AGENDA DATE: 6/7/2023
TITLE:
Title
EMS Agency Permit for Non-Emergency Medical Transport
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public Hearing for approval of EMS Agency permits for non-emergency medical transport
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Rosenberg, Farley, Eggleston, Puckett, Mezzoni
PRESENTER (S): David Puckett
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In Virginia, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies need to have a permit from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) to operate in the state. OEMS oversees the certification and regulation of ambulance services, as well as the training and certification of emergency medical personnel. Although OEMS is responsible for the licensure of EMS agencies, according to Virginia law (Virginia Code ? 32.1-111.14), the Board is authorized to grant permits that allow these agencies to have a base of operations in Albemarle County.
Permits for commercial EMS agencies, as distinguished from volunteer companies in the Coordinated Fire and Rescue System (Coordinated System), are not contemplated in the cost recovery framework addressed in County Code Section 6-502. A permit granted by the Board pursuant to Virginia Code ? 32.1-111.14 for private EMS agencies would allow these agencies to provide services to residents of Albemarle County that are not routinely provided by ACFR and the Coordinated System. Further, a permit granted by the Board is required for these agencies in their regulatory compliance with OEMS.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: In Fall 2022, two private EMS agencies reached out to staff to inquire about obtaining a permit so that they might station ambulances in Albemarle County to p...
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