Read 1st time February 2, 2000, and 1000 copies ordered printed.
ANNE C. WALKER, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 190, RSMo, relating to emergency services by adding thereto two new sections relating to regulation of stretcher vans.
Section A. Chapter 190, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 190.510 and 190.511, to read as follows:
190.510. As used in this section and section 190.511, the following terms mean:
(1) "Passenger", an individual needing transportation who does not require medical monitoring, observation, aid, care or treatment, with the exception of self-administered oxygen as ordered by a physician during transportation;
(2) "Stretcher van", any vehicle designed and equipped to transport a person in a supine position except that no such vehicle shall be used to provide medical services;
(3) "Stretcher van service", any person or agency that provides stretcher van transportation to persons who are confined to stretchers and whose conditions are such that they do not need and are not likely to need medical attention during transportation.
190.511. 1. Any person, firm, corporation, association or governmental entity owning or acting as agent for the owner of any business or service which furnishes, operates, conducts, maintains, advertises, engages in, proposes to engage in or professes to engage in the business or service of transporting upon the streets in this state persons who are confined to stretchers and whose conditions are such that they do not need and are not likely to need medical attention during transportation shall be licensed by the department of health as a stretcher van service. This section shall not preclude any political subdivision that is authorized to operate a licensed ambulance service from adopting any law, ordinance or regulation governing the operation of stretcher vans that is at least as strict as the minimum state standards. Nothing shall preclude the enforcement of any laws, ordinances or regulations of any political subdivision authorized to operate a licensed ambulance service that were in effect prior to January 1, 2000.
2. Stretcher van services may transport passengers.
3. A stretcher van shall be staffed by at least two individuals when transporting passengers. The crew of the stretcher van is required to immediately contact the appropriate ground ambulance service if a passenger's condition deteriorates.
4. Stretcher van services shall not transport patients, persons currently admitted to a hospital or persons being transported to a hospital for admission or emergency treatment.
5. The department of health shall promulgate regulations, including but not limited to adequate insurance, on-board equipment, vehicle staffing, vehicle maintenance, vehicle specifications and vehicle communications, passenger safety and records and reports.
6. The department of health shall issue service licenses for a period of no more than five years for each service meeting the established rules.
7. Application for a stretcher van license shall be made upon such forms as prescribed by the department in rules adopted pursuant to sections 190.001 to 190.245 and this section. The application form shall contain such information as the department deems necessary to make a determination as to whether the stretcher van agency meets all the requirements of sections 190.001 to 190.245 and this section and rules promulgated pursuant to sections 190.001 to 190.245 and this section.
8. Upon the sale or transfer of any stretcher van service license, the owner of the stretcher van service shall notify the department of the change in ownership within thirty days. The department shall conduct an inspection of the stretcher van service to verify compliance with the licensure standards of sections 190.001 to 190.245.
9. Ambulance services licensed pursuant to this chapter or any rules promulgated by the department of health pursuant to this chapter may provide stretcher van and wheel chair transportation services pursuant to sections 190.001 to 190.245.
10. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to this section shall take effect unless such rule has been
promulgated pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo.
Missouri House of Representatives