MEDICAL DIRECTION SERVICE AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE
I BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Kenneth T. Welch - Chairman
Ronnie E. Duncan - Vice Chairman
Calvin D. Harris
Susan Latvala
John Morroni
Karen Williams See I
Robert B. Stewart
Pinellas
County
EMS & FIRE
ADMINISTRATION
March 20, 2006
Chief Jamie Geer
City of Clearwater
610 Franklin Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Re: Medical Direction Service Agreement
Dear Chief Geer:
Enclosed please find the Medical Direction Service Agreement, effective
February 28, 2006, between Emergency Medical Services Group, Inc. and the
Pinel/as County Emergency Medical Services Authority. The renewed certificate
of insurance for the contractor is also included.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (727) 582-2041.
sincerOOk
Craig A. Hare, MBA, Paramedic
EMS Coordinator
CAH/mls
Enclosure.
PLEASE ADDRESS REPLY TO:
12490 Ulmerton Road
largo, Florida 33774
Phone: (727) 582-2000
FAX: (727) 582-2039
TDD: (727) 582-2088
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MEDICAL DIRECTION SERVICE AGREEMENT
2006
PINELLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774-2700
05 b--(jo-Sb- p(A
Medical Direction Service Agreement
Page 2
AGREEMENT made this 1.3' day of February 2006, between EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES GROUP, INC., a Florida corporation, with its principal place of
business at 12490 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida 33774-2700 ("Contractor"), and the
PINELLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY, a special
taxing district established by Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, as amended ("Authority").
R E C I TA L S
1. On October 21, 2005, the Authority released its Request for Proposals for the
provision of Medical Direction Services in Pinellas County, Florida
("RFP"); and
2. Pursuant to the RFP, Contractor and the Authority now desire to enter into this
Medical Direction Service Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants of each
other contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of
which is hereby acknowledged, the parties do covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE AGREEMENT
SECTION 101. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Agreement is to define the obligations and responsibilities of the
Parties hereto with respect to the provision of Medical Direction Services in the County.
SECTION 102. COOPERATION
The Parties shall cooperate and use all reasonable efforts, pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement, to facilitate the terms of this Agreement. Accordingly, the Parties
further agree in good faith to mutually undertake resolution of disputes, if any, in an
equitable and timely manner so as to limit the need for costly, time-consuming,
adversarial proceedings to resolve such disputes.
SECTION 103. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
The following Appendices are attached to and made part of this Agreement:
Appendix A. First Responders in Pinellas County
Appendix B. EMS Communication System Description
Appendix C. Medical Operations Manual
Appendix D. CME Agreement
Appendix E. Quality Management Principles
Appendix F. Certificates of Insurance
Appendix G. Additional Performance Requirements
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Appendix H. Business Associate Agreement
This Agreement, together with the foregoing Appendices, constitutes the entire
Medical Direction Service Agreement between the Parties with respect to the provision
of Medical Direction services, shall supersede any prior agreement, contract or
memorandum of understanding between the Parties regarding such services and the
Parties agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the Appendices,
shall govern exclusively the obligations of the Parties.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 201. WORDS AND TERMS
Unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein shall have the
following meanings ascribed to them:
"Advanced Life Support" or "ALS" means treatment of life-threatening and non-life-
threatening trauma and medical conditions through the use of techniques such as
endotracheal intubation, the administration of drugs or intravenous fluids, cardiac
monitoring, and cardiac defibrillation by a qualified person, pursuant to rules of the
Department.
"Ambulance Contractor" means the entity contracted by the Authority to provide
Ambulance Services and Mental Health Interfacility Transport Services.
"Ambulance Services" means the emergency, non-emergency, interfacility, critical
care, and other Specialized Rescue and other specialized transport services offered by
the Authority through its Ambulance Contractor.
"Ambulance" means any vehicle permitted by the Department, approved by the
Executive Director, and operated by the Ambulance Contractor, which is equipped to
provide Advanced Life Support services, and used for the transportation of Patients.
"Authority" means the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority, a
special taxing district established by Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, as amended.
"Basic Life Support" or "BLS" means treatment of life-threatening and non-Iife-
threatening trauma and medical conditions by a qualified person through the use of
techniques described in the Emergency Medical Technician Basic Training Course
Curriculum of the United States Department of Transportation.
"Caller" means a person accessing the EMS system by telephone.
"Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity" means that certificate issued by
the Board of County Commissioners pursuant to Chapter 401.25(2)(d), Florida Statutes
or the Authority through the Special Act.
"Continuing Medical Education" or "CME" means the Continuing Medical Education
Program provided by the St. Petersburg Junior College for the continuing and remedial
education and training of all EMS Personnel in coordination with the Contractor. The
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CME agreement dated January 14,1998, and as may be amended, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Appendix "0".
"Contractor" means a licensed physician, corporation, association, or partnership
composed of physicians, which employs a Medical Director for purposes of providing
Medical Direction Services to the EMS System.
"County" means Pinellas County, Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida.
"County-Certified" or "County Certification" means authorized to work in the EMS.
System in accordance with requirements established by the Medical Control Board and
the Medical Director, and approved by the Authority.
"Deductions" means penalties provided for in Section 702 hereof for failure to meet
Performance Requirements.
"Department" means the State of Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency
Medical Services.
"Disaster" means an occurrence of a severity and magnitude that normally results in
death, injuries, and/or property damage, and which cannot be managed through routine
procedures and resources of the EMS system.
"Emergency Medical Oispatcher" or "EMO" means a person who is County-Certified
Paramedic and is specially trained and certified, pursuant to the Rules and Regulations,
to provide pre-arrival instructions and priority dispatch in accordance with the Priority
Dispatch Protocols.
"Emergency Medical Technician" or "EMT" means any person who is trained in Basic
Life Support, who is County-Certified, and who is certified by the Department to perform
such services in emergency and non-emergency situations.
"EMS Advisory Council" means the Pine lias County Emergency Medical Services
Advisory Council created by the Special Act.
"EMS Communications Center" means the facility or portion of a facility and
communications system, described in Appendix "B", or successor facility provided by the
Authority, where Contractor shall operate the Medical Communications Officer program.
"EMS Emergency" means any occurrence or threat thereof, in the County or any
municipality tQerein, or in any surrounding County or Counties, which may result in
unexpected increased demand for EMS services and is designated as such by the
Executive Director or the Authority.
"EMS Ordinance" means Chapter 54, Article III, of the Pinellas County Code.
"EMS Personnel" means the County-Certified Physicians, Medical Officers,
Paramedics, Registered Nurses, EMTs, EM Os and Wheelchair Transport drivers
employed by ALS and BLS First Responders, the Ambulance Contractor, the CME
Contractor, the Authority or the Contractor.
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"EMS System" means the network of organizations and individuals established to
provide emergency medical services to citizens of the County and includes: all ALS and
Critical Care Ambulance Services, all ALS and BLS First Responder Services, EMS
Communications Center operations, Medical Direction Services, citizen CPR training
and public education.
"EMS" means Emergency Medical Services.
"Executive Director" means the Authority's Director of the EMS System.
"First Responder Services" means the rapid response of EMS Personnel to medical
and traumatic emergencies to provide patient assessment and ALS or BLS patient care,
as necessary, at the scene of an emergency and Specialized Rescue services.
"First Responders" means any municipalities, fire districts, entities, as listed in
Appendix "An, or any future entities under contract with the Authority and located within
Pinellas County that possesses (1) a valid Certificate of Public Convenience and
Necessity, and (2) a valid agreement with the Authority to provide ALS or BLS First
Responder Services.
"Fiscal Year" means the period commencing October 1 in any given year and ending
September 30 of the following year.
"Medical Communications Officer" means the specially trained Paramedic or EMT
employed by the Contractor to relay information to hospitals, gather quality improvement
information, and monitoring the status of hospital resources and EMS System resources
in accordance with the Medical Operations Manual.
"Medical Control Board" means the board appointed by the Authority, pursuant to the
EMS Ordinance, and having the duties and responsibilities set forth in the EMS
Ordinance and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
"Medical Control Physician" means the specially trained and County-Certified
physician authorized to provide Online Medical Control. Medical Control Physicians must
be licensed to practice in the State of Florida and board certified in emergency medicine
or other related specialty.
