Phoenixville council approves intermunicipal MOU to allow blood draws at precinct

Phoenixville Borough Council on Jan. 13 adopted a resolution authorizing an intermunicipal memorandum of understanding with Tower Direct that permits paramedics to perform blood draws at the borough police precinct under specified circumstances.

Solicitor Scott Denlinger explained the agreement aims to reduce transports to Phoenixville Hospital by enabling blood draws at the precinct while addressing liability when outside municipalities use precinct facilities. The MOU requires participating municipalities to adopt the same agreement by resolution before they can use the precinct’s services. Denlinger said the agreement includes a fee (he referenced a $50 fee) that is typically billed to the outside agency; the police chief or manager noted that in practice the fee sometimes aligns with a higher charge (one speaker recalled about $200) and that costs could be added to restitution if the arrestee is convicted.

Council approved the resolution unanimously (7-0). The agreement, as described, also addresses responsibility for property damage and other liabilities when outside agencies bring detainees to the precinct; participating municipalities would be responsible for costs they incur under the agreement.