National City Municipal Code Ch. 2.10 Ambulances

It is the intent of this chapter to ensure that efficient and effective emergency and non-emergency ambulance services are available within the city by the establishment of a competitively awarded single-provider ambulance system for the city.

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)

The fire chief shall, from time to time, establish policies for selection and designation of an ambulance service operator. Any and all ambulance service operators not so selected and designated are hereby prohibited from engaging in such work within the city.

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)

The fire chief shall prepare a request for proposal which identifies the city's needs, expectations of service, and specific performance standards. After consideration and evaluation of proposals submitted by all interested ambulance service operators, the city council may award the ambulance service operator who in the judgment of the city council best meets the city's needs, a contract for services. The city council shall reserve the right in its sole discretion to reject any and all proposals.

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)

The selected operator shall perform according to the following general standards, in addition to those specified in a request for proposal and/or contract:

A. Meet or exceed all state and county standards for staffing, equipment and vehicles, and prehospital emergency medical care;

B. Respond to all emergency calls for service within the city as requested by the city or its agent with advanced life support capabilities;

C. Respond to all requests for emergency, and non-emergency medical care and transportation services;

D. Respond to all calls for transportation and/or medical care services from the general public without regard to patient's ability to pay;

E. Manage its resources so as to provide emergency and non-emergency ambulance services to all parts of the city in accordance with performance guidelines and/or criteria;

F. Established rates by contract and approved by the city council shall apply to services rendered within the city's jurisdiction.

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)

Violation of any provision of this chapter by an ambulance service operator shall be a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)

The operator designated as the ambulance service operator pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall submit a rate schedule in conjunction with its proposal which shall be strictly adhered to and shall not be changed or modified during the term of the contract without the approval of the city council. Said rate schedule shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk. Said rates shall not exceed the rates prevailing in the county for similar type delivery systems.

The rate schedule shall provide a schedule for the general public on a fee-for-service basis, and additional schedules in order to specify rates for services eligible for reimbursement under private, county, state or federal medical care programs which require unusual or specific types of services depending upon level of services required. (Example being: interhospital transfers, intracity transfers, or guaranteed payment by hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical facilities).

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)

For the purpose of this chapter, unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and phrases are defined:

A. "Ambulance" means a vehicle constructed, modified or equipped, and used for the purpose of transporting sick, injured, convalescent, infirm or otherwise incapacitated persons.

B. "Ambulance service" means the activity, business or service, for hire, profit, or otherwise, of transporting one or more persons by ambulance within the city.

The following exceptions shall not apply to this definition and shall not be within the scope of this chapter:

1. Ambulance services provided by an employer for his or her own employees;

2. Ambulance services operated or provided by another local, state or federal agency;

3. Ambulance services involving pickup of persons from locations outside of the city and delivery to locations within the city;

4. Ambulance services rendered under mutual aid agreements in cases of disaster or major emergencies.

C. "Ambulance service operator" means any person(s) or entity which operates or owns an ambulance service.

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)

The city or any person who believes, or has reason to believe, that he or another party has been required to pay an excessive charge for services, or received inadequate services, or services not in compliance with local, county, or state regulations, may file a written complaint with the fire chief setting forth such allegations. The fire chief shall notify the ambulance service operator of such complaint in writing, and the ambulance service operator shall file a written response with the fire chief within fifteen calendar days after receipt of notification.

(Ord. 1921 (part), 1987)