Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Medical Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Scott County Fiscal Court authorizes opposition to private ambulance provider’s certificate of need
Summary
Scott County Fiscal Court voted to have county staff submit a letter opposing a private firm’s application for a state certificate of need to provide Class 1 (emergency) ambulance service in Scott County; one commissioner abstained.
Scott County Fiscal Court on Sept. 25 authorized county staff to submit a letter opposing a private firm’s application for a state certificate of need that would allow the firm to provide Class 1 emergency ambulance service in Scott County. The court approved the motion moved by Rob Jones and seconded by Chad Wallace; Commissioner Ryan Pratt abstained.
The opposition is aimed at a single firm that applied for certificates in nine central Kentucky counties, including Scott County. County staff and officials said the firm requested both Class 3 (nonemergent transports) and Class 1 (emergency response) classifications in its state filing, and the court’s objection is limited to the firm’s Class 1 request.
Why it matters: If the state grants a Class 1 certificate, the firm could seek placement on Scott County’s 911 response list and respond to emergency calls. Chris Runyon, speaking to the court, said the firm could “come set up shop in Scott County” and, if certified, would then need to request placement on the 911 call list.
Discussion and next steps: Court members said most of the eight other counties named in the application plan to oppose the same Class 1 request. The court directed Cam (county attorney/staff) to draft and file an opposition letter before the Sept. 28 submission deadline; Runyon said he would attend the state hearing scheduled Oct. 23. The motion to authorize the letter passed with the abstention by Pratt recorded in the minutes.
Officials emphasized the distinction between nonemergent transports and emergency response. Runyon noted the county currently allows other services to conduct nonemergent transports when local units are unavailable and said a nonemergent-only provider would not have raised the same concern.
Action taken: The court authorized Cam to prepare and file an opposition letter on behalf of the Scott County Fiscal Court. The court recorded Pratt’s abstention.
Background: Court members and an EMS consultant told the court that Scott County’s location makes it a desirable base for ambulance services, but the court’s objection centers on protecting its emergency-response system rather than routine nonemergency transports. A county attorney cooperation plan with adjoining counties was discussed as part of the response strategy.
