Title
Adopt an ordinance amending Section 15.40.042 of Chapter 15.40 of the Monterey County Code which details the competitive process to be used for the selection of an emergency ambulance provider for the County’s exclusive operating area.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt an ordinance amending Section 15.40.042 of Chapter 15.40 of the Monterey County Code which details the competitive process to be used for the selection of an emergency ambulance provider for the County’s exclusive operating area.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County Code, Section 15.40.042, defines the competitive process used for the selection of an emergency ambulance provider for the Monterey County Exclusive Operating Area (EOA). The EMS Agency seeks to restore the Request for Proposal (“RFP”) process to normal County procedures where an RFP is developed by departments in conjunction with Contracts Purchasing. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors then would approve or disapprove any proposed contract at the conclusion of the process. The Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC), composed of representatives of all EMS stakeholder organizations and the public, voted to support revisions to the EMS ordinance as recommended by the EMS Agency, at their September 13, 2017 meeting.
DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency is designated by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code, Section 1797.200, as the Local EMS Agency (LEMSA). The LEMSA is responsible to plan, implement, and evaluate the Emergency Medical Services System, consisting of organized patterns of readiness and response services based on public and private agreements and operational procedures. The LEMSA is also responsible to implement advanced life support systems, and to establish policies and procedures approved by the Medical Director of the LEMSA to assure medical control of the EMS system.
Consistent with California Health and Safety Code, Section 1797.224, the LEMSA has designated the whole of Monterey County as an Exclusive Operating Area (EOA), except for: (1) certain areas served by the Carmel Fire Department and the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District; and (2) the area within US Army Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett. Within the Monterey County EOA, the contracted ambulance provider is the sole and exclusive provider of ambulance transport services including interfacility transports, except for transports of certain County mental health patients and authorized mutual aid responses.
The Monterey County EMS 911 ambulance EOA has been served by a single contracted ambulance provider since January 30, 2010. This contract expires on January 31, 2020. The Monterey County EMS Agency must select, through a competitive process, an ambulance service provider by early 2019 to allow ample time to the selected provider to begin services on February 1, 2020.
The development of a RFP for emergency ambulance services is a complex, highly technical, and professionally driven process, which is best served through the work of experts in the fields of emergency medicine and emergency medical services. The State EMS Authority requires the LEMSA to submit the RFP for review. More importantly, the State EMS Authority must approve the competitive process and issuance of the RFP. The preference of the State EMS Authority is for the LEMSA to rely on technical expertise and technical criteria. Finally, the California Health and Safety Code requires that the LEMSA be responsible for the competitive process for selecting providers and determining the scope of their operations.
This work is not directly in support of a Health Department strategic initiative, it is in support of one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 7) Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
There are no General Fund Impacts resulting from this Board action.
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: Teresa Rios, Management Analyst III, 7082
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 4526
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance (Track changes) on file with the Clerk of the Board
Proposed Ordinance (Clean version) on file with the Clerk of the Board