Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ems Quality Assurance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves EMS quality-assurance contract; item placed before board because of HIPAA BAA
Summary
Carmel approved a $38,000 contract with Gerard and Associates for an EMS quality-assurance program; city staff said the agreement includes a HIPAA business associate agreement and that is why it was before the board.
The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety approved a $38,000 contract with Gerard and Associates on Aug. 6 for an emergency medical services (EMS) quality-assurance program. Carmel Fire Chief Joel Thacker described the work as an external review of EMS run sheets and protocols to provide feedback and improve compliance.
Chief Thacker said the department currently performs internal reviews but that additional external audits will relieve internal workload and provide individualized feedback. "This is a quality assurance program that we're working on," Thacker said.
After the motion to approve, a speaker identified as Benjamin noted the contract is below the body’s normal threshold but was brought to the Board of Public Works and Safety because the agreement includes a HIPAA business associate agreement (BAA) covering confidential patient information.
The motion to approve carried on a voice vote. City staff said the contract includes provisions to protect confidential health information and that the BAA is the reason the item required board action despite being below spending thresholds.
