HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-16 HC EMERGENCY SERVICES AMBULANCE SERVICE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTSApproved by the Harnett
County Board • •mmissioners
Date L •
Board Meeting Q.-4=V)
Agenda Item
MEETING DATE: June 20, 2022
TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SUBJECT: EMS Ambulance Ordinance Approval
REQUESTED BY: Larry Smith, Emergency Services
REQUEST:
Emergency Services is seeking Board approval of the updated EMS Ambulance Service
Ordinance. This ordinance explains the process for requesting an Ambulance Franchise for
EMS non-emergency transport within Harnett County. This document also includes a step by
step checklist for potential Franchise service providers to guide them through the process.
FINANCE OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATION:
COUNTY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
S:1Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2022\062022\7.1 agendaform EMS Ambulance Ordinance.docx Page
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ORDINANCE NO. 2022-16
Harnett County Emergency
Services
AMBULANCE SERVICE ORDINANCE
Origianlly Adopted May 4,
1992 With Amcndmcntc
through Fcbruary
2022Amended June 20, 2022
OF
HARNETT COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Adopted May 4 , 1992
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD-OF CG MISCIONERD
Lloyd C. Stewart, Chairman
Bill Shaw, Vice Chairman
Mack Rcid Hudoon
Boatricc Bailey Hill Walt
Titchcncr
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 . 0 Definitions 3
Section 2 . 0 Violations 46
Section 3 . 0 Enforcement 5
Section 4 . 0 Territorial Jurisdiction
Section 5 . 04. 0 Franchise - Required 6
Section 6 . 06:. 0Fee 7
Section 7 . 06 . 0 Samc Application 7
Section 8 . 07 0 Came ^ranting 8
Section 9 . 08 . 0Samc Term Standards for Ambulance Franchise 98
Section 10 . 0 Standards for Drivers and AttendantsAmbulancc
Franchise 10-9
Section 11 . 010 . 4 Standards for Vehicles and E. i.mentDrivcrc and
Attendants . 10
Section 12 . 011 . G Standards for CommunicationsVchicicn and
Equipment 10
Section 13 . 0 Insurance12 .0 Standards for Communications 10
Section 14 . 0 Records13 . 0 In3urance 111-9
Section 15 . 0 Rates and Charges14, 0 Records 11
ccction 15 . 0 Ratc3 and Chargee 11
section 16 . 0 Inspection of Records Authorized 1113
AMBULANCE SERVICES ORDINANCE
Section 1 . 0 Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions
shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this
Ordinance:
A. Ambulance: The term "Ambulance" shall mean Aany publicly or
privately owned vehicle that is specially designed,
constructed or modified and equipped, and is intended to be
used for and is maintained or operated for the transportation
upon the streets and highways in this state of persons who are
sick, injured, wounded or otherwise incapacitated or helpless .
A,B . Ambulance provider: An individual, firm, corporation or, association, or enterprise,
licensed by the State, who engages in the business or service of transporting
patients in an ambulance.
B:C. Ambulance Attendant: The term "Ambulance Attendant" shall
mean- the -individual who is responsible for the operation of
an ambulance and rendering assistance to the emergency medical
technician during the transportation of a patient. The
ambulance attendant shall at 1 ast be ccrtificd as an
ambulance attendant by the state.
a publicly or privately owned enterprise that is engaged in
the transportation of patients to emergency and/or non
emergency mcdi al facilities .
D. Approved: The term "Approved" shall mean approved by the state
medical care commission pursuant to the latter' s rules and
regulations promulgated under G. S . section 143B-165 .
Back up Ambulance Service: -- The term "Back up Ambulance
Service" shall mean the system of personnel and equipment
meeting the same criteria as ambulance service, but not
normally dispatched at first call response .
E.Contracted EMS Agency: A municipal or county agency or private,
nonprofit organization which contracts with the County to provide
emergency medical services as part of the County EMS System.
F.Emergency and emergency transportation service: The term
shall-mean-the use of an ambulance, its equipment and personnel to
provide medical care and transportation of a patient who is in need of
immediate medical treatment in order to prevent loss of life or further
aggravation ofr physiological or psychological illness or injury.
