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Council hears first reading of ordinance to bill assisted‑living facilities for nonemergency lift assists
Summary
On first reading, the council reviewed an ordinance authorizing the Hoover Fire Department to charge assisted‑living and skilled‑nursing facilities for nonemergency lift assists; Fire Chief Bentley said the proposal targets facilities that repeatedly call for assistance when on‑site staff can help, and council members debated whether billing would reduce calls or cause facilities to undercall.
The Hoover City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance that would allow the fire department to charge assisted‑living and skilled‑nursing facilities for nonemergency lift assists as a cost‑recovery measure.
Fire Chief Bentley told the council the department regularly responds to facilities for lift assists where residents are uninjured and staff on site could perform the task. "Most of the assisted living facilities... are kind of abusing the system," Chief Bentley said, adding he and staff have worked with facilities to educate and train them but still see repeat calls. He emphasized the policy would not apply to residential nonfacility calls where no one is available to help.
Council members expressed concern and raised questions about whether facilities are legally required to provide lift assistance, whether billing would prompt facilities to hire or train staff, or simply lead them to stop calling. One council member recounted family experience and said many in such facilities pay significant monthly fees and argued facilities should provide basic nonemergency assistance. Chief Bentley said the department’s hope is that facilities will "assume the duties" and reduce unnecessary calls but acknowledged some facilities cite liability concerns as a reason for calling.
Why it matters: the ordinance could shift the cost burden for some nonemergency responses onto healthcare facilities and change how the city responds to recurring lift‑assist calls; staff emphasized it is intended as a cost‑recovery and behavior‑modifying tool rather than a revenue generator for emergency services.
Next steps: the ordinance had its first reading; council discussion will continue as the item proceeds through the legislative process.
