Label
Community Paramedicine Program
Fire and Rescue Department
Orlando Gonzalez (x5153)
(Revised)
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center for a cooperative Community Paramedicine Program through TFRD; authorizing the acceptance and deposit of funds into the General Fund; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
Toledo Fire and Rescue Department (TFRD) responds to emergency medical calls throughout the City. In the last year, TFRD responded to over 50,000 calls for emergency medical assistance.
On average, the emergency department (“ED”) at St. Vincent Medical Center (SVMMC) provides emergency medical care to over 75,000 patients per year, many of whom present to the ED multiple times for the same or similar non-emergent medical conditions. Many of these patients have medical histories of chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes.
On an annual basis, each both TFRD and SVMMC expend a significant amount of resources transporting, and caring for, those patients who do not have an emergency medical condition and who may be alternatively, but appropriately, served at their place of residence.
In an effort to maximize the manner in which each party provides its services to the local community, provide meaningful assistance to citizens, and reduce unnecessary EMS runs and emergency room visits, the parties desire to create the Community Paramedicine Program (“CPP”), to provide select services to eligible and enrolled individuals in the City of Toledo. The CPP creates a joint CPP team consisting of both TRFD paramedics and SVMMC community health care workers. SVMMC will also provide an administrative coordinator for the CPP and a Medical Director. SVMMC will provide a vehicle, medical equipment and supplies for use by the CPP team members solely for CPP purposes. In an emergency situation, the CPP will not be operative and the paramedic will use TFRD’s current emergency medical services protocol.
Each party’s costs under this program will be borne by the respective parties. At this time, no additional funding for this program is anticipated; nor will TFRD or SVMMC bill for services under the CPP. TFRD expenditures under this program are covered within its authorized budget. However, it is possible that at some point in the future, certain costs may become eligible for reimbursement by insurance companies. This Ordinance would allow for collection and deposit of such reimbursement revenues.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into an agreement with Mercy Health - St. Vincent Medical Center LLC to create a cooperative Community Paramedicine Program, under terms and conditions acceptable to the Mayor, Fire Chief and Director of Law.
SECTION 2. That, in the event the cost of services provided by TFRD under the CPP become eligible for reimbursement from insurance or other funding becomes available, such funds are authorized to be accepted and deposited into the General Fund, Account Code 1001-53000-.
SECTION 3. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall be in force and effect from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and for the provision of improved emergency medical services.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council