Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Title 4 To Add A New Chapter OMC 4.39 Relating To Recovery Of Certain Costs Of Providing Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Services Transport
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on the first reading, and forward to the second reading, the Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Title 4 to add a new Chapter OMC 4.39 relating to recovery of certain costs of providing Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on the first reading, and forward to the second reading, the Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Title 4 to add a new Chapter OMC 4.39 relating to recovery of certain costs of providing BLS EMS Transport.
Staff Contact:
Matt Morris, Fire Chief, 360.753-8466
Presenter(s):
Matt Morris, Fire Chief, 360.753-8466
Mike Buchanan, Deputy Chief, 360.753.8459
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia realized a decrease in the availability of BLS transport services provided by private ambulance companies. Consequently, the City contracted with FCS Group to conduct a financial feasibility analysis for operating a publicly funded BLS ambulance transport and CARES programs. FCS’ analysis concluded that creating and operating a City-owned BLS transport program is financially feasible.
The City Council has committed to supporting this program and providing this service. Amending OMC 4.39 will set the BLS ambulance transport service fee and billing practices. The fee aligns with the FCS financial model and will help offset the program costs. Services will first be billed to the patient’s insurer, including Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance. The remainder of the balance will be the patient's responsibility.
Climate Analysis:
The focus of the Climate Framework Analysis for this OMC amendment is transportation. Timely, reliable, and affordable BLS ambulance transports result in a more efficient EMS system, which translates to shorter response distances and travel time.
Equity Analysis:
Creating and operating a City-owned BLS transport service will improve service and patient care for those needing to be transported by BLS ambulance to an emergency room. People without insurance who qualify as “poor” or “infirm” and cannot pay, can sign a City form attesting to their financial plight, and the transport bill would be waived.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Improving BLS transport services will improve patient care and strengthen the EMS system, improving overall service to the community, reducing response times, and increasing the availability of 911 response units.
Financial Impact:
The revenue gained from this Ordinance will help offset program costs and is expected to bring sustainable funding for this service.
Options:
1. Approve the Ordinance on the first reading and forward it to the second reading.
2. Decline to pass the Ordinance.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Ordinance