§ 3½-8. Licenses for nonemergency medical transportation service.

(a)

Every person, firm, corporation, association, or local government desiring to provide nonemergency medical transportation shall obtain a license from the board of county commissioners pursuant to the provisions herein and subject to such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the administrator pursuant to this chapter.

(b)

Applications shall be made to the administrator on such forms as shall be provided by the administrator. At the time the application is presented, the applicant for such license shall have, and shall maintain throughout the application process, at least one (1) business office located in Broward County at which mail can be received and daily telephone communication is available with an agent of the applicant. If a license is granted, the licensee shall maintain one (1) or more business offices in Broward County while providing nonemergency medical transportation service.

(c)

All applications for licenses for nonemergency medical transportation services shall be accompanied by an application processing fee which shall be established by resolution of the board. Unless waived by the county, no application shall be processed prior to the receipt of such fee.

(d)

Subsequent to receiving the application and the processing fee, the administrator shall cause an investigation to be made of the applicant. The investigation shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1)

The type and condition of the applicant's dispatching and communications equipment and system;

(2)

The type and condition of the equipment utilized by the applicant;

(3)

The type and condition of the applicant's vehicles;

(4)

The telephone communications system and equipment used in handling trip requests, cancellations and the like;

(5)

The financial ability of the applicant to render safe, comfortable services and to maintain or replace equipment required by the state, county or municipalities;

(6)

The financial responsibility of the applicant to maintain insurance for the payment of personal injury, death and property damage claims;

(7)

The past performance and service record, if any, of the applicant;

(8)

Such other information as the administrator or designee may deem necessary.

(e)

The EMS Review Committee shall review all new applications for licenses, and renewal applications for licenses as provided for in Section 3½-15, and shall make recommendations for approval or denial to the board through the administrator. Based upon the information received in the applications and after completion of the investigation, the administrator shall recommend to the board the granting or denial of licenses reviewed by the EMS Review Committee.

(f)

Subsequent to receiving the recommendation of the administrator, the board shall hold a public hearing to consider all new applications for licenses, and those renewal applications for licenses that are reviewable by the EMS Review Committee. The administrator shall, within a reasonable time period, provide written notice by U.S. mail, or email, or facsimile when authorized, to all applicants and all current nonemergency licensees of the date, time, and place of the public hearing.

(g)

At such hearing, the board shall make its findings as to each applicant and shall determine whether the applicant meets the requirements set forth herein. In making its findings and determinations, the board shall consider those specifications established by its adopted rules and regulations and shall consider, in addition to those items set out in Section 3½-8(d), the following:

(1)

The recommendations of the administrator;

(2)

The benefits that will accrue to the public interest from the proposed service.

(3)

Any recommendations received from the municipalities within Broward County;

(4)

All relevant matters presented at the public hearing; and

(5)

Such other matters deemed to be in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Broward County.

(h)

Upon making such finds and determinations, the board shall grant or deny the license.

(i)

Subsequent to the board's approval of, but prior to the issuance of, a license by the administrator, the EMS provider shall pay to the county a license fee which shall be established by resolution of the board. Such fee shall be used to defray the cost of monitoring compliance to the rules and regulations promulgated by the administrator.

(j)

The license granted by the board shall be valid for a definite period of time established by the board but not to exceed three (3) calendar years unless otherwise revoked, suspended or modified. The license shall obligate the applicant to provide nonemergency medical transportation service in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the administrator.

(Ord. No. 76-32, § 8, 7-20-76; Ord. No. 77-30, § 3, 6-10-77; Ord. No. 82-69, § 1, 12-16-82; Ord. No. 84-10, § 8, 2-16-84; Ord. No. 89-4, § 1, 1-10-89; Ord. No. 93-12, § 4, 6-8-93; Ord. No. 2008-37, § 1, 9-9-08; Ord. No. 2016-34 , § 4, 11-29-16)