Fiscal Note
The Resolution provides approval of continuing practice. No addtional appropriation is required.
Title
Approving the Fire Department to purchase medications from local hospital pharmacies.
Body
The Fire Department has always purchased medications from local hospital pharmacies. The pharmacy adds the Fire Department order to the hospital order. The City reimburses the hospital pharmacy for this cost. This relationship began with the start of the paramedic service in the Fire Department. Medications used are included in Fire Department medical protocols and approved by the Fire Department Medical Director.
The City cannot obtain a good price for medications due the low volume of our usage. In addition, any national shortages results in the Department purchasing from the local hospital pharmacy that can obtain the product. If the City has to purchase from other medical suppliers during a shortage, the cost is much higher, providing the product is available.
Hospital pharmacies are more aware of potential shortages and have established relationships with their suppliers. The volume of a hospital order is going to result in a higher priority for distributors filling orders. The Fire Department needs to have several options for the purchase of needed medications and cannot purchase from only one vendor source.
WHEREAS, the Fire Department has to purchase medications for the Department paramedic service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Fire Department continue its relationship with local hospital pharmacies to order pharmaceutical products.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Council approves the ordering and reimbursement of the cost to any local hospital pharmacies used by the Fire Department