Rule 24-2-13.6 - Transportation of People Receiving ServicesThe interior and exterior of each vehicle must be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner. Vehicles must be clean, well-kept, and in good repair. Transportation in agency provider vehicles to people receiving services must meet the following criteria:
A. All vehicles and drivers must comply with the applicable laws of Mississippi regarding motor vehicle operation, licensure, maintenance, and vehicles used for the transport of people receiving services must be kept in good repair.B. When transporting people receiving services, the certified provider must furnish sufficient employees, in addition to the driver for the transport; determination of sufficient employees for this purpose should, in part, be based on the service population and the age group of the people being transported.C. The vehicle must have a fire extinguisher with proof of annual inspection. The fire extinguisher should be secured in a manner so as not to pose a danger to people in the vehicle. The vehicle must also have a first aid kit which, is properly outfitted according to the service population and the number of people being transported. Contents must not be expired, and depleted items must be replaced in a timely manner.D. All vehicles must have liability insurance unless otherwise authorized by state law. Proof of insurance must be kept in the vehicle.E. All vehicles must be equipped with a secure, operable seat belt for each passenger. Children must be seated in approved safety seats with proper restraint in accordance with state law.F. Agency providers that provide transportation must have policies and procedures in place to protect the safety and well-being of people being transported. Policies and procedures must address, at a minimum:1. Accessibility based on the person's needs and reasonable requests.2. Accounting of people entering and exiting the vehicle.3. Availability of communication devices to be able to call for assistance.4. Availability of a vehicle maintenance log for all vehicles used to provide transportation.5. Course of action when employees are unable to leave people at home or an alternate service location as specified by family/legal representative that ensures the safety of people at all times.G. Transport of people receiving services should ideally be provided via agency provider vehicles. However, for transportation which is provided in private vehicles (e.g., certain IDD services and/or community support services), the following minimum requirements should be in place regarding the use of private vehicles: 1. All vehicles and drivers must comply with the applicable laws of Mississippi regarding motor vehicle operation, licensure, maintenance, and vehicles used for the transport of people receiving services must be kept in good repair.2. Current insurance coverage, as required by state law.3. Development and implementation of clear policies and procedures for the transportation of people in private vehicles.4. Documentation of any legally required permissions or releases for this type of transportation.5. Availability of communication devices to be able to call for assistance.6. Operational seat belts for each passenger and approved child safety seats in accordance with state law (as applicable.)