Subject:
Title
Issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for provision of Helicopter Ambulance Service in Pinellas County.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve and issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Med-Trans Florida, d/b/a LifeLine to provide helicopter ambulance service in Pinellas County.
• COPCNs are issued by Boards of County Commissioners in all Counties in Florida. The certificate allows Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider agencies to be licensed by the Florida Department of Health.
• The certificate process ensures there are coordinated and regulated EMS Systems at a County level. Certificates are issued on an annual basis to ensure continuous compliance to the various standards and requirements.
• LifeLine will become the primary trauma helicopter in Pinellas County.
• If approved, the expiration date of this COPCN will be December 31, 2022.
• There is currently no fee associated with the issuance of this certificate.
Authorize the Chairman to sign the Certificates.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support.
Summary:
Summary
A Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) is issued to the Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responders, ALS Helicopter Ambulances, All Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Sunstar, pursuant to Pinellas County Code, Chapter 54 and in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 401.25.
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Background Information:
COPCNs are issued by Boards of County Commissioners in all Counties in Florida. The certificate allows EMS provider agencies to be licensed by the Florida Department of Health. The certificate process ensures there are coordinated and regulated EMS Systems at a County level. Certificates are issued on an annual basis to ensure continuous compliance to the various standards and requirements.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Med-Trans Florida, d/b/a LifeLine will become the primary trauma helicopter in Pinellas County.
If approved, the expiration date of this COPCN will be December 31, 2022.
Fiscal Impact:
The application, renewal, and inspection process to receive the COPCN does not carry a fee. The department is currently performing research and analysis around implementing a fee for this service.
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, LifeLine Program
Attachments:
COPCN Certificate
COPCN Application