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Commissioners authorize Southwest Health Systems EMS to operate in parts of Dolores County
Summary
After lengthy discussion about state licensing and local authorization, the board voted to authorize Southwest Health Systems EMS to operate in Dolores County outside the Dove Creek Ambulance District, except for mutual aid, and directed staff to prepare authorization letters to the state.
The Dolores County Board of County Commissioners voted to grant authorization for Southwest Health Systems EMS to operate in Dolores County outside the boundaries of the Dove Creek Ambulance District (DCAD), with the exception of mutual aid.
A county official explained the source of confusion: "The state does the licensing, which allows them to run in Colorado. We issue authorization by licensing," noting the county’s local hearing process is intended to follow the state's two-year licensing cycle. The board discussed off-year status checks the state makes and agreed it is acceptable to respond to the state's annual inquiry when there is no local problem.
After additional discussion about mutual aid, exclusivity for DCAD and ensuring proper notification to the state, the chair moved to grant authorization and the board voted in favor. The board asked staff to draft and send the standard authorization letter the state requires so the county’s record matches state licensing paperwork.
The board’s action preserves DCAD’s exclusive district rights while allowing Southwest to operate in county areas outside DCAD territory and maintain mutual-aid arrangements.
Next steps: staff will prepare the authorization letter and copy the chair for the county file so the authorization can be attached to the provider’s state license submission.
