TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Renewal of the Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement and Special Exempt Entity Certification to Reflect Mayor Emrich as the Assigned Authorized Official for the North Port Fire Rescue District and Authorize Digitech Computer, Inc. to Submit the Executed Renewal Packet to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the North Port Fire Rescue District’s Behalf.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the renewal of the Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement and Special Exempt Entity Certification to reflect Mayor Emrich as the Assigned Authorized Official for the North Port Fire Rescue District and authorize Digitech Computer, Inc. to submit the executed renewal packet to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the North Port Fire Rescue District’s behalf.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the renewal of the Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement and Special Exempt Entity Certification to reflect Mayor Emrich as the Assigned Authorized Official for the North Port Fire Rescue District and authorize Digitech Computer, Inc. to submit the executed renewal packet to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the North Port Fire Rescue District’s behalf.
• Pros: Maintains Medicaid billing continuity and prevents disruption of reimbursement processing. Ensures compliance with Medicaid provider’s renewal requirements.
• Cons: Staff could find no negative outcomes to approval.
Option 2: Deny the renewal of the Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement and Special Exempt Entity Certification to reflect Mayor Emrich as the Assigned Authorized Official for the North Port Fire Rescue District and authorize Digitech Computer, Inc. to submit the executed renewal packet to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the North Port Fire Rescue District’s behalf.
• Pros: Staff could find no positive outcomes to denial.
• Cons: Potential risk of interruption or suspension of Medicaid claims processing and reimbursement eligibility which could lead to delay, or loss of revenue associated with Medicaid-covered services provided by the North Port Fire Rescue District.
Background Information
Medicaid requires renewal of the Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement on a five-year basis or whenever a new Authorized Official (AO) is identified. The Mayor has been identified as the AO for these documents, in accordance with the City Attorney’s guidance.
The Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement is required to maintain North Port Fire Rescue’s enrollment as a Florida Medicaid provider and allows the Fire Rescue District to continue receiving reimbursement for Medicaid-covered services. By executing the Agreement, the North Port Fire Rescue District certifies compliance with all applicable federal and state Medicaid laws; billing requirements; record retention standards; and provider responsibilities necessary to participate in the Medicaid program. Failure to complete and submit the required renewal documents could result in interruption or termination of Medicaid provider enrollment and delay or loss of reimbursement revenue for services provided by the Fire Rescue District.
The Special Exempt Entity Certification - Fingerprinting Exemption form certifies North Port Fire Rescue as a unit of local government and, therefore, under Chapter 409, Florida Statutes, is exempt from fingerprinting requirements for the individual signing the agreement. Digitech Computer, Inc., the North Port Fire Rescue District’s primary billing company, will submit the executed renewal packet to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the North Port Fire Rescue District’s behalf.
The renewal of the Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement and Special Exempt Entity Certification to reflect Mayor Emrich as the Assigned Authorized Official for the North Port Fire Rescue District and authorize Digitech Computer, Inc. to submit the executed renewal packet to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the North Port Fire Rescue District’s behalf were provided to the City Clerk’s Office on May 13, 2026, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
The renewal of the Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement and Special Exempt Entity Certification to reflect Mayor Emrich as the Assigned Authorized Official for the North Port Fire Rescue District and authorize Digitech Computer, Inc. to submit the executed renewal packet to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the North Port Fire Rescue District’s behalf has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
While there is no cost associated with updating the associated Agreements, failure to submit these Agreements would result in the suspension of North Port Fire Rescue’s Medicaid provider enrollment. The estimated loss of revenue for Fiscal Year 2027 resulting from the suspension of Medicaid claims is approximately $150,000. This impact will be reflected in revenue account 001-0000-342.20-10.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreement
2. Special Exempt Entity Certification - Fingerprinting Exemption
Prepared by: Deanna Marshall, Senior Business Manager, Fire Rescue
Department Director: Scott Titus, Fire Chief