RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THE CITY’S RETAINED AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CONSISTENT WITH CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 1797.201 WHEREAS, the Emergency Medical Services System and the Prehospital Emergency Medical Care Personnel Act (Health and Safety Code Division 2.5) establishes a statewide framework for prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) delivery and medical control.
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 1797.201 provides that the county shall enter a written agreement with a city or fire district regarding prehospital emergency medical services provision upon the request of a city or fire district that contracted for or provided prehospital emergency medical services as of June 1, 1980. Cities and fire districts providing prehospital emergency medical services shall continue providing those services at not less than the existing level until such time as the parties reach an agreement for prehospital EMS administration.
WHEREAS, the City of Fullerton has historically provided ambulance services within the City and, as of June 1, 1980, contracted for or provided prehospital emergency medical services within its jurisdiction.
WHEREAS, the City of Fullerton has not entered an agreement under Health and Safety Code Section 1797.200 transferring the City’s authority to administer prehospital EMS within the City to the County.
WHEREAS, the City intends to transition from a contracted ambulance service delivery model to a City-staffed ambulance service delivery model, while ensuring continuous prehospital emergency medical services provision consistent with Health and Safety Code Section 1797.201 requirements.
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that medical control and clinical standards applicable to prehospital EMS remain subject to state law requirements, including those commencing with Health and Safety Code Division 2.5, Chapter 5, Section 1798 and applicable local medical control policies adopted by the local EMS agency consistent with state law.
WHEREAS, City Council desires to memorialize the City position regarding retained administrative authority under Section 1797.201 and establish a formal legislative record of this authority in connection with the planned transition to a City-staffed ambulance service.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
1. Findings. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated by reference.
2. Affirmation of Retained Administrative Authority. City Council affirms the City’s retained authority to administer prehospital emergency medical services within the City of Fullerton pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1797.201, including City authority to make administrative decisions regarding the manner service provision. This authority focuses on the 911 emergency response system and is not intended to address non-emergency transport services provided by private ambulance providers.
3. Exercise of Administrative Discretion. City Council affirms the selection of an ambulance service delivery model, including transition to a City-staffed model, is an administrative decision regarding the manner of providing prehospital EMS and intended to ensure continuous service delivery at a level not less than previously provided in compliance with state law.
4. Medical Control and Compliance with Law. Nothing in this resolution is intended to alter or diminish the applicability of state law regarding medical control, clinical protocols, licensure, scope of practice or other requirements applicable to prehospital EMS, including Health and Safety Code Division 2.5, Chapter 5, commencing with Section 1798
5. Direction to Staff. City Council directs the City Manager, Fire Chief and their designees to take actions consistent with this resolution to assert and protect the City’s administrative authority in all dealings with the County and other agencies, and to proceed with the lawful implementation of the City EMS program.
6. No Waiver; No Consent to Exclusive Operating Area Action. This resolution is intended to memorialize the City’s retained authority under Section 1797.201 and does not constitute, and shall not be construed as, a waiver of any City right, a transfer of authority under Section 1797.200 or the City’s request for or consent to the creation or implementation of an exclusive operating area applicable to the City under Section 1797.224.
7. Severability. If any provision of this resolution or its application is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect.
8. Effective Date. This resolution shall become effective upon adoption.
ADOPTED BY THE FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 20, 2026.
Fred Jung Mayor
ATTEST:
Lucinda Williams, MMC City Clerk
Date