Title
a. Amend the Health Department Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations by $55,540 in the Emergency Medical Services Bureau (016-4000-8111-HEA009) to reimburse physicians as required by Health and Safety Code Chapter 2.5 Section 1797.98a., financed with available fund balance (4/5 vote required); and
b. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller and County Administrative Office to incorporate the change in the FY 2023-24 Health Department Adopted Budget (016-4000-8111-HEA009).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Amend the Health Department Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations by $55,540 in the Emergency Medical Services Bureau (016-4000-8111-HEA009) to reimburse physicians as required by Health and Safety Code Chapter 2.5 Section 1797.98a., financed with available fund balance (4/5 vote required); and
b. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller and County Administrative Office to incorporate the changes in the FY 2023-24 Health Department Adopted Budget (016-4000-8111-HEA009).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 1989, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors established the County Emergency Medical Services Fund (EMSF), referred to as the Maddy Fund (016-4000-8111-HEA009), under Section 1797.98 of the Health and Safety Code. The Maddy Fund is administered by the Health Department’s Emergency Medical Services Bureau (EMS). Maddy revenues are generated from court fines, penalties, and forfeitures from various criminal offenses and motor vehicle violations.
Health and Safety Code Section 1797.98d states that funds shall be distributed following a prescribed distribution breakdown. Up to 10% of the proceeds are available for the program’s administration and the remaining 90% to be distributed to health care providers for emergency medical services provided to individuals who do not have healthcare insurance and cannot afford to pay for emergency medical care and for discretionary EMS purposes. The fund compensates all physicians and surgeons who submit qualifying claims during the year.
In the current fiscal year, there has been an increase in the number of physicians and surgeons registering to participate in the Maddy Reimbursement program. The increase in appropriations in the amount of $55,540 is needed to ensure there are enough appropriations to reimburse physicians and surgeons who submit qualifying claims during the current fiscal year.
This recommended action supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2018-2024 Strategic Plan Goals: 3) Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services; and 4) Engage Monterey County Health Department workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County of Monterey Administrative Office has reviewed and approved the requested increase in appropriations. This report was presented to the Budget Committee at its May 31, 2024, meeting.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact to the General Fund from this action as the additional expenditures of $55,540 will be financed with available fund balance in the Maddy Fund (Fund 016).
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses, and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Korina Moreno, Administrative Services Assistant, Ext. 755-6344
Approved by:
_________________________Date_______________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Health Safety Code 1797.98a