<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 20-52. - Granting.</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
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               Prior to accepting applications from applicants for the operation of an ambulance
               service, the board of commissioners may designate specific service areas as franchise
               districts. These districts will be established on criteria that include geographic
               size, road access, the location of existing medical transportation services, population
               and response time.
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               (b)
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               The county may consider an application for a franchise to operate either emergency
               transportation service or nonemergency transportation service. If both types of service
               are to be provided, separate applications must be filed for each type.
               </p>
            		
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               (c)
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            <p class="content1">
               Upon receipt of an application for a franchise, the county may schedule a time and
               place for hearing the applicant. Within 30 days after hearing, the county shall cause
               such investigation as it may deem necessary to be made of the applicant and his proposed
               operations.
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               (d)
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               A franchise, exclusive or nonexclusive, may be granted if the county finds that:
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               (1)
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               The public convenience and necessity require the proposed ambulance service.
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               (2)
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               Each such ambulance of the applicant, his required equipment and the premises designated
               in the application, have been certified by the county and the state.
               </p>
            		
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               (3)
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               Only duly licensed personnel are employed in such capacities.
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               (e)
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            <p class="content1">
               Upon receipt of a request to provide emergency transportation services, a franchise
               holder immediately shall advise the sheriff's department of such request. A franchise
               holder shall respond only if so directed by the sheriff's department. When dispatched
               by the sheriff's department to provide emergency transportation services, an ambulance
               service must respond regardless of the franchise district wherein the emergency transportation
               service is to be provided. No extra charge shall be made by an ambulance service by
               reason of providing such emergency transportation service.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Code 1978, Â§ 6-22)
               </p></div>