"Medical Direction" or "Medical Direction Services" means the (1) clinical oversight
and leadership, protocol and policy development (offline medical control), policy
effectiveness research, (2) the provision of Online Medical Control services, (3) the
provision of Medical Communications Officer services, (4) establishing medical supply
and equipment standards, (5) Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement services
including the investigation of complaints, (6) the certification and re-certification of EMS
Personnel, (7) the identification of training deficits in the EMS System and the approval
of all CME training materials and curriculum, (8) field observation of EMS Personnel
rendering patient care, (9) conducting and sponsoring medical research and clinical trials
of new treatments or equipment.
"Medical Director" means the physician who is (1) duly licensed osteopathic or medical
doctor in the State of Florida, (2) meets the requirements of the Department, (3) is board
certified in emergency medicine, (4) meets the requirements of the EMS Ordinance and
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(5) has a valid employment agreement with the Contractor, to'serve as the clinical leader
of the EMS System.
"Medical Officer" means the specially trained and County-Certified Paramedic
authorized to provide Online Medical Control.
"Medical Operations Manual" means the clinical, operational and administrative
procedures, protocols and guidelines, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix
"C", prepared for the EMS System and approved by the Medical Control Board, as the
same may be amended from time to time.
"Mental Health Interfacility Transport Services" means the interfacility transportation
of mental health clients, in accordance with Chapter 394, Florida Statutes, and any
successor statute.
"Online Medical Control" means the clinical management, direct orders and
supervision provided by the Medical Director, a Medical Control Physician or a Medical
Officer via radio, telephone or scene response to EMS Personnel rendering ALS and
BLS patient care and treatment at the scene of an emergency and prior to or during
emergency, non-emergency or specialized transport.
"Paramedic" means a person who is County-Certified and certified by the Department
to perform Basic and Advanced Life Support procedure, pursuant to the provisions of
state statute and regulations.
"Party" or "Parties" means either the Authority or Contractor, or both, as the context of
the usage of such term may require.
"Patient" means an individual who is ill, sick, injured, wounded, or otherwise
incapacitated, and is in need of, or is at risk of needing, medical attention or care on
scene and/or during transport to or from a health care facility.
"Performance Requirements" means the requirements of this Agreement intended to
ensure; (1) clinical and operational performance is consistent with approved medical
standards and protocols; (2) Contractor is unrelenting in its effort to detect and correct
performance deficiencies; and (3) Contractor assist the Authority in upgrading the
performance and reliability of the EMS System; (4) Contractor meets all the
requirements of providing Medical Direction Services; (5) Contractor meets all of the
requirements of providing a Medical Director.
"Priority Dispatch Protocols" means the interrogation protocols and pre-arrival
instructions, as set forth in the "Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System" (AMPDS)
guidelines developed by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch
(NAEMD), or any successor method approved by the Executive Director, the Ambulance
Contractor, the Medical Director, and the Medical Control Board.
"Protocols" means protocols, procedures and standards to be followed by all EMS
personnel including, but not limited to, clinical treatment protocols; standing orders;
multiple casualty incident and disaster protocols; transport protocols including hospital
destination, hospital bypass and first responder transports; trauma transport protocols
and use of helicopter ambulances; protocols for the transfer of patient care and
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professional interaction between EMS personnel; on-scene medical authority; standard
for allowed clinical procedures; policies and protocols to govern Specialized Rescue
teams and situations; standards for emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency EMS call-
taking, call processing and radio and data communications including, but not limited to,
priority dispatch and pre-arrival instruction protocols; standards for patient care reporting
and record keeping; standards for Baker Act transport services and wheelchair vehicle
services.
"Quality Assurance Review" means an audit, inquiry or review, by the Medical Director
and/or Medical Control Board, into procedures and practices of EMS Personnel, First
Responders, or the Ambulance Contractor on an individual EMS incident or overall EMS
System performance or compliance.
"Quality Management Principles" means the criteria and guidelines for organizational
performance excellence published by the Florida Sterling Council, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Appendix "En, as the same may be amended from time to time or
successor methods or systems agreed to in writing by the Authority and Contractor,
"Registered Nurse" means a person who is County-Certified and licensed to practice
professional nursing pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 464, Florida Statutes and any
successor statute.
"Response Vehicle(s)" means the emergency response vehicle(s) owned, insured,
equipped and operated by the Contractor, and approved by the Authority, for the
purpose of responding to emergencies to render assistance and to observe the
operation of the EMS System.
"Rules and Regulations" means the rules and regulations adopted by the Authority on
October 5, 1993, as may be amended from time to time.
"Special Act" means Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, as amended.
"Specialized Rescue" means the hazardous materials response team(s), tactical
(SWAT) EMS teams, and technical rescue teams provided by the Ambulance Contractor
or First Responders to mitigate emergency situations and affect the rescue of Patients.
"State of Emergency" means a Disaster, which has been declared by proclamation of
the State, County, or a municipality in the County.
"State" means the State of Florida.
"Wheelchair Transport" means the services, vehicles and personnel regulated by the
Authority for the transport of wheelchair bound clients within the County.
SECTION 202.
TERMS GENERALLY
Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include corresponding masculine,
feminine, and neuter forms. The words "include," "includes" and "including" shall be
deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation," except as the context may
otherwise require. The words "agree," "agreement, " "approval" and "consent" shall be
Medical Direction Service A~reement
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deemed to be followed by the phrase "which shall not be unreasonably withheld or
unduly delayed," except as the context may otherwise require. The words "approved,"
"designate," or similar words shall be deemed to be preceded by the word "reasonably,"
except as the context may otherwise require.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS
SECTION 301.
REPRESENTATIONS OF AUTHORITY
The Authority represents to Contractor that each of the following statements are
presently true and correct:
(a) Existing. The Authority is a special taxing district existing under the laws of the State
of Florida, and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now
conducted, and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and each document
contemplated hereunder to which it is or will be a party.
(b) Due Authorization. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action
on the part of, and has been or will be duly executed and delivered by the Authority, and
neither the execution and delivery thereof, nor compliance with the terms and provisions
thereof or hereof, contravenes any existing law, judgment, government rule, regulation,
or order applicable to or binding on the Authority.
(c) Enforceability. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of the
Authority enforceable against the Authority in accordance with the terms thereof, except
as such enforceability may be affected or limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
or similar laws, from time to time in effect, which affect creditors' rights generally and
subject to usual equitable principles in the event that equitable remedies are involved.
(d) Financial Capability. The Authority is fully capable, financially and otherwise, to
perform its obligations hereunder.
(e) No Litigation. There are no pending, or to the knowledge of the Authority, threatened,
actions or proceedings, before any court or administrative agency to which the Authority
is a party, questioning the validity of this Agreement or any document or action
contemplated hereunder, or which are likely, in any case or in the aggregate, to
materially adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereunder.
SECTION 302.
REPRESENTATIONS. OF CONTRACTOR
Contractor represents and warrants to the Authority that each of the following statements
are presently true and correct:
(a) Existing. Contractor has been organized and validly exists, under the laws of the
State of Florida, as having all requisite power and authority in Florida to carry on its
business as now conducted, to own or hold or otherwise its properties, and to enter into
Medical Direction Service AQreement
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and perform its obligations under this Agreement and under each instrument described
herein to which it is or will be a party.
(b) Due Authorization. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary
actions on the part of, and has been duly executed and delivered by, Contractor, and
neither the execution and delivery thereof, nor compliance with the terms and provisions
thereof or hereof at the time such action is required (i) requires the approval and consent
of any other party, except such as have been duly obtained, certified copies thereof
having been delivered to the Authority; (ii) contravenes any existing law, judgment,
governmental rule, regulation, or order applicable to or binding on Contractor; or (iii) the
corporate charter or bylaws of Contractor or any other agreement or instrument in
existence on the date of this Agreement to which Contractor is a party.
(c) Enforceability. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of
Contractor enforceable against Contractor in accordance with the terms thereof, except
as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar
laws, from time to time in effect, which affect creditors' rights generally and subject to
usual equitable principles in the event that equitable remedies are involved.
(d) No Litigation. There are no pending, or to the knowledge of Contractor, threatened
actions or proceedings before any court or administrative agency to which Contractor is
a party, questioning the validity of this Agreement of any document or action
contemplated hereunder, or which are likely, in any case or in the aggregate, to
materially adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereunder.
