of Mesa is expanding the Mesa College Promise program to learners aged 24 and older. This program provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs who have not received enough federal student aid to cover the cost of tuition at Mesa Community College.
• Legislative Updates:
  • The Arizona House recently passed HB 2691, a bill aimed at increasing the number of healthcare workers in the state through education and workforce program grants. This bill provides funding for nurse education, clinical rotations, licensed nurse training, and preceptor grants.
  • A proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution has been introduced to repeal Arizona's current right-to-work law, which has sparked debates on its potential impact on employees.
  • H.R. 2377 / S. 1000, The Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act. Without congressional intervention approximately 800 laboratory tests will see up to a 15 percent reimbursement cut on January 1, 2025. These cuts may threaten access to laboratory services for seniors with a wide range of conditions. Additionally, this will weaken clinical laboratory infrastructure, making it more difficult to deliver routine health care and respond to the next public health crisis. Visit https://stoplabcuts.org/ to contact our state representatives.

Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being an integral part of our community. I look forward to seeing you at the spring meeting and the national meeting.

Best regards,
Dustin Martinez MS MLS (AMT)