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HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 62555CSC No. 62555 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENT This Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement concerning emergency medical services (the "MOUA") is entered into by and between the City of Fort Worth, Texas, hereafter referred to as "Fort Worth", acting by and through its duly authorized assistant city manager, and the undersigned units of local government, hereinafter referred to as the "Participating Members" or a"Participating Member." Fort Worth and the Participating Members may collectively be referred to herein as the "Parties." WHEREAS, Fort Worth and the Participating Members are parties to a Restated and Amended Interlocal Cooperative Agreement effective July 23, 2020 (the "ILA") for the provision of out of hospital emergency medical services ("EMS"), non-emergency medical services, unscheduled medical transportation and ambulance service, mobile integrated healthcare ("MIH")(collectively the "EMS System"), and scheduled interfacility medical transportation ("IFT"); WHEREAS, through the ILA, the Parties and other units of local government created the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority d/b/a MedStar ("MedStar") to administer and provide these services on behalf of the Parties and other units of local government; WHEREAS, the Parties agree that it is in the best interests of the public health and welfare of the people of the Parties' jurisdictions to have available to them a regulated EMS System with an exclusively contracted EMS Provider; WHEREAS, MedStar has experienced rising operational and capital costs and flat net revenues, leading to a dynamic that requires future public funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of the EMS System for the Parties and members of the public; WHEREAS, Fort Worth has elected to establish an EMS division through the City of Fort Worth Fire Department ("FWFD") to operate a new EMS System and provide services to the people of the Parties' jurisdictions; WHEREAS, by executing this MOUA, the Parties jointly agree to withdraw from the ILA and dissolve MedStar as provided by the terms of this MOUA; WHEREAS, in order to operate the EMS System, Fort Worth will assume control of all assets and property of MedStar and will provide such services to the Participating Members in accordance with the terms of this MOUA and any EMS Interlocal Agreement executed between Fort Worth and a Participating Member; WHEREAS, the Parties agree to independent clinical oversight of the EMS System through a Medical Director employed or contracted by Fort Worth; WHEREAS, the Parties further agree that a multi jurisdictional EMS advisory board and a multi jurisdictional medical control advisory board are in the best interest of the public health and welfare and the success of the EMS System and services provided to the Participating OFFICIAL RECORD MOUA — EMS CITY SECRETARY FT. WORTH, TX Members and the public within their corporate limits; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this MOUA is to formalize the mutual understanding of the Parties regarding the withdrawal from the ILA and the establishment of a new framework in a binding agreement until final individual EMS Interlocal Agreements governing the EMS System services may be negotiated by the Parties. NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree to the following: Section 1: DEFINITIONS The following index of definitions includes terms that may not appear in this MOUA but are used in the EMS Interlocal Agreements, the Uniform EMS Ordinance, or in the ordinary course of describing the services of the EMS System. Therefore, the full index is included herein for ease of reference by the Parties. 1. Advanced Life Support (ALS). Out-of-hospital care that uses invasive medical acts (as defined in TeX. Health and Safety Code § 773.003(1)). 2. Aeromedical Transportation Unit. Any rotary or fixed wing aircraft providing basic or advanced life support services and Patient transportation that originates within the Service Area. 3. Ambulance. A vehicle for transportation of sick or injured person to, from, or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and provide out of hospital medical care to the Patient. 4. Ambulance Mutual Aid Agreement. A written contract between Fort Worth and one or more entities whereby the signing parties agree to provide backup ambulance service to one another under the terms and conditions specified therein. 5. Ambulance Service. The transportation of Patients by emergency or non- emergency ambulance; for purposes of this MOUA, Ambulance Service does not include IFT services as defined herein. 6. Associate Medical Director. A licensed physician who assists the Medical Director in carrying out his or her duties under the EMS Interlocal Agreements, the Uniform EMS Ordinance, and the Medical Director's agreement with Fort Worth. 7. Basic Life Support (BLS). Out-of-hospital care that uses noninvasive medical acts (as defined in § 773.003(2), Tex. Health and Safety Code). 8. Emergency Care Attendant (ECA). A person certified as an "emergency care attendant" under § 773.046 of the Tex. Health and Safety Code. 9. Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Services used to respond to an individual's perceived need for immediate medical care and to prevent death or aggravation of physiological or psychological illness or injury. 10. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). A person certified as an "emergency medical technician" under § 773.047 or an "advanced emergency medical MOUA — EMS Page 2 of 17 technician" under § 773.048 of the TeX. Health and Safety Code, and any other class of EMT recognized by state law or regulation. 11. EMS Communications Center. The facility designated by Fort Worth as the central communications center from which all EMS System services offered by Fort Worth shall be dispatched and coordinated. 12. EMS Interlocal Agreements. The service level interlocal agreements eXecuted by Fort Worth and Client Cities to designate Fort Worth as the exclusively contracted EMS Provider of the EMS System within the Service Area. 13. EMS Provider. The entity that has received a Texas EMS Provider License, as required by relevant state law, to provide the EMS System services and is the exclusively contracted provider of the EMS System services within the Service Area. For purposes of this MOUA, the EMS Provider is Fort Worth. 14. EMS System. The regulated out-of-hospital EMS, non-emergency medical services, unscheduled medical transportation and ambulance service, and mobile integrated healthcare system provided by Fort Worth within the Service Area, not including those first response services Participating Members choose to provide themselves as First Responders. 15. First Responder. Any agency that, in cooperation with the EMS Provider, provides initial response to requests for EMS and, on its own or in cooperation with the EMS Provider, provides immediate on-scene care to ill or injured persons but does not transport those persons to healthcare facilities. 16. FW EMS. The EMS division of the Fort Worth Fire Department responsible for providing the EMS System services. 17.Interfacility Transportation (IFT). The provision of scheduled, or by appointment, medical transportation services by a person or entity between hospitals or medical facilities originating within the Service Area. 18. Medical Director. The licensed physician employed or contracted by Fort Worth who is responsible for carrying out his or her duties under their engagement with Fort Worth, the Uniform EMS Ordinance, and the EMS Interlocal Agreements and for directing the Office of the Medical Director. 19. Medical Transportation. The transportation of Patients by ambulance, Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit, Specialty Care Transport, or Aeromedical Transportation Unit, including both emergency and low-acuity emergency transports, where such transportation originates within the Service Area. 20. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH). Services provided by Fort Worth, as requested by a Participating Member, that are designed to enhance, coordinate, effectively manage, and integrate out of hospital care, in order to improve outcomes, enhance the individual's experience of care, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services provided to the enrolled individuals. 21. Office of Medical Director. The department or division through which the Medical Director carries out his or her functions. The Office of the Medical Director is comprised of the Medical Director, any Associate Medical Director(s), and other individuals assigned to the Office to assist the Medical Director in carrying out the Medical Director's functions. MOUA — EMS Page 3 of 17 22. Paramedic. A person qualified as a certified or licensed "paramedic" as defined by Tex. Health and Safety Code Sections 773.049 and 773.0495. 23. Patient. A person: who requests EMS, or for whom EMS has been requested; and who has any medical or psychological complaint, obvious injury/distress, or has a significant mechanism of injury. 24. Service Area. That geographical area which is contained within the corporate limits of the Parties and other local jurisdictions who have entered into an EMS Interlocal Agreement with Fort Worth and adopted the Uniform EMS Ordinance. 25. Specialty Care Transport. The transportation of a critically injured or ill patient at a level of service beyond the scope of an EMT or Paramedic due to the patient's condition requiring ongoing specialized care that must be furnished by one or more health professionals, such as emergency or critical care nursing, emergency medicine, respiratory care, cardiovascular care, or a paramedic with additional training. 26. Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit. A vehicle which is specially constructed, equipped, staffed, and employed in the inter-facility transport of patients whose requirements for en route medical support are likely to exceed the clinical capabilities of an Advanced Life Support ambulance. 27. Uniform EMS Ordinance. The ordinance adopted by the Parties and other units of local government to establish standards for the provision of the EMS System services and designate Fort Worth as the EMS Provider for the EMS System. 28. Unscheduled Medical Transportation. The transportation of Patients by ambulance service, Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit, Specialty Care Transport, or Aeromedical Transportation Unit, including both emergency and low-acuity emergency transports, where such transportation originates within the Service Area and is not previously scheduled or made by appointment. Section 2: WITHDRAWAL FROM ILA 2.1 The recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference as though fully set forth herein. 2.2 As evidenced by the execution of this MOUA, the Parties hereby jointly agree to withdraw from the ILA, pursuant to section 1.2 of the ILA, effective upon each Party's execution of this MOUA, respectively. Subject to and conditioned on the execution of this MOUA by all Parties to the ILA, each Party to this MOUA withdraws from the ILA and relinquishes all associated rights and obligations therein and the ILA will be deemed to be terminated. 2.3 In accordance with the terms of the ILA, the existence of MedStar is perpetual unless and until all Parties to the ILA withdraw. By executing this MOUA, the Parties jointly agree to dissolve MedStar and all of its associated obligations from the ILA, effective concurrently with the date of final execution of this MOUA by all Parties. 2.4 The above notwithstanding, MedStar will continue to exist and operate in a limited and temporary capacity for transitional purposes as described by Section 16. MOUA — EMS Page 4 of 17 2.5 For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties intend for this MOUA to supersede the ILA and to serve as the interlocal contract and form the legal basis on which MedStar will continue to exist pursuant to Section 791.013 of the Texas Government Code. For purposes of compliance with Section 791.011 of the Texas Government Code, the Parties agree that any payment for the performance of governmental functions or services will be made from current revenues available to the paying Party. Section 3: DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS 3.1 Pursuant to section 5.8 of the ILA, MedStar is authorized to purchase, lease, acquire, accept, own, or hold real or personal property, to operate or maintain the same, to borrow or incur debt, to accept gifts, grants, or bequests, and to contract in its own name. 3.2 The Participating Members hereby authorize the transfer of each of their interests, if any, in all real or personal property, cash, equipment, vehicles, funds, intellectual property, and other assets of any kind whatsoever held by MedStar to Fort Worth's sole control and ownership expressly for the purpose of Fort Worth providing the EMS System services to the people within the Service Area. 3.3 The transfer of assets will be memorialized by the appropriate legal instruments, including, as may be applicable, bills of sale, warranty deeds, assignment agreements, or as otherwise may be deemed necessary or be required and approved by the MedStar board of directors or, subject to section 16 below, Fort Worth. Section 4: SERVICES 4.1 The Participating Members acknowledge and support the intention and agreement of Fort Worth to be, and Fort Worth hereby agrees to assume the role of, the exclusively contracted EMS Provider of the EMS System for the Participating Members' jurisdictions, other than those first response services a Participating Member chooses to provide itself as a First Responder, on the terms and conditions stated herein and in each separate EMS Interlocal Agreement with each Participating Member. 4.2 Fort Worth, by resolution of its governing body, authorized staff signing below to enter into this MOUA with the Participating Members whereby Fort Worth agrees to use the personnel and equipment of Fort Worth for the purpose of providing the EMS System services to the Parties' jurisdictions. The equipment and personnel of Fort Worth shall be under the control and supervision of Fort Worth employees while providing services pursuant to this MOUA. 4.3 The Parties acknowledge that the intent of the MOUA is to bind the Parties to the terms contained herein. Simultaneously, the Parties acknowledge that each Participating Member will enter into a separate EMS Interlocal Agreement with Fort Worth in substantially the form of the template attached to this MOUA as Exhibit A. Section 5: TERM, TERMINATION, AND ASSET VALUATION MOUA — EMS Page 5 of 17 5.1 This MOUA will be effective once finally executed by each of the Participating Members and will be perpetual unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of this MOUA. This MOUA will automatically terminate as to a Participating Member upon the occurrence of the last of the following two events: (1) the execution of that Participating Member's EMS Interlocal Agreement with Fort Worth; and (2) upon Fort Worth's written acknowledgement of the effective transfer of that Participating Member's share of MedStar's assets to Fort Worth in accordance with Section 3 of this MOUA. 5.2 A Participating Member may terminate its participation in this MOUA by providing ninety (90) days' written notice to Fort Worth and each other Participating Member of its intent to withdraw from the MOUA ("Withdrawing Party"). The Withdrawing Party will be entitled to a distribution of cash representing the Withdrawing Party's pro-rata share of the then current value of MedStar's assets transferred to Fort Worth pursuant to Section 3 above, subject to depreciation over a term of five years. The value of those assets, and each Participating Member's pro rata share of that value, has been determined by Fort Worth and the amount is reflected in the attached Exhibit B. The Withdrawing Party's share, less depreciation, will be determined by Fort Worth as of the effective date of the Withdrawing Party's notice provided by this section. And the amount, if any, will be distributed to the Withdrawing Party by Fort Worth within ninety (90) days. After five years have lapsed from the execution of its EMS Interlocal Agreement, the Particpating Members forfeit all rights or claims to any assets of MedStar transferred to Fort Worth pursuant to this MOUA. 5.3 Upon the effective date of termination of this MOUA by withdrawal Fort Worth will cease being the EMS Provider for the Withdrawing Party. Section 6: PAYMENT 6.1 The Parties agree that the long-term sustainability of the EMS System requires public funding. The Parties agree to fund the EMS System using the fully loaded unit hour cost (UHC) allocation strategy as its annual cost allocation method. This method will require Fort Worth to: (1) determine the total number of consumed unit hours in the EMS System; (2) determine the public funding needed by calculating the total expenditures less total revenues; (3) determine the residual consumed UHC by dividing the total public funding required for the EMS System (step 2) by the total consumed hours in the EMS System; (4) determine the consumed units hours by each jurisdiction; and (5) determine the cost allocation for each jurisdiction by multiplying the total consumed unit hours in the jurisdiction (step 4) by the residual consumed UHC (step 3). Actual unit hours consumed on 911 calls in each Party's jurisdiction does not include time spent posting or stationed in a particular jurisdiction. 6.2 For illustrative purposes only, the following is an example of funding using the UHC allocation strategy. If there are 168,718 consumed unit hours in the EMS System inclusive of all participating agencies (step 1) and the needed residual public funding is $17,363,565 (step 2). The UHC (step 3) is $102.91. If Fort Worth's consumed unit hours (step 4) is 150,161 unit hours within its corporate limits, then the cost allocation for Fort Worth (step 5) is $15,453,068.50 A Participating Member's actual unit hours will be determined by Fort Worth annually and the MOUA — EMS Page 6 of 17 previous fiscal year's actual unit hours will be used to calculate costs for the neXt fiscal year. Each Participating Member will be notified of its actual unit hours and the UHC allocation for the coming fiscal year, in writing, at the end of Fort Worth's fiscal year and as described in the Participating Member's EMS Interlocal Agreement. Section 7: SYSTEM GOVERNANCE 7.1 Fort Worth will have direct oversight and budgetary authority over the EMS System. The Fort Worth City Council, by and through the Fort Worth City Manager or Assistant City Managers, will assume control and responsibility of all operations, oversight, revenues, and expenditures to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability that is publicly accountable. 7.2 The Fort Worth Fire Chief, acting under the direction of the City Manager or their designee, shall be responsible for providing direct management and day-to-day oversight of FW EMS and the EMS System and will have the powers and duties afforded and required of Fire Chiefs under state law. 7.3 The Parties agree that both an EMS advisory board and a medical control advisory board composed of relevant stakeholders and medical experts are necessary to ensure medical best practices and robust Participating Member representation and to facilitate community engagement. Therefore, an EMS Advisory Board and a Medical Control Advisory Board will be created by Fort Worth to include as follows: 7.3.1 The EMS Advisory Board (EAB): 7.3.1.1: The EAB shall be created by Fort Worth for the purpose of performing review of and providing advice to Fort Worth on matters related to the EMS System, budget, and service to the Participating Members' jurisdictions. 7.3.1.2: The EAB's membership will consist of the following voting members: one representative designated by each Participating Member and by each of the other units of government that is a party to an EMS Interlocal Agreement; and the Fort Worth Fire Chief, or their designee, who shall serve as the Board Chair. The Medical Director, or their designee, shall serve as a non-voting member. 7.3.1.3: The EAB shall review and advise on matters related to the performance of the EMS System and advise Fort Worth regarding issues related to the EMS System's goals and standards, including medical direction and clinical oversight and selection of the Medical Director. 7.3.1.4: The EAB will recommend performance standards for the EMS System, including response travel times, call processing time, and data collection and reporting standards. 7.3.1.5: The EAB may, as determined by a majority vote of its members, establish various subcommittees for purposes that the EAB deems necessary and that are MOUA — EMS Page 7 of 17 consistent with its general role as provided by this Agreement, the resolution creating the EAB, and the EAB's governing documents. 7.3.1.6: To ensure long-term fiscal sustainability of the EMS System, the EAB will review the EMS System budget and conduct an annual budget workshop to advise Fort Worth concerning revenue and expenditures for the EMS System. 7.3.2 The Medical Control Advisory Board (MCAB): 7.3.2.1: The MCAB will serve as an advisory body to Fort Worth. The MCAB's tasks consist of: • advising Fort Worth about the clinical performance of the EMS System; • reviewing medical protocols and clinical policies and procedures for the EMS System and making recommendations to the Medical Director; • representing the interests of the medical community and First Responders, Medical Transportation Providers and ambulance standby providers by making recommendations for improvements to the EMS System as needed; • recommending and reviewing research conducted within the Service Area; and � participating in the selection of the Medical Director and review of the Medical Director's clinical performance through processes established by Fort Worth, provided, however, that the then-current Medical Director will not participate in matters related to his current duties and performance. 7.3.2.2: The MCAB's membership shall be composed of the following voting members: (1) the Medical Director (or a designated associate medical director), who shall serve as the Board Chair; (2) the Emergency Department physician medical director, or designee, from each full-service Emergency Department located in the Service Area; and (3) at least four physician members to represent relevant specialties or sub-specialties of benefit in developing standards for emergency out-of-hospital care, with broad representation from different hospital systems, with such members to be recommended by a majority of the then-existing members of MCAB and to be appointed by Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Fire Chief, or their designee, shall serve as a non-voting member. A majority of the voting members of the MCAB must be physicians who are board certified in Emergency Medicine or Pediatric Emergency Medicine, or a related medical field. 7.3.2.3: The MCAB may, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of its voting members, elect to add other non-voting members as it deems appropriate. 7.4 The Parties each agree to adopt and enforce the Uniform EMS Ordinance attached to this MOUA as Exhibit C. Exhibit C is intended to replace each Party's existing uniform EMS ordinance in its entirety. Section 8: MEDICAL DIRECTOR 8.1 The Medical Director for the EMS System will be retained by Fort Worth. The Medical MOUA — EMS Page 8 of 17 Director must be a licensed physician in the state of Texas who is board-certified in EMS and emergency medicine and meets all state requirements. 8.2 When necessary, Fort Worth shall conduct a hiring and selection process for an EMS System Medical Director and/or Associate Medical Director(s) that will be inclusive, and the EAB and MCAB shall advise Fort Worth and make recommendations concerning selection of a Medical Director for the EMS System. 8.3 The Medical Director is the Chief Medical Officer of the EMS System, will report to the City Manager of Fort Worth or their designee, and will have the powers and duties afforded and required of EMS medical directors under state law. The Medical Director will provide all independent medical direction and clinical oversight for the EMS System. The Medical Director's powers and duties concerning the EMS System will be established by agreement between Fort Worth and the Medical Director, which shall include those afforded and required under state law with the resources necessary to fulfill such requirements. 8.4 Fort Worth, by resolution or ordinance, will establish a new department or division for the Office of the Medical Director ("OMD"). The OMD will serve as the clinical office of Fort Worth through which the Medical Director will carry out their rights and duties. Section 9: FORCE MAJEURE 9.1 It is expressly understood and agreed by the Parties to this MOUA that if the performance of any obligations hereunder is delayed by reason of war; civil commotion; acts of God; inclement weather; epidemics or pandemics; governmental restrictions, regulations, or interferences; fires; strikes; lockouts, national disasters; riots; material or labor restrictions; transportation problems; or any other circumstances which are reasonably beyond the control of the Party obligated or permitted under the terms of this MOUA to do or perform the same, regardless of whether any such circumstance is similar to any of those enumerated or not (each, a"Force Majeure Event"), the Party so obligated or permitted shall be excused from doing or performing the same during such period of delay, so that the time period applicable to such requirement shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period such Party was delayed. To invoke this section, a Party must provide written notice of the alleged Force Majeure Event to the impacted Parties within a reasonable time after the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, explaining the Force Majeure Event and the extent to which the Party's performance of obligations are hindered. Section 10: RIGHT TO AUDIT 10.1 The Parties will have the right to audit the financial and business records of Fort Worth and a Participating Member that relate to the services provided (collectively "Records") at any time during the Term of this MOUA and for three (3) years thereafter in order to determine compliance with this MOUA. Throughout the Term of this MOUA and for three (3) years thereafter, City and Participating Members shall make all Records available following reasonable advance notice by City or a Participating Member and shall otherwise cooperate fully with each other during any audit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this section 9 shall survive expiration or earlier termination of this MOUA. MOUA — EMS Page 9 of 17 Section 11: STANDBY EMS, IFT, AND MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS 11.1 This MOUA is not intended to designate Fort Worth as the exclusive, sole, or single provider of standby EMS for any Participating Member. Nothing herein prohibits any Participating Member from contracting for, regulating, managing, and governing standby EMS and the provider(s) thereof in its own jurisdiction. 11.2 This MOUA is not intended to designate Fort Worth as the eXclusive, sole, or single provider of IFT services for any hospital or medical facility. Nothing herein prohibits any hospital or medical facility from privately contracting for interfacility transport services as deemed necessary by that facility. Provided, however, each IFT provider must meet the requirements provided by the Uniform EMS Ordinance. 11.3 This MOUA is not intended to prevent any Participating Member from participating in mutual aid agreements as is typical and ordinary among the Participating Members. Section 12: GOVERNMENTAL POWERS 12.1 It is understood and agreed that by execution of this MOUA, the Parties do not waive or surrender any of their governmental powers or immunities. Section 13: ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES 13.1 This MOUA may be eXecuted by electronic signature, which will be considered as an original signature for all purposes and have the same force and effect as an original signature. For these purposes, "electronic signature" means electronically scanned and transmitted versions (e.g. via pdf file or facsimile transmission) of an original signature, or signatures electronically inserted via software such as Adobe Sign. Section 14: COUNTERPARTS 14.1 This MOUA may be executed in one or more counterparts and each counterpart will, for all purposes, be deemed an original, but all such counterparts will together constitute one and the same instrument. Section 15: DATA 15.1 Fort Worth, and the Fort Worth Fire Department, by providing the EMS System services will be considered a"covered entity" under the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the Texas Medical Privacy Act. 45 C.F.R. § 160.103; Tex. Health & Safety Code § 181.001(b)(2). The Parties agree to execute additional agreements concerning protected health information ("PHI"), as may be necessary, to ensure compliance with the relevant data privacy rules. Section 16: TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITY AND CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS MOUA — EMS Page 10 of 17 16.1 The parties acknowledge and agree that the period between eXecution of this MOUA, the withdrawal from the ILA, the transition of EMS System services to Fort Worth as the EMS Provider, and the complete dissolution of MedStar may create some operational and practical complications for the EMS System, IFT, and the associated services for the Parties. To ensure a smooth and efficient transition of operations, assets, and obligations from MedStar to Fort Worth, the Parties agree that the dissolution of MedStar described in Section 2 will initially be considered a partial dissolution and MedStar will maintain its legal status as a governmental administrative agency and continue to operate under the direct management and oversight of Fort Worth for a finite period of time and for the limited purposes described in this Section 16. When Fort Worth determines, in its sole discretion, that all winding down matters have been completed MedStar will completely dissolve and cease to exist as a legal entity. When Fort Worth makes this determination, Fort Worth will provide written notice to all Participating Members of the date of final dissolution. The period between the final eXecution of this MOUA and the final dissolution of MedStar shall be referred to herein as the "Transition Period." 16.2 During the Transition Period, MedStar will continue to operate certain temporary functions under the management of Fort Worth to ensure continuity in billing, collections, and other operational areas as needed. The Parties hereby grant Fort Worth the authority to take all necessary actions to ensure the continued operation and administration of the EMS System services to all parties, including actions that may not be contemplated by the ILA or policies of the MedStar board of directors ("Transitional Authority"). This Transitional Authority includes, but is not limited to, contracting with interim executive staff as may be necessary, maintaining licensure and registration, managing assets and liabilities, and addressing other core operational needs during the Transition Period. Because the ILA does not contemplate a transition period or winding down of MedStar, unanticipated issues may arise beyond the scope of the ILA during the Transition Period and this Transitional Authority is intended to cover that gap. 16.3 Notwithstanding any provisions in the ILA or the policies and practices of the MedStar board of directors, the Transitional Authority granted herein authorizes Fort Worth to appoint and hire interim executive staff as it deems necessary to manage the affairs of MedStar during the Transition Period. 16.4 The Transitional Authority authorizes Fort Worth to take all necessary steps to maintain or renew any required licenses, permits, or registrations for the EMS System services. This includes completing and submitting any necessary applications or documents to regulatory agencies, regardless of existing ILA provisions. The Transitional Authority authorizes Fort Worth to effectuate the transfer of the Participating Members' share of MedStar assets, as contemplated and authorized by this MOUA. 16.5 This section 16 shall survive termination or expiration of this MOUA. And the Transitional Authority granted to Fort Worth shall remain in effect until the final dissolution of Medstar and the complete transfer of assets and responsibilities of the full EMS System to Fort Worth. (signature page follows) MOUA — EMS Page 11 of 17 MOUA — EMS Page 12 of 17 ____________________________________________________________________________________ MOUA – EMS Page 13 of 17 [Executed effective as of the date signed by the Deputy City Manager below.] / [ACCEPTED AND AGREED:] City of Fort Worth: By: ___________________________ Name: Mark McDaniel Title: Deputy City Manager Date: ___________________ CITY OF FORT WORTH INTERNAL ROUTING PROCESS: Approved as to Form and Legality: By: ______________________________ Name: Taylor C. Paris Title: Assistant City Attorney Contract Authorization: Resolution: No. 5956-05-2024 Contract Compliance Manager: By signing I acknowledge that I am the person responsible for the monitoring and administration of this contract, including ensuring all performance and reporting requirements. By: ______________________________ Name: Valerie Washington Title: Assistant City Manager City Secretary: By: ______________________________ Name: Jannette S. Goodall Title: City Secretary City of Blue Mound: �'�-�( �l��G �; �� %. By: I Name: �ennifer Calvert Tltle: City Administrator/Finance Dir. Date: 09/19/2024 City of Edgecliff Village: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Forest Hill: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Haltom City: By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: MOUA — EMS Page 14 of 17 City of' Biue Mou�nd; By: Name: TitIe: Date; Ci#y of Edgecliff Vi�lage: s : ���� Y u T� Name: � � N ; - ,� � � TitIe: ,,,,� ,�,- �'� � 7 � °� Date: � k•� / ;1 , � e� 2� City af F'orest Hill: By: Naz1�e: Title: Date: C'tty of Haltom City: By: Na�ne: Title: Date: MOUA — EMS 11�ttest By: Natne: Title: Date: 11Ytest By: Namc Title: Dc�tie. �_t�J.�..� �E�'"2i ; ( '' { "� l'G°�� �fC. Attest �y: Nazne: Title: Date: Attest By: Nai�e: Title: Date: Page i 4 of � 7 City of Blue Mound: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Edgecliff Village: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Forest Hill: By: Name: J�e.trt.5 A�[, Title: � � � Date: 1 D � ZoL City of Haltom City: By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: � �1 � Name: L . � Title: �y� ���-�� Date: . I I � ��oZ�� Attest By: Name: Title: Date: MOUA — EMS Page 14 of 17 City of Blue Mound: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Edgecliff Village: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Forest Hill: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Haltom City: By. Name: S Title: Crry ri�RNA�R Date: �P . ;eeso��tQ91 :1��. s C� 1 MOUA — EMS Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: I�i4f 1��C/I71�raR16 _ — Title: G1T1' S��T��1' Date: e� .`� � �A�±�� •����N Page 14 of 17 C�ty o� Haslet: �,; By: � Name: ��y ���as v Title: N��,���� C;ctrn��r � ?i7?4 Dake: City af Lake�ide: By: Name: Title: D ate; City o�f LakeWa-th: By: Name: Titie: Date; City of Ri�er- Oaks By: Name: Titl e: Date: 0 �y: /� Name: �:a na v��h;te Tit1e: �.;;:; s=�;��t,-,�,; Date: �;.,�.�:,,��� : ��;T �. Attest By: Name; �i#le: Date: Attest By: N ame: Titl�: Date: Attest By: Name: Titl e: D ate: MQUA —�MS Page 15 of 17' City of Haslet: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Lakeside: By: Name: Title: /j?p.t� Date: IO/ o/�oZ� City of Lake Worth: By: Name: Title: Date: City of River Oaks: By: Name: Title: Date: MOUA — EMS Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: ��l(�t�� Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Page 15 of 17 City of Haslet: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Lakeside: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Lake Worth: By: • Name: ��i Title: C1�� Ux�uc�e�' Date: I �. � � ,�� City of River Oaks: By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: I Name: Title: � Date: lc�l� Attest By: Name: Title: Date: .``������ 1' kt �jN�4i � :��O���G�r p • �4� �''I' ���� � p,�. � � � � � F s s � � � :*_ : `� �' ; � = '',.. : ; . . , ��.,� s ,. �� �.,.,,, `��. z- ��'� rare ot tefs���. '������� �►��r MOUA- EMS Page 15 of 17 City of Haslet: sy: Name: Title: Dake: City of Lakes�de: By: Name: TEtle: Date: City of Lake Worth: �y: Nas»e: Title: Date: City of'River Oaks: � By: Nain-. arvin Gr �ory Title: City Manager Date: September 17, 2024 Attest sy: Name: Title: Date: Attest sy: Naine: Title: Date: Attest sy: Name: Title: Date: F�ttes B y: l.Yr� Name: aula Luck Tit�e: City Secretary Date: September 17, 2024 MOUA — EMS Page 15 af 17 City of Saginaw: By: N�me: �ro�,Q tQ ! r'/� nr� Ttt�e: m � � � r-. ;--r^ Date: � - i �7 - Z�' L`-�- Ci#y of Sansa�n Par�C: By: Name: Title: Date: City of Westover Hills: sy: Nam�: Title; Date: City of Westwo�-th Village: By: Narrie: Title: Date: Attest B y. tc-c.c.� � y � -� Name: Sc�n r �t Ln j�,� � Title: (�' f�-r,{ S r��c.'� � � D3te. -�� � � Z�2� Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: MOUA- EMS Page 16 of �7 City of Saginaw: By: Name: Title: Date: Attest BY: Name: Title: Date: City of Sanso�n Park: Attest By: � � • By: W Name: " �r-.l .r-�.��5�_ Name: Title: (>-lC Title:� �� � Date: � �, l. � � � Date: � City of Westover Hil�s: By: Name: Title: Date: City af Wesiworth Village: By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Attest By: Narne: Title: Date: s /• s�'J MOl1A-� EMS Page 1� of 17 ____________________________________________________________________________________ MOUA – EMS Page 16 of 17 City of Saginaw: By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ Attest By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ City of Sansom Park: By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ Attest By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ City of Westover Hills: By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ Attest By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ City of Westworth Village: By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ Attest By: ___________________________ Name: __________________ Title: Date: ___________________ 9/17/24 Kelly R. Thompson Mayor ________________________ : 09/23/2024 Town Secretary Brenda Gurment Cit�� of Saginaw: �y: Name: "1'itle: Date: Attest By: Name: Title: Date: Cih� of Sansom Park: Hy: Name: "fitle: Date: Attest , �y: tiame: � Title: Date: Cit�� of Westover Hills: By: Name: Title: Date: Attest ay: �+ame: Title: Date: Cit�� of W'estworth Village: By: ' // � Name: L. Kelly Jones Title: Mayor [)ate: November 25, 2024 Attest B _ ame: randv Barr tt Title: City Administrator/Secretary Date: November 25, 2024 MOUA — EMS Page 16 of 17 Cit�� of «'hite Settlement: Bv: ``�"'��� ti�En . .�eirev .I. Ja�nes Title: Cit� ��iana��er Date: �_. C� �, � �� ,��� Attest g��: C�� �ti - �� ��- Name: A�nv Arr.� ld Title: Citr,� 5ecr ` n,� Date: � r- �, r�{���(� �� L� MOUA — EMS Page 17 of 17 EXHIBIT A CITY OF FORT WORTH - [CLIENT] EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT This EMS Interlocal Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into by and between the City of Fort Worth, Texas, hereafter referred to as "Fort Worth", acting by and through its duly authorized assistant city manager, and [INSERT ENTITY], a unit of local government, hereafter referred to as the "Client." Fort Worth and the Client may collectively be referred to herein as the "Parties" or individually as a "Party." WHEREAS, Fort Worth and the Client were parties to a Restated and Amended Interlocal Cooperative Agreement, effective July 23, 2020 (the "ILA"), for the provision of out of hospital emergency medical services (`BMS"), non-emergency medical services, unscheduled medical transportation and ambulance service, mobile integrated healthcare ("MIH")(collectively the `BMS System"), and scheduled interfacility medical transportation ("IFT"); WHEREAS, through the ILA, Fort Worth, the Client, and other units of local government created the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority d/b/a Medstar ("MedStar"), an administrative governmental agency, to administer and provide these services on behalf of the Parties and other units of local government; WHEREAS, the Parties agree that it is in the best interests of the public health and welfare of the people of the Parties' jurisdictions to have available to them a regulated EMS System with an exclusively contracted EMS Provider; WHEREAS, Fort Worth has elected to establish an EMS division through the City of Fort Worth Fire Department ("FWFD") to operate a new EMS System and provide services to the people of the Parties' jurisdictions; WHEREAS, the Parties, together with all entities participating in MedStar, previously executed a memorandum of understanding and agreement (the "MOUA") to jointly withdraw from the ILA and dissolve MedStar; WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the MOUA, Fort Worth assumed control of all assets and property of MedStar to facilitate Fort Worth's ability to operate an EMS System and offer services to the Client and other interested units of local government in accordance with the terms of the MOUA and this Agreement; WHEREAS, Fort Worth is engaging a physician who is licensed in Texas and board certified in emergency medicine to serve as the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for the EMS System (the "Medical Director"); WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code, the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act, and section 774.003 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the Parties may agree to regulate and provide governmental services for the public health and welfare, and such services include those provided by the EMS System; Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 1 EXHIBIT A WHEREAS, the Parties desire to continue their cooperative efforts so that Fort Worth may provide EMS System services to the Client and the public within their corporate limits through the FWFD and its EMS division ("FW EMS"); and WHEREAS, the Parties will pay for services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement from current revenues available to the paying Party. NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree to the following: Section 1: DEFINITIONS The following index of definitions includes terms that may not appear in this Agreement but are used in the MOUA, the Uniform EMS Ordinance, or in the ordinary course of describing the services of the EMS System. Therefore, the full index is included herein for ease of reference by the Parties. 1. Advanced Life Support (ALS). Out-of-hospital care that uses invasive medical acts (as defined in TeX. Health and Safety Code § 773.003(1)). 2. Aeromedical Transportation Unit. Any rotary or fixed wing aircraft providing basic or advanced life support services and Patient transportation that originates within the Service Area. 3. Ambulance. A vehicle for transportation of sick or injured person to, from, or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and provide out of hospital medical care to the Patient. 4. Ambulance Mutual Aid Agreement. A written contract between Fort Worth and one or more entities whereby the signing parties agree to provide backup ambulance service to one another under the terms and conditions specified therein. 5. Ambulance Service. The transportation of Patients by emergency or non- emergency ambulance; for purposes of this Agreement, Ambulance Service does not include IFT services as defined herein. 6. Associate Medical Director. A licensed physician who assists the Medical Director in carrying out his or her duties under the EMS Interlocal Agreements, the Uniform EMS Ordinance, and any Medical Director's agreement with Fort Worth. 7. Basic Life Support (BLS). Out-of-hospital care that uses noninvasive medical acts (as defined in § 773.003(2), Tex. Health and Safety Code). 8. Emergency Care Attendant (ECA). A person certified as an "emergency care attendant" under § 773.046 of the Tex. Health and Safety Code. 9. Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Services used to respond to an individual's perceived need for immediate medical care and to prevent death or aggra�ation of physiological or psychological illness or injury. 10. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). A person certified as an"emergency medical technician" under § 773.047 or an"advanced emergency medical Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 2 EXHIBIT A technician" under § 773.048 of the Tex. Health and Safety Code, and any other class of EMT recognized by state law or regulation. 11. EMS Communications Center. The facility designated by Fort Worth as the central communications center from which all EMS System services offered by Fort Worth shall be dispatched and coordinated. 12. EMS Interlocal Agreement. The service level interlocal agreements executed by Fort Worth and Clients to designate Fort Worth as the exclusively contracted EMS Provider of the EMS System within the Service Area. 13. EMS Provider. The entity that has received a Texas EMS Provider License, as required by relevant state law, to provide the EMS System services and is the exclusively contracted provider of the EMS System services within the Service Area. For purposes of this Agreement, the EMS Provider is Fort Worth. 14. EMS System. The regulated out-of-hospital EMS, non-emergency medical services, unscheduled medical transportation and ambulance services, and mobile integrated healthcare system provided by Fort Worth within the Service Area, not including those first response services Client chooses to provide itself as a First Responder. 15. First Responder. Any agency that, in cooperation with the EMS Provider, provides initial response to requests for EMS and, on its own or in cooperation with the EMS Provider, provides immediate on-scene care to ill or injured persons but does not transport those persons to healthcare facilities. 16. FW EMS. The EMS division of the Fort Worth Fire Department responsible for providing the EMS System services. 17.Interfacility Transportation (IFT). The provision of scheduled, or by appointment, medical transportation services by a person or entity between hospitals or medical facilities originating within the Service Area. 18. Medical Director. The licensed physician employed or contracted by Fort Worth who is responsible for carrying out his or her duties under the terms of their engagement with Fort Worth, the Uniform EMS Ordinance, and the EMS Interlocal Agreements and for directing the Office of the Medical Director. 19. Medical Transportation. The transportation of Patients by ambulance, Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit, Specialty Care Transport, or Aeromedical Transportation Unit, including both emergency and low-acuity emergency transports, where such transportation originates within the Service Area. 20. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH). Services provided by Fort Worth, as requested by Client, that are designed to enhance, coordinate, effectively manage, and integrate out of hospital care, in order to improve outcomes, enhance the participating individual's experience of care, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services provided to the enrolled individuals. 21. Office of Medical Director. The department or division through which the Medical Director carries out his or her functions. The Office of the Medical Director is comprised of the Medical Director, any Associate Medical Director(s), and other individuals assigned to the Office to assist the Medical Director in carrying out the Medical Director's functions. Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 3 EXHIBIT A 22. Paramedic. A person qualified as a certified or licensed "paramedic" as defined by Tex. Health and Safety Code Sections 773.049 and 773.0495. 23. Patient. A person: who requests EMS, or for whom EMS has been requested; and who has any medical or psychological complaint, obvious injury/distress, or has a significant mechanism of injury. 24. Service Area. That geographical area which is contained within the corporate limits of the Parties and other local jurisdictions who have entered into an EMS Interlocal Agreement with Fort Worth and adopted the Uniform EMS Ordinance. 25. Specialty Care Transport. The transportation of a critically injured or ill patient requiring a level of service beyond the scope of an EMT or Paramedic due to the patient's condition requiring ongoing specialized care that must be furnished by one or more health professionals, such as emergency or critical care nursing, emergency medicine, respiratory care, cardiovascular care, or a paramedic with additional training. 26. Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit. A vehicle which is specially constructed, equipped, staffed, and employed in the inter-facility transport of patients whose requirements for en route medical support are likely to exceed the clinical capabilities of an Advanced Life Support ambulance. 27. Uniform EMS Ordinance. The ordinance adopted by the Parties and other units of local government to establish standards for the provision of the EMS System services and designate Fort Worth as the EMS Provider for the EMS System. 28. Unscheduled Medical Transportation. The transportation of Patients by ambulance service, Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit, Specialty Care Transport, or Aeromedical Transportation Unit, including both emergency and low-acuity emergency transports, where such transportation originates within the Service Area and is not previously scheduled or made by appointment. Section 2: ELECTION TO BE CLIENT 2.1 As evidenced by the execution of this Agreement and the concurrent adoption of the Uniform EMS Ordinance (which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference), the Client has elected to designate Fort Worth as the EMS Provider and the exclusively contracted provider of the EMS System services for the Client's jurisdiction, other than those first response services the Client chooses to provide itself as a First Responder, and to receive EMS System services from Fort Worth pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Section 3: RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLIENT 3.1 The Client agrees to: 3.1.1 Properly adopt and enforce the Uniform EMS Ordinance and this Agreement; 3.1.2 Establish, operate, and fund a First Responder Program, as provided by Texas Administrative Code 157.14, to represent the interests and needs of Fort Worth and the Client, which may range from an Emergency Care Attendant Program up to an Advanced Life Support Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 4 EXHIBIT A Program adopted by Fort Worth and the Medical Director and as approved in collaboration between Client, Fort Worth, and the Medical Director; 3.1.3 Participate, via the EMS Advisory Board ("EAB"), in the development of and abide by the medical protocols, credentialing requirements, and medical policies for the EMS System and First Responders, as established by the Medical Director; 3.1.4 Provide a mechanism for transferring 911 calls requesting medical assistance from the Client's 911 center to Fort Worth's designated EMS Communications Center and transfer 911 callers in accordance with system performance standards adopted by Fort Worth; 3.1.5 Designate a representative of Client to serve as a member of the EAB, who shall then be appointed by the Fort Worth City Council in accordance with the conditions of this Agreement and the MOUA. The designated EAB representative of the Client shall not be removed from the EAB without Client's consent. The Client retains the exclusive right to remove and name a replacement for its designated EAB representative at any time, and Fort Worth shall appoint the representative as so designated by the Client; 3.1.6 Provide funding for the provision of the EMS System as required by this Agreement and the MOUA. 3.1.7 Provide additional information, as may reasonably be needed by City, to assure the success of Fort Worth's EMS System such as, but not limited to: updated jurisdictional boundaries or response plans that are unique to the Client. Section 4: RESPONSIBILITIES OF FORT WORTH 4.1 Fort Worth agrees to use the personnel and equipment of Fort Worth for the purpose of providing the EMS System services for Client's jurisdiction including coordinating with Client to create a mechanism for dispatch services and transferring 911 calls requesting medical assistance from the Client's 911 center to Fort Worth's EMS Communication Center. The equipment and personnel of Fort Worth shall be under the control and supervision of Fort Worth employees during an emergency medical response pursuant to this Agreement and the MOUA. 4.2 Fort Worth will serve as the EMS Provider for the Client and provide the EMS System services within the Service Area. It is recognized and understood that Fort Worth does not assume responsibility for the provision of the EMS System services in Client's extraterritorial jurisdiction or other areas outside of the Service Area. 4.3 Fort Worth's EMS System services will be provided in accordance with the procedures and protocols of Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Fire Chief, and the Medical Director for the EMS System and under the direction of the Fort Worth Fire Chief. 