201 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #300
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-4000
Fax: (714) 765-4008
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT
DATE: MAY 12, 2026
FROM: FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
PREHOSPITAL MED LLC FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR
SERVICES
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 15
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion:
1. Approve an Agreement with Prehospital Med LLC in the amount not to exceed $265,000, to provide Medical Director services to Anaheim Fire & Rescue (AF&R) for a three-year term with the option to renew for two additional one-year terms; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designees, on behalf of the City of Anaheim (Anaheim), to execute the Agreement and any related documents, including any cost-neutral amendments and any documents contemplated by the Agreement, and to take such necessary or advisable actions to implement, fund, and administer the Agreement.
DISCUSSION:
Providing high-quality emergency medical services (EMS) requires more than trained personnel and modern equipment — it requires strong clinical leadership at every level.
Anaheim Fire & Rescue responds to tens of thousands of emergency calls each year, with Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) making critical decisions in the field that are guided by protocols, training, and medical oversight. California's EMS regulatory framework calls for provider agencies like AF&R to maintain a qualified Medical Director — a licensed medical doctor who provides clinical guidance, ensures regulatory alignment, and supports the continuous advancement of the department's EMS programs. This role is central to maintaining the standards of care that the community depends on.
Anaheim Fire & Rescue stands as a progressive and adaptive fire agency, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the community it serves. AF&R develops and deploys innovative programs that address today's most pressing public health challenges.
One example is the Advanced Provider Response Unit (APRU), which pairs a Nurse Professional Services Agreement for Medical Director Services May 12, 2026
Practitioner with a Fire Captain/Paramedic to engage individuals experiencing opioid use disorder and behavioral health crises directly in the community. Programs of this nature require active, hands-on physician engagement — a Medical Director who is accessible, has a firm understanding of OCEMS treatment guidelines, is deeply familiar with AF&R's operations, and genuinely invested in the success of each initiative. The Medical Director plays a hands-on role in ensuring these programs remain clinically sound and continuously improving.
On April 3, 2026, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Medical Director Services was publicly posted on Anaheim's bidding platform, OpenGov. Two hundred twenty-three vendors (223) were notified of the RFP through the OpenGov system based on the vendor’s registration classification for similar services through the system, and twenty- eight (28) vendors downloaded the RFP as a prospective bidder. On April 17, 2026, Anaheim Fire & Rescue received four (4) proposals from qualified Medical Doctors which the RFP review committee evaluated in accordance with Council Policy 4.1.
After the review process, the RFP review committee determined that two (2) of the four (4) Medical Doctors who submitted proposals displayed a thorough understanding of the RFP’s scope of work, exhibited appropriate qualifications, and demonstrated the proper level of work experience. The review committee ranked the submitted proposals as follows:
Medical Director Rank
Robert Katzer MD 1
Veer Vithalani MD 2
The review committee concluded that Prehospital Med LLC, whose principal is Dr. Robert Katzer, is the most qualified candidate to serve as AF&R's Medical Director. Dr. Katzer is double board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services, serves as an Emergency Department Physician at UC Irvine, and is a published author in the EMS field. His existing ties to the Anaheim community — including his role as Lead Physician for Anaheim Ducks games and emergency health coordination for the Honda Center — reflect a deep familiarity with the city and meets the demands of serving its residents and visitors.
Under this Agreement, Prehospital Med LLC will dedicate a minimum of twenty (20) hours per month to AF&R, including scheduled on-site visits and program reviews.
Services will include:
Clinical leadership and medical protocol development in alignment with Orange County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS) and State EMS standards. Leading AF&R's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program through chart reviews, audits, and performance tracking.
Medical oversight of controlled substances and EMS equipment procurement. Supporting opioid response initiatives, including post-overdose protocols and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) programs.
Providing medical direction for specialized units and supporting training for AF&R EMS personnel.
Professional Services Agreement for Medical Director Services May 12, 2026
Representing AF&R as an advocate with OCEMS, the State, and regional EMS agencies.
The selection of Prehospital Med LLC reflects AF&R’s commitment to delivering exceptional emergency and community health services. Anaheim Fire and Rescue is confident this partnership will strengthen the department’s clinical foundation and serve the Anaheim community well for years to come.
This Agreement supports Anaheim's Strategic Plan Goal E – Support Public Safety.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in Anaheim Fire & Rescue's Fiscal Year 2025/26 General Fund Budget. Future years will be subject to the City Council's approval of budget appropriations.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick Russell
Fire Chief
Attachment:
1. Agreement with Prehospital Med LLC