Sec. 28-8. - Response zones.

(a)

Emergency ambulance service zones shall be defined in the emergency medical services plan (EMS Plan). Changes to zone boundaries or to the emergency ambulance service provider agencies designated as the provider(s) for that zone must initiate with the qualified elected governing entity (QEGE) or entities of the area affected by the change and be directed to the LEMSA for action as follows:

(b)

Request for changes to zone boundaries or to the provider of emergency ambulance services shall take the form of a letter of support for the change authorized by an action of the QEGE governing body from the QEGE to the LEMSA.

(c)

Requests for changes within the boundaries of a special district that is designated within the EMS plan as the provider of emergency ambulance services for that area shall initiate with the special district board of directors.

(d)

Requests for changes within the city limits of an incorporated city that is designated within the EMS plan as the provider of emergency ambulance services for that area shall initiate with that city council.

(e)

Requests for changes outside of the boundaries of a city or special district that is designated within the EMS plan as the provider of emergency ambulance services for that zone shall initiate with the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

(f)

Requests for changes in an EMS zone that includes multiple QEGEs must initiate with one (1) entity and have the support of each QEGE in the zone with respect to the properties within their jurisdiction.

(g)

Requests for a change to the designated emergency ambulance service provider in areas where the currently designated provider is a city or special district must also be supported by that QEGE in a noticed public meeting. The LEMSA shall be provided notice at least ten (10) days prior to the public meeting at which the request is to be heard.

(h)

If any of the applicable QEGEs take an action to oppose a requested change in the ambulance provider, or fail to include an action to consider support of a request for a requested change on a regularly scheduled public meeting within ninety (90) days of receipt of a certified letter seeking such action, the LEMSA may render a decision based upon the input from responsive QEGEs.

(1)

If a QEGE board declares a right to exclusively operate emergency ambulance service within its boundary as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 1797.201, and opposes a change in ambulance service provider, the LEMSA shall take no action to displace the QEGE provider or to authorize another EMS entity within the QEGE boundaries.

(i)

A QEGE may request that the LEMSA establish exclusivity within a zone according to HSC 1797.224 as follows:

(1)

An existing provider agency that may be eligible for grandfathering into an exclusive operating area without a competitive process shall be evaluated for eligibility following the request by a QEGE.

(2)

An existing zone, without a grandfathering-eligible provider agency, may have exclusivity established through a competitive process at the request of a QEGE

(j)

The LEMSA will consult with the local agency formation commission (LAFCO) on any proposed change by the LEMSA that affects matters within LAFCO's jurisdiction.

(k)

The LEMSA shall take into account an evaluation of medical appropriateness and the operational impact on the coordinated system of care when deliberating a change in zone providers.

(l)

Upon completion of the deliberation process, the LEMSA may make the requested change, deny the change, or conduct a competitive bid process according to California Health and Safety Code Section 1797.224.

(m)

Any QEGE or EMS entity affected by the LEMSA decision may request a hearing as provided in section 28-21 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 6294, § I, 11-12-2019)