REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF INLAND COUNTIES EMERGENCY MEDICAL AGENCY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 23, 2026
FROM
DANIEL MUÑOZ, EMS Administrator, Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency
SUBJECT
Title
Revenue Contract with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital for Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center Designation
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency, approve Revenue Contract with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital for a Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center designation, in the amount of $30,000 for 2026-27, with annual fees beginning in 2027-28 through 2030-31, calculated in accordance with the Board of Directors-approved Specialty Care System Rate Structure, estimated at approximately $32,500 to $40,000 annually, for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.
(Presenter: Daniel Muñoz, EMS Administrator, 388-5807)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Enhance Readiness for Major Emergency Responses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) will pay a one-time designation fee of $30,000 for 2026-27, which will offset costs incurred by Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA) related to implementation, evaluation, monitoring, and administration of the Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center designation. Beginning in 2027-28 and annually thereafter for the remainder of the Revenue Contract (Contract), LLUCH will pay an oversight fee as determined by the ICEMA Board of Directors (Board) approved Specialty Care System Rate Structure. Sufficient revenue and appropriation related to this Contract are included in ICEMA’s 2026-27 recommended budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ICEMA, as the Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA), is responsible for ensuring effective Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the Counties of San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono. ICEMA administers State and local regulations governing the provision of emergency medical care at the scene of an emergency and during transport to an acute care hospital. ICEMA ensures an effective system of quality patient care and coordinated emergency medical response by planning, implementing, and evaluating an EMS system that includes prehospital providers, specialty care centers, and hospitals.
California Health and Safety Code Division 9 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations authorizes the LEMSA to designate hospital facilities according to specialized capabilities, including Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Centers. These regulations establish criteria for Advanced and Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center designations, which define levels of pediatric readiness and capability within the EMS system.
Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Centers represent the highest level of pediatric receiving capability and are required to meet all Advanced Pediatric Receiving Center criteria in addition to providing expanded inpatient resources, specialty availability, and system coordination responsibilities. These facilities serve as regional referral centers and support system-wide quality improvement, education, and coordination efforts.
LLUCH has undergone review by ICEMA and has demonstrated compliance with the minimum requirements established in State regulations and ICEMA policies for designation as a Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center.
Approval of this Revenue Contract will designate LLUCH as a Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center, enhancing access to specialized pediatric emergency care and improving patient outcomes by ensuring timely transport and treatment at an appropriately resourced facility. This designation will strengthen the regional pediatric critical care system by expanding access to comprehensive pediatric services, improving system coordination, and supporting ongoing quality improvement efforts across the ICEMA region.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (John Tubbs II, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on June 10; 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Carl Lofton, Administrative Analyst, 387-5404) on June 5, 2026.