La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-6015

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-6015 - Inspections, Surveys or Investigations [Formerly section 6011]

A. Initial Inspections. An applicant must successfully complete an initial inspection by the department which includes:

1. an inspection of all vehicles to determine that they are safe and in working order and that they are equipped with all of the prescribed medical equipment as required by these provisions and in accordance with state and local laws and regulations:

a. safe and working order shall be determined pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 32:1 et seq. and the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual, in addition to the provisions of this Chapter and R.S. 40:1135.1 et seq.;

b. for aircraft, the safe and working order shall be determined by the rules of the FAA, in addition to the provisions of this Chapter and R.S. 40:1135.1 et seq.;

c. each vehicle successfully completing the inspection shall receive a permit (evidenced by a department-issued decal) authorizing it to be operated as part of the applicant's fleet;

2. an inspection of all personnel credentials to verify that they meet the requirements of law;

3. an inspection, and when deemed necessary by the department, verification of the information required in this Chapter and that such information remains current;

4. verification that the ambulance service/provider has complied with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, and rules, and has obtained all necessary and applicable licenses, permits, and certifications, including certificates of need or certificates of public convenience and necessity; and

5. for those ambulance services/providers rendering advanced life support, verification that the ambulance service/provider possesses a Louisiana controlled substance license and a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration controlled substance registration.

B. Other Inspections. The department may conduct the following types of inspections.

1. Licensing Inspection. Licensing inspection is a periodic survey or investigation conducted as necessary to assure compliance with ambulance licensing standards.

2. Follow-Up Inspection. A follow-up may be conducted whenever necessary to assure correction of non-compliance. When applicable, the department may clear violations by administrative desk review.

3. Complaint Inspection. In accordance with R.S. 40:2009.13 et seq., a complaint inspection shall be conducted to investigate allegations of noncompliance. Complaint inspections are unannounced.

4. Fleet addition inspections

a. Any ambulance service adding a ground transportation ambulance, air ambulance or sprint vehicle to the fleet shall provide written notification to the department in advance of the addition. The notification shall include:

i. vehicle identification number;

ii. copy of the certificate of registration from the Office of Motor Vehicles or the Federal Aviation Administration;

iii. proof of commercial automobile or aircraft liability insurance; and

iv. vehicle inspection fee.

b. Once a temporary notice of approval for the vehicle fleet addition is received, the vehicle may be placed in service.

i. The temporary notice of approval shall be carried in the vehicle until the fleet addition vehicle inspection is completed and a state-issued permit is received.

ii. The vehicle or aircraft shall be inspected for the requirements of the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Inspection Act, FAA Part 135, and this Chapter

NOTE: The decal shall be affixed to a non-obstructive viewing area of the vehicle, preferably the lower part of the driver's door window.

c. Any vehicle borrowed, leased or rented by the service for less than 90 days shall not be subject to a vehicle inspection fee.

i. All vehicles shall be subject to compliance with this Chapter and must be issued a temporary notice of approval for use.

ii. The temporary approval shall be carried in the vehicle at all times.

C. When a vehicle is required to be inspected, but is not available, it is the responsibility of the ambulance service/provider to arrange for the vehicle to be available to the surveyor for inspection within 30 days of the on-site survey.

D. For ambulance services/providers based in Louisiana, who border an adjacent state and use vehicles from the bordering state, such vehicles are not required to have a Louisiana license plate, but shall be licensed in accordance with the adjacent state's rules, laws and regulations in the operation of the ambulance service's/provider's vehicle. These vehicles shall be available for inspection for compliance with Louisiana inspection requirements pursuant to this Chapter.

E. Louisiana Department of Health surveyors and staff shall be:

1. given access to all areas and relevant files of the ambulance service/provider which are relevant to the purpose of the inspection or investigation during an inspection or investigation; and

2. allowed to interview any person with an ownership interest, staff, or patients, as necessary or required to conduct the inspection or investigation.

F. The ambulance service/ provider shall be given a written statement of findings of any deficiencies cited based on an inspection or investigation which includes notice of the required plan of correction, as applicable.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-6015

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 35:471 (March 2009), Amended Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, LR 49885 (5/1/2023).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254, 40:1135.1 and R.S. 40:1135.2.