B-- ._Emergency medical dispatch: The termshallmean the approved
program with procedures established for the management and
delivery of emergency medical assistance by a public or private
agency that sends emergency medical
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F. Board: The term "Board" shall mean the Harnett County Board
of Commissioners
C . Count vj The term "County" shall m an the Board of
Commissioners or a designated representative .
H. Dispatcher: The term "Dispatcher" shall mean a person who is
available at all times to receive requests for emergency
services, to dispatch emergency services, and to advise the
City Police, County Sheriff and Emergency Medi al Facilities
of any existing or threatened emergencies .
G. Emergency medical technician (EMT) : The term shall mean
Aan individual who has completed a training program in emergency
medical care at least equal to the national standard training program
for emergency medical technicians as defined by the United States
Department of Transportation and has been certified as an emergency
medical technician by the state office of emergency medical service.
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I.Emcrgency:The term "Emergency"and "Emergency
Transportation service" shall m an the operation of an
ambulance in order to provide medical care and transportation
of a patient who is in need of immediate medical tr utmcnt in
order to prevent loss of life or further aggravation of
physiological or psychologi al
illness or injury.
Emergency Medi al Technician (EMT) : The term "Emergency
Medi al Technician" shall m an an individual who has completed
the minimum eighty one (81) hour program for emergency medical
technician certifi ation, and is so certified by the state .
First Responder: The term "First Responder" shall mgan the
first dispatched medical or rescue aid to arrive at the scene
and provide emergency medical assistance to stabilize the
patient while waiting for further medical aid and/or
transport .
H . Franchise : The term "Franchise" shall m an Aa permit issued
by the County to a person or organization for the operation of
an ambulance service within a specific geographic area of the
County.
I .Franchisee: The term "Franchisee" shall designate the A persan or
organization who has been issued a franchise holder of a permit issued by
the Ceounty for the operation of an ambulance scrviceoperating
as an ambulance provider .
J. License : The term "License" shall mean Aany driver"s license
or permit to operate a motor vehicle issued under or granted by
the laws of the state .
K. Medical responder: The--term shall mean-s- An individual who has
completed a training program in emergency medical care and first aid
approved by the state department of health and human services and
has been certified as a medical responder by the department of
health and human services, office of emergency medical services.
L . e . Non-emergency Transportation Service : The term "Non
emergency Transportation Service" shall m an the operation
of an ambulance for any purpose other than an emergency.
M.Operator: The term "Operator" shall m an Aa person in actual
physical control of an ambulance which is in motion or which has
the engine running.
N.Owner: The term "Owner" shall mean Aany person or entity who
owns and operates an ambulance service.
O. Patient : -- - .. D. ' -nt " shall m an Aan individual who is
sick, injured, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless,-
such
elpless-
such that the need for- some medical assistance might be
5
anticipated while being transported to or from a medical facility.
partncrohip, a000ciation, corporation, company, group of
individualo acting together for a common purpooc or
organization of any kind, including any governmental agency
other than the United Statco .
6
P.T Rescue: The term "Rescue" shall men Ssituations where the
victim cannot escape an area through the normal exit or under
his or her own power.
Q. Responder: The term shall means an An organization with
personnel trained in emergency medical care that is dispatched
to the scene of a medical emergency for the primary purpose
of providing emergency medical assistance to a patient until
thean ambulance and additional medical aid arrives.
R. Secondary ambulance provider: The term shall m ans the system
of personnel and equipment meeting the same criteria as a
primary ambulance provider, but not normally dispatched on
first call response.
S. Specialty Care Transport: The inter-facility transportation
of a critically injured or ill beneficiary by a ground
ambulance, including the provision of medically necessary
supplies and services, at a level of service beyond the scope
of the EMT-Paramedic.
T. Telecommunicator: The term shall means a A person who is
available at all times to receive requests for emergency
services, to dispatch emergency services, and to advise local
law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency
medical facilities of any existing or threatened emergency.
