Subject:
Title
Approval, re: New Agreement with Coastal Health Systems of Brevard, Inc. for Interfacility and Marchman/Baker Act Transport Services.
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Fiscal Impact:
$440,000 (Marchman/Baker Services)
Dept/Office:
Public Safety Group: Brevard County Fire Rescue
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve the Agreement with Coastal Health Systems of Brevard, Inc. (CHSB) for the provision of non-emergency interfacility transport and Marchman/Baker Act transport services and authorize the Chair to execute the agreement. It is further requested that the Board authorize the County Manager, or designee, to execute any subsequent renewals or amendments consistent with the terms of the agreement and to approve any required budget amendments (BCRs) or other administrative documents.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Coastal Health Systems of Brevard, Inc. currently serves as the County’s contracted provider for interfacility ambulance transport and Marchman/Baker Act transport services. The existing agreement with CHSB is scheduled to expire on April 1, 2026. Brevard County Fire Rescue requests the Board authorize a new four and one-half (4.5) year agreement with CHSB, effective April 1, 2026, through September 30, 20301, with the option of two (2) additional one-year extensions, to be executed in writing by both parties prior to the expiration of the initial term.
Countywide interfacility transport services are provided at no cost to the County. Additionally, Marchman/Baker Act transport services did not experience a rate increase during the previous five (5)-year agreement, and under the proposed agreement no Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments will apply during the third and subsequent years of the contract term. Transport fee schedules shall reflect the County EMS transport rate schedule where applicable, and consistent with Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. 18-06.
Pursuant to Section 42-75 of the Brevard County Code, Coastal Health Systems of Brevard currently holds an interfacility transport franchise within the geographical boundaries of Brevard County, consistent with Chapter 71-566, Special Acts of Florida (1971), and Section 125.01(1)(e), Florida Statutes.
Further, pursuant to Section 394.462, Florida Statutes, under Florida’s Mental Health Act, the County is required to ensure that certain individuals are transported to an appropriate receiving facility by law enforcement or by a County-contracted emergency medical transport service or private transport company, at the County’s expense. Coastal Health Systems of Brevard has served as the County’s contracted provider for these mental health transport services since 1994.
The proposed agreement also clarifies and amends prior contractual language to permit limited interfacility transport by hospital-based ambulance services for hospital-to-hospital transfers via ground ambulance. All other interfacility transport services shall remain within the franchise authority of Coastal Health Systems of Brevard, which, in addition to Brevard County Fire Rescue, remains the only entity authorized to provide emergency medical transport services within Brevard County.
Approval of this agreement will establish an exclusive contractual arrangement for non-voluntary Marchman/Baker Act transport services for the duration of the agreement term.
Coastal Health Systems of Brevard currently holds a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) authorizing the provision of interfacility and Marchman/Baker Act transport services. The Board of County Commissioners retains the authority to issue and regulate COPCNs pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 401, Chapter 71-566, Special Acts of Florida (1971), and the Brevard County EMS Ordinance (Section 42-75).
This action has been coordinated with the County Attorney’s Office, Risk Management, and Purchasing.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please return (3) fully executed contract to Janine Ernst at Brevard County Fire Rescue.