DATE: March 19, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: David Luchini, RN, PHN, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution Required by Health and Safety Code Section 1797.230
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution that sets forth issues to be considered for inclusion in new and renewal agreements for emergency ambulance services, as required by Health and Safety Code Section 1797.230.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will allow the County to meet the requirements of Health and Safety Code 1797.230 that requires that the Board adopt an ordinance, resolution, or written policy which acknowledges the counties consideration of specific issues when approving a new or renewal emergency ambulance service agreement. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. Should your Board not approve the recommended action, the County will be out of compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 1797.230.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
The State of California Governor signed Assembly Bill 389 (2021) on October 4, 2021 that places requirements on counties to pass a resolution or ordinance outlining certain elements that should be considered for inclusion in all emergency ambulance service contracts entered into or renewed after January 1, 2022. The County of Fresno has not entered into any new contracts since then but is planning to take multiple paramedic ambulance contracts prior to those that expire June 30, 2024.
The recommended action will put the County of Fresno into compliance with Health and Safety Code section 1797.230, which requires the following issues that outline elements that will be considered for inclusion when entering into any new and renewal agreements for emergency ambulance service contracts:
1. Employment retention requirements for the employees of the incumbent ambulance service in the event of a transition to a new ambulance service provider.
2. Established minimum qualifications and documentation of credentials, including demonstrated experience serving similar populations and geographic areas.
3. Diversity and equity efforts addressing the unique needs of vulnerable and underserved populations of the service area.
4. Financial requirements, including requiring a private ambulance service provider to show proof of insurance and bonding.
5. A description of the ambulance service provider’s public information and education activities and community involvement.
The Department is also working with the surrounding counties in the Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency operational area to pass a similar resolution.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander