6-04-040 General Requirements

A. Administration. The Pitkin County Emergency Medical Trauma Advisory Council (EMTAC) is recognized as the appropriate agency to oversee the application process for ambulance service licensing and vehicle permits. The County utilizes the EMTAC member’s expertise in evaluating applications and renewals and for making recommendations regarding licensure and permits to the Board. The EMTAC licensing and permit application forms are hereby adopted by Pitkin County.

B. Application for Ambulance Service License. All applications for Ambulance Service License shall be filed for processing through the EMTAC. The EMTAC shall review the application(s) and the applicant's records for compliance. Finding that the ambulance service meets all requirements of these Rules and Regulations and the EMTAC Rules and Regulations pertaining to ambulance licensing, the EMTAC shall forward a recommendation for licensure to the Board.

C. Medical Director. Each ambulance service shall have a single Medical Director who supervises the medical acts performed by all EMS providers. The Medical Director shall meet the qualifications as defined in the Rules Pertaining to EMS Practice and Medical Director Oversight at 6 CCR 1015-3, Chapter Two, Section 4. Any changes in Medical Director during the term of the ambulance service license must be submitted in writing to the EMTAC within fifteen (15) days.

D. Ambulance Specifications. Ground vehicles permitted and placed in use as ambulances in the County shall be used as ambulances provided they continue to meet minimum standards for suitability, construction and general condition as established by the EMTAC. Operators may appeal adverse decisions by the EMTAC as to suitability, construction, and general condition of such vehicles to the Board.

E. Ambulance Equipment. The EMTAC will verify for the County that permitted ambulances are in compliance with the minimum equipment list for the type of service defined by their permit as defined in the Rules Pertaining to Licensure of Ground Ambulances at 6 CCR 1015-3, Chapter Four, Section 9. The EMTAC will verify for the County that all equipment on the ambulance is properly secured and medications and supplies are maintained and stored according to the manufacture’s recommendations and any federal, state or local requirements.

F. Vehicle Inspections: The County shall verify that each ambulance is inspected annually. The EMTAC is delegated as the qualified representative to ensure compliance with the rules established in 6 CCR 1015-3.

G. Ambulance Staffing Requirements. No patient shall be transported in an ambulance operating in the County unless the ambulance is staffed by a crew consisting of at least one Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Colorado Registered Nurse and one ambulance driver. The Emergency Medical Technician or Registered Nurse will be responsible for direct patient care. The minimum requirement for the ambulance driver shall be eighteen (18) years of age with a valid driver’s license.

Consistent with § 25-3.5-202, CRS in the case of an emergency in any ambulance service area where no person possessing the qualifications required by this section is present or available to respond to a call for the emergency treatment and transportation of patients by ambulance, any person may operate such ambulance to transport any sick, injured, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless person in order to stabilize the medical condition of such person pending the availability of personnel meeting these minimum qualifications.

H. Insurance. Each ambulance service shall maintain current insurance coverage furnished by an insurance carrier appropriately licensed to write such policies in Colorado.

        1. Vehicle Insurance: Applicants for ambulance licensing shall demonstrate minimum vehicle insurance coverage as defined by §10-4-609, CRS and §42-7-103(2), CRS with the county identified as the certificate holder.
        2. Workers' compensation insurance: A minimum level is required consistent with the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act of Colorado Revised Statutes title 8, article 40-47.
        3. Professional liability insurance: Documentation from the applicant that information regarding the amount of professional liability insurance the ambulance service carries was provided to employees.
        4. Other Insurance: commercial or comprehensive general liability insurance, medical malpractice and other insurance policies as may be required by law, in amounts that meet or exceed limits specified in the Governmental Immunity Act or other applicable statutes.

I. Change in Ownership. Any change of ownership shall require a new application and license. Any sale or exchange of stock in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the total outstanding stock or a corporation shall be deemed a change of ownership for the purposes of these Rules and Regulations. Any change of ownership or any change of stock ownership of ten percent (10%) or more shall be reported in writing to the Board within thirty (30) days.

J. Severability. If any provision of these Rules and Regulations is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the remaining provisions of the Rules and Regulations shall continue in full force and effect.

K. No Third Party Beneficiary. Nothing in these Rules and Regulations shall be construed to create a cause of action and/or civil liability remedy in any person. These Rules and Regulations shall not be construed to create a duty to any third party where no such duty otherwise existed. It is the express intention of the Board that any third party receiving services or benefits under these Rules and Regulations shall he deemed to be an incidental beneficiary only.