The proposed Ordinance was introduced at the March 10, 2010 City Council Meeting and was approved to present for adoption subject to modifications to Chapter 3.36.030 Fee Collection and Administration, Section D.  In addition to allowing a reduction or waiver of the first responder fee due to a demonstrated financial hardship, language was added to provide that the City will not pursue recovery of first responder fees if the Fire Chief or designee become aware that the recipient of care is deceased.

The Ordinance presented today incorporates the above modifications.

Consistent with the practices of a majority of Fire Departments in the region, the proposed First Responder Fee Ordinance is designed to recover first responder fees from a patient's insurance company (including Medicare and Medicaid Services) if a patient is treated and transported to the hospital.  Patients who do not have medical insurance will be billed directly, however, they may apply for a waiver of all or a portion of the first responder fee due to financial hardship.   

The First Responder Fee of $297 was established by Resolution of the City Council adopted on March 10, 2020.   This fee is commensurate with fees charged by surrounding comparable agencies. The fees from comparable agencies range from $156-283, but also charge additional EMS fees. These can include additional equipment costs, mileage, and the fees can apply to patients who are treated at scene and not transported. The fee for the City of Rocklin would include all EMS costs, with no additional add-ons, and would not be applicable to patients who are treated but not transported.

Further background supporting the adoption of this Ordinance can be found in the Staff Report presented to the City Council on March 10, 2020.