Subject:
Title
Issuance of one new Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for provision of non-medical wheelchair transport services.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Sitting as the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority, issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) to Stratus Transport LLC to provide non-medical wheelchair transport services.
• This firm has completed an application and meets the Authority’s requirement to operate as a non-medical wheelchair transport provider.
• If approved, the one new COPCN will be effective on February 17, 2026, and expires on June 20, 2026. Certificates approved during this period will be renewed in June 2026 as part of the annual batch renewal process.
• There are currently thirteen firms providing non-medical wheelchair, four firms providing non-medical wheelchair and stretcher van, and two firms providing stretcher van transport services.
• Vehicle inspections are performed prior to issuing the COPCN, and records are kept on file.
• The issuance of this certificate will have no fiscal impact on Pinellas County. Staff administration of the process is included in the annual operating budget for the Emergency Medical Services Fund.
• There is no fiscal impact for certifications. Staff administration of the process is included in the annual operating budget for the EMS Fund.
Authorize the Chairman to sign the certificate.
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Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
2.2 Enhance community safety
Summary:
Summary
Stratus Transport LLC has met the Authority’s requirement to operate as a non-medical wheelchair transport provider.
If approved, the one new COPCN will expire on June 30, 2026.
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Background Information:
Pursuant to Pinellas County Code, Chapter 54, firms providing Wheelchair/Stretcher Van Transportation services are required to obtain a COPCN in order to operate in Pinellas County. For each service provider, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division of Safety and Emergency Services provides various administrative duties such as keeping records, verifying forms, updating vehicle and driver rosters, reviewing Certificates of Incorporation, Certifications of Fictitious Names, insurance verification forms, and retail rate forms. EMS also performs vehicle inspections on thirteen (13) criteria for each transport vehicle. Some providers have dozens of vehicles.
Vehicle inspections are performed prior to issuing the COPCN, and records are kept on file.
The County is transitioning from a paper application to a new electronic system, and all providers have met the requirements.
There are currently thirteen (13) firms providing non-medical wheelchair, four (4) firms providing non-medical wheelchair and stretcher van, and two (2) firms providing stretcher van transport services. Total permitted companies will now be twenty (20).
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fee for certification. Staff administration of the process is included in the annual operating budget for the EMS Fund.
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
Stratus Transport LLC
Attachments:
Provider Agency List
COPCN Certificate
COPCN Application