CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to provision of emergency medical services; authorizing transfer fees for basic life support transport services; and adding a new Subchapter VI to Chapter 3.16 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, the Seattle Fire Department currently provides basic life support ("BLS") emergency medical services ("EMS") and BLS emergency medical services transport ("BLS Transport") without charge; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 35.22.570, as an exercise of the power granted by RCW 35.27.370(15), the City Council has discretion to charge fees to those receiving EMS Transport from the City; and
WHEREAS, such BLS Transport user fees are often covered by medical insurance policies, including but not limited to Medicare and Medicaid; and
WHEREAS, funds derived from the voter approved King County Levy are insufficient to fully fund the City's BLS and BLS Transport costs; and
WHEREAS, as a result, BLS and BLS Transport services must be subsidized by funds from the City's General Fund; and
WHEREAS, a portion of the taxes paid by City residents contribute to the General Fund and to the provision of BLS and BLS Transport costs; and
WHEREAS, those benefiting from the City's BLS Transport should be charged a fee to reimburse the City for at least some portion of the cost of the BLS Transport; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A new Subchapter VI, which includes new Sections 3.16.400, 3.16.410, 3.16.420, and 3.16.430, is added to Chapter 3.16 of the Seattle Municipal Code as follows:
Subchapter VI Basic Life Support Transport Services
3.16.400 Definitions
As used in this Subchapter VI:
"BLS" means basic life support.
"BLS transport" means transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services, including BLS ambulance services as defined by chapter 18.73 RCW, as amended.
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