Re: Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulations

[Guest guest]

Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulationsComments 4 | Recommend 0

March 3, 2009 - 11:04 PM

Janes

The Monitor

EDINBURG — Hospital administrator Rustick still marvels at the repurposed

van one ambulance provider tried to pass off as a medical transport vehicle.

With its backseat replaced by two stretchers and the word " ambulance " painted on

the outside, the vehicle represented the most blatant disregard for ambulance

standards he has ever seen, he said.

Rustick, an administrator at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, asked

the provider to leave his hospital, but he's hopeful he won't see similarly

shoddy operations anytime soon.

The Edinburg City Council voted Tuesday to implement a new ordinance that

proponents say will dramatically improve the quality of care provided by the

ambulance companies that operate in the city limits.

City officials believe most of the 50-plus Hidalgo County companies licensed by

the state operate within the city but that only a few have the permits the city

requires.

Rustick, a member of the task force that prepared the ordinance, said some of

the companies don't abide by state rules. With the new city ordinance, Edinburg

will have a better idea of who is coming and going.

" There has to be accountability in the healthcare industry, " Rustick said.

" That's what this is: Let's make everyone accountable. "

The new ordinance forces companies to establish a business location inside

Edinburg and obtain a minimum level of insurance.

Some ambulance companies - which offer routine medical transport services to the

community - will be required to assist the city's 9-1-1 provider with major

events.

The ordinance also requires all companies picking up patients inside the city

limits to staff their ambulances with paramedics - the highest emergency medical

services certification available in the state. An initial draft of the ordinance

presented to the council two weeks ago included the paramedic requirement, but

the task force scrapped it last week during its final meeting.

Rustick supported the final version of the ordinance without the paramedic

restriction because it would be impossible for the companies to comply with it,

he said.

However, Councilman Gene Espinoza asked that the council stick with the original

version that ended up being approved Tuesday.

Albert , the director of operations for Med-Care, the 9-1-1 EMS

provider for Mission, Mc and Pharr, said the ordinance would be too

burdensome due to the difficulty of finding paramedics.

Because Med-Care does not always staff its ambulances with paramedics, the

company will be limited in what it can offer to Edinburg residents,

said. Other ambulance companies face a similar problem.

Edinburg fire Chief Snider, an advisory member on the task force, said the

ordinance improves upon the state's basic standards. Three companies located in

Edinburg - all of which have city permits - are already in compliance with the

new ordinance.

" I don't base (my department's) emergency response on the hope nothing is going

to happen, " Snider said, advocating an always-be-prepared approach over the

argument that routine ambulance services don't require paramedics' expertise.

The county's ambulance providers have until June to comply with the new rules.

____

Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments

for The Monitor. He can be reached at .

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I thought all EMS agencies had to be " licensed " by Texas DSHS? How'd this guy

slip through the cracks? Please, don't tell me not enough staffing of DSHS. That

area is covered. Besides, whoever it was, blatantly disregarded policies and

SHOULD be shut down.

Subject: Re: Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulations

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 9:12 AM

Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulationsComments 4 | Recommend

0

March 3, 2009 - 11:04 PM

Janes

The Monitor

EDINBURG — Hospital administrator Rustick still marvels at the repurposed

van one ambulance provider tried to pass off as a medical transport vehicle.

With its backseat replaced by two stretchers and the word " ambulance " painted on

the outside, the vehicle represented the most blatant disregard for ambulance

standards he has ever seen, he said.

Rustick, an administrator at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, asked

the provider to leave his hospital, but he's hopeful he won't see similarly

shoddy operations anytime soon.

The Edinburg City Council voted Tuesday to implement a new ordinance that

proponents say will dramatically improve the quality of care provided by the

ambulance companies that operate in the city limits.

City officials believe most of the 50-plus Hidalgo County companies licensed by

the state operate within the city but that only a few have the permits the city

requires.

Rustick, a member of the task force that prepared the ordinance, said some of

the companies don't abide by state rules. With the new city ordinance, Edinburg

will have a better idea of who is coming and going.

" There has to be accountability in the healthcare industry, " Rustick said.

" That's what this is: Let's make everyone accountable. "

The new ordinance forces companies to establish a business location inside

Edinburg and obtain a minimum level of insurance.

Some ambulance companies - which offer routine medical transport services to the

community - will be required to assist the city's 9-1-1 provider with major

events.