Section 2 . 0 Violations
A. It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to obtain or receive
ambulance service without intending at the time of obtaining
or receiving such services to pay, if financially able, the
necessary charges . A determination that the recipient of such
services has failed to pay for the services rendered for a
period of ninety (90) days after request for payment, and that
the recipient is financially able to do so, shall raise a
presumption that the recipient of the services did not intend
to pay for the services at the time they were obtained or
received
B. Violation of this article or the terms of any franchise granted
hereunder shall be a misdemeanor as provided by G. S. section
14-4 . Each such violation also shall subject the offender to
a civil penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100 . 00)
for each separate breach of the franchise or violation of this
article . This civil penalty must be paid within ten (10) days
after the hearing on the citation has been held as provided
in section 2 7 38 (b) . If not so paid, such penalty may be
recovered by the county as provided by
G.E. section 153A 123 (c) . If the civil penalty is not paid
within the ten (10) days as provided for above, the county may
5
suspend or revoke the franchise .
Section 3 . 0 Enforcement
A. The county d-o_ - ••- - o -• - = - - - • - . ' - - _ ' - - o Harnett
County e ' - - = Emergency Services
Director shall be responsible for: Harnett County Office of
Emergency Medical Services shall be the enforcing agency for
the regulations contained in this article . Such office will :
1. Overseeing of the regulations contained within this
chapter.Receivc all franchise proposals from potential
providers.
2 . Receiving all franchise proposals from potential
providers .Study each proposal for conformance to this
article.
C . Recommend to the Board of Commissioners the award of the
franchise(s)to the appli antssubmittingthc best
proposal (s) .
Inspect the premises, vehicles, equipment and personnel of
franchisees to assure compliance to this article and perform
any other inspections that may be required.
D . Recommend the temporary or permanent suspension of a franchise
in the event of noncompliance with the franchise terms of this
article; recommend the imposition of misdemeanor or civil
penalties as provided therein.
3 . Reviewing each proposal for conformance to this chapter.
4 . Recommending to the Bboard of Ceommissioners the
approval or disapproval of the franchise of the
applicant submitting the proposal .
5 . Ensuring by cooperative agreement with other ambulance
services the continued service in a district where an
ambulance service franchise has been suspended, and
maintaining all records required by this chapter and
other applicable county regulations .
B. It shall be the responsibility of the ambulance provider to
ensure that the ambulance operation complies with the provisions
of this chapter and all rules adopted for this chapter. Upon the
violation of any part of this chapter or any rule adopted under
authority of this chapter, the County shall have the power to
revoke or suspend the franchise of the violator. The operation of
6
an ambulance without a valid franchise or after a franchise has
been suspended or revoked or without an emergency medical
technician and/or medical responder aboard as required by G. S.
131E-158, shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or
imprisonment or both in the discretion of the court .
7
Ensure by cooperative agreement with other ambulance services the
continued service in a district where an ambulance service
franchise has been suspended.
Receive monthly reports from ambulance services
consolidate the same into a quarterly summary the and for
Board. review by
ambulance services regarding franchise infractions; review the
complaint with the council ; obtain corrective action with the
approval of the Board.
F . Recommend improvements to the county which will ensure better
medi al transportation.
G. Maintain all records required by this article and other
applicable county regulations .
Perform such of the above functions as may be required by any
municipality within the county.
Section 4.0: Territorial jurisdiction.
The provisions of this article shall apply to all unincorporated areas within the geographic confines of
the Ceounty and to such incorporated areas as may by resolution permit this article to be applicable
within such incorporated areas.
Section 5 . 04 . 0 Franchise - Required
A. No person, either as owner, agent or otherwise, shall furnish,
operate, conduct, maintain, advertise or otherwise be engaged
in or profes- to be engaged in the business or service of
emergency and/or non-emergency transportation of
pat-ient-sambulance services, convalescent ambulant service, or
specialty care transport service within the geographic
boundaries of the Ceounty unless the person holds a valid
permit for each ambulance used in such business or service
issued by the office of emergency medical services of the state
department of human resources and has been granted a franchise
for the operation of such business or service by the Ceounty
pursuant to this articlechapter or has been exempted from a
franchise pursuant to this chapter. All ambulance and rescue
units currently operating will have six (6) months to comply
with this Ordinance and apply for a franchise . If existing
Ambulance and Rescue Units fail to comply they will be required
8
to c ase operation.
No person may furnish, operate, conduct, maintain, advertise or otherwise engage
in or profess to be engaged in the provision of non emergency ambulance services,
convalescent—ambulance service, or specialty care transport service within the
geographic boundaries of Harnett County unless the person has been either granted
a franchi - e ee e e •- ' e- a e- a e _ e _ .. e e•• .
franchise pursuant-te--this chapter.
