Arizona Department of Health Services

The meeting included discussions on bylaw reviews, rule making related to ground ambulances, and updates on the trauma registry CMS registry linkage. There was also a presentation of the EMS annual report, including data from 2018, and discussion of the Kevlar Commodus course. Committee reports covered topics such as scene death reporting, rehab reports, safe sleep training for EMS, and the clinical use of crota lid anti-venom. The trauma program manager workgroup discussed injury criteria.

The meeting of the Medical Marijuana Testing Advisory Council covered the review of the marijuana testing program. Key discussion points included the council's recommendations, testing-related deficiencies, and remediation efforts. The council discussed the removal of analytes from the testing panel, retesting for potency of edibles and infused marijuana products, and expediting enforcement actions against certified labs for repeat violations. Updates were provided on deficiencies and citations issued to medical marijuana dispensaries, marijuana establishments, and independent third-party labs.

The meeting included a roll call, announcements about recording the meeting and attendance policies, and a Bureau report. The Bureau report included a welcome to new staff members, an acknowledgment of crash responder safety week, and promotion of the new trauma dashboard. Rulemaking updates were provided, including ongoing ground ambulance rulemaking and upcoming reviews of EMCT certification, training, scope of practice rules, and potential rules for EMR ambulance drivers and critical care paramedics. The Naloxone Leave Behind program was discussed, and an update was given on the EMS and Trauma needs assessment. A regional meeting for House Bill 2609 was announced, and an increase in ATV incidents was noted, leading to a collaboration with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on an ATV injury prevention program.

The presentation discusses Arizona's collaborative response to extreme heat, including preparedness strategies, interventions, and resources. It highlights the impact of extreme heat on public health, safety, ecology, and the economy, and emphasizes the importance of cross-collaborative interventions and community engagement to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures. The plan focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, improving communication, and fostering innovative solutions to reduce heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

The meeting of the Medical Marijuana Testing Advisory Council included discussions on recommendations for the removal of certain analytes from the statutorily required testing panel. Key topics included aspergillus, pesticides, and residual solvents. The council reviewed the marijuana testing program, considering the removal of aspergillus from the testing panel due to challenges in distinguishing between dead and live DNA in testing, and the implications for immunocompromised patients. The council also discussed the removal of a specific pesticide from the pesticide panel due to its transformation in water.