HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-05-2023; 8-t - Proposed Emergency Medical Services Fee Changes for South Orange Rescue Squad, Orange County EMS, and North State Medical Transport 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 5, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-t
SUBJECT: Proposed Emergency Medical Services Fee Changes for South Orange Rescue
Squad, Orange County EMS, and North State Medical Transport
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
South Orange Rescue Squad Proposed Kim Woodward, 919-245-6133
Fee Structure Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6123
PURPOSE: To consider approval of service fee changes proposed by South Orange Rescue
Squad that also impact Orange County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and North State
Medical Transport.
BACKGROUND: South Orange Rescue Squad was granted a Basic Life Support (BLS)
Franchise and remains in good standing covering BLS Emergency Services. North State Medical
Transport was granted a BLS Franchise and remains in good standing for both convalescent
services and Emergency Services for special event coverage.
As required by the Franchise agreements, Franchisees may not change their fees without
approval from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. The South Orange Rescue
Squad (SORS) Board met and approved a request to change the SORS Fee structure in
preparation for SORS beginning independent billing in October 2023. SORS currently
independently bills for Special Events; however, since 1996 Orange County has billed for SORS
transports at the current Orange County EMS approved fee schedule rates for BLS transports.
SORS has also proposed Standby coverage fees that will impact current Orange County EMS
and North State Standby fees as all three agencies charge at the Orange County approved fee
structure for special event coverage.
SORS provided its proposed fee structure, and County staff has reviewed. In order to maintain
equitable access to 911 ambulance resources, staff recommends that the fee structure remains
consistent with the existing approved Orange County EMS fee structure.
The current Orange County approved Fee schedule details an Advanced Life Support-1 (ALS)
Non Transport fee of$150. A Basic Life Support (BLS) Non Transport fee does not exist. Staff is
working closely with SORS to create the framework for a BLS Non Transport Fee and plans to
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present a rate proposal along with recommended fee changes for Advanced Life Support-1 Non
Transport as part of the FY 2024-25 budget process.
Staff is recommending the following transport fee consideration for SORS which reflects the
current fee structure for Orange County EMS as approved by the Board of County Commissioners
in the adopted FY 2023-24 Budget.
• Basic Life Support Non-Emergency $355.00
• Basic Life Support Emergency $568.00
• Loaded Per Mile Charge $12.00
EMS Standby Fees have not increased since 2007. Staff is recommending an increase to
Standby Fees for South Orange Rescue Squad, Orange County EMS, and North State
Ambulance Services.
EMS Standby Coverage Descriptions Current Rate Proposed Rate Net Difference
Additional EMT Standby $40 $50 $10
Paramedic Standby $55 $60 $5
Ambulance Standby with 2 EMTs $90 $110 $20
Ambulance Standby with 1 paramedic and 1 EMT $100 $120 $20
EMS Command Staff $0 $60 $60
Telecommunicator Standby $40 $40 $0
Clerical Staff Standby $20 $20 $0
EM Senior Officer Standby $40 $40 $0
EMS Physician Standby $85 $85 $0
FINANCIAL IMPACT: In lieu of receiving financial support from Orange County, SORS has
decided to initiate collections for BLS transports completed by SORS ambulances. Staff projects
SORS will collect approximately $225,000 of revenue in FY 2023-24 that would have otherwise
been collected by Orange County. After FY 2023-24 Orange County will no longer provide stipend
funding to SORS. This allows SORS to independently collect its transport revenue.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
South Orange Rescue Squad is a vital component of the Emergency Medical Services System.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
recommended South Orange Rescue Squad Fee Structure as follows:
• Basic Life Support Non-Emergency $355.00
• Basic Life Support Emergency $568.00
• Loaded Per Mile Charge $12.00
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The Manager further recommends that the Board approve and authorize the recommended EMS
Standby Coverage Rate Change that will be adopted by SORS, Orange County EMS and North
State Medical Transport.
StandbyEMS . .
Additional EMT Standby $50
Paramedic Standby $60
Ambulance Standby with 2 EMTs $110
Ambulance Standby with 1 paramedic and 1 EMT $120
EMS Command Staff $60
Telecommunicator Standby $40
Clerical Staff Standby $20
EM Senior Officer Standby $40
EMS Physician Standby $85
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SOUTH ORANGE RESCUE SQUAD
Semper Aptus Muneris - Volunteers Since 1971
Fee Structure
South Orange Rescue Squad (SORS) bills for the following treatment and transport
services:
Basic Life Support (Non-Transport) $ 150
Basic Life Support (Non-Emergency) $ 355
Basic Life Support (Emergency) $ 568
$ 12 per Loaded mile
-$-22 per billable encounter
SORS bills for EMS standby coverage at the following hourly rates (3 hour minimum):
Ambulance (with 2 EMTs) $ 110
Additional EMT $ 50
Additional Ambulance $ 20
Command Staff $ 60
Rates for EMS standby have not increased since 2007. The above rates reflect a
modest increase of less than 3% per year.
PO Box 128, Carrboro, NC 27510-0128 1 919.967.1515 1 sors.us