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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 5, 2023 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-t <br /> SUBJECT: Proposed Emergency Medical Services Fee Changes for South Orange Rescue <br /> Squad, Orange County EMS, and North State Medical Transport <br /> DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> South Orange Rescue Squad Proposed Kim Woodward, 919-245-6133 <br /> Fee Structure Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6123 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider approval of service fee changes proposed by South Orange Rescue <br /> Squad that also impact Orange County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and North State <br /> Medical Transport. <br /> BACKGROUND: South Orange Rescue Squad was granted a Basic Life Support (BLS) <br /> Franchise and remains in good standing covering BLS Emergency Services. North State Medical <br /> Transport was granted a BLS Franchise and remains in good standing for both convalescent <br /> services and Emergency Services for special event coverage. <br /> As required by the Franchise agreements, Franchisees may not change their fees without <br /> approval from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. The South Orange Rescue <br /> Squad (SORS) Board met and approved a request to change the SORS Fee structure in <br /> preparation for SORS beginning independent billing in October 2023. SORS currently <br /> independently bills for Special Events; however, since 1996 Orange County has billed for SORS <br /> transports at the current Orange County EMS approved fee schedule rates for BLS transports. <br /> SORS has also proposed Standby coverage fees that will impact current Orange County EMS <br /> and North State Standby fees as all three agencies charge at the Orange County approved fee <br /> structure for special event coverage. <br /> SORS provided its proposed fee structure, and County staff has reviewed. In order to maintain <br /> equitable access to 911 ambulance resources, staff recommends that the fee structure remains <br /> consistent with the existing approved Orange County EMS fee structure. <br /> The current Orange County approved Fee schedule details an Advanced Life Support-1 (ALS) <br /> Non Transport fee of$150. A Basic Life Support (BLS) Non Transport fee does not exist. Staff is <br /> working closely with SORS to create the framework for a BLS Non Transport Fee and plans to <br />