(e) Financial Capability. Contractor is fully capable, financially and otherwise, to perform
its obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE IV
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRACTOR
SECTION 401.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
(a) Obliqation to provide a Medical Director. Contractor shall continuously
maintain a physician to provide clinical leadership to the EMS System and serve as its
sole Medical Director.
Contractor shall ensure that its employment agreement fully discloses the requirements
of this agreement and requires that if the Medical Director intends to voluntarily resign
the position, he/she shall continue to serve as the Medical Director until such time as the
Authority approves a replacement physician.
(b) Requirements of the Medical Director. Medical Director shall:
Be a duly licensed to practice as a medical or osteopathic doctor in the State of
Florida;
Be experienced in prehospital care and is board certified in emergency medicine by
the American Board of Emergency Medicine;
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Meet the requirements of the Department through applicable Florida Statutes and
Administrative Code;
Meet the requirements of the EMS Ordinance;
Have a valid employment agreement with the Contractor and submit a copy of such
to the Authority, and
Be recommended by the Medical Control Board and appointed by the Authority.
( c)
Activities of the Medical Director.
Medical Director shall:
Assume direct responsibility for the clinical activities performed by all EMS Personnel
performing within the EMS System;
Discharge all duties identified in Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, the
EMS Ordinance, the Rules and Regulations and the Medical Operations Manual;
Be an active participant in a statewide physician group involved in pre-hospital care,
and
Be an active participant in the Coalition for Advanced EMS (CAEMS) physicians
group or successor organizations, identified by the Executive Director, that promote
high performance EMS Systems.
(d) Replacement of the Medical Director. Authority may request the replacement of
the Medical Director, with or without cause. In such event, the Contractor is obligated to
comply and replace the Medical Director within ninety (90) days of being notified in
writing by the Authority.
In the event of such request for replacement or the vacancy of the Medical Director
position by the incumbent, Contractor shall submit the credentials and contingent
employment agreement of an alternative physician to the Medical Control Board for their
consideration and possible recommendation to the Authority for its approval.
SECTION 402.
MEDICAL OPERATIONS MANUAL
(a) Comprehensive Review. Contractor shall conduct an on-going and
comprehensive review of all Protocols, rules, regulations and standards as may be
necessary to ensure reliable service delivery in the EMS System and appropriate patient
care.
In conducting the review, the Medical Director shall take into consideration the results of
Quality Assurance Reviews, review of medical literature, and input from the Medical
Control Board and interested physicians, the EMS Advisory Council, First Responders,
Ambulance Contractor, EMS Personnel, and the Authority.
Contractor shall complete its comprehensive review of all Protocols of the EMS System
and present the proposed changes to the Medical Control Board for approval prior to the
end of each Fiscal Year.
(b) Criteria for Implementinq Chanqes. Contractor shall ensure that the following
criteria are met prior to activating a new protocol or procedure within the EMS System:
Protocol has been thoroughly researched and supported by medical literature, field
evaluation where applicable, and the analysis of available EMS System data;
Medical Direction Service Aqreement
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Such research and data is fully documented;
Protocol has been reviewed by the Ambulance Contractor, First Responders and the
Executive Director;
All Protocols that relate to the Protocol being changed are evaluated to ensure
consistency and accuracy;
All supporting Protocols such as medication formulary, procedures and related
Protocols are updated simultaneously;
Protocol is approved by the Medical Control Board;
Protocol, supporting documents, implementation instructions are distributed to the
Ambulance Contractor and First Responders prior to training or implementation;
Training through the CME program has been completed if necessary, prior to
implementation, and
All criteria are met prior to requesting the purchase of medical supplies, equipment or
medications.
(c) Annual Review and Publication. Prior to January 1st each Fiscal Year, Contractor
shall publish and distribute, at its own cost, a fully comprehensive manual, entitled the
Medical Operations Manual, that includes all Protocols including all changes that were
approved at the end of the prior Fiscal Year and any quarterly updates not already
incorporated in the prior year's Medical Operations Manual. The Medical Operations
Manual shall be professionally reproduced; spiral bound and each year the color of the
cover shall change and include the effective date.
(d) PrintinQ and Distribution. Contractor shall distribute, at its own cost, a copy of the
Medical Operations Manual and quarterly updates to every County-Certified Paramedic,
every ALS and BLS First Responder agency, every ALS First Responder unit, every ALS
capable Specialized Rescue unit, the Ambulance Contractor, every Ambulance, every
hospital, the CME Contractor, and multiple copies as requested by the Authority for
archival purposes. Contractor shall make an electronic version available to every First
Responder, the Ambulance Contractor, the CME Contractor and the Authority.
Contractor shall print enough extra manuals and quarterly updates to distribute one to
each Paramedic that becomes County-Certified during the year. '
Contractor shall obtain and retain a receipt from every First Responder Agency and the
Ambulance Contractor for each annual Medical Operations Manual.
Contractor shall obtain and retain a receipt from each County-Certified Paramedic for
each annual Medical Operations Manual issued. Such receipt shall state clearly that
County-Certified Paramedics are individually accountable and obligated to follow all
rules, regulations and protocols of the Authority.
(e) Quarterlv Updates. Contractor shall publish, no more frequently than quarterly,
an update to Protocols that must be changed prior to publishing the next annual Medical
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Operations Manual. Such updates shall adhere to the requirements listed in subsections
(a), (b), (d) above.
(f) Public Domain. All protocols, procedures, algorithms, rules, regulations, medical
supply and equipment standards developed by the Contractor shall become public
domain upon approval of the Medical Control Board or implementation within the EMS
System.
SECTION 403.
ONLINE MEDICAL CONTROL
Contractor shall provide a primary Online Medical Control Physician or Medical Officer
on a continual basis that is available by radio and telephone for consultation and located
within Pinellas County.
Online Medical Control shall be made available 24 hours per day to provide clinical
guidance, patient care and treatment orders, medication orders for all First Responders
and the Ambulance Contractor on all pre-hospital and interfacility activities of the EMS
System including, but not limited to, Specialized Rescue services, critical care transport,
and mental health interfacility transports.
On a monthly basis, seventy-five percent (75%) of hourly coverage shall be provided by
a Medical Control Physician and twenty-five percent (25%) of hourly coverage shall be
provided by a Medical Officer.
All Online Medical Control staff members shall be County-Certified Medical Control
Physicians or Medical Officers in accordance with the Rules and Regulations and
receive specialized training in the provision of Online Medical Control. All Online Medical
Control staff shall satisfactorily complete a minimum of 20 hours per year of continuing
medical education. Ten (10) of the continuing education hours must be related to pre-
hospital care.
Online Medical Control staff members shall fully comply with all laws, standards, rules,
and regulations established by the State, the County, and the Medical Control Board,
including the protocols established in the Medical Operations Manual, and shall assist
the Medical Director in monitoring, regulating, and the oversight of the EMS System.
SECTION 404.
MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Contractor shall provide a Medical Communications Officer (MCO) in the EMS
Communications Center on a continual basis. Contractor may staff the position in
unusual circumstances with a County-certified EMT pre-approved by the Executive
Director.
The Medical Communications Officer shall perform the following functions:
Coordinate all radio communications between EMS Personnel and Online Medical
Control;
Notify hospitals on behalf of EMS Personnel when they have initiated a consultation
with Online Medical Control;
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Coordinate and monitor radio communications between EMS Personnel and
hospitals to ensure the appropriate destination is selected and adherence to
protocols;
Assist Online Medical ContrOl and EMS Personnel in determining the most
appropriate destination for Patients considering available hospital beds, hospital
status and available resources and the special needs of patients;
Assist EMS Personnel in determining the most appropriate dispersal of patients from
multiple victim incidents and during a Disaster, State of Emergency or EMS
Emergency;
Monitor EMS System activity to ensure adherence to protocols and procedures;
Gather and validate quality assurance information by conducting telephone
interviews with hospital staff and EMS Personnel required in Section 408, and
Interact with the public, health care professionals, and EMS Personnel to record
complaints and reports of unusual occurrences.
Be clean, neat, of professional demeanor and dressed as follows:
White, short or long sleeved, polo or dress shirt with the OMD logo over the left
chest; navy blue uniform work pants; back belt with garrison type belt buckle;
black military style boots or sturdy shoes with dark socks (sneakers are not
allowed) and Pinellas County EMS Certification photo identification will be
clipped to either the shirt or belt.
