Our Statement on City Council's Mobile Service Provider Legislation

Last week, the Board of Health approved a citywide permitting process for mobile medical services. These regulations are in addition to the new restrictions imposed under the mobile service provider legislation, signed into law earlier this year. We recognize that the stated intent of these measures is to improve safety and quality of life for families in Kensington, and we share those goals.

However, while a permitting system is reasonable, confining the operations of mobile medical providers to a single corridor in the middle of the night strains the boundaries of reasonableness. Instead, the time, place and manner restrictions contained in the legislation are clearly designed to regulate mobile medical service providers out of existence–even those who hold valid licenses and permits.

The bill’s sponsors have said their intent was not to ban mobile services, and our laws should reflect that commitment. Rather than narrowing access to medical services, the City of Philadelphia should seize this opportunity to designate additional times and locations where highly qualified medical providers can continue to deliver life-saving care. We remain committed to working with Council, the Administration, and our community partners to ensure that our laws not only safeguard our neighborhoods, but also guarantee meaningful access to housing, healthcare, and supportive services for people in need.