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Jefferson County adopts ordinance to allow ambulance billing, establish appeal process
Summary
Supervisors approved an ordinance (Chapter 9-50) authorizing the county/ambulance service to set fees, bill patients and use state debt-collection processes; staff said the ordinance and an appeal procedure are required by statute to participate in state collections.
The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt an ordinance (Chapter 9-50) authorizing the county and its ambulance service to establish fees, bill patients and, when necessary, use debt-collection procedures permitted by state law. County staff explained the ordinance includes a billing appeal and redress process for patients to challenge bills.
"This is required by statute just so that we can participate with the state in those debt collection processes," a county attorney or staff member told the board during the second public hearing. The board waived the third reading and approved the ordinance by voice vote.
Board members and staff noted the measure allows billing uninsured patients and establishes an administrative appeals process. County staff said the county will follow statutory requirements for appeals and work with state processes to pursue outstanding accounts while also providing an opportunity for patients to seek redress.
What's next: The supervisor chair said he will sign the ordinance and staff will put procedures in place to implement billing, appeals and any necessary administrative processes. The board did not specify fee levels in the meeting notes; staff will follow up on implementation details.
Meeting action: Motion to approve the ordinance was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote.
