TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Jennifer Yasumoto - Director Health & Human Services Administration
REPORT BY: JoAnn Melgar, Staff Services Analyst II
SUBJECT: Agreement with American Medical Response West
RECOMMENDATION
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SET MATTER 10:00 A.M. - 20 Minutes
Director of Health and Human Services requests approval of and authorization for the Chair to sign Agreement No. 220120B with American Medical Response West for the term December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2026 to provide exclusive emergency ambulance and non-emergency advanced life support transport services.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The County has contracted with American Medical Response West to provide exclusive emergency ambulance and non-emergency advanced life support transport services since 2011. On March 23, 2021, Napa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) released a Request For Proposals (RFP) after receiving approval by the Napa County Board of Supervisors and State EMS Authority. American Medical Response West was the only entity to submit a proposal.
The purpose of today’s requested action is to approve a new Agreement with American Medical Response West for the term December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2026.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Health & Human Services - Public Health |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Mandatory |
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Discretionary Justification: |
N/A |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
This Agreement ends on December 31, 2026, Appropriations are included in the approved Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget and future fiscal years will be budgeted accordingly. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Failure to approve this Agreement would result in a lack of an emergency ambulance service in Napa County. |
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County Strategic Plan pillar addressed: |
Healthy, Safe, and Welcoming Place to Live, Work, and Visit |
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Additional Information |
N/A |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Health and Safety Code Section 1797.200 grants authority to counties to develop emergency medical services (EMS) programs. Section 1797.224 authorizes the designation of “Exclusive Operating Areas” (EOAs). Within an EOA, ambulance service provision can be restricted to one or more providers of emergency ambulance services and advanced life support (ALS) services.
Section 1797.224 requires the County to utilize a competitive process to select the provider or providers of services pursuant to the County’s state-approved EMS plan. The California Emergency Medical Services Authority, which approved the RFP on March 18, 2021 before it was issued, advised that Napa County had to conduct a fair, transparent, objective and equitable competitive bidding process, adding that it would not approve any RFP containing a local vendor preference. Compliance with State requirements in connection with the issuance of exclusive franchises of this type is necessary for the County to avoid violation of federal anti-trust laws.
Napa County has had an existing agreement with American Medical Response-West (AMR) for exclusive ambulance services since 2011. Over the past two years, Napa County EMS has worked toward selecting our exclusive ambulance provider that is expected to commence services for at least five (5) years and may be extended for a second five (5) year term, depending on County’s satisfaction with their performance. On September 10, 2019, Napa County entered into an agreement with EndPoint EMS, LLC to conduct a comprehensive EMS System Assessment, draft a Request for Proposals (RFP) and shepherd the County’s selection of an exclusive ambulance provider pursuant to Health and Safety Code, §1797.224.
On December 15, 2020, Napa County EMS released the system assessment, after approval by the Napa County Board of Supervisors. On March 23, 2021, Napa County EMS released said RFP after receiving approval by the Napa County Board of Supervisors and California EMS Authority.
On June 28, 2021, Napa County EMS issued a Notice of Intent to Negotiate with AMR for exclusive ambulance services after a review of proposals and a unanimous recommendation by an independent panel of subject matter experts. Negotiations have concluded and terms were agreed upon by Napa County EMS and AMR on August 11, 2021. This Agreement is intended to commence on December 31, 2021 and its first term will expire in 2026.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Agreement
CEO Recommendation: Approve