FAQs
What is an ordinance?
An ordinance is a law enacted by a local government (e.g. City Council, Board of Supervisors). Local ordinances can be more restrictive than State statutes or federal policies but cannot be less restrictive.
What is a Local Emergency Medical Services Agency?
California Health and Safety Code section 1797.200 requires counties to designate a Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA) as the entity responsible for oversight of emergency medical services (EMS) within the region. A county may designate the LEMSA as the county health department, an agency established and operated by the county, a contracted entity for the purposes of local EMS administration, or a joint powers agency created to administer EMS.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Policy K-12 currently designated the County EMS Office as the County entity with primary responsibility for EMS system organization.
County EMS upholds the standards of the state's Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), which includes the organization and oversight of the EMS delivery system.
Who is subject to the Ambulance Ordinance?
The Ambulance Ordinance sets operational, administrative, and other standards for multiple service providers throughout San Diego's EMS delivery system.
The ordinance regulates ambulance companies/agencies, critical care transport providers, air ambulance services, and non-emergency medical transportation services (e.g., wheelchair vans, gurney vans, and ambulettes).
Why is the County conducting community engagement for the Ambulance Ordinance update?
The San Diego County EMS Office (County EMS) uses a data-driven approach when making any regulatory updates or changes. Community engagement and input has incredible importance and value to County EMS as it allows for constituent's voices to be heard and provides different perspectives from service providers within the EMS delivery system and the public.