B. No person shall drive, attend or permit a vehicle to be
operated for ambulance purposes within the county unles- he
or emergency medical technician issued by the State .
C . No franchise shall be required for:
1 . 1 ) Any entity operated from a location or headquarters outside of the Ccounty in
order to transport patients who are picked up beyond the limits of the Ccounty, to facilities
located within the Ccounty, or to pick up patients within the Ccounty for transporting to
locations outside the Ccounty; but no such entity shall be used to pick up patients within
the Ccounty for transporting to locations within the Ccounty or other locations unless it is
rendering assistance to a franchised ambulance service in the case of a major catastrophe,
mutual aid. or emergency with which the services franchised by the CEounty are insufficient
or unable to cope as referred to in this subsection (c)(1); or
2) An ambulance owned and operated by the Sstate, CEounty. or an agency of the
United States government.
3) A contracted EMS agency. as defined in this chapter
4) An entity rendering assistance to the system at the request of the Harnett County
e•.. _ - - !' -_ e Emergency Services Director during a major
emergency or when system resources are insufficient resources to meet the needs of the
community for E-MSemergency or non-emergency ambulance services.
5) Provision of ambulance transportation by a specialist care transport program
operated by a hospital that is physically located within the geographic limits of M mett-the
County.
Any entity rendering assistance to a franchised ambulance
service in the case of a major catastrophe or emergency
with which the services franchised by the county arc
insufficient or unable to cope : or
9
Any entity operated from a lo ation or h adquartcrs
outside the county in order to transport patients who arc
picked up beyond the limits of the county, but no such
entity shall be used to pick up patients within the county
for transporting to locations within the county or other
lo cations unless it is rendering assistance as referred
to in (1) above; or
Law enforcement personnel; or
A non profit corporation organized under the laws of the
State of North Carolina which provides emergency
ambulance and rescue service pursuant to or as the result
of a valid contract with the County of Harnett .
Section 6 . 05 . 0 Fee
The fee for applying for a franchise shall be in the amount
designated by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners.
Section 7 . 06 . 0 Same Application for ambulance franchise
Application for a franchise to operate ambulances in the Ceounty
shall be made upon such forms as may be prepared or prescribed by
the Ceounty and shall contain:
A. The name and address of the applicant and of the owner of the
ambulance (s) .
B. The trade names, or other fictitious names, if any, under
which the applicant does business or proposes to do business,
along with a certified copy of an assumed name certificate
stating such name or articles of incorporation stating such
name.
C . A resume of the training and experience of the applicant in
the transportation and care of patients.
D . A full description of the type and level of service to be provided including the location
of the place or places from which it is intended to operate, the manner in which the
public will be able to obtain assistance and how the vehicles will be dispatched. A
financial statement of the applicant as the financial statement pertains to the
operations in the Ccounty. Such financial statement shall be in such form and in
such detail as may be required by the Ccounty.A description and copy of
state certifi ation for ach ambulance owned and operated by
the applicant .
E. A list of radio frequencies the applicant is authorized to operate on, and a copy of
the FCC license in the name of the person providing the service.Thc lo ation
and description of the place or places from which it is intended
to operate .
Audited financial statement of the applicant as the same
pertains to the operations in the county, such financial
10
statement to be in such form and in ouch detail as may be
required by the county.
F . A description of the applicant's capability to provide twenty
four {24) hour coverage, seven (7) days per week for the
district covered by the franchise applied for, and an accurate
estimate of the minimum and maximum times for a response to
calls within such district .
G. Any information the Ccounty shall deem reasonably necessary for a fair determination
of the capability of the applicant to provide ambulance services in the Ccounty in
accordance with the requirements of state laws and the provisions of this chapter.
H. The Ccounty may establish and from time to time revise a schedule of rates, fees and
charges that may be charged by franchised operators.
I. The Ccounty may establish and from time to time revise a schedule of rates, fees and
charges that may be charged for the review of franchise applications.
11
G. Any information the county shall deem r asonably necc^vary for
a fair determination of the capability of the applicant to
provide ambulance service in the county in accordance with the
requirements of state laws and the provisions of this article.
