CA AB1403

Authorizes county boards of supervisors or local EMS agencies to provide ambulance services through various means, including creating a new county department, assigning duties to an existing department, contracting with cities or local public agencies, or contracting with private ambulance companies

Requires counties or local EMS agencies to adopt a written policy before contracting for emergency ambulance services, including requirements for employment retention, provider experience, diversity and equity efforts, financial proof of insurance and bonding, and community involvement

Mandates that contracts for emergency ambulance services include provisions requiring comparable wages and benefits for ambulance employees consistent with the geographic region, and staffing levels comparable to prior contracts in that jurisdiction

Clarifies that when counties assign ambulance services to a county department or contract with other local agencies (not private companies), these arrangements do not constitute exclusive operating areas and do not require a competitive bidding process

Preserves existing rights of cities and fire districts that provided prehospital emergency medical services as of June 1, 1980, and does not affect the authority of the Emergency Medical Services Authority or local EMS agency medical directors