Subject:
Title
Updated Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Advanced Life Support provider to address a clerical oversight.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the updated Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority, d/b/a Sunstar, Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for 2024 and 2025 due to a clerical error.
• The revised certificate aligns with the Board’s original approval and Sunstar’s designated role to provide Basic and Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Service in Pinellas County, pursuant to Pinellas County Code Section 54 and in accordance with Section 401.25, F.S.
• The erroneous wording on the 2024 and 2025 certificates is an isolated staff oversight. The certificates inaccurately designate Sunstar as a non-transport ALS and BLS provider.Body
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:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the updated Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority, d/b/a Sunstar, Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for 2024 and 2025 due to a clerical error.
The revised certificate aligns with the Board’s original approval and Sunstar’s designated role to provide Basic and Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Service in Pinellas County, pursuant to Pinellas County Code Section 54 and in accordance with Section 401.25, F.S.
Background/Explanation:
Each year, the County Commission authorizes COPCNs for designated agencies in Pinellas County. Staff prepares certificates in accordance with the Board’s approval. For 2024 and 2025, the Sunstar certificates were issued with incorrect wording, stating it as a non-transport ALS and BLS provider, a designation typically assigned to fire agencies.
This clerical error does not reflect the intent or content of the Board’s approval, which has remained unchanged since at least 2020. Previous staff reports and certificates confirm the Board-approved staff to issue certificates that appropriately align with Sunstar’s role. The erroneous wording on the 2024 and 2025 certificates is an isolated staff oversight.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this certificate is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(7).
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority, d/b/a Sunstar
Attachments:
Sunstar - 2024-2025 COPCN updated
Sunstar - 2024 COPCN
Sunstar - 2025 COPCN
ALS Service License