Section 8 . 07 . 0 -ame Granting of Franchise
A. Prior to accepting applications from appli ants for the
operation of an ambulance service, the Board of Commissioners
county may designate specific service areas as franchise
districts .— which Such districts will be established on usirg
criteria that include geographic size, road access, the
location of existing medical transportation services,
population and response time. The Ceounty shall have the
authority to redistrict or rearrange existing districts at any
time at its discretion.
B. An applicant may apply for a franchise to operate emergency
transport orte either emergency transportation service or non-
emergency transportation service. If both types of service
are to be provided, separate application must be filed for
each type .
C . Upon receipt of an application for a franchise, the Ceounty
will review the application and, if necessary, will interview
the applicant . shall schedule a time and place for hearing the
applicant. Within thirty (30) days after h aringreview of the
application and interview ( necessary) , the Ceounty shall
cause such investigation as it may deem necessary to be made
of the applicant and his its proposed operations .
D. A franchise may be granted if the Ceounty finds that :
1. The applicant shows a reasonable effort to meet Sstate standards and
standards outlined in this chapter.Thc public convenience and
2 .The proposed service will fit within the existing service so as not to
adversely affect the level of service or operations of other franchisees to
render service.Each such ambulance of the applicant, his
required equipment and the premises designated in the
application have been certified by the county and state .
3 .A need exists for the proposed service in order to improve the level of
services available to residents of the Ceounty and a reasonable and cost
effective manner of meeting the need.only duly licensed ambulance
employed in such capacities .
Section 9 . 05—G Standards of Frame—Term
A. The Ceounty may issue a franchise hereunder this chapter to
anto an owner of an ambulance provider service, to be valid
12
for a term to be determined by the Ceounty, provided that
Either party, at its option, may terminate the franchise upon
sixty (60) days prior written notice to the other party. After
a notice of service termination is given, the ambulance service
shall reapply for a franchise if continued service is desired.
13
B. Franchised providers receiving revenues from the Ccounty through CEounty contract
or subsidy, shall provide adequate and complete information annually for audit
purposes. Failure to do so will result in termination of contract or subsidy until such
information is provided and may at the discretion of the board result in revocation of
the franchise agreement.
B. C . If any franchisee shall violate or fail to comply with any
franchisee shall be cited by the county for violation or
failure to comply. The county, after a hearing pursuant to
this citation, may impose a civil penalty of one hundred
dollars ($100 . 00) for each separate br ach of the franchise
as provided in section 7 . 0 or may suspend or revoke the
franchise. If upon such h wring the county shall find that
the franchisee has corrected any deficiencies and has brought
his operation into compliance with the provisions of this
article, the franchise shall not be suspended or revoked, but
a civil penalty as provided in section 7 . 0 may be imposed.
Upon suspension, revocation or termination of a franchise
granted hereunder this chapter, such franchised ambulance
service immediately shall immedi :-_ely cease operation. Upon
suspension, revocation or termination of a driver ' s license or
attendant ' s certificate or emergency medical technician
certificate, such person shall cease to drive an ambulance or
provide medical care in conjunction with an ambulance
service, or attend an ambulance . The franchisees shall not ei
permitallow such an individual to drive an ambulance or
provide medical care in conjunction with the ambulance
service, rescue squad, or first responder unit .
and no person shall employ or permit such individual to
o - _o. _ -ce or provide mcdi al arc in conjunction with
an ambulance service.
E. franchised Each franchised ambulance service shall comply at all times with the
requirements of this chapter, the franchise granted under this chapter, and all
applicable state and local laws relating to health, sanitation, safety. equipment,
ambulance designand all other laws and ordinances.
E. Prior approval of the Ccounty shall be required where ownership or control of more
than ten percent of the right of control of franchisees is acquired by a person or group
of persons acting in concert, none of whom own or control ten percent or more of
such right of control, singularly or collectively, at the date of the franchise. By its
acceptance of the franchise, the franchisee specifically agrees that any such
acquisition occurring without prior approval of the Ccounty shall constitute a violation
of the franchise by the franchisee and shall be cause for termination at the option of
the Ceounty.
F. f). Any change of ownership of a franchised ambulance service without the
approval of the Ccounty shall terminate the franchise and shall require a new
14
application and a new franchise and conformance with all the requirements of this
chapter.
