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Council approves one-year EMS medical-direction extension with UT Health San Antonio
Summary
Converse approved a one-year contract extension for medical direction of its EMS operations with the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio at an annual cost presented as $24,294. Council chose one year over a three-year option to preserve flexibility while the city addresses outstanding reimbursement issues with ESD 1.
Converse City Council on Feb. 18 authorized a one-year extension of medical-direction services for the city’s emergency medical services (EMS) with the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.
Lede: The city will continue its current arrangement for physician oversight of paramedics for one year at the annual amount presented, $24,294, while staff and council continue negotiations over related reimbursement arrangements with Emergency Services District (ESD) 1.
Nut graf: Medical-direction services are required by state regulation for EMS operations; the University of Texas arrangement includes physician oversight, protocol development, real-time physician consultation for paramedics and credentialing support. Staff presented a one-year and a three-year pricing schedule; council selected one year to retain budgetary flexibility.
Details: Interim City Manager Lanny Lambert explained that the service is required by law and presented the two contract options. The city attorney confirmed the contract provisions and noted there is a cancellation clause. The Fire Chief (presenting for the department) described operational benefits of the current UT Health model, including availability of physicians 24/7 for consultation, paramedic skill testing and alignment to the city’s advanced field-care practices.
The chief described clinical capabilities supported by medical direction, including whole-blood transfusion in the field, portable ultrasound, advanced airway and surgical procedures when indicated, and credentialing support for paramedics. He said the university model provides a higher level of oversight than a single private physician contract and that it supports training and advanced care protocols the department has been using.
Council discussion focused on term length and fiscal exposure if the city’s relationship with ESD 1 changes. A council member asked whether a three-year contract would bind future councils and whether a shorter term would leave an escape option; staff pointed out the contract contains a 90‑day cancellation provision and recommended a one-year term given the ongoing ESD 1 discussions. The council adopted the one‑year option and directed the chief to return with a recommendation before next year’s budget about whether to pursue a multi-year arrangement.
Ending: The one-year extension is intended to preserve continuity of medical oversight while allowing the council to reassess the arrangement in the next budget cycle; the contract takes effect in March.
Provenance: Presentation and council discussion on item 9A; recorded in the meeting transcript.