4.4 Fort Worth agrees to: 4.4.1 Set System Performance standards for the Service Area in compliance with the Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 5 EXHIBIT A clinical and medical protocols and standards established by the Medical Director and adopted by Fort Worth and the Client. 4.4.2 Provide the Client with EMS System services including: out-of-hospital emergency medical services, non-emergency medical services, life, or limb, threatening emergency, low acuity emergency, and Advanced Life Support ("ALS") and Basic Life Support (`BLS") Unscheduled Medical Transportation and Ambulance Service, and MIH with such service to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and with the clinical standards, credentialing requirements and medical policies that may be promulgated from time to time by the Medical Director, including the following commitments: 4.4.2.1: To Provide, on a 24-hour daily basis, a mobile intensive care unit ("MICU")-capable EMS response and medical transportation service with a minimum staffing as required by relevant state law, which may be amended from time to time, for a BLS Ambulance and an ALS ambulance; 4.4.2.2: Fort Worth's EMS System resources shall respond to incidents in the Service Area through FW EMS dispatch, using the same algorithms in place for responses within Fort Worth. FW EMS will respond to calls for EMS System services throughout the entire Service Area in less than or equal to 8:00 total travel time 90% of the time for high acuity incidents, as defined by the Medical Director, measured from the time EMS System resources are en route until the time a unit arrives on scene. FW EMS will respond to calls for EMS System services throughout the entire Service Area in less than or equal to 11:00 total travel time 90% of the time for low acuity incidents, as defined by the Medical Director, measured from the time EMS System resources are en route until the time a unit arrives on scene. Fort Worth will calculate the total travel time, and the relevant factors to be considered, in accordance with the information in the attached Exhibit B; 4.4.2.3: FW EMS will transport patients to the closest or most appropriate receiving health care facility as determined by FW EMS. If the patient is incapacitated, otherwise unable to make a choice known, or unable to go to the chosen facility due to diversion status, FW EMS will transport the patient to the facility best able to meet the patient's needs; 4.4.2.4: FW EMS will keep the EMS System resources stocked at all times in accordance with normal FW EMS operating procedures and local, state, and federal requirements, as applicable; 4.4.2.5: FW EMS will maintain third-party or self-insured vehicle liability insurance on its ambulances and its drivers; 4.4.2.6: FW EMS will provide all maintenance for the ambulances and assume all operational costs of the ambulances, including fuel; Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 6 EXHIBIT A 4.4.2.7: FW EMS shall equip the ambulances at all times with current technological advancements in emergency equipment, whether portable or fixed in place on or about the vehicle, as are adopted throughout the FW EMS ambulance fleet. 4.4.3 Obtain the services of a Medical Director that are sufficient to fulfill the Medical Director's powers and duties as identified in the engagement between Fort Worth and the Medical Director, the terms of which will be provided to the Client upon request. 4.4.4 Offer the Client the opportunity to participate in Fort Worth's EMS related continuing education training without charge to the Client to obtain or maintain certifications as agreed upon. 4.4.5 Provide, at least quarterly, written reports of the operational performance of the EMS System to the Fort Worth City Council, EAB, the Medical Control Advisory Board ("MCAB") and by email to the City Manager, or their designee, of the Client, and as reasonably determined to be necessary by Fort Worth. 4.4.6 Prepare and provide to the Client, at least quarterly, a comprehensive review and summary of the financial budget, and clinical and operational performance of the EMS System. 4.4.7 Manage accounts, subscriptions, payments, and billing practices related to the EMS System. The City may, in its sole discretion and at the EMS System's expense, elect to engage one or more contractors to provide these services. 4.4.8 Create and maintain the EAB and MCAB to ensure coordination and communication between first responder agencies in the Service Area and independent medical oversight related to patient care protocols for Fort Worth's EMS System. 4.4.9 Engage participating organizations on best practices in service delivery, as determined to be necessary or prudent by Fort Worth. Section 5: TERM AND TERMINATION 5.1 This Agreement will be effective beginning July 1, 2025 and will continue for a term of 10 years, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Thereafter, the Agreement will renew automatically for successive 10-year terms unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. 52 In accordance with the terms of the MOUA, Client has received prior notice of the value of Client's pro rata share of the value of MedStar assets transferred to Fort Worth. The value of those assets as of July 1, 2025, and Client's pro rata share of that value, has been determined by Fort Worth and the amount is [INSERT AMOUNT]. The method of calculation for determining Client's pro rata share is reflected in the terms and exhibits of the MOUA. The value of Client's pro rata share of such assets will be subject to depreciation over a term of 5 years. 5.3 The Client may terminate this Agreement and withdraw from the EMS System by Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 7 EXHIBIT A providing ninety (90) days' written notice to Fort Worth. If the Client terminates the Agreement within 5 years of execution of this Agreement, Fort Worth will determine the value of the Client's pro-rata share of MedStar's assets transferred to Fort Worth pursuant to the MOUA as of the effective date of the Client's notice of termination, less depreciation, and distribute the remaining amount, if any, to the Client within ninety (90) days, however this obligation may be extended by an additional ninety (90) days if determined necessary by Fort Worth in its sole discretion. After five years have lapsed since the execution of this Agreement, the Client forfeits all rights or claims to any assets of MedStar transferred to Fort Worth pursuant to the MOUA and this Agreement. 5.5 Upon the effective date of termination of this Agreement, Fort Worth will cease being the EMS Provider to the Client and the Client will be responsible for all EMS System services within its jurisdiction from the effective date of termination. Section 6: PAYMENT 6.1 The Parties agree that the long-term sustainability of the EMS System requires public funding. The Parties agree to fund the EMS System using the fully loaded unit hour cost (UHC) allocation strategy as its annual cost allocation method. This method will require Fort Worth to: (1) determine the total number of consumed unit hours in the EMS System; (2) determine the public funding needed by calculating the total expenditures less total revenues; (3) determine the residual consumed UHC by dividing the total public funding required for the EMS System (step 2) by the total consumed hours in the entire EMS System; (4) determine the consumed units hours by each jurisdiction; and (5) determine the cost allocation for each jurisdiction by multiplying the total consumed unit hours in the jurisdiction (step 4) by the residual consumed UHC (step 3). For purposes of this Section, the actual unit hours consumed on a 911 call will be based on the number of minutes spent on the call, not including time spent posting or stationed, in a particular jurisdiction. The total time for calls within Client's jurisdiction will be aggregated on a fiscal year basis (October 1 through September 30) and for purposes of calculating the annual UHC for Client, the annual hours consumed by the Client will be rounded up or down to the nearest one (1) hour increment. As detailed below, payment for each fiscal year shall initially be based on a projected budget and projected utilization with a true-up process in the subsequent fiscal year to ensure final payment for each year ultimately reflects actual costs and utilization. 6.2 Beginning in calendar year 2026, on or before February 1 of each year, Fort Worth will communicate to the Client: (1) the projected budget for total public funding for the EMS System for the coming fiscal year (based on City's projected costs and projected third-party-payment offset), expressed as a UHC; (2) Client's projected utilization rate for the coming year, which will be the same as the actual utilization rate (number of UHC hours consumed) for the most recently completed fiscal year; and (3) the total budgeted payment for the Client for the coming fiscal year (product of (1) multiplied by (2)). Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties, payment of budgeted costs shall be divided into semi-annual payments with the first payment of fifty percent due on or before January 1(first day of second fiscal quarter) and the remaining payment due on or before July 1(first day of fourth fiscal quarter), which payment will reflect any true-up adjustment determined in accordance with Section 6. Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 8 EXHIBIT A For purposes of determining costs for Fiscal Year 2025, Client's projected unit hours consumed are [INSERT NUMBER], and Client's projected annual funding obligation is [INSERT NUMBER]. For Fiscal Year 2025, Client's payment obligation has been prorated to [INSERT NUMBER] and is due no later than July 1, 2025. 6.3 Beginning in calendar year 2026, on or before December 1 of each year, Fort Worth will conduct a true up of actual costs and utilization for the preceding fiscal year. As part of this process, Fort Worth will communicate to the Client: (1) the actual total public funding for the EMS System for the preceding fiscal year (based on actual costs and actual third-party-payment offset, expressed as a UHC; (2) the Client's actual utilization rate (number of UHC hours consumed) for the preceding fiscal year; and (3) the total actual cost for the Client for the preceding fiscal year (product of (1) multiplied by (2)). The Parties agree, based upon the results of Fort Worth's true-up process, to adjust the funding for the then-current fiscal year, with such adjustment reflected in Client's second semi-annual payment. If the true up reveals the budgeted payment was less than actual costs attributable to the Client (actual total public funding expressed in terms of UHC multiplied by actual hours consumed), then the extra costs will be added to the then-current fiscal year's funding obligation with such payment due in connection with the Client's second semi-annual payment. If the true up reveals the budgeted payment was greater than actual costs attributable to the Client (actual total public funding expressed in terms of UHC multiplied by actual hours consumed), then the overpayment will be deducted from the then-current fiscal year's funding obligation with such credit reflected as a reduction in the amount due for the Client's second semi-annual payment. The attached Exhibit C provides additional information as to the Client's financial obligation given specific information. 