§ 10-10. Service fees for emergency ambulance transport.

(a)

Pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 32.1-111.14, it is hereby determined and declared that the exercise of the powers and duties set forth herein is necessary to assure the provision of adequate and continuing emergency services and to preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare.

(b)

Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to ambulance charges:

Basic life support (BLS), Advanced life support level 1 (ALS-1), and Advanced life support level 2 (ALS-2) shall be those services as defined by applicable federal or state regulations and administered in accordance with applicable law. Ground transport mileage (GTM) shall be assessed from the location of the point of pick-up of the patient to a hospital or other facility where a patient is transported.

(c)

The rates for emergency ambulance transport services provided by the county department of fire and emergency medical services (including any volunteer rescue squad with which the county fire and EMS has a billing agreement) shall be set at 135 percent of the Medicare Allowable Charges, as established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The schedule of rates shall be published by the county department of fire and EMS.

(d)

Reasonable fees may also be charged for services provided by the county department of fire and emergency medical services (including any volunteer rescue squad with which the county fire and EMS has a billing agreement) and which are not covered by the Medicare Allowable Fee Schedule. The schedule of fees for these services shall be established by resolution.

(e)

The chief of the county department of fire and emergency medical services is hereby authorized and directed to establish policies and procedures, and to execute and maintain documentation necessary for the administration of this program, including, but not limited to, a subscription program for county residents or other eligible persons, and payment standards for those persons who demonstrate economic hardship, as permitted by applicable law.

(Ord. of 11-14-01, § 1; Ord. of 7-27-05(2), § 1; Ord. of 3-12-08, § 1; Ord. of 9-12-09(3), § 1; Ord. of 4-14-10(4), § (1); Ord. of 4-23-14(1); Ord. of 5-24-17(1))

(Ord. of 11-14-01, § 1; Ord. of 7-27-05(2), § 1; Ord. of 3-12-08, § 1; Ord. of 9-12-09(3), § 1; Ord. of 4-14-10(4), § (1); Ord. of 4-23-14(1); Ord. of 5-24-17(1))