EMS ON THE HILL REPORT 2023.docx

I want to THANK the Association for the opportunity to represent South Dakota in Washington, DC for EMS on the Hill. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. I have included a report of what was discussed at the Senators and Representatives' offices. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, Maynard Koneche.

Dave Dermann, Intervention Nurse from the Bryan Independence Center, will speak about Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention in the context of trauma care. Dave has had decades of experience guiding patients with addiction through recovery. This promises to be a compelling talk. 

The session is available free, via Zoom, Friday, April 28^th, noon-1PM. The webinar is offered to Bryan employees and all interested outside providers. Please see the attached information for full announcement details and information about registering for the Zoom link. 

One hour of nursing continuing education is offered for the session. Please note this activity emphasizes nursing care in the hospital setting. The trauma service will not be offering EMS continuing education for this session. 

Our “TGR” series will continue every fourth Friday of the month through August. 

We look forward to having you join us for this informative session on April 28th.

Register: https://bryanhealth.csod.com/selfreg/register.aspx?p=bryanhealth&c=professionals

I hope this article find you all doing well and enjoying the new layout for the EMT Thoughts. I am excited to see the changes being made to make this a better association for all of us. If you haven’t taken the time to see the updates to our website, please check out www.sdemsa.org. We know there are still updates to be made but it is looking great.

I had the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis, IN in February as a representative of our association at the State EMS Associations meeting. I was able to attend a few classes on management of EMS associations and see what other states are able to offer their members. I will be sharing a list of items with our Executive Council at the April meeting and if anyone would like to review, please let me know.

The SDEMSA I/C Society will be hosting a strategic planning session on April 29 in Chamberlain. As educators we need to identify the direction and needs of our students both with initial and continuing education.

The By-Law Committee will be meeting and working on the Policy and Procedures Manual. As you may remember we completely updated our By-Laws in 2022 with the intent of moving a number of items to the P&P Manual. The time is now to start that process and we will be providing updates as they are available.

If you would like to serve on any of the committees, please contact State President Keith Sharisky as we are always looking for help in making our association the best for its members. Stay Safe, Humble and Kind. Keep doing great things.

- Amy Marsh, SD EMSA Vice President

Volume 1.1 March 2023.pdf

Hello everyone.

Some things that are of importance to our organization. I will be in Pierre on Thursday March 2^nd to support SB 101. At the time of this note amendments are coming from the House of Representatives. With these amendments this restores some protections that had been removed from the original bill.

Your State Treasurer, District Treasurer’s, and Financial Committee are working towards bringing the finances in order to meet IRS Tax Codes.

Your District Presidents are working hard in keeping all informed. These are dynamic times that require this communication. They have been contacting me with some pretty important questions, ideas, and changes. You have some great and dedicated Presidents.

Our State Vice President has returned from a class and has learned a lot. I am looking forward to our Council Meeting in April. One thing that I am hoping that we discuss will be adding a clause to the Conference Contract with host Motel / Convention Center site that will protect both them and the SDEMSA.

There are a lot of great people working behind the lines for you all. If you get a chance tell them thank you, they really are working hard for you.

Keith A. Sharisky

SDEMSA President

WEEKLY REPORT:

2.13 - 2.17.2023 LEGISLATIVE WEEKLY REPORT.pdf

NOTE FROM Maynard J. Konechne:

Well, here is the weekly update. This will be a huge week with crossover day being February 22. This means every bill has to be out of its original house of origin. we have heard that HB 1007 pertaining to the retirement will be in committee on Thursday afternoon. SB101 has not been scheduled yet but an amendment will be presented in committee when it is scheduled. The next big day to remember is March 9^th the next to last day of session with Veto Day being March 27th. Pass along to anyone you think wants to know what is happening at the Capitol. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. 

Maynard Konechne, Advocacy Committee Chair

WEEKLY REPORT:

2.6 - 2.10.2023 LEGISLATIVE WEEKLY REPORT.pdf

NOTE FROM Maynard J. Konechne:

As you can see bills are moving through the system with crossover day Feb. 22. Which means each bill needs a hearing in the house of origin and either passed on or moved to the 41^st day. All bills have been put into the system for this year they have 450 pieces of legislation to consider plus resolutions.

HB 1007 to move EMS to the Class B retirement has moved out of committee and will be on floor early next week. We need to THANK Shawn Fischer for all her work to move EMS from Class A to Class B. 

Thanks to the Assoc. for allowing me to represent all of you in these important matters. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me. 

Maynard J. Konechne | 605-730-0462 | mjkemtkc@hotmail.com