Today, Philadelphia City Council passed Bill No. 240665AA, which will create regulations for the distribution of medical and non-medical services operated out of trucks and other vehicles in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The bill designates areas where providers may operate in the 7th Council District and calls for a permitting system for those providing certain medical services.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District) drafted the bill in response to residents of Kensington and the surrounding area who, for years, have voiced concerns over the presence of mobile service providers including littering, nuisance behavior, and safety concerns.
“My community was pleading for change,” said Councilmember Lozada, “Residents are tired of seeing mobile units parked outside their homes, schools, and parks with no oversight—leaving behind trash, drawing crowds, blocking sidewalks, and sometimes operating without a licensed medical professional present.”
The permitting system will prompt all medical mobile services to be conducted in a lot at 265 E Lehigh Avenue, located in front of the city’s Police Assisted Diversion office. The bill also permits services to be conducted between 11 PM and 6 AM on E. Allegheny Ave. between Kensington Ave. and F St. This is part of a broad effort to increase access to services during vulnerable hours.
The bill will mandate all medical mobile providers to adhere to standards that are required by Pennsylvania state law and require all services to be administered under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Certain mobile services will not be impacted, such as EMTs, veterinarians, pediatric services, vision services, dental services, mammogram services.
“In addition to improving quality of life in this community and ensuring that providers are good guests, this bill ensures that the highest possible care is being administered out of these units,” said Councilmember Lozada, “This bill is taking the necessary holistic approach that is needed to uplift the community as a whole.”
Non-medical providers will also be required to obtain permits if they want to continue to distribute food, clothing, and other tangible goods. The permit will allow them to continue to operate anywhere within the 7th Council District, but they must move from a single location every 45 minutes.
The bill is a product of monthslong communication with community residents and providers. It was amended twice since passing Council’s Committee on Licenses and Inspections last December.
The bill passed after a 13-3 vote. It will go to the Mayor’s desk and will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.
Source: phlcouncil.com…