The ordinance also requires all companies picking up patients inside the city

limits to staff their ambulances with paramedics - the highest emergency medical

services certification available in the state. An initial draft of the ordinance

presented to the council two weeks ago included the paramedic requirement, but

the task force scrapped it last week during its final meeting.

Rustick supported the final version of the ordinance without the paramedic

restriction because it would be impossible for the companies to comply with it,

he said.

However, Councilman Gene Espinoza asked that the council stick with the original

version that ended up being approved Tuesday.

Albert , the director of operations for Med-Care, the 9-1-1 EMS

provider for Mission, Mc and Pharr, said the ordinance would be too

burdensome due to the difficulty of finding paramedics.

Because Med-Care does not always staff its ambulances with paramedics, the

company will be limited in what it can offer to Edinburg residents,

said. Other ambulance companies face a similar problem.

Edinburg fire Chief Snider, an advisory member on the task force, said the

ordinance improves upon the state's basic standards. Three companies located in

Edinburg - all of which have city permits - are already in compliance with the

new ordinance.

" I don't base (my department's) emergency response on the hope nothing is going

to happen, " Snider said, advocating an always-be-prepared approach over the

argument that routine ambulance services don't require paramedics' expertise.

The county's ambulance providers have until June to comply with the new rules.

____

Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments

for The Monitor. He can be reached at .

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

I thought all EMS agencies had to be " licensed " by Texas DSHS? How'd this guy

slip through the cracks? Please, don't tell me not enough staffing of DSHS. That

area is covered. Besides, whoever it was, blatantly disregarded policies and

SHOULD be shut down.

Subject: Re: Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulations

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 9:12 AM

Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulationsComments 4 | Recommend

0

March 3, 2009 - 11:04 PM

Janes

The Monitor

EDINBURG — Hospital administrator Rustick still marvels at the repurposed

van one ambulance provider tried to pass off as a medical transport vehicle.

With its backseat replaced by two stretchers and the word " ambulance " painted on

the outside, the vehicle represented the most blatant disregard for ambulance

standards he has ever seen, he said.

Rustick, an administrator at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, asked

the provider to leave his hospital, but he's hopeful he won't see similarly

shoddy operations anytime soon.

The Edinburg City Council voted Tuesday to implement a new ordinance that

proponents say will dramatically improve the quality of care provided by the

ambulance companies that operate in the city limits.

City officials believe most of the 50-plus Hidalgo County companies licensed by

the state operate within the city but that only a few have the permits the city

requires.

Rustick, a member of the task force that prepared the ordinance, said some of

the companies don't abide by state rules. With the new city ordinance, Edinburg

will have a better idea of who is coming and going.

" There has to be accountability in the healthcare industry, " Rustick said.

" That's what this is: Let's make everyone accountable. "

The new ordinance forces companies to establish a business location inside

Edinburg and obtain a minimum level of insurance.

Some ambulance companies - which offer routine medical transport services to the

community - will be required to assist the city's 9-1-1 provider with major

events.

The ordinance also requires all companies picking up patients inside the city

limits to staff their ambulances with paramedics - the highest emergency medical

services certification available in the state. An initial draft of the ordinance

presented to the council two weeks ago included the paramedic requirement, but

the task force scrapped it last week during its final meeting.

Rustick supported the final version of the ordinance without the paramedic

restriction because it would be impossible for the companies to comply with it,

he said.

However, Councilman Gene Espinoza asked that the council stick with the original

version that ended up being approved Tuesday.

Albert , the director of operations for Med-Care, the 9-1-1 EMS

provider for Mission, Mc and Pharr, said the ordinance would be too

burdensome due to the difficulty of finding paramedics.

Because Med-Care does not always staff its ambulances with paramedics, the

company will be limited in what it can offer to Edinburg residents,

said. Other ambulance companies face a similar problem.

Edinburg fire Chief Snider, an advisory member on the task force, said the

ordinance improves upon the state's basic standards. Three companies located in

Edinburg - all of which have city permits - are already in compliance with the

new ordinance.

" I don't base (my department's) emergency response on the hope nothing is going

to happen, " Snider said, advocating an always-be-prepared approach over the

argument that routine ambulance services don't require paramedics' expertise.

The county's ambulance providers have until June to comply with the new rules.

____

Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments

for The Monitor. He can be reached at .

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

I thought all EMS agencies had to be " licensed " by Texas DSHS? How'd this guy

slip through the cracks? Please, don't tell me not enough staffing of DSHS. That

area is covered. Besides, whoever it was, blatantly disregarded policies and

SHOULD be shut down.

