Rural health and EMS

AzHHA advocates for policies that ensure rural Arizonans have access to local and dependable care. This includes securing sustainable funding and fair reimbursement rates for small hospitals and clinics, maintaining responsive EMS systems for response, treatment and transportation, and providing practical support for telehealth services and specialist consultations.

We endorse coverage for air and ground ambulance services, clear transfer protocols to higher levels of care and real-time tracking of bed and specialty availability across regions. Additionally, we support workforce strategies that help recruit and retain clinicians in rural areas, such as housing, training and streamlined licensing processes.

We oppose generic mandates, payment reductions and administrative rules that overlook factors like distance, patient volume and standby costs.

We aim to build a stable rural healthcare network where patients receive safe, timely care close to home, with seamless transfers when more advanced treatment is necessary.