N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-5.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:40-5.8 - Patient compartment requirements and dimensions

(a) Each vehicle utilized as an MAV shall have a patient compartment. There need not be a partition between the driver's seating area and the patient compartment.

(b) The patient compartment shall have the following dimensions:

1. Height: At least 58 inches between the floor and the ceiling, when measured above each wheelchair restraint position;

2. Width: At least 56 inches between the vehicle interior sides when measured at any point 42 inches above the floor. (The width of cabinets, etc. shall be included when measurements are made.) When "in-service" and transporting a wheelchair bound patient, all aisles shall be maintained at a width of at least 30 inches; and

3. Length: At least 92 inches between the interior surface of the rear door and the rear surface of the driver's seat or, if present, the surface of any bulkhead or partition, if three or four wheelchair positions are present. At least 82 inches between the interior surface of the rear door and the rear surface of the driver's seat or, if present, the surface of any bulkhead or partition, if one or two wheelchair positions are present.

(c) The patient compartment shall have at least two exterior doorways:

1. The two doorways shall not be adjacent to each other. Permissible configurations shall include one doorway on the passenger (or curb) side of the vehicle within the front half of the body of the vehicle, and the second doorway either at the rear of the vehicle, or on the driver's side of the vehicle, opposite the curbside door.

2. Each doorway opening shall be at least 28 inches wide and at least one doorway shall be at least 56 inches high in order to accommodate the required lift or ramp.

3. At least one patient compartment doorway shall be available for utilization as an emergency exit at all times. Access to patient compartment doorways shall not be obstructed by any immovable objects, except as permitted at 8:40-5.7(a).

4. The doors to each patient compartment doorway shall be capable of being opened and utilized from both inside the patient compartment and from the exterior of the vehicle, using a standard automotive industry door handle.

5. There shall be a window in each door of the patient compartment. Rear windows shall be fixed and non-opening.

(d) The patient compartment shall be equipped with a built-in lighting system. The lighting system shall utilize white or clear lenses. The lighting shall not interfere with the driver's vision and shall be located so that glare is not reflected into the driver's eyes or line of vision.

(e) Vehicles first licensed after February 17, 1998 shall be equipped with an integral roll cage or roll bar that is secured to the floor of the vehicle, or is otherwise certified by the manufacturer to provide occupant protection in the event of a rollover type collision.

(f) Once a vehicle is licensed by the Department, there shall be no further changes to the vehicle's interior configuration unless and until such changes have been approved, in writing, by OEMS.

(g) Each vehicle shall meet all applicable requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. § 12101 ) and any current companion regulations as may be set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-5.8