Subject: Re: Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulations

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 9:12 AM

Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulationsComments 4 | Recommend

0

March 3, 2009 - 11:04 PM

Janes

The Monitor

EDINBURG — Hospital administrator Rustick still marvels at the repurposed

van one ambulance provider tried to pass off as a medical transport vehicle.

With its backseat replaced by two stretchers and the word " ambulance " painted on

the outside, the vehicle represented the most blatant disregard for ambulance

standards he has ever seen, he said.

Rustick, an administrator at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, asked

the provider to leave his hospital, but he's hopeful he won't see similarly

shoddy operations anytime soon.

The Edinburg City Council voted Tuesday to implement a new ordinance that

proponents say will dramatically improve the quality of care provided by the

ambulance companies that operate in the city limits.

City officials believe most of the 50-plus Hidalgo County companies licensed by

the state operate within the city but that only a few have the permits the city

requires.

Rustick, a member of the task force that prepared the ordinance, said some of

the companies don't abide by state rules. With the new city ordinance, Edinburg

will have a better idea of who is coming and going.

" There has to be accountability in the healthcare industry, " Rustick said.

" That's what this is: Let's make everyone accountable. "

The new ordinance forces companies to establish a business location inside

Edinburg and obtain a minimum level of insurance.

Some ambulance companies - which offer routine medical transport services to the

community - will be required to assist the city's 9-1-1 provider with major

events.

The ordinance also requires all companies picking up patients inside the city

limits to staff their ambulances with paramedics - the highest emergency medical

services certification available in the state. An initial draft of the ordinance

presented to the council two weeks ago included the paramedic requirement, but

the task force scrapped it last week during its final meeting.

Rustick supported the final version of the ordinance without the paramedic

restriction because it would be impossible for the companies to comply with it,

he said.

However, Councilman Gene Espinoza asked that the council stick with the original

version that ended up being approved Tuesday.

Albert , the director of operations for Med-Care, the 9-1-1 EMS

provider for Mission, Mc and Pharr, said the ordinance would be too

burdensome due to the difficulty of finding paramedics.

Because Med-Care does not always staff its ambulances with paramedics, the

company will be limited in what it can offer to Edinburg residents,

said. Other ambulance companies face a similar problem.

Edinburg fire Chief Snider, an advisory member on the task force, said the

ordinance improves upon the state's basic standards. Three companies located in

Edinburg - all of which have city permits - are already in compliance with the

new ordinance.

" I don't base (my department's) emergency response on the hope nothing is going

to happen, " Snider said, advocating an always-be-prepared approach over the

argument that routine ambulance services don't require paramedics' expertise.

The county's ambulance providers have until June to comply with the new rules.

____

Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments

for The Monitor. He can be reached at .

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

That may be true in your area-and that's unfortunate, but I know of at least 12

services that have been busted and shut down in less than three years in the

Houston area. And it's real easy to " try " to run under the radar in a big city.

Remember, this is just my opinion. The one's who are still getting away with it

are just lucky---- but at who's expense? That's obvious. Your opinion is

respected.

rom: salvador capuchino

ubject: Re: Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulations

o: texasems-l@yahoogro ups.com

ate: Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 9:12 AM

Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulationsComments 4 | Recommend

March 3, 2009 - 11:04 PM

Janes

The Monitor

EDINBURG

Hospital administrator Rustick still marvels at the repurposed

an one ambulance provider tried to pass off as a medical transport vehicle.

With its backseat replaced by two stretchers and the word " ambulance " painted on

he outside, the vehicle represented the most blatant disregard for ambulance

tandards he has ever seen, he said.

Rustick, an administrator at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, asked

he provider to leave his hospital, but he's hopeful he won't see similarly

hoddy operations anytime soon.

The Edinburg City Council voted Tuesday to implement a new ordinance that

roponents say will dramatically improve the quality of care provided by the

mbulance companies that operate in the city limits.

City officials believe most of the 50-plus Hidalgo County companies licensed by

he state operate within the city but that only a few have the permits the city

equires.

Rustick, a member of the task force that prepared the ordinance, said some of

he companies don't abide by state rules. With the new city ordinance, Edinburg

ill have a better idea of who is coming and going.

" There has to be accountability in the healthcare industry, " Rustick said.

That's what this is: Let's make everyone accountable. "

The new ordinance forces companies to establish a business location inside

dinburg and obtain a minimum level of insurance.

Some ambulance companies - which offer routine medical transport services to the

ommunity - will be required to assist the city's 9-1-1 provider with major20

vents.

