Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Alexandra P. Davis
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT County staff to review the application and approval processes and the current and future need for certificates of public convenience and necessity (“Certificates”) as set forth in Chapter 3½ of the Broward County Code of Ordinances (“Code”); and to direct the County Attorney’s Office to draft amendments to the Code for future consideration by the Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) based upon the results of that staff review. (Commissioner Davis)
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Why Action is Necessary
Action by the Board of County Commissioners is required to provide the above-referenced direction.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the above-referenced direction to County staff and the County Attorney’s Office.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Chapter 3½ of the Code requires medical transport providers to obtain a Certificate issued by the County before providing Advanced Life Support (“ALS”) or Basic Life Support (“BLS”) services within Broward County.
In 2016, the Board awarded six Certificates for Class 2 - ALS transfer and Class 3 - BLS transport to private emergency medical service (“EMS”) providers. Since then, one provider has ceased operations, and one provider acquired another provider, leaving only four private EMS providers operating within Broward County. Of these four providers, two share the same parent company.
In 2021, the Board renewed the Certificates for the four remaining providers, with the current Certificates and associated agreements with the County set to expire in December 2026.
The proposed review of the Code will consider whether the existing application and approval processes for issuing Certificates are relevant, effective, and consistent with applicable state laws and operational practices. The review will also assess the current and future need for Certificates. County staff will seek input from relevant County agencies, advisory boards, and other affected stakeholders.
Based on the results of the review by County staff, the County Attorney’s Office will draft a proposed Ordinance for the Board’s consideration. The timing of the staff review and proposed Ordinance should enable the Board to consider the proposed amendments in the first quarter of 2026.
Source of Additional Information
Yashoda Lochan, Chief of Staff, 954-357-7007
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.