Sec. 66-71. - Findings and purpose.

Pursuant to F.S. § 125.01 (1) (e), the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida finds that it is empowered to provide ambulance services. In recognition of said findings, it is the purpose of this division to update the common billing and collection procedures for county ambulance services.

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 1, 6-25-96)

Sec. 66-72. - Title and citation.

This division shall be known and may be cited as the "Billing and Collection Procedure for Collier County Ambulance Services Ordinance."

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 2, 6-25-96)

Sec. 66-73. - Applicability.

This division shall apply to services provided in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Collier County.

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 3, 6-25-96)

Sec. 66-74. - Rates, fees and charges.

The board of county commissioners shall establish, by resolution, the rates, fees and charges for ambulance services. Such rates, fees and charges may be waived from time to time by the board of county commissioners or county administrator in accordance with criteria established by this division. Waivers are limited to:

•Valid public purpose;

•Estates that have no assets (for deceased or incompetent persons).

The board of county commissioners may establish guidelines in accordance with state law for the processing of hardship cases and payment plans.

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 4, 6-25-96)

Sec. 66-75. - Billing and collection procedures.

The board of county commissioners shall establish billing procedures and collection procedures by resolution for Collier County ambulance service fees and charges. These procedures may be supplemented by policies or procedures established by the county administrator. Service recipient or responsible parties, who do not provide insurance information will be responsible for payment in accordance with criteria established by this division.

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 5, 6-25-96)

Sec. 66-76. - Medicare and Medicaid billings.

The revenue services department shall bill Medicare and Medicaid for eligible ambulance service recipients in accordance with applicable Medicare and Medicaid rules. The revenue services department shall accept the assignment of payments as a participating provider in accordance with applicable Medicare and Medicaid rules. Procedures for Medicare and Medicaid billing will be established by the board of county commissioners or the county administrator in accordance with criteria established by this division.

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 6, 6-25-96)

Sec. 66-77. - Third party billing.

Third party billing assignment of payments shall be accepted with the unpaid difference, if any, remaining the responsibility of the service recipient or responsible party. Procedures for third party billing will be established by the county administrator.

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 7, 6-25-96)

Sec. 66-78. - Alternative methods of payments.

The revenue services department may accept credit cad payment for ambulance service(s). Specific credit cards shall be limited to those for which service contracts exist.

(Ord. No. 96-36, § 8, 6-25-96)

Secs. 66-79—66-85. - Reserved.