G. —(421}-Any change in the level of service offered by a franchised ambulance service,
rescue/EMS agency. or first responder unit without the approval of the Ccounty shall
terminate the franchise and shall require a new application and a new franchise and
conformance with all the requirements of this chapter upon original franchising.
H. h) No franchise may be sold, assigned, mortgaged, or otherwise transferred
without the approval of the Ccounty and a finding of conformance with all
requirements of this chapter upon original franchising. Each franchised ambulance
service, its equipment, and the premises desgnated in the application and all records
relating to its maintenance and operation, as such, shall be open to inspection by the
Sstate, Ccounty, or their designated representatives.
Section 10 . 09 . 0 Standards for Drivers and Attendants Standards for
Ambulance Franchise
Standards for drivers and attendants as developed by the state medical care commission
as requirements for certification of medical responders and emergency medical technicians
pursuant to the General Statutes and rules and regulations promulgated by the board of
medical examiners for advanced life support technicians shall be applied and the same are
incorporated in this chapter by reference.
A. Each franchised ambulance service shall comply at all times
with the requirements of this article, the franchise granted
hereunder, and all applicable state and local laws relating
to health, sanitation, safety, equipment and ambulance design,
and all other laws and ordinances .
B.
Prior approval of the county shall be required where ownership or
control of more than ten ( 10) percent of the right of control of
a franchisee is acquired by a person or group of persons acting
in concert, none of whom own or control ten
C. (10) percent or more of such right of control, singularly or
collectively, at the date of the franchise. By its acceptance of the
franchise, a franchisee specifically agrees that any such
acquisition occurring without prior approval of the county shall
be cause for termination at the option of the county.
Any change of ownership of a franchised ambulance service
without the approval of the county shall terminate the
franchise and conformance with all the requirements of this
article as upon original franchising.
D-A. No franchise may be sold, a^signed, mortgaged or otherwise
15
of conformance with all requirements of this article as upon
16
original franchising. Each franchised ambulance service, its
equipment and the premises designated in the application and all
records relating to its maintenance and operation as such, shall be
open to inspection by thc state, thc county or their designated
No official entry made upon a franchise may be defaced, removed
or obliterated.
Section 10 . 0 Standards for Drivers and Attendants.
Standards for drivers and attendants as developed by the state
medical care commission as requirements for certification of
ambulance attendants and emergency mcdi al technicians pursuant to
C. S . Article 26, Chapter 130 (section 130 233) , and Article 56 ,
Chapter 143 (section 143 507 ct seq. ) , shall be applied; and the
same arc incorporated herein by reference .
Section 11 . 0 Standards for Vehicles and Equipment
Vehicle and equipment standards as developed by the state medical
care commission pursuant to G. S. Article 26, Chapter 130 (section
130-232) , and Article 56, Chapter 143 (section 143-507 et seq. ) ,
shall be applied; and the same are incorporated herein by reference.
Section 12 . 0 Standards for Communications
A. Each ambulance shall be equipped with an operational two-way
radio capable of establishing good quality voice
communications from within the geographic confines of the
Ceounty to each hospital emergency department in the Ceounty
in which the ambulance is based. Each ambulance vehicle shall
be equipped with two-way radio communication capabilities for
communications with all hospital emergency departments to
which transportation of patients is made on a regular or
routine basis anywhere within the state. Each ambulance
vehicle shall be equipped with an operational two-way radio
capable of establishing good quality voice communications from
within the geographic confines of the Ceounty in which the
ambulance dispatching agency is located.
B . must be equipped with a two -way VHF radio licensed by the
Federal Communications Commission which must be in operative
condition at all times . The radios must have two (2) crystals
which shall be 15-5 . 280 and 15-5 . 340 megahertz with four channel
capability.
C. Each ambulance provider service shall maintainprovide current
authorizations the county a copy of the or Federal
Communications Commission licenses for all frequencies and
radio transmitters operated by that provider. Copies of all
authorizations and licenses shall be on display and available
for inspection per Federal Communication Commission' s rules
and regulations .
P D - . -_ ' - ' -=
17
operated by that ocrvice .
E. Each base of operations must have at least one open telephone
line. Telephone numbers must be registered with each law
enforcement agency and communications center in the Ceounty.
1) open telephone line. Telephone numbcro must be registered
with each law enforcement agency and communicationo center in the
county.