SECTION 405.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION
Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring the quality of the CME training provided to
the EMS system by:
Reviewing and approving all curriculum and courses for the CME training program
prior to EMS Personnel being trained;
Actively participating in the CME steering committee;
Make staff available to serve as subject matter experts or curriculum consultants to
the core and remedial CME programs;
Assist in developing procedures to evaluate the clinical impact and effectiveness of
the entire CME program;
Evaluate the educational effectiveness of instruction, courses and programs In
consultation with the CME contractor;
Advise the Authority's Executive Director or the Medical Control Board anytime the
Contractor believes the quality of the CME program is failing to ensure high quality
patient care is provided by EMS Personnel;
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Monitor and audit at least three (3) class sessions of every CME course, and
Medical Director shall monitor and audit at least one (1) class session of every CME
course held.
SECTION 406.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Contractor shall apply Quality Management Principles in their efforts to continuously
improve Medical Direction Services. Contractor and the Authority shall endeavor to apply
Quality Management Principles in their collaborative efforts to improve the EMS System.
Contractor shall cooperate with the Authority in monitoring its compliance with the
requirements of this Agreement. Contractor shall issue activity reports and other
information as requested by the Authority.
Contractor shall assist the Ambulance Contractor and First Responders in their efforts to
implement Quality Management Principles and their applications for accreditation or
award programs such as the Florida Governor's Sterling Award or the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award.
SECTION 407.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
(a) Comprehensive Review. Contractor shall conduct an on-going and
comprehensive review of all EMS medical equipment, medications and medical supplies
as may be necessary to ensure reliable service delivery in the EMS System and
excellence in patient care.
In conducting the review, the Medical Director shall take into consideration the results of
Quality Assurance Reviews, review of medical literature, and input from the Medical
Control Board, interested physicians, the EMS Advisory Council, First Responders,
Ambulance Contractor, EMS Personnel, and the Authority.
Contractor shall complete its comprehensive review of all EMS System medical supplies
and equipment and present the proposed changes to the Medical Control Board for
approval prior to the end of each Fiscal Year.
(b) Criteria for ImplementinQ. ChanQes. Contractor shall ensure that the following
criteria are met prior to activating new medical equipment or supplies within the EMS
System:
Proposed medical equipment or supplies have been thoroughly researched,
supported by medical literature, a field evaluation completed when applicable, and
the analysis of available EMS System data;
Such research and data is fully documented;
Medical equipment or supplies have been reviewed by the Ambulance Contractor,
First Responders and the Executive Director;
All Protocols related to the medical equipment or supplies have been changed and
evaluated to ensure consistency and accuracy;
Medical Direction Service Aareement
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Medical equipment or supplies are approved by the Medical Control Board, if
necessary;
Protocol, supporting documents and implementation instructions are distributed to
the Ambulance Contractor and First Responders prior to training or implementation,
and
Training through the CME program has been completed, if necessary prior to
implementation.
(c) PrintinQ and Distribution. Contractor shall distribute, at its own cost, a master
copy of the vehicle inspection and station inventory forms on a quarterly basis in
conjunction with the updates to the Medical Operations Manual. Such forms shall be
distributed to every ALS and BLS First Responder agency, the Ambulance Contractor
and to the Authority. Contractor shall made an electronic version available to every First
Responder, the Ambulance Contractor and the Authority.
(d) Inventory Control. Contractor shall establish and maintain inventory
control standards including the minimum and maximum numbers of EMS medical
equipment, medications and medical supplies to be stocked on Ambulances, ALS and
BLS First Responder Units (both transport and non-transport capable) and Specialized
Rescue Units.
Contractor shall establish such standards for Ambulance Contractor Stations and First
Responder stations when medical supply usage data is available from the Authority's
integrated data system.
Contractor shall establish a listing of mandatory equipment, medications and medical
supplies that must be on board an Ambulance or ALS First Responder unit for it to
respond to EMS incidents.
SECTION 408.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND IMPROVEMENT
(a) Qualitv Assurance Review. Contractor shall establish procedures for routine
auditing of EMS System performance and adherence to Protocols on individual EMS
incidents and overall EMS System compliance.
The purpose and tone of the Quality Assurance Review process shall be positive and
educational.
Contractor may, at any time and without limitation, conduct a Quality Assurance Review
investigation or audit to ensure that EMS Personnel, First Responders and the
Ambulance Contractor comply with the Protocols and Rules and Regulations of the
Medical Control Board and the Authority.
Contractor shall take actions necessary, in accordance with Section 409, to ensure that
EMS Personnel conduct themselves professionally, have appropriate clinical
assessment and treatment skills, appropriate clinical and operational decision-making
skills, and adhere to Protocols, Rules and Regulations.
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Contractor may require remedial training of EMS Personnel. Such remedial training may
be conducted by the Contractor, the CME Contractor, First Responder agencies or the
Ambulance Contractor at the Medical Director's discretion.
The method and extent of the investigation employed during significant Quality
Assurance Reviews shall be determined by the Medical Director in consultation with the
Authority.
Any individual or agency may request a Quality Assurance Review of any EMS incident
in which they were involved, including:
The general public;
The Patient, Patient's legal guardian, healthcare surrogate or power of attorney;
The Patient's personal physician;
Hospital or health care facility personnel;
The Ambulance Contractor or First Responder agency;
Any individual EMS Personnel, and
Any member of the emergency medical review committee, as defined in the
subsection below.
The Authority or its administrative staff, Medical Director, Medical Control Board, and
Online Medical Control staff may request a Quality Assurance Review of any EMS
incident.
The Contractor may also conduct special audits in response to observations or customer
feedback given to the Authority, Medical Director, Online Medical Control staff, or
Medical Control Board members.
(b) EmerQency Medical Review Committee. Contractor shall establish an emergency
medial review committee or committees in accordance with the provisions of Chapter
401.26, F.S. Medical Director may assemble such committee(s) on an ad hoc basis to
serve in the capacity of a peer review board or as an emergency medical review
committee with a single licensed First Responder agency or the Ambulance Contractor.
(c) ReQistries. Contractor shall develop, implement and continually refine fully
comprehensive databases to ensure and improve the quality of patient assessment,
treatment and care in the EMS System. Such databases shall enable EMS System
research to study illness and injury patterns in the community to increase public
awareness and education.
At a minimum, Contractor shall gather, maintain and make good faith efforts to ensure
that accurate data is collected on the following types of EMS incidents and interventions
including, but not limited to every:
Quality Assurance Review;
Drowning and submersion incidents;
Sudden cardiac arrest incident;
Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) within the community;
Trauma alert as defined by the Department;
Intubation whether attempted or established;
Helicopter transport;
Medical Direction Service AQreement PaQe 17
First Responder transport;
Failures or defects in medical devices or medical supplies, and
Field observation, responses and activities of the Contractor, in accordance with
Section 410.
Contractor shall regularly share and report all such data to EMS Personnel, First
Responder agencies, the Ambulance Contractor and the Authority to continuously
improve the EMS System in accordance with Section 406.
SECTION 409.
CERTIFICATION OF EMS PERSONNEL
(a) Certification Requirements. Contractor shall be responsible for establishing and
periodically updating the minimum personnel standards and certification requirements
for all EMS Personnel. Such standards shall include the requirements for initial training,
Continuing Medical Education, State and national certifications and licenses, clinical
orientation requirements, standards for professional conduct and testing requirements
for EMS Personnel to attain and maintain County certification necessary to be classified
as County-Certified.
Contractor shall establish procedures for issuance, renewal, suspension, and revocation
of certifications of all EMS personnel. The procedures shall contain due process
provisions and all such provisions shall be approved, in advance, by the County attorney
and be subject to the approval of the Medical Control Board and the Authority.
(b) Certification Process. Contractor shall validate that all EMS Personnel meet the
initial requirements and continuously comply with the established standards to attain and
maintain County certification required to be classified as County-Certified. Contractor
shall issue, renew, suspend and revoke the County-Certification of EMS Personnel
following the Rules and Regulations and due process requirements.
Contractor shall maintain a database that includes pertinent data including identification
numbers and expiration dates for the various requirements and digital photos each
individual.