The ordinance also requires all companies picking up patients inside the city

imits to staff their ambulances with paramedics - the highest emergency medical

ervices certification available in the state. An initial draft of the ordinance

resented to the council two weeks ago included the paramedic requirement, but

he task force scrapped it last week during its final meeting.

Rustick supported the final version of the ordinance without the paramedic

estriction because it would be impossible for the companies to comply with it,

e said.

However, Councilman Gene Espinoza asked that the council stick with the original

ersion that ended up being approved Tuesday.

Albert , the director of operations for Med-Care, the 9-1-1 EMS

rovider for Mission, Mc and Pharr, said the ordinance would be too

urdensome due to the difficulty of finding paramedics.

Because Med-Care does not always staff its ambulances with paramedics, the

ompany will be limited in what it can offer to Edinburg residents,

aid. Other ambulance companies face a similar problem.

Edinburg fire Chief Snider, an advisory member on the task force, said the

rdinance improves upon the state's basic standards. Three companies located in

dinburg - all of which have city permits - are already in compliance with the

ew ordinance.

" I don't base (my department's) emergency response on the hope nothing is going

o happen, " Snider said, advocating an always-be-prepared approach over the

rgument that routine ambulance se

rvices don't require paramedics' expertise.

The county's ambulance providers have until June to comply with the new rules.

____

Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments

or The Monitor. He can be reached at .

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

In addition. ANY VIOLATION should be reported and many are not. This " ambulance

type " vehicle and company, I hope, was reported when turned away from the

institution.

rom: salvador capuchino

ubject: Re: Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulations

o: texasems-l@yahoogro ups.com

ate: Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 9:12 AM

Edinburg adopts stricter ambulance regulationsComments 4 | Recommend

March 3, 2009 - 11:04 PM

Janes

The Monitor

EDINBURG

Hospital administrator Rustick still marvels at the repurposed

an one ambulance provider tried to pass off as a medical transport vehicle.

With its backseat replaced by two stretchers and the word " ambulance " painted on

he outside, the vehicle represented the most blatant disregard for ambulance

tandards he has ever seen, he said.

Rustick, an administrator at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, asked

he provider to leave his hospital, but he's hopeful he won't see similarly

hoddy operations anytime soon.

The Edinburg City Council voted Tuesday to implement a new ordinance that

roponents say will dramatically improve the quality of care provided by the

mbulance companies that operate in the city limits.

City officials believe most of the 50-plus Hidalgo County companies licensed by

he state operate within the city but that only a few have the permits the city

equires.

Rustick, a member of the task force that prepared the ordinance, said some of

he companies don't abide by state rules. With the new city ordinance, Edinburg

ill have a better idea of who is coming and going.

" There has to be accountability in the healthcare industry, " Rustick said.

That's what this is: Let's make everyone accountable. "

The new ordinance forces companies to establish a business location inside

dinburg and obtain a minimum level of insurance.

Some ambulance companies - which offer routine medical transport services to the

ommunity - will be required to assist the city's 9-1-1 provider with major20

vents.

The ordinance also requires all companies picking up patients inside the city

imits to staff their ambulances with paramedics - the highest emergency medical

ervices certification available in the state. An initial draft of the ordinance

resented to the council two weeks ago included the paramedic requirement, but

he task force scrapped it last week during its final meeting.

Rustick supported the final version of the ordinance without the paramedic

estriction because it would be impossible for the companies to comply with it,

e said.

However, Councilman Gene Espinoza asked that the council stick with the original

ersion that ended up being approved Tuesday.

Albert , the director of operations for Med-Care, the 9-1-1 EMS

rovider for Mission, Mc and Pharr, said the ordinance would be too

urdensome due to the difficulty of finding paramedics.

Because Med-Care does not always staff its ambulances with paramedics, the

ompany will be limited in what it can offer to Edinburg residents,

aid. Other ambulance companies face a similar problem.

Edinburg fire Chief Snider, an advisory member on the task force, said the

rdinance improves upon the state's basic standards. Three companies located in

dinburg - all of which have city permits - are already in compliance with the

ew ordinance.

" I don't base (my department's) emergency response on the hope nothing is going

o happen, " Snider said, advocating an always-be-prepared approach over the

rgument that routine ambulance se

rvices don't require paramedics' expertise.

The county's ambulance providers have until June to comply with the new rules.

____

Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and general assignments

or The Monitor. He can be reached at .

------------ --------- --------- ------