Subject:
Title
Issuance and renewal of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for non-medical wheelchair transport and stretcher van providers.
label
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, 2022.
• The 12 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.
• 7 of the 12 firms have applied to render both wheelchair and stretcher van services.
• If approved, the new COPCN will expire on June 30, 2023.
Authorize the Chairman to sign the certificates.
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:
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 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) will expire on June 30, 2022. There are a total of twelve (12) providers of which seven (7) have applied to render both wheelchair and stretcher van services.
If approved, the new COPCN will expire on June 30, 2023.
Body
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 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.
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:
A Trinity Wheelchair Transportation
Ancla Transportation, L.L.C.
First Transit, Inc.
KERT, L.L.C.
Secure Transportation Company of Florida, L.L.C.
Lifefleet Southeast Inc. d/b/a American Medical Response (AMR)
Americhair Transport Service, Inc.
Be Safe Transportation, L.L.C.
Frang Zeal, L.L.C.
MedFleet, L.L.C.
Wheelchair/Stretcher Limo, Inc.
Wheelchair Transport Service, Inc.
Attachments:
Provider Agency List
COPCN Certificates
COPCN Applications