CA AB2973

Authorizes county boards of supervisors or local EMS agencies designated under Section 1797.200 to provide or support emergency medical services (EMS) and ambulance services within their jurisdiction.

Allows counties and local EMS agencies to provide ambulance services through county departments, contracting with cities or local agencies, or contracting with private ambulance companies.

Requires county boards of supervisors or local EMS agencies to adopt a written policy by ordinance or resolution before entering into emergency ambulance service contracts, including requirements for employment retention, provider experience, diversity and equity efforts, financial requirements, and community involvement.

Mandates that ambulance service contracts include comparable wages and benefits for employees consistent with the geographic region and staffing levels comparable to prior contracts for those services.

Clarifies that county and local EMS agency authority over ambulance services does not require use of competitive bidding processes and does not supersede existing Section 1797.201 or the Emergency Medical Services Authority's powers.