Non-emergency transportation providers in the state of Florida must be properly licensed and regulated in order to safeguard passengers and other people utilizing public roadways. These regulations pertain to the vehicles that are used as well as the drivers behind the wheel.
Before hiring just any Florida non-emergency medical transportation service to get you or your loved one around town, it’s important to make sure they are fully qualified for the task. Without the proper qualifications, a simple ride can turn into a dangerous disaster. This is especially true when dealing with more fragile patients, such as elderly patients or patients in a wheelchair or stretcher.
Non-emergency medical transportation providers must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This certificate is for services that provide transportation to persons using wheelchairs, stretchers or anyone that has incapacitations that make it challenging for them to be transported by a regular carrier. This also includes patients that require medical attention while en route.
According to Miamidade.gov:
“In order to provide non-emergency services you must first obtain a Non-Emergency Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Chapter 4, Article III of the Miami-Dade County Code defines this type of transportation as transportation of persons on stretchers or using wheelchairs, or whose handicap, illness, injury or other incapacitation makes it impractical to be transported by a regular common carrier such as bus or taxicab service, and neither need nor expect to need medical attention in route to their destination. Vehicles are modified and equipped for wheelchairs or stretchers.”
Certificates are only good for one year, at which time they must be renewed. By keeping up with regular renewals, there is less risk for a company to spiral downhill and put people at risk.
What Is The Approval Process?
There is an extensive review process that takes place prior to approving a company to provide non-emergency medical transportation. The review process isn’t short; in fact, it takes between 3 and 6 months to get back a response after sending in your application. During this time, the appropriate background checks are run and all aspects of the application are analyzed to ensure the company meets all standards and regulations.
Once an application passes through all of this, it is sent for submission to the Board of County Commissioners. A sub-committee of the Board overviews the application before it is introduced to the full Board of County Commissioners. This secondary hearing is public and allows for public comment. Following the hearing, the Board votes to approve or veto the application.
Protecting Your Loved Ones
In order to ensure you or your loved one is getting the best quality care, it’s important to make sure the company you choose is properly registered with the county. A legal and regulated company will provide safe and reliable vehicles meant to transport wheelchairs, stretchers and disabled patients. Aside from asking for proof of certification, there are a few other key questions that can help you determine the legitimacy of a transportations service.
What is the condition of your vehicles?
Ask what kind of vehicles a company relies on, and if you can see them ahead of time. This can help you to determine the quality that goes into their service.
We never use vehicles that are more than a few years old. Plus, our vehicles are guaranteed clean and safe thanks to our weekly inspections and deep cleanings.
What sort of training and background checks do drivers go through?
The driver is just as important as the vehicle. Enquire about driver qualifications to ensure they are capable of providing first-class transportation services.
All of our drivers undergo regular drug screenings and we operate a completely smoke-free work force. Background checks are another important element of securing trustworthy drivers. We also put our drivers through senior sensitivity training so that they can provide superior services in every way possible.
What sorts of services are offered to help patients with disabilities?
Non-emergency medical transportation is geared to patients with some type of handicapped; perhaps they are in a wheelchair or bed-bound and require a stretcher. It’s important to find out what sort of services are offered to ensure patients are safely transported from point A to point B regardless of mobility or fragility.
We offer door-through-door services for patients that need help getting in and out of their home and appointment. Stellar Transport stops at nothing to provide the safest ride in town. We take care of everything, from safety to comfort and convenience, we make sure to cover every pothole in the road!