AMBULANCE SERVICES ACT 1986 - SECT 18 Functions of board of ambulance service

AMBULANCE SERVICES ACT 1986 - SECT 18

    (1)     The functions of the board of an ambulance service are—

        (a)     to ensure that the objectives of the ambulance service are met to the maximum extent that is practicable; and

        (b)     to develop statements of priorities (where applicable) and strategic plans for the operation of the ambulance service and to monitor compliance with those statements and plans; and

        (c)     to develop financial and business plans, strategies and budgets to ensure the accountable and efficient provision of services by the ambulance service and the long term financial viability of the ambulance service; and

        (d)     to establish and maintain effective systems to ensure that the services provided meet the needs of the communities served by the ambulance service and that the views of users of the services provided are taken into account; and

        (e)     to monitor the performance of the ambulance service to ensure that—

              (i)     the ambulance service operates within its budget; and

              (ii)     its audit and accounting systems accurately reflect the financial position and viability of the ambulance service; and

              (iii)     the ambulance service adheres to its financial and business plans, strategic plans and statements of priorities; and

              (iv)     effective and accountable risk management systems are in place; and

S. 18(1)(e)(v) substituted by No. 52/2017 s. 75(1).

              (v)     effective and accountable systems are in place to monitor and improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of services provided by the ambulance service; and

S. 18(1)(e)(vi) amended by No. 52/2017 s. 75(2).

              (vi)     any problems identified with the quality, safety or effectiveness of the services provided are addressed in a timely manner; and

S. 18(1)(e)(vii) amended by No. 52/2017 s. 75(3).

              (vii)     the ambulance service continuously strives to improve the quality and safety of the services it provides and to foster innovation; and

        (f)     to appoint a chief executive officer of the ambulance service and to determine, subject to the Secretary's approval, his or her remuneration and the terms and conditions of appointment; and

S. 18(1)(g) substituted by No. 52/2017 s. 75(4).

        (g)     during each financial year, to monitor the performance of the chief executive officer of the ambulance service (including at least one formal assessment in relation to that financial year), having regard to the objectives, priorities and key performance outcomes specified in the ambulance service's statement of priorities under section 22F; and

        (h)     to establish the organisational structure, including the management structure, of the ambulance service; and

              (i)     to develop arrangements with other health, emergency and community service agencies and providers to enable effective and efficient service delivery and continuity of care; and

        (j)     to ensure that the Minister and the Secretary are advised about significant board decisions and are informed in a timely manner of any issues of public concern or risks that may affect the ambulance service; and

        (k)     to establish a finance committee, an audit committee and a quality committee; and

        (l)     to facilitate research and education in relation to ambulance services; and

        (m)     to adopt a code of conduct for staff of the ambulance service; and

        (n)     to provide appropriate training for directors; and

        (o)     any other functions conferred on the board by or under this Act.

    (2)     In performing its functions and exercising its powers, the board of an ambulance service must have regard to—

        (a)     the needs and views of patients and other users of the services that the ambulance service provides and the communities that the ambulance service serves; and

        (b)     the need to ensure that the ambulance service uses its resources in an effective and efficient manner; and

        (c)     the need to ensure that resources of the Victorian public health system and emergency response services generally are used effectively and efficiently.

    (3)     The board of an ambulance service has such powers as are necessary to enable it to carry out its functions, including the power, subject to section 36 , to make, amend or revoke by-laws.

S. 19 amended by Nos 38/1998 s. 7(2)(e), 74/2000 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 9), substituted by No. 51/2004 s. 12.