Greater Houston EMS Council

 

 

The July meeting of the Greater Houston EMS Council meeting was called to order at on July 14, 2004 at 10:10 am by chair Rafeal Galvan.  Introductions made the following were present.

 

Odilon Gonzalez                                   AMR

Robert Arreola                                    AMR

Troy Parks                                           National Star EMS

Kevin Mifflin                                         Goldstar EMS

Kristy Aiken                                         Texas Medical Transport

Pam West                                            TDH

Eric Stricklin                                         Texas Medical Transport

Rafeal Galvan                                       Phoenix EMS

Perry Dobbs                                         Emergency Responder

Orlando Sorto                                      City of Houston

Joe Hamilton                                        San Jacinto College

Robert Berleth                                      Greystone Medical Service

Roman Valles                                       TDH

 

A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meetings from May 12, 2004 and June 9, 2004 as amended was made by Perry Dobbs, seconded by Kevin Mifflin.  Motion passed.

 

Nominations were opened for the board position.  Kristy Aiken was nominated.  Kristy Aiken was elected new board member by acclamation.  Perry Dobbs was appointed Vice-Chair and Kristy Aiken was appointed secretary.

 

The Houston City Ordinance was brought up for discussion review and finalization.  The fee for Initial inspection fee per ambulance was reduced from $200 to $20.  The Renewal fee per provider was reduced from $500 to $200.  A motion was made by Perry Dobbs to approve the latest draft of the Houston City Ordinance as amended, second by Kristy Aiken.  Motion passed.

 

 

Joe Hamilton presented the treasurers report indicating an ending balance as of June 30, 2004 of $3,850.37.  A motion by Perry Dobbs was made to approve the treasurer’s report, second by Robert Arreola.  Motion passed.

 

City of Houston Report

Orlando Sorto from the City of Houston reported he did 50 new inspections this month.  He also stated the City is performing random insurance and medical director verification, and they have already discovered one provider in violation. 

 

TDH Report

Pam West from TDH introduced Roman Valles.  From El Paso he began work with TDH as of April 1, 2004.  Pam West reported 4 new providers for the month of June, with 30+ inspections.  TDH is currently under going the renewal process for 109 providers in West Harris County.  Pam stated if those providers could have their completed packet to TDH by August 2, 2004, they will be complete by September 30, 2004.  All renewals will be handled in Houston.  New providers must return to Austin.  The initial fee now for Providers is $500.00 and $180.00 per ambulance.  Pam reported TDH as called for an “All Staff” meeting in Austin next month and she hopes she will be able to report more information then. 

 

Committee Meetings

 

Ethics Committee

Chair Robert Berleth reported the committee meet 2 times and have approved the 2nd Code of Conduct Draft.  The suggestions of the committee is to review the draft and vote on approval at the August meeting.

 

Membership Committee

Perry Dobbs reported we received membership fees for 4 new providers in May, 2 new providers in June and potentially Boundtree.

 

Task Force Report

Rafeal Galvan reported Keir Scrivener was at the Task Force meeting at present.  Keir will post any new news on the GHEMC website.

 

Mission Statement

The idea was brought up for discussion on purchasing the unlimited HIPPA CD for $600.00, to offer to our new members as an incentive to join.  After brief discussion Joe Hamilton stated he would gather the HIPPA websites for new members if we could differ the motion for the August meeting.

 

Old Business

Eric Stricklin reminded the Council of the fast approaching SETTRAC 1st annual Conference.  Volunteers are needed to man the GHEMSC booth.  Sign ups will be posted on the website.

 

New Business

Kevin Mifflin suggested we revise the concept of a “Certificate of Need” program for the Houston area.  A committee was formed to research this type of program and Kevin Mifflin was appointed chair.

 

The discussion page will remain posted for future use.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2004 at 10am.

 

The motion to adjourn was made by Kevin Mifflin, second by Robert Berleth.  Motion passed.  Meeting adjourned at 12:15pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted for Approval,

 

 

 

Kristy Aiken

Secretary

GHEMSC