This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to mandate that county commissions provide emergency ambulance services at a ratio of one ambulance for every 20,000 residents. The bill specifies that while counties are required to ensure this service is available, they are not obligated to do so unless they have determined that sufficient funds are available for this purpose. This determination must be reflected in the current levy estimate, and the level of service provided is contingent upon the actual funds available.

Additionally, the bill allows county commissions the flexibility to provide ambulance services through various means, including direct provision by their employees, contracting with private entities, or establishing an authority for this purpose. The creation of such an authority requires the adoption of an ordinance or order by the governing bodies of the participating municipalities or counties, and these authorities will function as public corporations with perpetual existence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-15-4