F. Each ambulance shall be dispatched from the Ceounty
communications center or an acceptable and approved
alternative.
Section 13 . 0 Insurance
No ambulance franchise shall be issued under this article, nor
shall such franchise be valid after issuance, nor shall any
ambulance be operated in the Ceounty unless there is at all times
in force and effect either insurance coverage, issued by an
insurance company licensed to do business in this state, or a bond
with personal or corporate surety, for each ambulance owned and/or
operated by or for the ambulance service, providing for the payment
of damages in the following sums:
18
A. In the minimum sum of$5001,000,000.00 for injury to or death of one individual and
a minimum of $1,000,000.00 per accident in accidents resulting from any cause for
which the owner of such vehicle would be liable on account of liability imposed on
him by law, regardless of whether the ambulance was being driven by the owner or
hisagencyIn the sum of one million dollars ($1, 000, 000 . 00) for
injury to or death of individuals in accidents resulting from
on account of liability imposed on him by law, regardle^-c of
whether the ambulance was being driven by the owner or his
agent; and
B . In the minimum sum of $5100,000.00 for the loss of or damage to the property of
another, including personal property, under like circumstances, in sums as may be
required by the state or as approved by the county.In the sum of five
hundred thousand dollars ($500, 000 . 00) for the loss of or
damage to the property of another, including personal
property, under like circumstances, in sums as may be required
by the state or as approved by the county.
c. The franchisee shall hold harmless and indemnify the Ceounty from and against
any and all liabilities, costs, damages, expenses, and attorney's fees resulting from
or attributable to any and all acts and omissions of the franchisee. All franchisees
shall maintain an errors and omissions policy in an amount not less than
1,000,000.00. To the extent that any such liabilities, costs, damages, expenses,
and attorney's fees are compensated for by insurance, the franchisee shall not be
required to reimburse the Ccounty or the insurer for the same
Section 14 . 0 Records
Each franchisee under this chapter shall maintain the following records:
A. Completed State Ambulance Call Reports (ACR) Record of
dispatch. The record of dispatch shall show time call was
received, time ambulance dispatched, time arrived on scene, time
arrived at destination, time in service, and time returned to
base .
A. B . Record of dispatch, which shall show time call was received,
time ambulance dispatched, time arrived on scene, time arrived
at destination, time in service and time returned to base. Trip
record. The trip record shall state all information required in subsection (1) of this
section in addition to information on a form approved by the Ceounty. The trip record
shall be so designed as to provide the patient with a copy thereof containing all
required information. A copy of the trip record may serve as a receipt for any
charges paid.
C . Trip record, which shall state all information required in
number, condition of patient, type of medigal a^ istance
administered before reaching hospital, total trip miles,
schedule of changes, and name of attendant and driver. The
trip record shall be so designed as to provide the patient
19
with a copy thcrcof containing all required information. A
copy of the trip record may serve as a receipt for any charges
paid. Driver and attendant checklist and inspection report. The
driver and attendant checklist and inspection report shall
list contents and description of operations for each vehicle,
signed by the individual verifying vehicle operations and
equipment .
D. Daily report log, which shall be maintained for the purpose
of identifying all persons transported in any one day. . Other
data. Other data shall be submitted as requested by the Harnett County Emergency
e' -. e Emergency Services Director or designee. county
d+reeter-e€-emergency services.
E . Daily driver and attendant checklist and inspection report .
which shall list contents and description of operations for
ich vehicle, signed by the individual verifying vehicle
operations and equipment .
F.
Data sheet, to be submitted on a monthly basis to the Harnett
Section 15 . 0 Rates and Charges
A. Each franchisee under this chapter shall submit a schedule of
rates to the Ceounty for approval and shall not charge more
nor less than the approved rates without specific approval by
the county.
B. No ambulance service shall attempt to collect rates on
emergency calls until the patient has reached the point of
destination, has received medical attention and is in a
condition deemed by the physician fit to consult with the
ambulance service; but such service may attempt to collect
rates with the family or guardian of the patient once the
patient is in the process of receiving medical attention.
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C. On non-emergency calls, or calls where a person requires
transportation to a non-emergency facility, attempts to
collect payment can be made before the ambulance begins its
trip.
Section 16 . 0 Inspection of Records Authorized
The Ceounty may inspect a franchisee ' s records, premises and
equipment at any time in order to ensure compliance with this
article and any franchise granted hereunder.
