Hamilton County Commission defers action on ZOLL EMS-billing contract pending Baker Donaldson review

The Hamilton County Commission on July 30 postponed consideration of a contract with ZOLL, the county’s EMS-billing vendor, saying commissioners want Baker Donaldson to finish and present its review before the board votes. Commissioner Eversall moved the item for later consideration; without objection the commission shifted it to the recess meeting on Aug. 27. The finance administrator, Lee, told commissioners, “We have been in touch again with ZOLL and let them know about this delay. So they are aware of it. We will continue operating as is.” The contract covers EMS billing. County attorney Parks reminded commissioners the ZOLL work was tied to concerns after a March data breach affecting NRS; Parks said Baker Donaldson had been brought in after that breach and that the subject matter of EMS billing was the reason for the review. “If I recall, the subject of the ZOLL contract was dealing primarily with EMS billing, and EMS billing was the subject of our data breach back in March,” Parks said. Commissioners debated timing. The chair said he had asked Baker Donaldson to meet with county representatives within “the next 10 days to 2 weeks” to discuss findings. Several commissioners said they wanted the report before taking further action; one commissioner said the delay did not hinder day-to-day operations but slowed potential efficiency improvements. The finance administrator said ZOLL had agreed to continue under the current terms while the review is pending. Outcome: the commission deferred the item to the Aug. 27 recess meeting, citing the pending Baker Donaldson review and discussions between counsel and staff. No formal vote record was taken; the chair moved the postponement “without objection.” The commission also heard a legal reminder that, given the review’s linkage to the March data breach, dovetailing Baker Donaldson’s findings with county counsel’s work was considered prudent. Commissioners asked to be copied on communications about HIPAA policy or procedures that might involve protected health information so the board would be aware of potential liabilities. Next steps: Baker Donaldson is expected to meet with county representatives to present its findings; the commission scheduled the item for the Aug. 27 recess meeting.