Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Expanded Scope Service Provider Agreement between the County of Monterey and Cal Fire for the provision of EMT-Expanded Scope Services for a period of five (5) years effective once signed by authorized representatives of all parties; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not significantly change the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Expanded Scope Service Provider Agreement between the County of Monterey and Cal Fire for the provision of EMT-Expanded Scope Services for a period of five (5) years effective once signed by authorized representatives of all parties; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not significantly change the scope of services.
SUMMARY:
The Director of Health Service seeks approval to execute an EMT-Expanded Scope Service Provider Agreement with Cal Fire. This agreement will permit Cal Fire to provide services at the EMT-Expanded Scope level of care as authorized by County of Monterey EMS System Policy.
DISCUSSION:
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency is designated by the County of Monterey as the Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA) responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the EMS system throughout Monterey County. Under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, an organization may not provide services at the EMT-Expanded Scope level unless that organization is an authorized part of the EMS system of the local EMS agency.
Under County of Monterey EMS System Policy, an organization seeking to provide services at the EMT-Expanded Scope level must execute an agreement with the EMS Agency stating that the organization will comply with all applicable state regulations and local policies and procedures, including participation in the local EMS agency’s Continuous Quality Improvement (“CQI”) program.
Executing this agreement will improve patient care in Cal Fire’s jurisdiction as Cal Fire will be able to initiate a higher level of care and treatment for patients who are not breathing or are in severe respiratory distress prior to the arrival of ambulance paramedics.
This work supports the following County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal(s) (A): “Build Community Power and Partner’s Capacity to Increase Equity and Improve Health” and “Provide Exceptional Person-Centered Care Though Accessible, Community-Focused Health Services”. It is in support of one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts. 7. Link people to needed personal health services and ensure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable. 8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce. 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement as to legal form. The County of Monterey Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) and the EMS Agency Clinical Care Committee (CCC) have endorsed implementation of the EMT-Expanded Scope of Practice by EMS Agency-approved EMT-Expanded Scope Service Providers.
FINANCING:
There is no impact on the General Fund associated with this action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This agreement supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan Goals of Well-Being and Quality of Life and Safe and Resilient Communities by enabling the provision of enhanced EMS care.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
Diverse and Thriving Economy
Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Steve Brooks, EMS Analyst, 755-5013
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
EMT Expanded Scope Service Provider Agreement