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HARNETT COUNTY
Jfarnett County
Emer ,ency
y
ServicesEmergency
41)
EMS
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services
Franchise Application
February 2022
Emergency Medical Services
Franchise Application
Checklist
Application submitted with the following:
Name and address of provider and owner
Resume of EMS training and experience of the applicant
Full description of type and level of service to be provided
Schedule of rates provided
List of radio frequencies and copy of FCC licenses
Is there at least one open telephone line to the base of operations, and is it registered with the
communications center? [] yes [ ] no
A description of applicant's ability to provide 24 hour coverage, 7 days per week
Valid permit for each ambulance
Valid certificates for agency personnel(as issued by OEMS)
Does provider show evidence of the proper insurance coverage for vehicles?
yes[ ]no Errors and Omissions? [ ] yes [ ] no
Has the provider receiving county revenues provided adequate and complete information for
audit purposes? [ ] yes[] no
Has the applicant shown a reasonable effort to meet state standards and standards outlined in
the Franchise Ordinance? [] yes [ ] no
Will the proposed service fit within the existing service? [ ] yes [ ] no
Is there a need for the proposed service? [ ] yes [] no
APPLICATION
For
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FRANCHISE
HARNETT COUNTY, N.C.
Date of Application:
I.APPLICANT:
A. Applicant/Owner Information:
Name of Applicant:
Address/ Street:
City/ State:Zip
Telephone No. (at Base of Operations):
Name of Owner:
Address/Street:
City/State:Zip
Telephone No. (at Base of Operations):
B. Category of Franchise Applied for(A separate application must be completed
For each category of service applied for):
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT: [ ]Non—Emergency Transport [] EMT(Basic)
Medical Responder[] First Responder
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT: [ ] EMT-I [ ] EMT-P
RESCUE SERVICES: []Vehicle Extrication[ ] Light Rescue
Medium Rescue [ ] Heavy Rescue
C. Required Attachments:
1. Certified Copy of Articles of Incorporation Charter or Assumed Name Certificate.
2. Resume of training and experience of the applicant in transportation and care of patients.
3. A copy of Organization's By-Laws(if applicable).
H.VEHICLE INFORMATION:
A. Listing of vehicles owned and operated by the Applicant(Attach list from OEMS)
B. Required Attachments:
1.Copy of Ambulance State Inspection Report for each Certified Vehicle.
2. Copy of current FCC Form 400 in the name of person providing service authorizing the use of
communication equipment.
3. Description of each two-way radio including channel capability and MHz Frequencies installed.
4. Copy of current Vehicle Insurance Policy meeting the requirements of the Franchise.
III.ORGANIZATION DETAILS:
A. Locations from which vehicles intend to operate(Attach list if necessary).
BUILDING/ STRUCTURE:
PHYSICAL
ADDRESS
SQUARE
FOOTAGE
BASE or
SATELLITE
B. Required Attachments:
1. Brief description of each facility identified in(B)above, including: location,area to be
served by the location, accurate estimate of minimum and maximum times to calls within the district
to be served, availability of sheltered parking and description of services provided at each location.
2. County map showing location of each facility identified in(A)above and area served.
C. How will the public obtain assistance from your organization?
D. How will your vehicles be dispatched?
E. Describe your capability to provide twenty- four(24)hour coverage, seven
days per week for the area to be served(make attachment if necessary).
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AS ATTACHMENTS TO YOUR APPLICATION:
1. Schedule of proposed fees.
2. Copy of current OEMS permits for each ambulance.
3. Proof of valid personnel certifications as issued by OEMS.
4. Alphabetical roster of personnel with names, addresses, social security number, level of
certification,dates of certification and expiration,and position with the organization. Include training
completed by each member and verify training meets the requirements of the guidelines.
5. A copy of Liability Insurance Policy covering errors and omissions for provider personnel.
6. Such other information as may prove beneficial to the County in determining the capability of the
applicant to provide services in the County of Johnston including:
a. District(s) and area(s)of County proposed to be served.
b. Estimated annual number of calls for district proposed to be served.
c. Proposed date operation to begin.
I,the undersigned,certify that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the
best of my knowledge.
Name and Title(Please Print)
Signature