LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

Prior to commencement of the Legislative and Finance Committee. Mr. Christiansen

announced a letter of resignation from the City Planner, Mr. Edgar Cregar,

effective August 30, 1991. Mr. VanSant moved to accept the letter of

resignation, seconded by Mr. Levitt and unanimously carried.

The Legislative and Finance Committee met oii July 9, 1991. at 7:00 p.m., with

Chairman Weyandt presiding. Members present were Couiicilman Lynii aiid Mr. Leary.

Mr. Hare was absent. Other members of Council present were Mr. Vansant,

Mr. Levitt, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Christiansen and Mayor Richter.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

There were no changes to the agenda as submitted.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT CONTRACT

Fity staff interviewed represeiitatives of three private ambulance companies licensed to provide Basic Life Support service in the State of Delaware. The three companies interviewed: 1) Professional Ambulance Service, Inc. , 2) Medical Service Corps, Inc. ; and 3) Med Star, Inc. ; all met the criteria staff requested.

Professional Ambulance Service was the most experienced and establislied firni in Delaware. Professional Ambulance Service submitted a proposal requiring a $140,000 to $175,000 subsidy from the City and would still implemeiit a base fee of $175 to transport a Robbins Hose Fire District patient to the hospital. If the patient required oxygen, an additional $20 fee would be charged.

Medical Service Corps, Itic. which was established in 1978, serves mostly hospitals and nursing homes in Maryland. They also serve the Delaware State Hospital in New Castle County with entergeticy ambulance service. Wliile Medical Service Corps offered to provide Basic Life Support service to the City at no subsidy. their fee s.tructure is based on the allowable charge of insurance carriers for services provided. While they would bill the allowable charge for the transport. Medical Service Corps, Inc. has agreed to place a $140.00 cap on out-of-pocket expenses to all Robbiiis Hose Fire District residents. This agreement oiily stood if they were issued a three year contract in order to allow them time to amortize their start up cost. If a shorter term contract was desired by the City, it was likely a subsidy would have to be paid or the cap to Robbins Hose Fire District resideiits raised.

Med Star, Inc. , services the Millville Emergency Center with emergency ambulance service to Beebe Hospital aiid also provides neonatal transports from Beebe Hospital to other medical facilities. Med Star, Inc. offered to provide Basic Life Support service to the City at no subsidy as well as a one year contract with a one year automatic renewal if both parties are satisfied. Their fee structure is based on the allowable charge of iiisurance carriers for services provided. They have agreed to a flat maximum rate of $150 to Robbins Hose Fire District residents, but will accept the insurance amount paid and not bill the resident for the remainder of the bill.

Mr. Don Knox, Community Services Director, stated that oiily verbal agreements have been obtained froni the three providers. Mr. Knox recommended that pending a thorough reference check by staff, a contract should be negotiated with Med

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Star, Inc. to provide Basic Life Support service in the Robbins Hose Fire District.

Referring to Mr. Levitt, Mr. Knox stated that Med Star's proposal states that they will accept the base amount reimbursed by insurance carriers and would not bill the resident for the remainder.

Responding to the City of Dover Ambulances, Mr. Knox stated that the 1988 ambulance is being included in discussions of transferring to the County. There are no commitments at the present time for the 1985 ambulance.

Mr. Christiansen noted that at the current time, the City paramedics assist other districts during the daytime hours, and questioned the intent of a new service to continue the efforts established by the current paramedic system. Mr. Knox noted that by written contract, the new service would be committed to only one unit dedicated to provide basic life support service. While speaking witb all three companies, each company expressed no problems with providing mutual aid to other districts.

Noting that a program is to be in place by September 1, 1991, Mr. Weyandt suggested that a contract be developed and service begin on August 1, 1991 to allow the new company time to familiarize themselves with the current operations of the City.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that staff negotiate a contract and have a unit in place and serving the Robbins Hose Fire District as soon as possible, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

Mr. Leary moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:26 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Francis Weyandt

Chairman

FW/DJB/dkh