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Agenda Item 7.

City Council Meeting

Meeting Date:	04/06/2021
FROM:	Bill Gallardo

Subject:

Issuance of RFP Process for a Private Ambulance Contractor for Emergency Medical Transport

RECOMMENDATION

Authorize staff's intent to issue the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a private ambulance contractor for emergency medical transport.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

The City of Brea Fire Department currently does not have a contracted provider for emergency ambulance transport services. Staff has been exploring ways to maximize efficiencies by evaluating potential options for continuing this service. On September 15, 2020, the Brea Fire Department presented the City Council with options for emergency medical transport. Brea also needs to assert its obligation to administer ambulance services under Health and Safety Code Section 1797.201.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has expressed that the City of Brea is an exclusive operating area, allowing Brea to continue prehospital emergency medical services through the City’s 201 rights. The OCHCA stipulates that the City must continue its provision of prehospital emergency medical services in the same manner and scope as it has been providing since January 1, 1981. By preserving Brea’s 201 rights, the City can maintain control over the program in our City.

In order for the City to preserve its 201 rights, staff recommends to issue the Request for Proposals (RFP) process to secure a private ambulance contractor. This would mimic the service the City has been providing, but through a competitive process. The private ambulance contractor would be responsible for the billing, apparatus, and personnel. There would be no outlay of funds from the City. The private ambulance contractor would capture most of the available insurance reimbursements and would pass through the designated amount to the City. Additionally, it is intended that the private ambulance contractor would take the lead on billing.

FISCAL IMPACT/SUMMARY

There is no fiscal impact to pursue the RFP process.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

William Gallardo, City Manager
Prepared by: Melissa Davis, Management Analyst
Concurrence: Adam Loeser, Fire Chief