This bill makes amendments to current law regarding emergency medical transportation services and non-emergency medical transportation in Rhode Island. It adds new language to Section 23-4.1-6 of the General Laws, stating that a person may not transport any patient by a stretcher or in a supine position in a vehicle unless they hold a license as an emergency medical services provider. The bill also adds a new chapter to Title 39 of the General Laws, titled "Non-Emergency Medical Transportation," which defines terms and specifies that NEMT is for ambulatory patients who face barriers getting to their medical appointments and is frequently coordinated by state agencies.

The bill also grants the division of motor vehicles the power to prescribe rules and regulations for NEMT services and requires individuals operating a vehicle for NEMT to obtain an NEMT certificate of operating authority from the division. The bill establishes the application process for the certificate, including a fee and a public hearing. It also allows for the automatic conversion of a previously held certificate to an NEMT certificate under certain conditions. The bill exempts RIPTA and licensed ambulance companies from the requirements of the chapter and allows taxicab companies to provide NEMT services without an NEMT certificate, but with adherence to special licensing provisions. The bill also prohibits for-hire transportation services authorized under other chapters from providing NEMT services without an NEMT certificate. The bill establishes the process for hearings on new authority applications and grants the division of motor vehicles jurisdiction over the safety and sanitary condition of NEMT vehicles, including inspections.

Statutes affected:
725  SUB A: 23-4.1-6