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COUNTY OF SAN MATEOInter-Departmental Correspondence |
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County Manager's Office |
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DATE: |
February 25, 2004 |
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BOARD MEETING DATE: |
March 2, 2004 |
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TO: |
Honorable Board of Supervisors |
FROM: |
John Maltbie, County Manager |
SUBJECT: |
County Manager Report #4-Assembly Bill 2293 (Wolk), Emergency Medical Services |
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Recommendation |
Adopt a resolution in support of AB 2293 (Wolk) regarding emergency medical services. |
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Background |
Current law permits each county to create an EMS program and to create a local EMS agency. However, existing law does not ensure city representation in the agency. While a local EMS agency can be a joint powers authority that includes cities, many boards of supervisors (which are empowered to designate the local EMS agency) designate the county health department. The EMS agency is authorized to develop and implement an EMS plan. Some local agencies, particularly cities, have expressed concern about a lack of participation and/or oversight in the development and implementation of the EMS plan. Their concern is at the core of this conflict. |
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According to Barbara Pletz, Administrator for the San Mateo County Emergency Medical Services, there has been significant conflict about control over emergency ambulance service. California cities and counties have struggled for nearly 20 years to resolve the authority issue. |
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Since 2001, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the League of California Cities (League) have worked toward a compromise. With the meaningful participation of Barbara Pletz, CSAC and the League focused on a process that includes a local advisory committee to approve local EMS plans. The details of that compromise are embodied in AB 2293. AB 2293 would require the establishment of a local emergency medical care committee, prescribe the membership and create a process to review the local emergency medical service (EMS) plan. The composition of the committee will include representation by both counties and cities. The bill would also require the state Commission on Emergency Medical Services to consider appeals (beyond the local emergency medical care committee) of local plans. |
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Discussion |
San Mateo County has an award-winning system for providing emergency medical services. While the Health Services Agency is the designated local EMS agency, the agency contracts with a private ambulance service (AMR), which, in turn, subcontracts paramedic first response services with a joint powers authority of local fire districts. Through collaboration, this system has ensured all interested parties participation and support. |
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While AB 2293 will have no significant impact on our existing system. Barbara Pletz believes the bill will enhance and refine San Mateo County's existing emergency medical care committee. |
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The Legislative Committee has reviewed this bill and recommends a support position. |
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Vision Alignment |
Support of AB 2293 would further the County's commitment to provide responsive, effective and collaborative government and supports Goal # 22 to ensure that County and local governments communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County. |
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Fiscal Impact |
No impact. |