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APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF INDIAN RIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO: James Chandler County Administrator DATE: April 2, 1989 FILE: SUBJECT: Approval of Amendment of Indian River Memorial Hospital Certificate of Public Conven- ience and Necessity FROM: Doug Wright, Director Emergency Management Services It is respectfully requested that the information contained herein be given formal consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at the next scheduled meeting. DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS On January 10, 1989, the Board of County Commissioners issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to the Indian River Memorial Hospital, Inc., authorizing EMS ALS service limited to interfacility transport service. On March 6, 1989, a letter was received from the Hospital requesting an amendment to the prior issued certificate wherein the language would be changed from "Service is limited to interfacility advanced life support" to "Service is limited to interfacility advanced life support and non -emergency transport." After a review of existing policy by staff and research by the County Attorney's Office, it has been concluded that the request is appropriate and should be granted. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS In addition to the need for a timely response for interfacility ALS transfers, there are patients who require transportation from home or physician's offices who require dialysis or cancer therapy who cannot travel by regular vehicle due to IV's or physical restrictions. It does not appear that it would be appropriate for the Indian River County ALS system to provide this service inasmuch as a front line primary emergency response vehicle would be required to be utilized. Although the volunteer squads have expressed an interest in providing this type of service, current staffing deficiencies prevents immediate implementation of non -emergency services and this action will not preclude the volunteers from providing additional non -emergency services at a later date. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the amendment to the Indian River Memorial Hospital, Inc., Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity changing the language on the certificate from "Service is limited to interfacility advanced life support" to "Service is limited to interfacility advanced life support and non -emergency transport." This action in no way permits or authorized the Hospital to engage in pre -hospital emergency EMS ALS transport service and the amendment is being approved only for post-hospital ALS interfacility transport and non -emergency transport. APR 11 1989 56 8001(76 PACE 572