6.4 Fort Worth shall be responsible for billing patients and third parties for services and shall have the right to retain all funds received from such billing for services rendered as long as this Agreement is in place. The actual costs for operating the EMS System will be offset by revenues received to ensure the public subsidy accurately reflects unreimbursed costs only. Section 7: EMS SYSTEM GOVERNANCE 7.1 Fort Worth will have direct oversight and budgetary authority over the EMS System. The Fort Worth City Council, by and through the Fort Worth City Manager or Assistant City Managers, will assume control and responsibility of all operations, oversight, revenues, and expenditures to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability that is publicly accountable. 7.2 The Fort Worth Fire Chief, acting under the direction of the City Manager or their designee, shall be responsible for providing direct management and day-to-day oversight of FW EMS and the EMS System and will have the powers and duties afforded and required of fire chiefs under state law. Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 9 EXHIBIT A 7.3 The Parties agree that both an EMS advisory board and a medical control advisory board composed of relevant stakeholders and medical experts are necessary to ensure medical best practices and Client representation and to facilitate community engagement. Therefore, an EMS Advisory Board and a Medical Control Advisory Board will be created by Fort Worth. Such advisory boards are subject to the following conditions at all times: 7.3.1 The EMS Advisory Board (EAB): 7.3.1.1: The EAB shall be created by Fort Worth for the purpose of performing review of and providing advice to Fort Worth on matters related to the EMS System, budget, and service to the Client's jurisdiction. 7.3.1.2: The EAB's membership will consist of the following voting members: one representative designated by the Client and by each of the other units of government that is a party to an EMS Interlocal Agreement; and the Fort Worth Fire Chief, or their designee, who shall serve as the Board Chair. The Medical Director, or their designee, shall serve as a non-voting member. 7.3.1.3: The EAB shall review and advise on matters related to the performance of the EMS System and advise Fort Worth regarding issues related to the EMS System's goals and standards, including medical direction and clinical oversight and selection of the Medical Director. 7.3.1.4: The EAB will recommend performance standards for the EMS System, including response travel times, call processing time, and data collection and reporting standards. 7.3.1.5: The EAB may, as determined by a majority vote of its members, establish various subcommittees for purposes that the EAB deems necessary and that are consistent with its general role as provided by this Agreement, the resolution creating the EAB, and the EAB's governing documents. 7.3.1.6: To ensure long-term fiscal sustainability of the EMS System, the EAB will review the EMS System budget and conduct an annual budget workshop to advise Fort Worth concerning revenue and expenditures for the EMS System. 7.3.2 The Medical Control Advisory Board (MCAB): 7.3.2.1: The MCAB will serve as an advisory body to Fort Worth. The MCAB's tasks consist of: • advising Fort Worth about the clinical performance of the EMS System; • reviewing medical protocols and clinical policies and procedures for the EMS System and making recommendations to the Medical Director; • representing the interests of the medical community and First Responders, Medical Transportation Providers and ambulance standby providers by making recommendations for improvements to the EMS System as needed; Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 10 EXHIBIT A • recommending and reviewing research conducted within the Service Area; and • participating in the selection of the Medical Director and review of the Medical Director's clinical performance through processes established by Fort Worth, provided, however, that the then-current Medical Director will not participate in matters related to his current duties and performance. 7.3.2.2: The MCAB's membership shall be composed of the following voting members: (1) the Medical Director (or a designated associate medical director), who shall serve as the Board Chair; (2) the Emergency Department physician medical director, or designee, from each full-service Emergency Department located in the Service Area; and (3) at least four physician members to represent relevant specialties or sub-specialties of benefit in developing standards for emergency out-of-hospital care, with broad representation from different hospital systems, with such members to be recommended by a majority of the then-existing members of MCAB and to be appointed by Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Fire Chief, or their designee, shall serve as a non-voting member. A majority of the voting members of the MCAB must be physicians who are board certified in Emergency Medicine or Pediatric Emergency Medicine, or a related medical field. 7.3.2.3: The MCAB may, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of its voting members, elect to add other non-voting members as it deems appropriate. Section 8: MEDICAL DIRECTOR 8.1 The Medical Director for the EMS System will be retained by Fort Worth. The Medical Director must be a licensed physician in the state of Texas who is board-certified in EMS and emergency medicine and meets all state requirements. 8.2 When necessary, Fort Worth shall conduct a hiring and selection process for an EMS System Medical Director and/or Associate Medical Director(s) that will be inclusive, and the EAB and MCAB shall advise Fort Worth and make recommendations concerning selection of a Medical Director for the EMS System. 8.3 The Medical Director is the Chief Medical Officer of the EMS System, will report to the City Manager of Fort Worth or their designee, and will have the powers and duties afforded and required of EMS medical directors under state law. The Medical Director will provide all independent medical direction and clinical oversight for the EMS System. The Medical Director's powers and duties concerning the EMS System will be established by agreement between Fort Worth and the Medical Director, which shall include those afforded and required under state law with the resources necessary to fulfill such requirements. 8.4 Fort Worth, by resolution or ordinance, will establish a new department or division for the Office of the Medical Director ("OMD"). The OMD will serve as the clinical office of Fort Worth through which the Medical Director will carry out their rights and duties. Section 9: FORCE MAJEURE Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 11 EXHIBIT A 9.1 It is expressly understood and agreed by the Parties to this Agreement that if the performance of any obligations hereunder is delayed by reason of war; civil commotion; acts of God; inclement weather; epidemics or pandemics; governmental restrictions, regulations, or interferences; fires; strikes; lockouts, national disasters; riots; material or labor restrictions; transportation problems; or any other circumstances which are reasonably beyond the control of the Party obligated or permitted under the terms of this Agreement to do or perform the same, regardless of whether any such circumstance is similar to any of those enumerated or not (each, a "Force Majeure Event"), the Party so obligated or permitted shall be excused from doing or performing the same during such period of delay, so that the time period applicable to such requirement shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period such Party was delayed. To invoke this section, a Party must provide written notice of the alleged Force Majeure Event to the impacted Parties within a reasonable time after the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, explaining the Force Maj eure Event and the extent to which the Party's performance of obligations are hindered. Section 10: RIGHT TO AUDIT 10.1 The Parties will have the right to audit each other's financial and business records that relate to the services provided (collectively "Records") at any time during the Term of this Agreement and for three (3) years thereafter in order to determine compliance with this Agreement. Throughout the Term of this Agreement and for three (3) years thereafter, each Party shall make all relevant records available following reasonable advance notice by the other and shall otherwise cooperate fully with each other during any audit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Section 10 shall survive expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement. Section 11: STANDBY EMS, INTERFACILITY TRANSPORT (IFT), AND MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS 11.1 This Agreement is not intended to designate Fort Worth as the exclusive, sole, or single provider of standby EMS for the Client. Nothing herein prohibits the Client from contracting for, regulating, managing, and governing standby EMS and the provider(s) thereof in its own jurisdiction. 11.2 This Agreement is not intended to designate Fort Worth as the eXclusive, sole, or single provider of IFT services for any hospital or medical facility. Nothing herein prohibits any hospital or medical facility from privately contracting for interfacility transport services as deemed necessary by that facility. Provided, however, each IFT provider must meet the requirements provided by the Uniform EMS Ordinance. 11.3 This Agreement is not intended to prevent the Client from participating in mutual aid agreements as is typical and ordinary for the Client. Section 12: GOVERNMENTAL POWERS Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 12 EXHIBIT A 12.1 It is understood and agreed that by execution of this Agreement, the Parties do not waive or surrender any of their governmental powers or immunities. Section 13: ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES 13.1 This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature, which will be considered as an original signature for all purposes and have the same force and effect as an original signature. For these purposes, "electronic signature" means electronically scanned and transmitted versions (e.g. via pdf file or facsimile transmission) of an original signature, or signatures electronically inserted via software such as Adobe Sign. Section 14: COUNTERPARTS 14.1 This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and each counterpart will, for all purposes, be deemed an original, but all such counterparts will together constitute one and the same instrument. Section 15: LIABILITY 15.1 Each party agrees to be solely liable for the actions, omissions, and negligent acts of its own employees, agents, and representatives engaged in the provision of services through the EMS System under this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, neither party shall be liable to the other for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. 15.2 The Client assumes no responsibility or liability for payments, wages, income, and employment tax payments, pensions, benefits, or other payments accrued by or owed to Fort Worth employees who provide services pursuant to this Agreement. Section 16: INSURANCE 16.1 Each party shall maintain adequate insurance coverage to protect against claims arising from the provision of EMS provided by its own employees and contractors, including but not limited to general liability, professional liability, including malpractice insurance, and worker's compensation insurance. 16.2 Each party may, at its discretion, elect to self-insure against claims arising from the provision of EMS, provided that such self-insurance meets the applicable statutory requirements and guidelines set forth by state law, including but not limited to chapter 2259 of the Texas Government Code. 16.3 Regardless of whether a party chooses to self-insure or obtain commercial insurance coverage, each party shall provide proof of insurance or self-insurance to the other party upon request. Such proof shall include details of coverage limits, deductibles, and any relevant policy exclusions. Each party shall maintain continuous insurance coverage or self-insurance throughout Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 13 EXHIBIT A the term of this Agreement and any extensions thereof. Any substantive changes to insurance coverage or self-insurance arrangements shall be promptly communicated to the other Party in writing. 