A.
Definition and
Purpose
Transportation the traveling of eligible older individuals to
and from community resources for the purpose of obtaining needed services or
goods.
Transportation is an essential part of the community
infrastructure that individuals need to gain access to the goods, services, and
social contacts that support their day-to-day existence and quality of
life.
The purpose of transportation is to (1) maintain the
independence of older adults as long as possible by promoting access to
available services in the community; (2) assist older individuals in
maintaining mobility; (3) delay premature institutionalization through the
provision of travel to obtain needed services or goods.
D.
Minimum Program Requirements
All clients are to be entered into the State Approved Client
Tracking System. If a client is screened using a paper form, that client should
be entered into the system no later than 10 working days from the
screening.
All service providers offering transportation services
through a contractual agreement with an area agency on aging must adhere to the
following requirements:
1.
Service Activities
Transportation shall be provided for the following
purposes:
a. Medical and/or dental
treatment
b. Social service and
other related agencies/functions
c.
Personal care needs
d. Hospice
care
e. Foster care/adult day care
services
f. Other applicable
services based on needs
2.
Location of
Service
Transportation service is initiated at a client's location
and transported to a designated location.
3.
Access to Service
The client may enter the service system at any point through
appropriate referral.
4.
Delivery Characteristics
a. Each client record will contain the
following information where appropriate:
1)
Health, medical information indicating any impairments;
2) Screening/intake form (required
form);
3) Documentation of services
provided; and
4) Authorization
releases, where appropriate.
b. Transportation shall be available a
minimum of five days a week, preferably between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m.
c. All drivers shall have a
safe driver record, and commercial driver's license, as required by the
Mississippi Safety Patrol.
d. All
vehicles must be maintained in a safe and clean condition.
e. Written policies and procedures regarding
accidents, traffic violations and vehicle safety and maintenance shall be
maintained.
f. When utilizing the
service, each older person shall be given an opportunity to voluntarily
contribute to the cost of the service.
5.
Staffing
a. All transportation service providers must
designate a person who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the
transportation service.
b. There
must be an adequate number of staff to accomplish the purpose of the
service.
c. All prospective
transportation staff members shall obtain a signed statement from a licensed
physician acting within the scope of the physician's practice that states that
the driver has no medical or physical condition, including an incurable vision
impairment, that may impair safe driving, passenger assistance, emergency
treatment, or the health and welfare of a consumer or the general public before
providing the first service.
d. The
driver must take and pass a drug and alcohol tests.
e. Volunteers used in the transportation
service shall be trained and meet minimum requirements established by the
provider.
f. All drivers must be
trained in basic first aid, emergency procedures and defensive driving before
being allowed to carry passengers.
6.
Prohibited Service
Activities
a. Operating a
vehicle under the influence of any substance that impairs his/her ability to
operate the vehicle.
b. Personal
use of vehicles.
