Subject:
Title
Agreement with Coastal Health Systems of Brevard, Inc. for Inter-Facility and Marchman/Baker Transport Services.
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Fiscal Impact:
$395,585.00 (Marchman/Baker Services)
Dept/Office:
Fire Rescue Department
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested the Board approve an Agreement with Coastal Health Systems of Brevard, Inc. (CHSB) for non-emergency inter-facility and Marchman/Baker transport services, and authorize the Chairman to execute the NEW Agreement; and authorize the County Manager, or his designee, to sign any subsequent amendments and/or renewals upon the review and approval of the County Attorney’s Office and Risk Management.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Coastal Health Systems of Brevard is the County’s current provider for inter-facility and Marchman/Baker Act transports. The current agreement with CHSB will expire on September 30, 2020. Brevard County Fire Rescue is requesting the Board of County Commissioners authorize a NEW five (5)-year agreement with Coastal Health Systems, effective October 1, 2020, and terminate on September 30, 2025; and approval of a two (2)-year extension, executed by both parties, in writing, prior to the expiration of the initial term.
Countywide inter-facility transport services are provided at no cost to the County. Marchman/Baker Act transports did not experience any rate increase during the entire term of the most recent five (5)-year agreement, and under this new agreement, there will not be a rate increase for at least the first two (2) years of the new agreement. At the completion of two (2) years, Coastal Health Systems has the option of requesting a rate review.
Pursuant to Section 42-75 of the Brevard County Code, Coastal Health Systems of Brevard currently holds an exclusive interfacility transport franchise within the geographical boundaries of Brevard County, in conformity with Chapter 71-566, Special Acts of Florida (1971); and Section 125.01(1)(e), Florida Statutes.
Pursuant to Section 394.462, Florida Statutes, under Florida’s Mental Health Act, the County is also required to ensure certain persons are transported by either law enforcement or by County contract with an emergency medical transport service or private transport company at the sole cost to the County. Coastal Health Systems of Brevard has been providing mental health transport services since 1994.
Coastal Health Systems of Brevard is the only francisee, other than Brevard County Fire Rescue, authorized to provide emergency medical transport services. In 1999, the County entered into a contract with CHSB for mental health transportation services on an exclusive basis and has so exclusively from that time. Approval of this agreement will provide an exclusive contract for Marchman/Baker transport services for the duration of the term of this contract.
In addition to the inter-facility transports and Marchman/Baker transports, CHSB plays a critical role in the evacuation of patients from area hospitals when a hurricane strike is imminent and provides additional transport capability upon requested by BCFR. CHSB is the only local provider capable of providing the services previously described.
CHSB currently holds a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for inter-facility and Marchman/Baker transports; the Board has the authority to grant COPCNs as provided by F.S. 401, the Special Act of 1971 and the EMS Ordinance (Section 42-75).
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please return fully executed contract to Pamela Barrett at Brevard County Fire Rescue.