Medical Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions – Medical Transportation

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How do I get license plates for my vehicle?

• Existing Licensed Medical Transportation Service: After successfully completing a vehicle inspection, the inspector will provide you with a card that contains your new vehicle permit and information to obtain new license plates or to renew existing license plates. Remove the decal from the card and place the decal on the right rear window. See back of card for instructions.
• New Medical Transportation Service: New services will not receive cards or vehicle permits from the inspector. The card with decal will be mailed.

To obtaining license plates, present the card to the local BMV office or follow BMV mailing instructions. Include the card for each vehicle in order to obtain license plates. The BMV office will retain the card for their records. NOTE: Retain the card for each vehicle until needed to obtain license plates. Services may be charged a fee to replace lost cards and decals.

What insurance do I need to have?

Insurance requirements for all licensed medical transportation services are set forth in Ohio Revised Code, Section 4766.06. All services shall maintain the minimum required amounts of insurance, both general liability and vehicle liability, at all times while licensed. Services are required to keep a current Certificate of Insurance on file with the Division of EMS.

What is the passenger assistance training course?

The passenger assistance training course is required training for all ambulette drivers. The course is required pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4766-3-13 (5) and must include both classroom and hands-on training that covers the elements outlined in the rule.  (The course must be taken every three years)

OAC 4766-3-13 Driver Training and Qualifications:

(5) At least once every three years, satisfactory completion of a passenger assistance training course to include the following elements:

(a) Sensitivity to aging;
(b) Overview of diseases and functional factors commonly affecting older adults;
(c) Environmental considerations affecting consumers;
(d) Consumer assistance and transfer techniques;
(e) Management of a wheelchair, including the proper methods for securing a wheelchair in the vehicle and the client in the wheelchair;
(f) Inspection and operation of a wheelchair lift and other types of assistive equipment, and;
(g) Emergency procedures.

Where can I get a Passenger Assistance Training Course?

A passenger assistance training course must comply with the rules outlined in Ohio Administrative Code 4766-3-13 (6) and receive prior approval from the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services. There are two (2) commercial courses that are approved:

1. Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity, (PASS) https://ctaa.org/pass/
2. Area Agency on Aging, DRIVE Training www.coaaa.org/cms/education/drive-training

OAC 4766-3-13 Driver Training and Qualifications:

(6) Services can use commercially designed courses approved by the board or develop their own training course as long as required elements are met. All courses shall include hands on training for loading and unloading the client in the wheelchair, securing the client in the wheelchair, and securing the wheelchair in the vehicle.

(a) Services that use a commercially developed training course for their employees shall also show documentation of hands on training.

Can I develop my own Passenger Assistance Training Course?

Yes. Ohio Administrative Code 4766-3-13 (6) (b) permits this. Services can develop their own passenger assistance training course, but it must receive prior approval from the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services. The self-designed course must include all required elements as required in OAC 4766-3-13 (5) and demonstrate the following:

1. Qualification of the instructor;
2. Show all key areas of the rule are met;
3. Describe in detail how the training is taught;
4. Provide the materials used in the training - (handouts, PowerPoint, videos...);
5. Timeline of the length of the training ( classroom and hands on);
6. Method of determining competency - (quizzes, tests...).

OAC 4766-3-13 Driver Training and Qualifications:

(b) Services that develop their own training course shall make available to the board, upon request, a written course outline documenting all course elements, all course training material used, and documentation of hands on training. Training course developed by the service is subject to prior approval by the board.

What CPR and First Aid certifications are acceptable for ambulette drivers?

All ambulette drivers must maintain a current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Acceptable CPR and First Aid courses must include a hands-on portion and adhere to OAC 4766-3-13 (3) and must receive prior approval from the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services. The courses that are currently approved are:

• American Red Cross
• American Heart Association
• American Safety and Health Institute, (ASHI)
• National Safety Council
• EMS Safety

OAC 4766-3-13 Driver Training and Qualifications:

(3) A copy of a current and valid certification in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) and shall include hands on training from the "American Red Cross," "American Heart Association," or "American Safety and Health Institute," (ASHI) or equivalent certifying organization approved by the board;

What is the "Ambulette Employee Physician Statement"?

It is a requirement that an ambulette driver must receive medical clearance prior to employment. The ambulette service must obtain documentation from a Physician (MD or DO), Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant stating that the potential driver is physically capable of performing the job. A sample physician statement can be found using the following link: https://ems.ohio.gov/links/ems_Ambulette%20Employee%20Physician%20Statement.pdf

OAC 4766-3-13 Driver Training and Qualifications:

(8) A copy of a valid signed statement from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant acting within their scope of practice declaring that the driver/operator does not have a medical condition, physical condition, including vision impairment (not corrected), which could interfere with safe driving, passenger assistance, the provision of emergency treatment activity, or could jeopardize the health and welfare of client and/or general public;