(a) The county may issue a franchise under this chapter to an ambulance provider or other provider as outlined in section 10-4(b), to be valid for a term to be determined by the county provided that either party at its option, may terminate the franchise upon 60 days' prior written notice to the other party. After a notice of service termination is given, the provider may reapply for a franchise if continued service is desired.
(b) Franchised providers receiving revenues from the county through county contract or subsidy, shall provide adequate and complete information annually for audit purposes. Failure to do so will result in termination of subsidy until such information is provided and may at the discretion of the board result in revocation of the franchise agreement.
(c) Upon suspension, revocation, or termination of a franchise granted under this chapter, such franchised ambulance service immediately shall cease operations. Upon suspension, revocation, or termination of a driver's license or attendant's certificate or emergency medical technician certificate, such persons shall cease to drive an ambulance or provide medical care in conjunction with an ambulance service, or attend an ambulance. The franchisees shall not or permit such an individual to drive an ambulance or provide medical care in conjunction with the ambulance service, rescue squad or first responder unit.
(d) Each franchised ambulance service shall comply at all times with the requirements of this chapter, the franchise granted under this chapter, and all applicable state and local laws relating to health, sanitation, safety, equipment, ambulance design and all other laws and ordinances.
(e) Prior approval of the county shall be required where ownership or control of more than ten percent of the right of control of franchisees is acquired by a person or group of persons acting in concert, none of whom own or control ten percent or more of such right of control, singularly or collectively, at the date of the franchise. By its acceptance of the franchise, the franchisee specifically agrees that any such acquisition occurring without prior approval of the county shall constitute a violation of the franchise by the franchisee and shall be cause for termination at the option of the county.
(f) Any change of ownership of a franchised ambulance service without the approval of the county shall terminate the franchise and shall require a new application and a new franchise and conformance with all the requirements of this chapter.
(g) Any change in the level of service offered by a franchised ambulance service, rescue/EMS agency or first responder unit without the approval of the county shall terminate the franchise and shall require a
new application and a new franchise and conformance with all the requirements of this chapter upon original franchising.
(h) No franchise may be sold, assigned, mortgaged, or otherwise transferred without the approval of the county and a finding of conformance with all requirements of this chapter upon original franchising. Each franchised ambulance service, its equipment and the premises designated in the application and all records relating to its maintenance and operation, as such, shall be open to inspection by the state, county, or their designated representatives.
(Ord. of 4-6-1998, § V; Amend. of 6-2-2008(2); Amend. of 8-3-2020; Amend. of 10-2-2023)