CINCINNATI — Cincinnati City Council is considering charging nursing homes and long-term care facilities up to $1,000 each time they call the fire department for non-emergency lift assistance, a move that could save taxpayers millions while encouraging better care practices.

The Cincinnati Fire Department responds to approximately 1,600 "lift assist" calls annually from institutional facilities, according to the city motion. These calls typically involve firefighters helping residents who have fallen or need assistance getting up from chairs or beds, with no medical treatment required.

Council member Mark Jeffreys, who is proposing the fee structure, said the practice unfairly shifts costs to taxpayers.

"These are not health emergencies. In other words, somebody might have fallen on the

See Full Page