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BOOK PW 457 Some favorable comments were received that additional competition would be good for the services. However, while competition certainly has some degree of merit in determining the level of these types of services, Chapter 304 alludes to the public need as being the major test in staff formulating a recommendation to the Board. It should also be noted that staff considered the population density and composition of the likely areas within which the proposed service will operate, as well as the annual requests for service in the particular certificate category, and the current number of vehicles available to satisfy those requests: Staff also considered the run data received from the two Class B certificate holders which is as follows: MONTH IR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ABLE AMBULANCE October, 1994 509 30 November, 1994 599 27 December, 1994 320 57 January, 1995 479 31 Number IRMH runs referred to Able Ambulance 5 Number Able Ambulance runs referred to IRMH 0 Number runs with lengthy delays by either service 0 The run data indicates to the EMS Director that the public need is being met by the two Class B certificate holders as relates to non- emergency interfacility transfers. It appears that a Class D certificate would be appropriate and justified, given Lifeline's statements regarding their desire to pick up and return home the patients they transport into the county for medical treatment. The Class D certificate would not permit Lifeline to transport patients in a backup role for Indian River Memorial Hospital, since a Class B certificate would be required for this purpose. RECOMMENDATION: As noted above in the agenda item, Lifeline Medical Services has requested that the company be issued both a Class B and a Class D certificate of public convenience and necessity. Based on current available information, staff recommends that the Board deny the request for a Class B and approve the issuance of a Class D certificate. This type of certificate provides for businesses and agencies to use ambulances based outside the county to provide specific non -emergency medical services limited to transports out of the county. Director of Emergency Services Doug Wright advised that Lifeline Medical Services, Inc. had applied for a Type B Certificate and for a Type D Certificate. He is recommending that the Board deny the Type B application and grant the Type D certification. Director Wright explained to the Board that he had notified Debbie Crouse of Lifeline Medical Services, Inc. of this recommendation and Ms. Crouse agreed that Lifeline would withdraw their request for a Type B Certificate and accept the Type D Certificate. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. FEBRUARY 28, 1995 36