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NEMT company is more than a matter of offering rides. It's a mission to serve among the frailest individuals in our communities. With that kind of responsibility, however, comes a complex mess of legal guidelines that every NEMT company owner needs to manage with care. If you're starting or growing your NEMT business, it's not a choice to know the law, it's necessary. Here's a straightforward, hands-on guide to help you with HIPAA compliance for transportation providers.
NEMT providers walk the line between healthcare and transportation. Since they transport Medicaid beneficiaries and have access to sensitive health information, they are subject to strict federal, state, and local laws.
Following these regulations isn't merely a matter of staying out of trouble. It's a matter of keeping your passengers safe, upholding your business's reputation. And being able to continue working with healthcare providers and Medicaid programs. Let's get into five major legal domains that all NEMT operators must be concerned with. Let's take a look at the registration of your business's EIN for NEMT startups: When and How to Apply for Business Compliance
You need to ensure your business is properly licensed before you start driving and not just at the federal level. There are different licensing and certification requirements for NEMT providers by state, and in some cases, counties and cities have their regulations as well.
Usually, you will need:
Also, keep in mind that each state has a slightly different definition of what constitutes "non-emergency" and how NEMT firms are supposed to function, so check with your state's Department of Health or Medicaid office.
If you think HIPAA only applies to doctors' offices and hospitals, think again. NEMT providers who deal with patient information, such as trip information associated with medical appointments, are also obligated to safeguard it.
You should make sure:
Picture a driver forgetting to take a trip manifest off a bus seat. If that manifest includes names and appointment details, it's a HIPAA breach. Not safeguarding patient data can result in significant fines and a serious blow to your business's reputation. Utilizing trusted NEMT certification NEMT software, such as the one we provide at NEMT Cloud Dispatch can significantly minimize these risks.
Vehicles used for NEMT services are not ordinary passenger vans. They have to meet some accessibility and safety requirements so that they can transport individuals with mobility issues safely.
ADA Compliance: If you have over 15 employees or vehicles, your vehicles need to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. This means such things as ramp access, wheelchair securement systems, and correctly sized doorways.
Regular Maintenance: Stay on top of routine inspections and maintenance. Not only is this keeping passengers safe, but evidence of maintenance is frequently demanded by insurers and regulatory agencies.
Special Driver Training: NEMT driver requirements typically require more than the average driver's license. They often require training in:
Background checks of drivers, drug screening, and health screening are also standard prerequisites for NEMT drivers. Recruit the correct drivers and train them properly to safeguard your company and your riders.
Medicaid NEMT compliance pays for many NEMT trips, so it is important to know how to bill appropriately. Billing for Medicaid is very complicated, and there's room for error, leading to denied claims, lost money, or worse, fraud accusations.
Top points for Medicaid billing:
Operating an NEMT company without insurance is like driving a car without brakes. You have to be completely covered against the unforeseen. It is wise to have an insurance expert who is familiar with the NEMT industry work with you. They can assist you in obtaining coverage that addresses the specific risks of transporting patients rather than passengers.
You'll need at least:
Periodically visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. Go to your state's Department of Health or Medicaid office website for state-specific updates. Keep up with organizations such as the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC) for best practices and industry updates. Here you can know how to get license for new NEMT business What Qualities Make a Great NEMT Provider?
Subscribe to healthcare compliance newsletters such as HIPAA Journal. Network with fellow NEMT providers and trade organizations to find out about updates ahead of the curve. Creating relationships with medical attorneys or NEMT specialists who consult also can be of tremendous value.
Succeeding in the NEMT business isn't all about fleet vehicles. It's more about creating a legally sound, reliable operation that healthcare partners and patients can depend on. Remaining compliant protects you from expensive errors and litigation. But what is more valuable is that it shows your company actually cares about the individuals they are serving.
NEMT Cloud Dispatch takes pride in empowering NEMT providers with the software and equipment they require to remain compliant, productive, and customer-centric. If you are prepared to move your NEMT company forward legally and safely, Book A Demo Now!
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About the author
As NEMT Cloud Dispatch Marketing Director, Tom has expertise in NEMT company and performs well in marketing, utilizing different strategies to increase the Nemt Cloud Dispatch business. His dedication extends to offering NEMT providers with advanced software for massive development. Tom is one of the industry's experts and shares his experience with readers through interesting content on home care, medical billing, medical transportation, and marketing.
NEMT Cloud Dispatch is a featured product of Hybrid IT Services, Inc specifically designed and tailored according to the requirements of non-emergency medical transportation.
