A Resolution authorizing the City’s creation of the ETHAN Health, a Local Government Corporation, approving the Certificate of Formation, and containing other provisions relating to the subject.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
The Houston Fire Department has initiated and currently operates the City’s Emergency Telehealth and Navigation (ETHAN) program that utilizes telemedicine and technology innovation to provide effective emergency health care to the public while reducing the number of individuals requiring ambulance transport and treatment at hospital emergency rooms. The ETHAN program relies upon physicians staffing a 24-hour call center to interact with patients and Paramedics/EMTs in the Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division.
The resolution authorizes the City’s creation of the ETHAN HEALTH LGC (“LGC”). Concurrently with this action, City Council will be considering an ordinance to approve an Interlocal Agreement between the City and LGC, which shall govern the relationship between the City and the LGC.
The LGC will be governed by a board of five directors who will set policy for the LGC and balance the interests of the public. The City Council desires to approve the Application and the form of the Certificate, specifically including the Corporation’s initial Board of Directors’ names in the Certificate.
As by statute, the initial directors are identified in the LGC’s Certificate of Formation, which will be filed with the Texas Secretary of State upon Council’s approval of the resolution. Note: With Council approval, the Certificate of Formation may be amended at any time.
The Fire Department recommends the approval of the resolution to create ETHAN Health, a Local Government Corporation.
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Thomas Muñoz, Fire Chief
Houston Fire Department