Title
Chief Administrative Office, EMS and Emergency Preparedness Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 4078 with Alpine County, for the period of September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2022, for the provision of ambulance services via an agreement with the County Service Area 3 ambulance contractor within the defined boundaries of Alpine County, on a fee-for-service basis; and
2) Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, or designee, to execute further documents relating to MOU 4078, including amendments which do not increase the term of the MOU, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Fee-for-service billing to patient or third party payer for services provided.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Alpine County borders the County of El Dorado and is considered within the Lake Tahoe medical market area. Alpine County has neither the staff nor the facilities to provide ambulance services. The County's current contract with Alpine County (021-M1710) provides for the County to bill patients or third party payers for all services provided within Alpine County by the CSA 3 ambulance contractor. The contract expires August 31, 2019. This successor MOU ensures residents and visitors in the defined service area of Alpine County who need potentially life-saving ambulance services will continue to benefit from these services provided by County of El Dorado’s ambulance services contractor. The County will bill at the rates established by the Alpine County Board of Supervisors. The contract obligates Alpine County to establish rates equal to or greater than those established by El Dorado County within sixty days following the effective date of the contract. The collected fees will be deposited in the CSA 3 fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of MOU #4078 will result in the return to a mutual aid model, not providing for clear terms and conditions.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 01/03/2017, 11-0415 v.2, HHSA MOU with Alpine County for Ambulance Service
2) 04/26/2011, 11-0415 v.1, HHSA MOU with Alpine County for Ambulance Service etc.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Health and Human Services Agency; County of Alpine
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Services provided by the County of El Dorado’s ambulance service contractor are billed via the County’s ambulance services billing contractor, following the same protocol, and utilizing a rate structure commensurate with non-resident rates approved by the Board, resulting in equitable reimbursement for services rendered.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) originals of MOU #4078.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed MOU to the CAO.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Plan: Public Safety
CONTACT
Sue Hennike, Deputy CAO