Maricopa Fire/Medical Department is one step closer to transporting patients in its own ambulances.

The Arizona Department of Health Services this week granted the department’s request to be issued an initial Certificate of Necessity application to operate ground ambulance transport services, marking a milestone in the city’s yearslong effort to expand emergency medical services.

The decision does not immediately authorize ambulance operations. But it moves the city forward in a state-regulated process as Maricopa prepares the staffing, equipment and operating systems needed for a future ambulance transport program.

“This is one of the most significant milestones in the history of our department,” Fire Chief Brad Pitassi said Monday. “While there are still steps remaining in the process, however, being granted our request to be issued an initial CON at this step is a direct reflection of the service our personnel delivers, one shift, one call and one patient interaction at a time.”

For years, Maricopa Fire/Medical crews have responded to emergencies, provided critical care, stabilized patients and prepared them for the next phase of treatment. A finalized certificate would allow the department to carry that care further by transporting patients directly to hospitals in Maricopa Fire/Medical ambulances.

The Certificate of Necessity process evaluates a community’s need for ambulance service, an applicant’s operational readiness, financial sustainability and ability to provide quality patient care.

The city’s effort has spanned more than two years and involved coordination among city staff, legal counsel, financial experts and fire department leadership.

Under state procedures, existing ambulance providers now have 30 days to file a request to intervene or appeal the ADHS decision. If that happens, the matter would move through an administrative hearing process before a recommendation is returned to the ADHS director.

In the meantime, city and fire department officials said they will continue preparing operational and financial components of a future transport program, including increased staffing, training and the delivery of ambulances and related equipment.

“We’ve done the work. We’ve built the case. We’re prepared for whatever comes next,” Pitassi said.

If ultimately finalized, the certificate would allow Maricopa Fire/Medical to directly operate ground ambulance transport services, strengthening continuity of care for residents as the city continues to grow.

“This department has earned this milestone,” Pitassi said. “I’m incredibly proud of our staff and excited to watch us enter this next chapter in our history.”