16.4 In the event of any claim, lawsuit, or demand arising under this Agreement, each party shall be responsible for managing and defending its own claims, whether through its insurance provider or self-insurance program. However, parties may collaborate as necessary to resolve claims efficiently and fairly. Section 17: GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE 17.1 This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. If any action, whether real or asserted, at law or in equity, is brought on the basis of this Agreement, venue for such action shall lie in state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division. Section 18: NOTICES 18.1 Notices required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be conclusively determined to have been delivered when (1) hand-delivered to the other party, its agents, employees, servants or representatives, or (2) received by the other party by United States Mail, registered, return receipt requested, addressed as follows: TO FORT WORTH: City of Fort Worth Attn: Assistant City Manager 100 Fort Worth Trail Fort Worth TX 76102 TO [INSERT ENTITY]: Entity Name Attn: Authorized Signatory Address City, State Zip With Copy to the City Attorney at same address Any notices given pursuant to this section shall be confirmed by email sent to the following addresses: IF TO FORT WORTH: IF TO THE CLIENT Section 19: CONFIDENTIALITY Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 14 EXHIBIT A 19.1 Fort Worth shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding the privacy and confidentiality of patient records, including the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Upon request, Fort Worth will provide the Client with utilization reviews, but all patient information shall be de-identified. Fort Worth, and the FWFD, in providing the EMS System services, and directly related activity such as billing, will be considered a"covered entity" under the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the Texas Medical Privacy Act. 45 C.F.R. §160.103; TeX. Health & Safety Code § 181.001(b)(2). The Parties agree to execute business associate agreements, and any other additional agreements concerning protected health information ("PHI"), as may be necessary, to ensure compliance with the relevant data privacy rules. Section 20: ACCESS TO RECORDS 20.1 The parties agree that until the expiration of six years after the last date of furnishing of services provided under this Agreement, the parties will make available to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services ("the Secretary") and the United States Comptroller General, and their duly authorized representatives, this Agreement and all books, documents, and records necessary to certify the nature and extent of the costs of those services. If a Party carries out the duties of this Agreement through a subcontract worth $10,000 or more over a twelve-month period, the subcontract will also contain an access clause to permit access by the Secretary, the United States Comptroller General and their representatives to the related organization's books and records. Section 21: NO WAIVER 21.1 No course of conduct or verbal waiver or consent shall be deemed a waiver by a Party of its rights under this Agreement. The waiver by a Party of a breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as, or be construed to be, a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or other provision of this Agreement Section 22: ASSIGNMENT AND DELEGATION 22.1 The Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No party may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent of the other Party. Section 23: ENTIRE AGREEMENT 23.1 This Agreement, including any exhibits attached hereto and any documents incorporated herein by reference, contains the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties, their assigns and successors in interest, as to the matters contained herein. Any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreement is hereby declared null and void to the extent in conflict with any provision of this Agreement. (signature page follows) Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 15 EXHIBIT A IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement in multiples. Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 16 EXHIBIT A City of Fort Worth: By: Name: Title: Assistant City Manager Date: CITY OF FORT WORTH INTERNAL ROUTING PROCESS: Approval Recommended: By: Name: Title: Contract Compliance Manager: By signing I acknowledge that I am the person responsible for the monitoring and administration of this contract, including ensuring all performance and reporting requirements. Approved as to Form and Legality By: Name: Title: Assistant City Attorney Contract Authorization: M&C: By: Name: Title: City Secretary: By: Name: Jannette S. Goodall Title: City Secretary Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 17 EXHIBIT A City of [INSERT CITY] : � Attest By: Name: Title: Date: By: Name: Title: Date: Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 18 EXHIBIT A Exhibit A - EMS Ordinance Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 19 EXHIBIT A Exhibit B— Travel Time Calculation Worksheet Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 20 EXHIBIT A Exhibit C— UHC and Pavment Calculation Information Exhibit A— EMS Interlocal Agreement Template Page 21 � � � � YC W M Cfl � N � I� �� CO d� l!') I� 11') O 00 �� N�� � N N O o0 N O� O Cfl � I� l!7 O CO M O � lf') d� � CO � 00 � 0 I` � Cfl � O� N M d� N� O I` M I` ti� � CO M o0 6� N I� M CO l!� N N � � �� N M N � � � � CO 00 � � r � � N 7 R i � 0 � 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N o00000000000000 N � Cfl Cfl �� N I` � N� O �� N O � af O 00 � 00 l!7 l!7 CO d� N M M � � O O ��� N � � � O O O O O O O O O 00 � d � t� L � a � � � a� .� � cfl rn cfl o cfl �n o ao ao �� � c� o c� ln � I` � 00 M ln � O� N Cfl � M M N � O O Cfl � I� � M M�� � N I� � N� N N N � � O � � 2 � C � d 7 R i � U i y � � O � � � v O J � � � E � � � � `� a� � � c� > � � ��j �=�a� j� � tn o �cn= � ��� o� o� > � O � � c a� �n �� 3�� � o o.— �- a� ��� � �n � a� �n �> L > � � °� >a� � � � >a� L.L = (n > L.L � (/) J W > = m J > Exhibit C ,17:7 71►`/_\►`C�l �►`[I AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER [INSERT NUMBER] "AMBULANCES/EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES," OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF [NAME], TEXAS (YEAR), AS AMENDED, BY REPEALING ARTICLE I"IN GENERAL," ARTICLE II`BOARDS; THE AUTHORITY," AND ARTICLE III "VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES; TRAFFIC LAW EXEMPTION";" AND ENACTING A NEW ARTICLE I"IN GENERAL," ARTICLE II "FORT WORTH EMS SYSTEM AND INTERFACILITY TRANSPORTATION," AND ARTICLE III "VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES, TRAFFIC LAW EXEMPTION;" PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL PRIOR ORDINANCES AND REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of [NAME] ("City Council") seeks to protect the public safety, preserve the quality of life, and promote efficiency within the City of [NAME] (the "City"); WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the public health and welfare of the people of the City to have available to them a regulated system for the provision of out of hospital emergency and non-emergency medical services, unscheduled medical transportation and ambulance service mobile integrated healthcare ("MIH")(collectively the "EMS System") and scheduled interfacility medical transportation services among and between hospitals and other medical facilities in non- emergency situations ("interfacility transports or IFT") with the intent of providing quality clinical care with performance measures and standards and a goal of facilitating the best possible outcomes for each patient; WHEREAS, in 1988 through the adoption of a Uniform EMS Ordinance and Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between local governments, including the City of Fort Worth ("Fort Worth"), the Area Metropolitan Ambulance Authority (the "Authority" a1k/a "MedStar") was created as a governmental administrative agency to administer and operate an EMS System and exclusively provide interfacility transports in a service area comprised of the member jurisdictions, with Fort Worth constituting more than eighty-five percent of the land mass and call volume of the Authority; Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 1 of 10 Exhibit C WHEREAS, the Authority has sustained rising operational and capital costs and flat net revenues, leading to a dynamic that requires future public funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of those services; WHEREAS, the Fort Worth City Council has elected to establish an EMS division through the Fort Worth Fire Department to operate an EMS System and provide services to the people within its jurisdiction and people in other jurisdictions, provided each such jurisdiction adopts this Uniform EMS Ordinance and enters into an EMS Interlocal Agreement with Fort Worth (each a "Client City"); WHEREAS, Fort Worth is engaging a physician who is licensed in Texas and board certified in emergency medicine to serve as the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for the EMS System (the "Medical Director"); WHEREAS, the member jurisdictions of the Authority have agreed to dissolve the Authority, and with those adopting this ordinance and executing an EMS Interlocal Agreement opting to become Client Cities; WHEREAS, due to the relatively low population and low population density of some areas at issue and the extremely high, start-up and fixed operating costs of a state-of-the-art EMS System, it is necessary to designate Fort Worth as the eXclusively contracted EMS Provider of EMS System services within the City in order to maximize clinical proficiency, enhance operational effectiveness, and maximize economies of scale for providing such services; WHEREAS, although Fort Worth will not be assuming the Authority's role as exclusive provider of interfacility transports, there remains a need to ensure such transports within the City are only conducted by properly qualified and authorized providers in order to ensure clinical standards are met and public safety is preserved; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds this Ordinance to be reasonable and necessary. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF [NAME] TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1. Chapter [NUMBER] "Ambulances/Emergency Medical Services" of the Code of the City of [NAME] is hereby amended by repealing Article I"In General," Article II `Boards; The Authority," and Article III "Violations; Penalties; Traffic Law Exemption," and enacting a new Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 2 of 10 Exhibit C Article I"In General," Article II " Fort Worth EMS System and Interfacility Transportation" and Article III "Violations; Penalties; Traffic Law Exemption," the text of which shall read as follows: "ARTICLE I: GENERAL § 5-1 STATUTORY AUTHORITY. This chapter is enacted by the City pursuant to Tex. Health and Safety Code § 773.051, which provides that local governments may establish standards for ambulances, and pursuant to Tex. Government Code Chapter 791, which authorizes combinations of local governmental units to contract for the provision of governmental services. § 5-2 GENERAL PURPOSES AND INTENT OF ORDINANCE. It is the purpose of this Ordinance: To establish a regulated out-of-hospital emergency medical services, non- emergency medical services, unscheduled medical transportation and ambulance service, and mobile integrated healthcare system (collectively the "EMS System") which can provide quality clinical care with performance measures and standards, with the goal of facilitating the best possible outcomes for each Patient. To designate Fort Worth as the EMS Provider of the EMS System within the corporate limits of City as provided by the terms of the EMS Interlocal Agreement between Fort Worth and the City to maintain consistent, high-quality service while controlling costs through efficiencies and economies of scale; § 5-3 DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section: (a) Advanced Life Support (ALS). Out-of-hospital care that uses invasive medical acts (as defined in Tex. Health and Safety Code § 773.003(1)). (b) Aeromedical Transportation Unit. Any rotary or fixed wing aircraft providing basic or advanced life support services and patient transportation that originates within the Service Area. (c) Ambulance. A vehicle for transportation of sick or injured person to, from, or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and provide out of hospital medical care to the Patient. (d) Ambulance Mutual Aid Agreement. A written contract between Fort Worth and one or more entities whereby the signing parties agree to provide backup ambulance service to one another under the terms and conditions specified therein. Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 3 of 10 Exhibit C (e) Ambulance Service. The transportation of Patients by emergency or non- emergency ambulance; for purposes of this Ordinance, Ambulance Service does not include IFT services as defined herein. (� Associate Medical Director. A licensed physician who assists the Medical Director in carrying out his or her duties under this Ordinance, Fort Worth's EMS Interlocal Agreements, and the Medical Director's agreement with Fort Worth. (g) Basic Life Support (BLS). Out-of-hospital care that uses noninvasive medical acts (as defined in § 773.003(2), Tex. Health and Safety Code). (h) Emergency Care Attendant (ECA). A person certified as an "emergency care attendant" under § 773.046 of the Tex. Health and Safety Code. (i) Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Services used to respond to an individual's perceived need for immediate medical care and to prevent death or aggra�ation of physiological or psychological illness or injury. (j) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). A person certified as an "emergency medical technician" under § 773.047 or an"advanced emergency medical technician" under § 773.048 of the Tex. Health and Safety Code, and any other class of EMT recognized by state law or regulation. (k) EMS Communications Center. The facility designated by Fort Worth as the central communications center from which all EMS System services offered by Fort Worth shall be dispatched and coordinated. (1) EMS Interlocal Agreements. The service level interlocal agreements eXecuted by Fort Worth and Client Cities to designate Fort Worth as the exclusively contracted EMS Provider of the EMS System within the Service Area. (m)EMS Provider. The entity that has received a Texas EMS Provider License, as required by relevant state law, to provide the EMS System services and is the exclusively contracted provider of the EMS System services within the Service Area. For purposes of this ordinance, the EMS Provider is Fort Worth. (n) EMS System. The regulated out-of-hospital EMS, non-emergency medical services, unscheduled medical transportation and ambulance services, and mobile integrated healthcare system provided by Fort Worth within the Service Area, not including those first response services City chooses to provide itself as a First Responder. (o) First Responder. Any agency that, in cooperation with the EMS Provider, provides initial response to requests for EMS and, on its own or in cooperation with the EMS Provider, provides immediate on-scene care to ill or injured persons but does not transport those persons to healthcare facilities. (p) FW EMS. The emergency medical services division of the City of Fort Worth Fire Department responsible for providing the EMS System services. Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page4of10 Exhibit C (� Interfacility Transportation (IFT). The provision of scheduled, or by appointment, medical transportation services by a person or entity between hospitals or medical facilities originating within the Service Area. (r) Medical Director. The licensed physician employed or contracted by Fort Worth who is responsible for carrying out his or her duties under their engagement with Fort Worth, this Ordinance, and Fort Worth's EMS Interlocal Agreements with Client Cities and for directing the Office of the Medical Director. (s) Medical Transportation. The transportation of Patients by ambulance, Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit, Specialty Care Transport, or Aeromedical Transportation Unit, including both emergency and low-acuity emergency transports, where such transportation originates within the Service Area. (t) Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH). Services provided by Fort Worth, as requested by City, that are designed to enhance, coordinate, effectively manage, and integrate out of hospital care, in order to improve outcomes, enhance the client's experience of care, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services provided to the enrolled clients. (u) Office of Medical Director. The department or division through which the Medical Director carries out his or her functions. The Office of the Medical Director is comprised of the Medical Director, any Associate Medical Director(s), and other individuals assigned to the Office to assist the Medical Director in carrying out the Medical Director's functions. (v) Paramedic. A person qualified as a certified or licensed "paramedic" as defined by Tex. Health and Safety Code Sections 773.049 and 773.0495. (w) Patient. A person: who requests EMS, or for whom EMS has been requested; and who has any medical or psychological complaint, obvious injury/distress, or has a significant mechanism of injury. (x) Service Area. That geographical area which is contained within the corporate limits of the City and other local jurisdictions who have elected to become Client Cities by entering into an EMS Interlocal Agreement with Fort Worth and adopting this ordinance. (y) Specialty Care Transport. The transportation of a critically injured or ill patient at a level of service beyond the scope of the EMT-Paramedic when the Patient's condition requires ongoing care that must be furnished by one or more health professionals in an appropriate specialty area; for example, emergency or critical care nursing, emergency medicine, respiratory care, cardiovascular care, or a paramedic with additional training. (z) Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit. A vehicle which is specially constructed, equipped, staffed, and employed in the inter-facility transport of patients whose requirements for en route medical support are likely to exceed the clinical capabilities of an Advanced Life Support ambulance. (aa) Uniform EMS Ordinance. This ordinance. Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 5 of 10 Exhibit C (bb) Unscheduled Medical Transportation. The transportation of Patients by ambulance service, Specialized Mobile Intensive Care Unit, Specialty Care Transport, or Aeromedical Transportation Unit, including both emergency and low-acuity emergency transports, where such transportation originates within the Service Area and is not previously scheduled or made by appointment. § 5-4-5-15 Reserved ARTICLE II: FORT WORTH EMS SYSTEM AND INTERFACILITY TRANSPORTATION § 5-16 POWERS AND DUTIES OF FW EMS (a) Fort Worth, by and through FW EMS, is hereby designated as the exclusively contracted EMS Provider of the EMS System within the City's corporate limits as provided by the terms, conditions and provisions of the City's EMS Interlocal Agreement with Fort Worth and for so long as Fort Worth is a party to the City's EMS Interlocal Agreement. (c) Fort Worth shall comply with all terms of the EMS Interlocal Agreement and have all the powers and duties enumerated therein. § 5-17 INTERFACILITY TRANSPORTATION (a) This ordinance is not intended to designate Fort Worth as the sole provider of interfacility transportation services between hospitals and other medical facilities within the Service Area. (b) Notwithstanding the above, any person or entity who wishes to provide such IFT services within the Service Area must be registered with Fort Worth as an IFT provider and permitted by Fort Worth and the Medical Director to provide such services. (c) Any IFT provider who obtains a permit to provide IFT services from Fort Worth must comply with the provisions of this ordinance and the directives of the Medical Director. § 5-18-5-30 Reserved ARTICLE III: VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES; TRAFFIC LAW EXEMPTION § 5-31 VIOLATIONS. (a) So long as Fort Worth is a party to the City's EMS Interlocal Agreement, it shall be unlawful: Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 6 of 10 Exhibit C (1) To knowingly give false information to induce the dispatch of an ambulance or Aeromedical Transportation Unit. (2) To perform duties as an ECA, EMT, Paramedic or emergency ambulance dispatcher without current credentials issued by the Office of the Medical Director, unless participating in a training program approved by Office of the Medical Director or performing duties as a First Responder of the City; (3) To permit a person to work as an ECA, EMT, Paramedic or emergency ambulance dispatcher without current credentials issued by the Office of the Medical Director, unless participating in a training program approved by Office of the Medical Director or performing duties as a First Responder of the City; (4) To use, or cause to be used, any Ambulance Service other than FW EMS, except as permitted in subsection (b) below; (5) For any person or entity other than Fort Worth and FW EMS to provide EMS System services within the Service Area, not including those first response services which City provides itself as a First Responder and except as permitted by subsection (b) below; (6) For any person to provide Medical Transportation originating in the Service Area without a permit issued by Fort Worth; (7) For any agency to provide First Responder services without a First Responder Agreement with Fort Worth or a written automatic aid or mutual aid agreement with the City; (8) To use an ambulance for the transportation of persons other than in connection with the transportation of a Patient. (b) It shall be a defense to any alleged violation of this section that a vehicle is being used or service is provided solely in any of the following manners: (1) As a privately-owned vehicle not ordinarily used in the business of transporting persons who are sick, injured, wounded, incapacitated or helpless; (2) Rendering service as an ambulance at the request of the EMS Communications Center upon the declaration of a disaster by Fort Worth, the City, another unit of local government, the State of Texas, or the United States; or a declaration of a major catastrophe or extreme system overload by the City Fire Chief, or the Fort Worth Fire Chief; (3) Any ambulance owned or operated by the federal or state government; (4) Ambulance mutual aid calls when rendered pursuant to an Ambulance Mutual Aid agreement approved by the City or Fort Worth; (5) Wheelchair transport services for persons other than Patients, when the service is not provided by ambulance; and Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 7 of 10 Exhibit C (6) Medical Transportation of a Patient where the transport originates outside the Service Area. (7) IFT between hospitals or medical facilities within the Service Area if the provider has first obtained a permit from Fort Worth. § 5-32 PENALTIES. (a) Any person convicted of violating the provisions of Section 5-31 shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 (Tex. Penal Code §12.23). (b) This Section does not serve to limit any other remedies available to the City in law or equity. (c) Each violation of this Ordinance shall constitute a separate offense. § 5-33 TRAFFIC LAWS; EXEMPTION. When the driver of an emergency medical response vehicle has reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency exists, as determined by the EMS Communication Center, the vehicle shall be treated as an "authorized emergency vehicle" within the meaning of Chapter 546 of the Tex. Transp. Code and shall be exempt from traffic laws as provided therein. § 5-34-5-39 Reserved" SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of [NAME], Texas (YEAR), as amended, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances and such Code, in which event conflicting provisions of such ordinances and such Code are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance, since the same would ha�e been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section. Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 8 of 10 Exhibit C SECTION 4. All rights and remedies of the City of [NAME], Texas, are expressly saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of the Code of the City of [NAME], or any other ordinances of the City, that have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance, but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts. SECTION 5. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of the Code of the City of [NAME] Section 5-31 as enacted by this Ordinance shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 (Tex. Penal Code §.12.23). This Section does not serve to limit any other remedies available to the Jurisdiction in law or equity. Each violation of this Ordinance shall constitute a separate offense. SECTION 6. The City Secretary of the City of [NAME], Texas is hereby directed to publish the caption, penalty clause and effective date of this ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of the City of [NAME], TeXas, as authorized by TeXas Local Government Code, Section 52.013. SECTION 7. All other provisions of Chapter 5 of the Code of the City of [Name], as amended, shall remain in full force and effect, save and except as amended by this ordinance. SECTION 8. This ordinance shall take effect upon adoption and publication as required by law, and it is so ordained. APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: ATTEST: Assistant City Attorney [NAME], City Secretary Date: Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page9of10 Exhibit C ADOPTED: EFFECTIVE: Exhibit C— Uniform EMS Ordinance Page 10 of 10