Sec. 158.101. - Findings and intent of Council.

It is the intent of the Council in enacting this Chapter to assure that adequate and reliable emergency medical transportation services are available throughout Duval County and to assure that such services and their personnel and equipment comply with applicable State laws, rules, orders, standards and requirements in order to achieve an adequate level of proper care. The Council finds and determines that this Chapter is necessary in order to promote and protect the health, welfare and safety of the public. The Council intends for the Fire and Rescue Department to provide emergency primary response medical care and emergency medical transportation services. The Council also intends for private provider ALS and BLS services to provide emergency response under certain conditions, secondary response, and other medical transportation and services as requested by their clientele. In cases of mass casualty incidents and natural disasters the Council intends for the private provider to render mutual aid for benefit of the citizens of Jacksonville where possible. Emergency medical services provided within Duval County shall be accomplished in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. Therefore, in evaluating and considering applications for a certificate, such evaluation and consideration shall be given to such criteria as will ensure an adequate level of care and ensure equipment safety and reliability. It is the further intent of the Council to exercise the full authority given to counties by State law to certify and permit emergency medical transportation services and promulgate a process for ensuring adherence to State law. The Council finds that the referral of patients by a certificate holder to a medical facility affiliated with such certificate holder, or by a medical facility to a certificate holder affiliated with such medical facility represents a potential conflict of interest and may even eliminate viable competitive alternatives, with serious risks of damage to effective patient choice. Such referral practices may also violate State and federal laws. It is the intent of the Council to eliminate such conflicts of interest and anti-competitive referral practices and to provide for and to promote affordable competitive emergency transportation services, advanced life support services and basic life support services to protect and enhance the public health, safety and welfare. (Ord. 97-450-E, § 1)