Transportation (TRA)

Service Description

A service that provides or assists in obtaining various types of transportation for specific needs. This service provides non-emergency ground transportation as prior approved by the Division when transportation is not already required by the service specification. There are two (2) types of transportation: 1) scheduled, and 2) on demand. “Scheduled” transportation is authorized

when the Division member needs regular transportation to a day program service or an employment-related service. “On demand” transportation is authorized when the member needs intermittent transportation to obtain an authorized service or to fulfill a mandatory obligation in the member’s planning document [e.g., Individual Support Plan (“ISP”)].

Service Requirements and Limitations

• 1. This service shall not be provided to members receiving habilitation services provided in residential settings unless:
• 1.1 The service is required by the member’s planning document, and
• 1.2 Providing such transportation would be an extraordinary burden on the developmental home or group home Qualified Vendor, and
• 1.3 The member’s natural supports cannot provide this service, and
• 1.4 This service has been approved and authorized by the Division’s District Program Manager/designee.
• 2. Transportation services authorized by a member’s health plan or by the Division’s Health Care Services is the responsibility of the health plan or Division’s Health Care Services unless considered to be reasonable transportation within the community provided by the residential habilitation provider. [Transportation to medical appointments is typically coordinated through the member’s Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (“AHCCCS”)/Arizona Long Term Care System (“ALTCS”) health plan. Transportation to behavioral health services is typically coordinated through the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (“RBHA”).]
• 3. Responsibility for school-related transportation is specified in the Individualized Education Program (“IEP”).

Service Goals and Objectives

Service Goal

To increase or maintain self-sufficiency, mobility, and/or community access of members.

Service Objectives

Meaningful Life Behavioral Health shall ensure that the following objectives are met:

• 1. Provide or arrange for transportation of the member to or from an ALTCS covered service. This includes traveling to and from designated locations to pick up or drop off the member at specified times.
• 2. Assist the member in entering and exiting the vehicle as necessary. Ensure that the method of transportation being utilized does not compromise the health and safety of the member.
• 3. Schedule pick-up and drop off times so that the member does not have to wait more than twenty (20) minutes.
• 4. Notify the member/member’s representative if the driver is twenty (20) or more minutes late or is unable to transport, and have a backup plan in case the scheduled driver or vehicle is unavailable.
• 5. All methods of transportation allow for two-way radio or a cellular phone that is adequate for the range of vehicle utilization.
• 6. The vehicle in which transportation is provided has valid vehicle registration and license plates and, at a minimum, the State of Arizona required level of liability insurance.
• 7. The vehicle is maintained in a safe and working order, and is equipped with a working heating and air conditioning system and a first aid kit.
• 8. The vehicle is constructed for the safe transportation of the members. All seats are fastened to the body of the vehicle and members are properly seated when the vehicle is in operation. The vehicle has operational seat belts installed that are safe for passenger use. When transporting, members are securely fastened in age-appropriate and weight-appropriate restraints, as required by State law.
• 9. Members with special mobility needs are provided transportation in a vehicle adapted to those needs as required to facilitate adequate access to service.
• 10. If the vehicle is used to transport members in wheelchairs, it shall be equipped with floormounted seat belts and wheelchair lock-downs or comparable safety equipment for each wheelchair that it transports.
• 10.1 Qualified Vendors transporting a member while the member is in his or her wheelchair shall have documentation that the worker has completed orientation on appropriate use of the safety equipment being used.
• 11. Persons providing transportation are a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• 12. Driving records of persons driving the transporting vehicle are reviewed periodically to ensure driver qualifications.
• 13. Meaningful Life Behavioral Health’s Home and Community-Based Services (“HCBS”) certification includes transportation as a service.
• 14. Sufficient staff is provided for the health and safety of all members being transported, including boarding and unboarding supervision.

Source: https://des.az.gov/

For more information, please call us or send us a message.