§ 28-21. Ambulance service franchise agreements.

(a)

Exclusive Operating Areas. The local EMS agency may provide for emergency LALS and/or ALS ambulance services under a local plan which creates one (1) or more exclusive operating areas. A competitive process shall be utilized at periodic intervals to select the provider(s) of EMS for each exclusive operating area.

(b)

Competitive Process. The EMS agency shall develop the request for proposal document. Notice of the competitive process shall be mailed prior to the time set for submission of all proposals, to each current ambulance service operator in the county, to all emergency medical care committee (EMCC) members and any other interested parties who have requested in writing to the EMS agency. A pre-bid conference will be held for qualified bidders. Only bidders who attend this public conference will be able to submit proposals. Any proposal received after the time set for submission shall not be considered. An evaluation committee chosen by the director of public health shall review all proposals and submit a written report and recommendation to the director of public health, who shall consider the evaluation committee recommendation. The director of public health will submit a written report and recommendation to the board of supervisors who will approve or disapprove any proposed contract with the winning bidder.

In selecting an exclusive provider under this chapter, the EMS agency shall consider the comparative value of competing proposals, including the consideration of:

(1)

The quality of the service to be provided;

(2)

The level of service to be provided;

(3)

The rates charged to the public for services provided;

(4)

The cost, if any, to the county, cities or district;

(5)

Documented evidence of ability to work effectively with local agencies;

(6)

Experience in the provision of ambulance services;

(7)

The financial stability of service to be provided;

(8)

Labor considerations such as wages and benefits to field personnel.

(c)

Specification of Exclusive Operating Areas. All ambulance service contracts shall specify the area within which the operator may provide ambulance services. No ambulance service operator may provide ambulance service for requests originating outside the area designated in the contract unless requested to do so by the central dispatch or under provisions outlined in written mutual aid agreements.

(d)

Effect of Chapter on Exclusive Operating Areas. This chapter is not intended to supersede or otherwise modify the performance standards set forth in any agreement between the county of Sonoma and the recipient of any exclusive operating area.

(e)

This section is intended to be consistent with and to carry out the purposes of the Emergency Medical Services and Prehospital Care Personnel Act (Health and Safety Code section 1797 et seq., and in particular sections 1797.8) and to assist the department of health services in carrying out its functions as the designated local EMS Agency. Except as provided in state law, nothing in this section is intended to limit the authority of the board of supervisors, including, but not limited to, the authority to enter into contracts. All references to the Sonoma County public health department or its director contained in this Chapter 28 shall be deemed to be references to the Sonoma County department of health services or its director.

(Ord. No. 5173 § 2, 1999: Ord. No. 4435 § 2, 1991; Ord. No. 4386 § 1, 1991.)