Subject:
Title
Issuance of two new Certificates 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 Authority, issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) to Expedited Medical Solutions LLC and Express Wheelchair Transport to provide non-medical wheelchair transport services.
• Both firms have completed an application and meet the Authority’s requirement to operate as non-medical wheelchair transport providers.
• If approved, the two new COPCNs will be effective on October 7, 2025, and expire on June 30, 2026. Certificates approved during this period will be renewed in June 2026 as part of the annual batch renewal process.
• There are currently eleven firms providing non-medical wheelchair, three 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 these certificates will have no fiscal impact on Pinellas County.
Authorize the Chairman to sign the certificates.
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Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
2.2 Enhance community safety
Summary:
Summary
Expedited Medical Solutions LLC has met the Authority’s requirements to operate as a non-medical wheelchair transport provider.
Express Wheelchair Transport has met the Authority’s requirements to operate as a non-medical wheelchair transport provider.
If approved, the two new COPCNs 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 has transitioned from a paper application to a new electronic system, and all providers have met the requirements.
There are currently eleven (11) firms providing non-medical wheelchair, three (3) firms providing non-medical wheelchair and stretcher van, and two (2) firms providing stretcher van transport services. Total permitted companies will now be seventeen (17).
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:
Expedited Medical Solutions LLC
Express Wheelchair Transport
Attachments:
Provider Agency List
COPCN Certificates
COPCN Applications