AGENDA DATE: 2/3/2016
TITLE:
Title
Resolution Authorizing the County Executive to Sign EMS Cost Recovery Documents
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution authorizing the County Executive to sign documents for the EMS Cost Recovery Program
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Blair, Eggleston
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: In 2009, the Board enacted Chapter 6, Article V of the Albemarle County Code which authorized the Albemarle County Department of Fire and Rescue and any volunteer rescue squad that obtains a permit from the County to charge fees for emergency medical services (EMS) vehicle transports.
EMS cost recovery program fees are primarily paid by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies. In order to charge fees to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for EMS vehicle transports, the County must enroll in those programs. The enrollment documents require the signature of an authorized official to whom the Board has granted the legal authority to enroll the County in the programs. Albemarle County Code §6-503 authorizes the County Executive to establish policies and procedures to implement the EMS vehicle transport cost recovery program. However, the cost recovery program ordinance does not specifically authorize the County Executive to sign and execute other documents for the program.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 7: Operational Capacity: Ensure County government’s ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: Recently, the County has procured a different billing vendor, Digitech Computer, Inc., to act as the County’s billing agent for its EMS vehicle transport cost recovery program. In order for this new vendor to bill the Medicare and Medicaid programs for EMS vehicle transports, the County must submit updated enrollment forms. The enrollment forms must be signed by an official who has been authorized by the Board to enroll the County in the programs. In the future, the County will have to submit updated enrollment forms with Medicare and Medicaid anytime there is a change in the County’s billing vendor or in the contact information of the billing vendor or the County’s Department of Fire Rescue staff contacts.
In order to have an efficient administrative process in place for the County to timely submit appropriate enrollment forms and other documents necessary to implement the cost recovery program, staff recommends that the Board authorize the County Executive to execute all documents necessary for the cost recovery program, including but not limited to Medicare and Medicaid program enrollment documents. The attached proposed Resolution (Attachment A) would authorize the County Executive to execute all documents necessary for the cost recovery program, including but not limited to Medicare and Medicaid program enrollment documents.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this request.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing the County Executive to execute any documents necessary for the cost recovery program, including but not limited to Medicare and Medicaid program enrollment documents, provided that such documents are approved as to form and content by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Resolution