Deputy County Administrator (Hengens) presented an application from Jancare (branded in the meeting as Gencare) Ambulance seeking authorization to operate patient transports in Wythe County. Staff recommended the board approve the transport application while noting the provider must obtain Virginia licensure through the Virginia Office of EMS before conducting regular operations.

Hengens told the board that the company operates primarily in West Virginia and has been licensed and in good standing there. He said the provider plans to use the county hospital as a temporary base while identifying a permanent site and that one potential site at 2668 Peppers Ferry Road was under review for zoning and fire-safety requirements. He described the proposed service as focused on non-emergency patient transports: “As a transport agency, they would primarily be responsible for getting patients from hospital to home or hospital to rehab facility. They would not be answering 911 calls unless we get to the status where we don't have any ambulances available,” Hengens said.

A representative for Jancare answered zoning and operations questions and said the company is evaluating permanent locations. Board members asked clarifying questions about licensure and basing; staff confirmed the company would need to complete Virginia licensure before full operations.

The board moved to approve the request and conducted a roll-call vote. The transcript records the motion (by Mr. Cook) and a second (by Mr. Morgan) and shows the board approved the authorization. Staff said they would coordinate follow-up tasks, including verification of state licensure and local zoning compliance.