Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Rebecca MacDougall
Department: Medical Examiner and Trauma Services
Information
Requested Action
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A. MOTION TO APPOINT NOMINEES Stephen L. Demers, David M. Hughes, Shawn S. Swain, and Samantha R. Whitehorne to the Broward Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council.
B. MOTION TO APPROVE waiver of conflict under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, for Stephen L. Demers, David M. Hughes, Shawn S. Swain, and Samantha R. Whitehorne, who hold an employment or contractual relationship with an entity that receives funds from Broward County or is regulated by Broward County.
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Why Action is Necessary
A. Broward County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15-74 states vacancies, appointments, and reappointments in the membership for the Broward Regional EMS Council, an advisory to the County Commissioners (“Board”), shall be filled in the same manner provided for in the original appointment. As such, a name for each category/organization shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration as an appointment to the Broward Regional EMS Council.
B. A waiver of conflict arising under Section 112.313(7)(a), requires two-thirds approval by the Board in accordance with Section 112.313(12), Florida Statutes.
What Action Accomplishes
A. This action allows the Board of County Commissioners to appoint individuals to the positions: Hospitals: Memorial Healthcare System Administration, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc., Advanced Life Support (ALS), Private Provider, and Transport: County Fire.
B. Waives the existence of any conflict arising under Section 112.313(7)(a), as authorized under applicable law.
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Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
A. THE BROWARD REGIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) COUNCIL, THROUGH THE OFFICE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER AND TRAUMA SERVICES, RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
The Broward Regional EMS Council makes recommendations to the Board on issues concerning the delivery of emergency and nonemergency care and transportation to the citizens and visitors of Broward County.
Each member of the Council represents a specific category based upon expertise within a given area. The County Commission appoints Council members, and each serve for a four-year term, or through the expiration of vacant position's term, at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners.
The Broward Regional EMS Council met on June 5, 2025, and approved forwarding the following nominations for appointment:
• Stephen L. Demers, representing Hospitals: Memorial Healthcare System, Administration (August 21, 2025, to August 21, 2029)
• David M. Hughes, representing Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. (August 21, 2025, to October 11, 2026)
• Shawn S. Swain, representing Advanced Life Support (ALS) Private Provider
(August 21, 2025, to August 21, 2029)
• Samantha R. Whitehorne, representing Transport: County Fire (August 21, 2025, to August 21, 2029)
Qualifications for appointments have been reviewed and are on file with the Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services.
B. Approval of this item would give rise to certain employment conflicts under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, which provides that “no public officer...shall have or hold any employment or contractual relationship with any business entity...which is...doing business with an agency of which he or she is an officer or employee.” In accordance with Section 112.313(12), Florida Statutes, Board approval is required to waive any conflict arising under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes. An effective waiver requires a full disclosure of the transaction or relationship to the Board prior to the waiver and an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the Board in favor of waiver. A completed Form 4A Disclosure of Business Transaction, Relationship, or Interest is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 through Exhibit 4 constitutes a full disclosure of any existing conflicts.
Source of Additional Information
Dr. Rebecca MacDougall, Director, Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services, (954) 357-5209
Alison Zerbe, Manager, Trauma and EMS Section, Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services, (954) 357-5234.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
No fiscal impact.