Considerate, private, respectful personal care and assistance.
The person’s service and support administrator, or SSA, will assess them for a need for Non-Medical Transportation. If there is a need, the SSA will include it in the person’s individual service plan.
Non-Medical Transportation includes transportation to get to, from, between, or among:
- A place of employment
- A location where adult day support, career planning, group employment support, individual employment support, or vocational habilitation is provided to the individual
- A volunteer activity
- A post-secondary educational program
- An internship or practicum
- A drop-off or transfer location from which the individual is then transported to or from one of above listed places
Providing this Service
Agency and independent providers that have a Medicaid provider agreement and are DODD-certified can provide this service.
Non-Medical Transportation can be provided as one-on-one or as a group service.
There are three modes of Non-Medical Transportation.
- Per trip
- Per mile
- Commercial vehicles at the usual and customary fare
Agency Providers
Agency providers shall
- ensure that each driver holds a valid driver license;
- have or ensure that each driver has valid liability insurance;
- obtain, for each driver, a driving record prepared by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles no earlier than 14 calendar days prior to the date of initial employment as a driver and at least once every three years thereafter,
- a person having six or more points on his or her driving record is prohibited from providing Non-Medical Transportation;
- require each driver to immediately notify the agency provider in writing if the driver accumulates six or more points on his or her driving record or his or her driver license is suspended or revoked;
- ensure that each driver completes testing within 32 hours of a vehicle accident involving the driver while providing NMT for controlled substances by a laboratory certified for such testing;
- and complete testing within eight hours of a vehicle accident involving the driver while providing NMT for blood alcohol level by an entity certified for such testing.
Independent Providers
Independent providers shall
- present his or her driving record prepared by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles no earlier than 14 calendar days prior to the date of his or her application for initial provider certification,
- a person having six or more points on his or her driving record is prohibited from providing Non-Medical Transportation;
- hold a valid driver license;
- have valid liability insurance;
- immediately notify DODD in writing if he or she accumulates six or more points on his or her driving record or if his or her driver license is suspended or revoked;
- ensure that each driver completes testing within 32 hours of a vehicle accident involving the driver while providing NMT for controlled substances by a laboratory certified for such testing;
- and complete testing within eight hours of a vehicle accident involving the driver while providing NMT for blood alcohol level by an entity certified for such testing.
Vehicle Requirements When Modified
Modified vehicles (or a vehicle equipped to transport five or more passengers) used for this service must be equipped with
- secure storage space for removable equipment and passenger property;
- a communication system, that may include cellar communication, capable of two-way communication;
- and a fire extinguisher and emergency first-aid kit that are safely secured.
Modified vehicles (or a vehicle equipped to transport five or more passengers) must also meet the following requirements.
- On each day a vehicle is used to provide Non-Medical Transportation, the first driver of the vehicle shall conduct and document inspection and testing of the lights, windshield washer/wipers, emergency equipment, mirrors, horn, tires, and brakes prior to transporting a person.
- Once every 12 months, the vehicle must be inspected by the Ohio State Highway Patrol Safety Inspection Unit or a certified mechanic and be determine to be in good working condition.
- A modified vehicle must have permanent fasteners to secure wheelchairs to the floor or side of the vehicle to prevent wheelchair movement,
- A modified vehicle must have safety restraints in the vehicle for the purpose of restraining individuals in wheelchairs,
- A modified vehicle must be equipped with a stable access ramp specifically designed for wheelchairs or a hydraulic lift specifically designed for wheelchairs;
- On each day the vehicle is used to provide Non-Medical Transportation, the first driver of the vehicle shall conduct and document inspection and testing of the wheelchair fasteners, restraints, and access ramp or hydraulic lift prior to transporting a person in a wheelchair.
Billing and Payment Information
All services must be delivered as specified in the individual service plan and authorized in Payment Authorization for Waiver Services, known as PAWS, to be successfully submitted for payment through eMBS.
Rates and limits for Non-Medical Transportation are contained in the rule’s service appendix.