N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-3.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 8, April 15, 2024

Section 8:40-3.5 - Standard operating procedures manual

(a) Each provider shall develop and maintain a written standard operating procedures (SOP) manual. The SOP manual shall reflect the methods of daily operation, and shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter. A copy of the SOP manual shall be available at each location where a vehicle is garaged, shall be readily accessible to all crewmembers and shall be made available to Department staff upon demand.

(b) In addition to addressing the employees' responsibilities under this chapter, such as cooperating with inspections, the rules governing vehicles placed in DIOOS status, the possibility of incurring monetary penalties in case of licensure violations, having training credentials available and performing duties in a professional manner, the SOP manual shall address sanitation requirements, maintenance of records (see 8:40-3.9 ), vehicle cleanliness, communicable disease guidelines, placing patients into physical behavioral restraints, patient rights, vehicle breakdowns, child and elder abuse reporting requirements, portable and mobile radio operation and other areas of concern to the provider or the Department. The SOP manual shall also contain a nondiscrimination statement, outlining the service's willingness to transport and treat patients regardless of a person's race, sex, creed, national origin, sexual preference, age, disability, medical condition (including, but not limited to, patients with AIDS/HIV, TB, Hepatitis B or other communicable diseases) or ability to pay. If the service provides emergency response, the SOP manual shall include, as appendices, copies of the relevant municipality's EMS Annex and the HAZ-MAT Annex of the State disaster plan. A current copy of these rules (N.J.A.C. 8:40) shall be included in the SOP manual, but the rules by themselves, shall not constitute a complete SOP manual.

1. Each provider shall develop a policy to ensure that all patient information, including patient identifiable data, remains confidential and private. This policy shall be part of the SOP manual, and shall be provided to each of the provider's employees. Patient information shall only be disclosed or released:

i. If the patient, guardian, executor or other legally authorized person has requested in writing that the information be released to a specific person, entity or company;

ii. In compliance with a subpoena, judicial order or applicable law, rule and/or regulation;

iii. To process a claim for insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, if authorized by the patient, guardian, executor or other legally authorized person;

iv. To Department staff in the performance of their duties and/or while conducting inspection, audit and/or investigation; and

v. To effect the transfer of the patient to another health care professional receiving the patient.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-3.5