Contractor shall issue photo identification cards, which identify the name, rank, agency,
specialized certifications held for all County-Certified EMS Personnel. Identification
cards shall be invalidated by an expiration date not greater than three (3) years from the
date of issuance, however, photos need not be updated.
Contractor shall ensure that EMS Personnel, who have their County-Certification
suspended, revoked, terminate their employment or become inactive, surrender their
identification card to the Contractor.
(c) Clinical Orientation. Contractor shall provide a twenty-four (24) hour orientation
course at least monthly, at its own cost, to ensure that new Online Medical Control
Physicians, Medical Officers, Medical Communications Officers, Paramedics, and
Registered Nurses have been thoroughly trained and tested in the Protocols of the EMS
System. Such personnel must demonstrate adequate clinical skills in a training
environment and possess a thorough understanding of the structure, finance, and
operation of the EMS System and its underlying structure and philosophy.
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(d) Due Process ReQuirements. Due process requirements are required should the
Contractor modify any procedures for the suspension, revocation, refusal to
renew, or refusal to initially insure a personnel certificate or vehicle permit. The
due process standards adopted by the Contractor shall be subject to approval of
the County Attorney and may not be adopted until the Medical Control Board and
the Authority have given such approval.
(e) Costs associated with appeals of revocation and suspension of credentials of
EMS Personnel. In the event that an appeal is taken from the decision of the
Contractor or Medical Director that affects the credentialing of any EMS
Personnel under its licensure, the Authority may retain counsel of its choice to
represent the Medical Director for the formal appeals process involving an
Administrative Law Judge, or Special Master, conditioned upon the Medical
Director waiving any attorney client privilege in favor of the Authority for any
attorney(s) so obtained by the Authority so that the Authority may receive
updates on the status of the appeal and discuss matters related to the appeal
with the counsel retained by the Authority. In the event the contractor waives the
attorney client privilege as set forth herein, the Contractor shall be responsible for
the first five thousand dollars ($5,000) of expense for attorneys' fees and other
costs arising from the appeal, or subsequent appeals on the same case and the
Authority shall assume the liability for the remaining fees and costs once this
amount is reached. Contractor shall only be responsible for the first five thousand
dollars ($5,000) of expense on each individual case. The parties agree to cap
the expense of the Contractor where the waiver takes place to a total of twenty
five thousand ($25,000) in qny fiscal year of the Authority. Should the Contractor
not waive the privilege, the Contractor shall be responsible for all costs
associated with appeals of revocation and suspensions of credentials. This
paragraph only applies to th.ose appeals contemplated by the Rules and
Regulations of the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority and
not to any other legal proceedings that may be brought against the Medical
Director or the Contractor.
SECTION 410.
FIELD ACTIVITY AND SYSTEM MONITORING
Contractor shall substantially perform and document in its monthly summary report to
the Authority evidence of the following required activities:
Direct field observation of EMS Personnel performing patient care at a minimum of
ten (10) EMS incidents per month;
Visit and interact with EMS Personnel, hospital emergency department staff, and
other public safety personnel on a regular basis. Contractor shall document at least
three (3) visits to a First Responder, Ambulance Contractor station, or a hospital
emergency room each month, and
Ride along and observe field activity as a crewmember on an Ambulance or First
Responder unit for a minimum of eight (8) hours per quarter.
Such field responses, visits and ride-alongs shall be distributed equally among each of
the First Responder agencies, the Ambulance' Contractor and the hospitals on an annual
basis.
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SECTION 411.
INTEGTRATED DATA SYSTEM
(a) InteQrated Data System. Contractor shall assist the Authority in developing the
Medical Director's user requirements for the Authority's medical record-keeping system.
The Parties understand that the database of the Authority's automated medical
record-keeping system shall be fully comprehensive, including complete and integrated
information on all system activities.
In addition to assisting with the design and evolution of the Authority's comprehensive
information system, Contractor shall, without additional compensation:
Require all Contractor personnel to comply with all record-keeping and data entry
requirements of the EMS System, as approved and periodically revised by the
Authority;
Develop and routinely produce and deliver to Authority a complete record of data
from Quality Assurance databases established by the Contractor to fulfill the
requirements of Section 408, and
Comply with information, coding and data format conventions as specified by the
Authority.
(b) Ownership of Data and Records. Contractor agrees that all data, whether written or
an electronic file, relating to the Authority's Patients, operations and EMS System
including, but not limited to, dispatch records, patient care reports, research and quality
assurance databases, hospital status and capability, personnel certification, and
continuing education rosters are all the property of the Authority.
(c) Use of Contractor Software. Contractor hereby grants to Authority a personal, non-
exclusive, non-transferable license to use all software, including web pages, both
computer-executable program(s) and source code, developed by the Contractor in the
performance of this agreement for the Authority's internal use. The Authority shall
receive copies of all software updates and upgrades created by the Contractor at no
cost.
For the purpose of this section, "internal use" shall include unlimited use by Authority
and its employees, agents and contractors in the course of the Authority's business in
Pinellas County, Florida when requested in writing by the Authority.
Authority represents and warrants to Contractor that Authority has no right, title or
ownership interest in software or in intellectual property developed by the Contractor. All
right, title and interest, whether in the nature of copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade
name, patent or otherwise, in software or in intellectual property including any derivative
works created therefrom, vests and shall vest solely in the Contractor.
In the event that this agreement is terminated, all software shall continue to be used
without limits, at the discretion of the Authority, for internal use. In consideration of such
continued use, the Authority shall compensate the Contractor one thousand and 00/100
dollars ($1,000.00) per month of use.
Medical Direction Service Aqreement
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SECTION 412.
PERSONNEL
The Parties understand that the EMS System requires professional and courteous
conduct at all times from Contractor's personnel.
Contractor is responsible for ensuring, through in-service and new employee orientation,
that its personnel possess a thorough understanding of the structure, finance, and
operation of the EMS System and its underlying structure and philosophy.
Contractor shall utilize management practices, which ensure that Online Medical Control
personnel working extended shifts, part-time jobs, voluntary overtime, or mandatory
overtime have not been on-duty to an extent, which might impair clinical judgment or job.
performance.
The Authority may demand the removal of any person employed by Contractor who
chronically misconducts himself or is chronically incompetent or negligent in the due and
proper performance of his duties, and Contractor shall not reassign such persons for
production of services under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Authority. Provided, however, that the Authority shall not be arbitrary or capricious in
exercising its rights under this provision.
SECTION 413.
EMS RESEARCH AND PUBLISHING
Contractor shall endeavor with the Ambulance Contractor, First Responders, CME
Contractor and the Authority to establish the County as the industry leader in pre-
hospital research and developing new pre-hospital treatment protocols. Contractor shall
sponsor medical research and clinical trials of new treatments or equipment.
Contractor will annually submit for publication a minimum of three (3) EMS related
articles to industry trade journals or periodicals.
Contractor will conduct at least one (1) research project, focusing on a particular aspect
of the EMS System, each year and submit an abstract to a major medical journal.
Contractor shall request, in writing, the approval of the Executive Director prior to
publishing statistics, medical research, periodical articles or other written works.
SECTION 414.
NOTIFICATIONS
Contractor shall make reasonable efforts to notify the Executive Director or their
designee, via telephone, electronic medium or verbally, upon occurrence, of the
following:
Changes in the bypass status of any hospital;
Bed delays at any hospital;
Significant complaints, unusual occurrences or investigations;
First Responder transports;
Emergency protocol changes;
Instances when an acting Medical Director is providing coverage;
Changes in Medical Control Physician or Medical Officer staff;
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Radio, telephone, or computer network failures, and
a Daily Report of significant clinical activities of the prior day.
SECTION 415.
COORDINATION AND APPROVAL
Medical Director shall notify the Executive Director or their designee, in writing, thirty
(30) days prior to implementing changes in protocols or equipment standards, except
emergency actions deemed necessary to ensure public health, safety and welfare.
Medical Director shall request the approval of the Medical Control Board before adopting
changes to any protocol, equipment standards or rules and regulations developed by the
Medical Director prior to implementation except emergency actions deemed necessary
to ensure public health, safety and welfare.
Contractor shall request the approval of the Executive Director prior to' endorsing,
applying for, or requesting grants, aids, or special programs.
SECTION 416.
CONSTITUENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE MEETINGS
Medical Director or his alternate shall regularly attend the meetings of the EMS Advisory
Council, Medical Control Board, Pinellas County Fire Chief's Association, and the
Pinellas Advanced Life Support Association (PALS) to keep EMS System constituents
and stakeholders informed of the Contractor's activities and to provide an opportunity for
feedback regarding clinical policies in the EMS System.
Contractor shall conduct a meeting with the Executive Director to discuss the clinical
status of the EMS System and discuss Quality Assurance Reviews on a quarterly basis.
Contractor shall conduct a meeting with the Ambulance Contractor and all Fire
Responders to discuss the clinical status of the EMS System and discuss Quality
Assurance Reviews on a quarterly basis.
SECTION 417.
ANNUAL REPORT
Medical Director shall present a written annual report, not to exceed fifty pages, and
present a verbal briefing, not to exceed fifteen minutes, to the Authority at the beginning
of the Fiscal Year on the prior Fiscal Year's clinical achievements and clinical goals of
the EMS System for the next Fiscal Year. Such Annual Report will be submitted by
November 1 sl each year. Contractor shall submit patient outcome statistics as an
addendum for the prior Fiscal Year's patients by April 1st each year.
SECTION 418.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE AND PLANNING
Immediately upon notification by the Authority of a Disaster, State of Emergency or EMS
Emergency, Contractor shall commit all resources as are necessary and appropriate,
given the nature of the disaster, and shall assist in accordance with plans and protocols
applicable in the locality where the State of Emergency or EMS Emergency has
occurred.
Contractor will actively cooperate in planning, updating, and following the
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Pinellas County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, including, but not limited
to, participation in disaster drill critiques and providing a representative to the meetings
of the Disaster Advisory Council, and for emergency management drills and activation of
Emergency Operations Center at Contractor's sole expense.
SECTION 419.
PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
Contractor shall regularly, or upon request, prepare and make available statistical
reports on clinical and operational activities and the occurrence of serious illnesses and
injuries that occur within the EMS System to assist in efforts to increase public
awareness and education on a wide variety of health and safety issues.
Such reports shall cover topics that include, but are not limited to, sudden cardiac arrest
and the use of automatic defibrillators, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and
drowning.
Such reports shall be distributed to First Responders, the Ambulance Contractor, the
Authority, mass media and non-profit associations that promote public awareness and
education. Such reports must be pre-approved by the Executive Director prior to
distribution.
Contractor shall establish and maintain a web site to assist in disseminating EMS
System information during the term of this Agreement, in accordance with Section 416.
The web site shall include electronic mail and web site hyperlinks requested by the
Authority. The web site shall be periodically updated to ensure accuracy and timeliness
of the information or upon the request of the Authority.
SECTION 420.
ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE
Contractor shall at all times conduct its business and perform its responsibilities under
this Agreement in accordance with ethical business practices. Contractor, its agents,
employees, and Medical Director shall provide services hereunder in compliance with all
applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
Contractor further agrees to follow and comply with all Medicare, Medicaid, and other
applicable regulations regarding the determination of medical necessity. Contractor shall
assist the Authority, First Responders and Ambulance Contractor on an as needed basis
to maintain any ambulance billing compliance programs implemented by the Authority.
Contractor shall comply with the provision of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPM) and the Business Associate Agreement attached as
Appendix "H" hereto.
SECTION 421.
USE OF AUTHORITY NAME
Authority retains the rights to the designated names "Office of the Medical Director" and
"OMD". Contractor shall not use its corporate name or any trade name or trademark in
the performance of this Agreement.
Contractor shall use the Authority's name ("Pinellas County EMS" and "Sunstar")
prominently in all of its Vehicle markings, uniforms, advertising, articles, publications and
Medical Direction Service AQreement
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~
public information programs, unless agreed to in writing by the Authority's Executive
Director. Contractor shall promote, protect, and enhance the reputation of the Authority's
name throughout the term of this Agreement.
SECTION 422.
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing the following equipment, vehicle(s),
supplies, and facilities at its own expense:
Portable radios and their maintenance in excess of twelve (12) units;
Pagers and maintenance in excess of twelve (12) personnel;
Telephone lines in excess of twenty (20) lines and charges therefor;
All furniture, supplies, computer hardware and software, copying equipment,
vehicles, and any other equipment necessary to fulfill the obligations and
requirements of this agreement;
If the Contractor elects to operate a Response Vehicle(s) to meet the requirements
of Section 41 a, the vehicle and equipment necessary shall be provided by the
Contractor and approved by the Authority's Executive Director, and
All other factors of production required for the performance of this Agreement, not
specifically identified in Article V hereof, are the responsibility of the Contractor.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITY
SECTION 501.
COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE
Except as otherwise provided herein, the Authority shall furnish, own and maintain, at no
cost to Contractor, the EMS System's entire communications infrastructure which shall
include: non-emergency telephone access; medical communications capabilities
including consoles for two (2) Medical Communications Officers including patch matrix
console units; portable radios for up to twelve (12) personnel; pagers for up to twelve
(12) personnel; initial installation of all such equipment; and maintenance of such
equipment throughout the life of this Agreement, except for losses and repairs due to
loss, theft, abuse, or neglect. The Authority shall replace portable radios according to
its normal replacement schedule. The communications systems and equipment to be
furnished shall be as specified in Appendix "8" of this agreement.
SECTION 502.
CENTRAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
The Authority shall provide, at no cost to the Contractor, fifteen hundred (1,500) square
feet of professional office space to be used by the Contractor to perform the duties
required in this Agreement. The Authority reserves the right to provide equal sized office
space in an alternative location at its sole discretion. Additional space will only be
provided with the written approval of the Executive Director.
Medical Direction Service AQreement
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"
The Authority shall provide, at no cost to the Contractor, water and sewer, electricity,
heat and air conditioning, garbage collection and grounds maintenance.
Contractor shall make reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Authority to hold down
utility costs, such as turning off lights and computers at night. Premises liability
insurance, as well as insurance covering equipment, supplies, and furnishings in areas
occupied by Contractor shall be the responsibility of Contractor.
If Contractor chooses to utilize phone services procured by the Authority, Contractor
shall pay, on a monthly basis, the amount required by the Authority, based upon basic,
local and long distance charges determined by the County's internal telephone services
department.
ARTICLE VI
INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 601.
MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractor shall pay for and maintain at least the following insurance coverages and
limits. Said insurance shall. be evidenced by delivery to the County of: a certificate of
insurance executed by the insurers listing coverages and limits, expiration dates and
terms of policies and all endorsements whether or not required by the County, and listing
all carriers issuing said policies; and, upon request, a certified copy of each policy,
including all endorsements. The insurance requirements shall remain in effect
throughout the term of this Agreement.
(a) Worker's Compensation limits as required by law;
(b) Comprehensive General Liability Insurance including, but not limited to,
Independent Contractor, Contractual Premises/Operations, Products/Completed
Operations and Personal Injury covering the liability assumed under indemnification
provisions of this Agreement, with limits of liability for personal injury and/or bodily injury,
including death, of not less than Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 ($500,000.00)
Dollars, each occurrence; and property damage of not less than One Hundred Thousand
and 00/100 ($100,000.00) Dollars, each occurrence. (Combined Single Limits of not less
than Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 ($500,000.00) Dollars, each occurrence, will
be acceptable unless otherwise stated). Coverage shall be on an "occurrence" basis.
(c) Professional Liability and Medical Malpractice Insurance, including errors and
omissions, for all services provided under the terms of this agreement with minimum
limits of One Million and 00/100 ($1,000,000.00) Dollars per occurrence.
(d) Employment Practices Liability Insurance for all services provided under the terms of
this agreement with minimum limits of One Million and 00/100 ($1,000,000.00) Dollars
per occurrence.
(e) Comprehensive Automobile and Truck liability covering owned, hired and non-owned
vehicles with minimum limits of Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 ($500,000.00)
Dollars, each occurrence, for bodily injury including death, and property damage of not
less than One Hundred Thousand and 00/100 ($100,000.00) Dollars, each occurrence.
(Combined Single limits of not less than Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100
Medical Direction Service AQreement
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($500,000.00) Dollars, each occurrence, will be acceptable unless otherwise stated).
Coverage shall be on an "occurrence" basis, such insurance to include coverage for
loading and unloading hazards.
