Transporting

We offer patient transportation for medical and dental appointments to community members residing within the ten-mile radius when all other means of transportation have been exhausted by the individual, family or friends.

Policy

1. Request for transportation must be made two-days in advance to the Community Health Representative; less than a two-day notice will be evaluated based on availability of staff and community vehicles.   Three-working days are needed for out of town appointments that are outside of Redwood Falls, Springfield or Olivia.
2. Scheduling takes place on a first-come, first-serve basis.
3. A maximum of two transports can be scheduled at the same time, based on staff and community vehicle availability.
4. Excuses such as not wanting to use a personal vehicle or pay for gas are not means of exhausting resources.
5. Transportation is to and from the appointment only – no stops for household shopping, banking, school transports or other activities.
6. Only the patient with the appointment and their legal guardian can be transported – not the entire family.
7. Employee driver cannot supervise children or others during the appointment.
8. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult to appointments.
9. Only covered beverages are allowed in the community vehicles.
10. Smoking is prohibited in all community vehicles.  Smoking will result in denial of transportation for a period of time determined by the Health Director.
11. If a procedure involving sedation or anesthesia, a legal guardian (spouse, parent, or other designee) may be required to attend with the patient.  Driver is not required to remain in the facility the entire time of the appointment.
12. During workshops and training sessions, transportation may not be available.
13. Recurring appointments (e.g. physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy) will be scheduled as we can accommodate and should be scheduled locally (Redwood Falls or Springfield).
14. Drivers must be insurable as an employee under the tribe’s insurance plan.
15. Cancelled rides are a loss to everyone.  In the event cancellation is needed, every effort will be made by staff to find a replacement driver.  Patients will be notified of cancellation by phone  for any one the following reasons:
    • Driver illness or absence.
    • Disaster/emergency response.
    • Vehicle break-down.
    • Inclimate weather.  Determining factors include:
      • Closure of the tribal offices due to weather.
      • State Department of Transportation warnings and closures.
      • Destination of the transport.
      • Area school closures.
      • Final determination is made by the Health Director or Tribal Council in their absence.

Procedure

1. Patient contacts the Community Health Representative to schedule transportation after resources have been exhausted.
2. Community Health Representative will confirm the appointment time and pick up time or decline the appointment with brief explanation.

Purpose:  To distribute services in a equitable manner and utilize resources effectively.

Driver Responsibility

1. Arrives on time.
2. Is not under the influence of alcohol or chemical substances.
3. Maintain confidentiality of the appointment type and any patient information.
4. Communicates any changes in time or availability.

Patient Responsibilities

1. Schedules transportation at least 2 working days prior to a local appointment and at least 3 days for an out-of-town appointment (New Ulm, Willmar, Mankato, Minneapolis, etc.)
2. Be ready at specified time and location for pick up.
3. Plans ahead for long trips by bringing all items needed (medication, snacks, etc.).
4. Schedules and communicates with the appointment provider directly.
5. Communicates cancellation or any changes in appointment time, or rescheduling to the driver.
6. Refrains from negativity, swearing, inappropriate conversation or behavior.
7. Failure to follow will result in suspension or termination of riding privileges.

Reference: Seifert, P.C. (1999).  Registration, licensure, and accountability. AORN Journal, 70(2), p. 184-186.

Staff

Lori Nelson
CHR & Transport
(507) 697-8943 (office)
(507)430-6227 (cell)
[email protected]

Marilyn Hisday
Transportation Assistant
507-430-6227