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Washington County hears EMS staffing and reimbursement concerns
Summary
At an Oct. 2 meeting Washington County EMS Director Jennifer O'Neal told commissioners the department hopes to be fully staffed in about three weeks and that transport operations often wait for Medicare reimbursements; commissioners noted ongoing operating losses and discussed Debt Set-Off recovery.
Jennifer O'Neal, Washington County EMS director, told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 2 that the department hopes to be fully staffed "in three weeks" and that transport operations "are usually waiting for reimbursement from Medicare."
The presentation and follow-up questions centered on staffing levels and the service's finances. Commissioner John C. Spruill asked when EMS would be fully staffed; O'Neal said the goal was to reach full staffing within weeks. When Spruill pressed on finances, O'Neal said it would be hard-pressed to find a county that was not operating an EMS service at a loss. She explained the county seeks to reclaim losses through a Debt Set-Off program.
Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson and Commissioner Ann C. Keyes offered public commendations for EMS staff. Chair Julius Walker, Jr. thanked O'Neal and her team for their work on behalf of Washington County residents.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken. The board accepted the report and did not set a separate timeline for staffing or financial remedies beyond the discussion recorded at the meeting.
