Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-12-01-.09

Current through December 10, 2024

Section 1200-12-01-.09 - GROUND INVALID VEHICLE STANDARDS

All invalid vehicles operating in the State of Tennessee shall meet the following standards.

(1) The invalid vehicle shall be used only for the transport of an "invalid". "Invalid" shall mean a person whose physical impairments render it impractical to use regular common carrier taxi service and who does not require provision of medical attention prior to or during transport.

(2) To preclude substitution of services or the negligent or adverse delivery of medical transportation, after January 1, 1987 no ambulance service shall be authorized permits for invalid vehicles.

(3) Vehicles permitted for invalid transfer shall not display or use markings, flashing lights, sirens, or other devices which might resemble an emergency vehicle.

(a) The word AMBULANCE or the term AMBULANCE SERVICE shall not appear on the vehicle, nor shall these terms be used to identify the nature of service or used in any service advertisement.

(b) All advertising and vehicles used for invalid transfer shall display in a conspicuous manner a placard, visible from the exterior, or a notice on advertisements as follows:

INVALID TRANSPORT - THIS SERVICE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE

(4) Vehicles permitted for invalid transfer shall meet the following design requirements:

(a) At least two doors shall allow access to the passenger compartment one at the rear for stretcher loading, and one at the side capable of evacuating a stretcher patient. Door latches shall allow operation from the interior and exterior.

(b) The invalid vehicle shall provide the following minimal dimensions:

1. Interior height: 42 inches, floor to ceiling,

2. Interior width: 48 inches, measured fifteen (15) inches above the floor,

3. Interior passenger compartment length of 92 inches, measured fifteen (15) inches from floor, from rear door to divider or driver seat back.

(5) Each invalid vehicle shall conform to sanitation requirements, mechanical and safety standards, and requirements for insurance as specified under rules 1200-12-01-.01, 1200-12-01-.02, and 1200-12-01-.07.

(6) Operations and records for invalid transport shall be maintained as follows:

(a) Employee records for all drivers and attendant personnel. Each person transported shall be accompanied in the patient compartment.

(b) Run records showing the name, location and destination for each person transported, and personnel completing transfer, identifying the date, time, and vehicle utilized.

(c) Records on the registration and maintenance of all invalid vehicles.

(d) All records detailed herein shall be made available to the duly authorized representative of the department.

(7) Invalid vehicles shall be equipped as follows:

(a) Each vehicle shall have a crash stable device for securing the stretcher.

(b) Each vehicle shall have a wheeled stretcher adjustable to a semi-sitting position, with at least two patient safety restraining straps.

(c) Each vehicle shall have a blanket and pillow, and clean linen shall be used for each person transported.

(d) Each vehicle shall provide a bedpan, urinal, basin, tissues and towels as needed for personal hygiene during transport.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-12-01-.09

Original rule filed February 8, 1983; effective May 16, 1983. Amendment filed April 8, 1987; effective May 23, 1987.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 68-39-504, and 68-39-507.