(f) One Million and 00/100 ($1,000,000.00) Dollars combined single limit personal injury
and/or bodily injury including death and property damage liability insurance as an excess
of all primary coverage required above in follow form.
SECTION 602.
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Each insurance policy shall include the following conditions by endorsement to the
policy:
(a) Each policy shall require that forty-five (45) days prior to expiration, cancellation, non-
renewal or any material change in coverage or limits, a written notice thereof shall be
given to the Authority. Contractor shall also notify the Authority within twenty-four (24)
hours after receipt of any notices of expiration, cancellation, non-renewal or material
changes in coverage received by said Contractor from its insurer.
(b) Companies issuing the insurance policy, or policies, shall have no recourse against
the Authority or County for payment of premiums or assessments for any deductibles,
which are all at the sole responsibility and risk of Contractor.
(c) Pinellas County shall be endorsed to the required policy or policies as an additional
insured, exclusive of professional liability insurance.
(d) The policy clause "Other Insurance" shall not apply to any insurance coverage
currently held by County to any such future coverage, or to County's Self-Insured
Retention of whatever nature. Contractor hereby waives subrogation rights for loss or
damage against the County.
SECTION 603.
INDEMNIFICATION
Contractor covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the
Authority and the County and all of their officers and employees, from any claim, loss,
damage, cost, charge or expense, including any claim or amounts recovered under the
"Workers' Compensation Law" or of any other laws, by-laws, ordinance, order or decree
brought or recovered against it by reason of any act, action, neglect or omission by
Contractor, its agents, or employees, during the performance of the contract, whether
direct or indirect, and whether to any person or property to which the County, the
Authority, or said parties may be subject, except that neither Contractor nor any of its
subcontractors, or assignees, will be liable under this section for damages arising out of
injury or damage to persons or property directly caused or resulting from the sole
negligence of the County, the Authority, or any of their officers, or employees.
ARTICLE VII
COMPENSATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 701.
COMPENSA TION
Medical Direction Service AQreement
PaQe 26
Authority shall pay Contractor the annual amount of $ 1,343,460.00, and adjust the
amount for inflation in accordance with Section 704, for the provision of Medical
Direction Services. Payments shall be made monthly in arrears in approximately equal
payments after subtracting any Liquidated Damages set forth in Section 702.
Payment shall be made within forty-five (45) days after receipt and acceptance by the
Authority of an invoice for services rendered during the preceding calendar month in
accordance with the Florida Prompt Payment Act, ~218, Florida State Statutes. Each
invoice shall include an activity report that summarizes the Contractors efforts and
accomplishments during the preceding month.
SECTION 702. DEDUCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PERFORMANCE
REQUIREMENTS
In the event Contractor fails to comply with any of the Performance Requirements, the
Authority shall issue to Contractor a written warning describing such failure. Should
Contractor's noncompliance continue after receipt of such warning, the Authority may-
deduct Liquidated Damages from the Contractor's compensation an amount equal to fifty
and 00/100 ($50.00) Dollars for each day or occurrence Contractor remains in non-
compliance. If the non-compliance continues for more than three (3) consecutive days or
occurrence, the Authority may deduct Liquidated Damages, in addition to the amounts
already deducted, an amount equal to five hundred and 00/100 ($500.00) Dollars for
each day Contractor continues to be in noncompliance. Persistent and repeated failure
of Contractor to comply with any of the Performance Requirements may result in
termination of the agreement.
In the event Contractor fails to comply with any requirements, as listed in Appendix "G"
attached hereto, Authority may deduct Liquidated Damages, an amount as prescribed in
Appendix "G", for each occurrence.
SECTION 703.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE
At the conclusion of a Disaster, State of Emergency, EMS Emergency, Contractor shall
determine its direct marginal costs incurred in the course of rendering such disaster or
EMS Emergency assistance, and shall present such cost statement to the Authority for
review, acceptance, and reimbursement. The cost statement associated with rendering
aid under disaster or EMS Emergency conditions shall be based solely upon the direct
marginal costs incurred by Contractor in the course of rendering such assistance, and
shall not include costs of maintaining production capacity that would have been borne by
Contractor to meet normal service requirements if the disaster or EMS Emergency had
not occurred. Only reasonable and verifiable reimbursement of direct marginal costs
shall be made relative to Contractor performance during disaster or EMS Emergency
conditions.
SECTION 704.
AUTOMATIC ANNUAL INFLATION ADJUSTMENT
Beginning on October 1, 2006 and annually thereafter, Contractor's compensation for all
services and deductions shall be subject to an automatic inflation adjustment as follows:
The amounts shall be increased by the greater of (1) two percent (2%) or (2) Consumer
Price Index (CPI-U, U.S. City Average, All Items less Food and Energy) during the most
Medical Direction Service Aareement
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recent twelve (12) month period for which published figures are then available from the
U.S. Department of Labor, but not to exceed five percent (5%).
SECTION 705.
AUDITS AND INSPECTIONS
At any time during normal business hours, and as often as may reasonably be deemed
necessary, the Authority's representatives may observe Contractor's operations.
Contractor shall make available to the Authority for its examination its records with
respect to all matters covered by this Agreement. Authority may audit, examine, copy,
and make excerpts or transcripts from such records, and may make audits of all
contracts, invoices, materials, payrolls, inventory records, records of personnel, daily
logs, conditions of employment, and other data related to all matters covered by this
Agreement.
Contractor shall provide the Authority with direct on-line and off-line access to its Quality
Assurance and Quality Improvement data and future database systems in the format
requested by the Authority, at no additional cost to the Authority. Databases and reports
shall be in a mutually agreeable format. The Authority's representatives may at any time,
and without notification, directly observe Contractor's operation of the EMS
Communications Center.
The Authority's right to observe and inspect operations or records in Contractor's
business office shall, however, be restricted to normal business hours, and reasonable
notification shall be given Contractor in advance of any such visit.
Contractor shall retain all records pertaining to this Agreement for a period of at least
three (3) years after final payment is made.
SECTION 706.
FISCAL NON-FUNDING
In the event sufficient budgeted funds are not available for a new fiscal period, the
Authority shall notify Contractor of such occurrence and this Agreement shall terminate
on the last day of current fiscal period without penalty or expense to the Authority.
ARTICLE VIII
TERM AND TERMINATION
SECTION 801.
TERM
This Agreement shall be for five (5) years, commencing February 28, 2006 and end at
midnight, September 30, 2010. This Agreement may be renewed for up to two (2)
consecutive one (1 )-year periods after the initial term. This option shall be exercised only
if all prices, terms, and conditions remain the same, and approval is granted by the
Authority. In no way shall the term of this agreement including renewals exceed
September 30, 2012.
The effective date of this agreement shall be February 28, 2006.
SECTION 802.
TERMINA liON
Medical Direction Service Aareement
Paae 28
(a) Termination For Cause. This agreement may be terminated by the Authority for
cause if at any time the contractor fails to fulfill or abide by any of the terms or conditions
of this agreement. "Cause" shall include, but not be limited to, the event that Contractor
fails to provide an Authority approved Medical Director; Medical Director cease, for any
reason, to be licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida pursuant to the
provisions of Chapter 458, Florida Statutes; and substantial breach of any covenant or
warranty contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that in the case of a breach of
covenant or warranty, the Authority shall provide written notice of such breach and the
Contractor shall have the opportunity to cure such breach within five (5) calendar days of
receipt of such notice.
(b) Termination Without Cause. This agreement may be terminated at will at the
option of the Authority upon thirty (30) days written notice and by the Contractor upon
one hundred and twenty (120) days written notice. In the event of such notice by the
Authority the Contractor shall be entitled to all compensation earned to the date of
termination.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 901.
ASSIGNMENT
Contractor shall not assign any portion of the Agreement for services to be rendered
without first obtaining written consent from the Authority. Any assignment made contrary
to the provisions of this section shall be cause for termination of the Agreement and, at
the option of the Authority, shall not convey any rights to the assignee. Any change in
Contractor's ownership shall, for purposes of the Agreement, be considered a form of
assignment. The Authority shall not unreasonably withhold its approval of requested
change in ownership, so long as the transferee is of known financial and business
integrity and the Authority has the opportunity to research the transferee's background.
SECTION 902.
NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT
Contractor will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age,
race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Contractor will take affirmative action to
ensure that applicants are employed, and that during employment employees are
treated equally without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Such
action shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting and related advertising, layoff or
termination, upgrading, demotion, transfer, rates of pay and compensation, and selection
for training, including apprenticeship. Contractor will post in conspicuous places,
available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the
provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.
Contractor shall made reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities and
comply with the federal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
SECTION 903.
NOTICES
All notices, consents and agreements required or permitted by this Agreement shall be
in writing, and, as applicable, shall be transmitted by registered or certified mail, return
Medical Direction Service Aareement
Paae 29
receipt requested, with notice deemed to be given upon receipt; postage prepaid, and
shall be addressed as follows:
If to Authority:
Executive Director
Pinellas County EMS and Fire Administration
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774-2700
If to Contractor:
Medical Direction Contractor
12490 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774-2700
SECTION 904.
ENTIRE AND COMPLETE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, as amended, and all Appendices hereto, constitute the entire and
complete agreement of the Parties with respect to the services to be provided
hereunder. This Agreement, unless provided herein to the contrary, may be modified
only by written agreement duly executed by the Parties with the same formality as this
Agreement.
SECTION 905.
OTHER DOCUMENTS
Each Party agrees to execute and deliver any instruments and to perform any acts that
may be necessary or reasonably requested in order to give full effect tothis Agreement.
SECTION 906.
APPLICABLE LAW
The law of the State shall govern the validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement.
SECTION 907.
WAIVER
Unless otherwise specifically provided by the terms of this Agreement, no delay or failure
to exercise a right resulting from any breach of this Agreement shall impair such right or
shall be construed to be a waiver thereof, but such may be exercised from time to time
and as often as may be deemed expedient. Any waiver shall be in writing and signed by
the Party granting such waiver. If any representation, warranty or covenant contained in
this Agreement is breached by either Party and thereafter waived by the other Party,
such waiver shall be limited to the particular breach so waived and shall not be deemed
to waive any other breach under this Agreement.
SECTION 908.
SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall, for any reason, be determined to
be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in
good faith and agree to such amendments, modifications, or supplements of or to this
Agreement or such other appropriate actions as shall, to the maximum extent practicable
Medical Direction Service AQreement
Paqe 30
in light of such determination, implement and give effect to the intentions of the Parties
as reflected herein, and the other provisions of this Agreement shall, as so amended,
modified, supplemented, or otherwise affected by such action, remain in full force and
effect.
SECTION 909.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a relationship of employer and
employee, or principal and agent, partnership, joint venture, or any other relationship
other than that of independent parties contracting with each other solely for the purpose
of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 910.
HEADINGS
Captions and headings in this Agreement are for ease of reference and do not constitute
a part of this Agreement.
Medical Direction Service AQreement
PaQe 31
~
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto, by and through their undersigned
authorized officers, have caused this Agreement to be executed on this ,;J.i" day of
QC6cFRber 200~ ~ H 0'. ~
ATTEST:
KEN BURKE, CLERK
PINELLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
....\..\<?::~:~..~!.,:I>.l,,<\;it. ///~ A
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~l : ,e . ufy Clerk
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K/JA.M.U/-t- -r' lUdeL
Chairman
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Office of the County Attorney
APPROVED AS TO FORM
OFFICE OF COUNTY A TTORNtv
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By Attorney,
APPROVED AS TO FORM
SUBJECT TO EXECUTION
ATTEST:
by:
by:
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T
ACORDfU CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE I DATE IMMIDIlIYVI
02101108
PRODUCE!Il THIS CERTIACATE IS ISSUED AS A MAlTER OF JNFORMA110N
Acardia Southeast, Inc. ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE
P.O. Box 31666 HOLDER. THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AMEND, EXTEND OR
ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POUCIES BELOW.
Tampa, FL 33631-3666 INSURERS AFFORDING COVERAGE
727-796-6666
IN5URED Emergency Medical Services INSUIIEIl II: Transoortatlon Insurance Co
lNIlUIISlll: EVlInlIton Insurance CD
Group, Inc. INSUIlEIl C: IUlno18 NatlonallnsursncB CD
12490 Ulmerton Road
~argo FL 33774-2700 IN&UIlI!fl D:
INSUIl!R I!:
THE POUCIES OF IIIISUAANCE USTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THI! INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED. NOTWITHSTANDING
ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDmON OF /ll,NY CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENT WfTH REsPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR
MAV PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFfORDED BY THE POLlCIE& DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSiONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH
POLICIES. AGGREGATE LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID ClAIMS.
~ TYPE OF INSURANCE POLICY flIUMIIEIl PCJUCY EFFECTIVE POUCY ElII'IIIA"TIDIlI UMITII
A ~ UABlUTY 1073748273 01/16/08 01116107 EACH OCC\JRllENCE . 1.000000
X COMMERCIAL GENERAL UA8IlJTY FlfIE DAAlABE ,Any DfI8 nnll . 500000
I C\AlMS MADE UU OCCUR MID El(P 'IW/ one perlOlll . 5000
I-- pERSONAL . /lDV 1NJUl'lY . LOOOOOO
I-- GENERAl AGGREGAT! . 2000000
riL AGGiln WMT APPri PER: PRODUCTS - CDMPIOf' AGG . 2000000
POUCY ~ LaC
A ~TOMOBILE UAB1UTY 1073748273 1/16106 1/16107 COMBINED SINGLE UMrr
l& IIIlGldon1I . 1000000
- ~'f ALlTO
- AU. OWNeD AUTOS BOOILYINJURY
,... p.....t .
- SCHEIIULED AUTOS
.A HIf'lED AUTOS BODILY IflJUf/Y
.
.It 1II0N-oWNED AUTOS IPIIr acddll'lll
- PROPERTY DAMAGI! .
I"'~
ROE UABIUTY AUTO ON!. Y - EA ACCIDENT .
i
i ANY AUTO OTHSI THAN EA ACe .
AUTO ONLV: AGG .
A EXcess UA81lJ1Y 1073748273 1115106 1116107 EACH OCCUfIfff!NCE . 1QDODDO
5 OCCUR 0 CLANS MADE AGGflEQATE . 1.000000
.
=j DEDucrJBLE .
X RETENTION . 10000 $
WORKERS COMPINIATlOH AND we Sf ATU- ;r IO.r:-
EMPLOYERS' UABlUTY E.L. EACH ACCIDENT
.
U. DISEASE - EA EMPLOVEE .
E.L. DISEASE - POUCY LIMIT .
. OnllR 5MB30475/6097916 311106 3101/07
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY $1 MIL-EA CLM/$3MIL-AGGREGA TE
EMPlOYMENT PRACTICES UAB $ 1 M1L-EA LOSS/.1 MIL-POUCYTER'"
DESCRlf"TION OF DPEllA'T1ON8ADCATlDN&lVEHlCLSIEXCW&lON1 ADDED BY /iIIIOORIEMB'IT1II'EQAL P/IOVIBlONS
RE: MEDICAL DIRECTION FOR PlNELLAS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
PINEUAS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AUTHORITY AND P1NB.LAS
COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE ADDITIONAL INSUREDS WITH
RESPECTS TO GENERAL UABIUTY AND EPL COVERAGES ONLY.
-PROFESSIONAL UAB-INSURER 8-EVANSTON INSURANCE CO
.eMPLOYMENT PRACTICES lIAB-lNSURER CILUNOIS NATIONAL INS CO
CERTIFICATE HOLDER I I ADOmONAL lNIiURED; IH8UJlER mTEIll CANCELLATION
PINElLAS COUNTY SItOULD ANY Of THE ABOVE DESCAllIBl POUCE& IE CANCELLED BEFORe THE EXPIRATION
DAn THEIlEOF. THE 1551J1NO UiI5UIlER WIlL ENDl!AVOR TO MAIL ~ DAYS WllITTfN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NO'TICE TD THE CERTlFlCAn HOUlEII NAMeIl TO THE lS'T. BUT FMUfIE TO DO so SHAll.
400 S. FT. HARRISON lIII'DSE NO DBUGATlON DR UAIIlUTY OF ANV KIND UPON THE INSURER, rrs AGENTIl DIl
CLEARWATER, FL 33756 ^ "
AUfltf/L-{ ~
I
COVERAGES
ACORD 25-5 17/971
46- 53
. ACORD CORPORATION 1988