Published: November 8, 2019
On November 5, 2019 The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
received proposed revisions to the Sonoma County Code Chapter 28, Emergency and
Pre Hospital Care brought forward by the Sonoma county Department of Health
Services.
The ordinance updates current Code last revised in 1999 with
a comprehensive set of changes. The revision addresses the permitting process
for all levels of ambulance services operating within the County and provides
direction to the Department of Health Services regarding local policy
development, data collection and use, ambulance service provider zones and
local jurisdictional rights and responsibilities relative to the provision of
ambulance services.
The Department’s goal is to ensure the safe, effective
delivery of quality emergency medical services (EMS) care throughout the
County. The ordinance development process was a collaborative effort beginning
in February 2018 with participation from public and private sector service
provider organizations including the Cities and Special Districts providing EMS
response around the County. Participation also included public and private
labor organizations, hospital partners and EMS educators.
The collaborative approach yielded a consensus revision that
passed on a unanimous vote with a final reading scheduled for November 12,
2019. If passed the Department’s Coastal Valleys EMS Agency staff will work
with partners over the next 12 months to implement the changes outlined in the
revised Code.
Emergency Medical Services Ordinance(PDF: 678 kB)