Subject:
Title
Renewal of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for non-medical wheelchair transport and stretcher van providers.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Sitting as the Emergency Medical Services Authority, issue a renewal Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for each wheelchair/stretcher van transport provider on the attached listing.
• The current certificates expire on June 30, 2025.
• The eight firms on the attached list have completed a renewal application and meet the Authority’s requirement to operate as a non-medical wheelchair/stretcher van transport business.
• Two of the eight firms have applied to render both wheelchair and stretcher van services.
• If approved, the renewal COPCNs will expire on June 30, 2026.
• Vehicle inspections are performed annually, prior to issuing 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.
• This item has no fiscal impact on Pinellas County. Staff administration of the process is included in the annual operating budget for the EMS Fund.
Authorize the Chairman to sign the certificates.
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Strategic Priorities:
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
The firms on the attached provider list have completed a renewal application and have met the Authority’s requirement to operate as a non-medical wheelchair/stretcher van transport business in Pinellas County. The current Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCNs) will expire on June 30, 2025. There are a total of eight (8) providers of which two (2) have applied to render both wheelchair and stretcher van services.
Vehicle inspections are performed annually, prior to issuing COPCN and records kept on file.
The County has transitioned from a paper application to a new electronic system, and all providers have met the requirements.
If approved, the 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, Certification of Fictitious Names, insurance verifications forms, and retail rate forms. EMS also performs vehicle inspections on thirteen (13) criteria for each transport vehicle. Some providers have dozens of vehicles.
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:
KERT, L.L.C.
Rydepoint Medical Transport
Wheelchair Transport Service Inc. (WTS)
America West - Secure Transportation Company of FL, LLC.
Frang Zeal
Medfleet LLC
First Transit
Trinity
Attachments:
Provider Agency List
COPCN Certificates
COPCN Renewal Applications