WAC 388-546-5000   Nonemergency transportation program definitions.  The following terms apply to WAC 388-546-5000, 388-546-5100, 388-546-5200, 388-546-5300, 388-546-5400, and 388-546-5500:

     "Broker" means an organization or entity contracted with the department of social and health services (DSHS)/medical assistance administration (MAA) to arrange nonemergency transportation services for MAA's clients.

     "Drop off point" means the place authorized by the transportation broker for the client's trip to end.

     "Escort" means a person authorized by the broker to be transported with a client to a medical service. An escort may be authorized depending on the client's age, mental state or capacity, safety requirements, mobility requirements, communication or translation requirements, or cultural issues.

     "Guardian" means a person who is legally responsible for a client and who may be required to be present when a client is receiving medical services.

     "Local provider of type" means the medical provider within the client's local community who fulfills the requirements of the medical appointment. The provider may vary by medical specialty, the provider's acceptance of MAA's clients, and whether managed care, primary care case management or third party participation is involved.

     "Noncompliance" means a client:

     (1) Engages in violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct;

     (2) Poses a direct threat to the health and/or safety of self or others; or

     (3) Fails to be present at the pickup point of the trip.

     "Pickup point" means the place authorized by MAA's transportation broker for the client's trip to begin.

     "Return trip" means the return of the client to the client's home, or another authorized return point, from the location where a covered medical service has occurred.

     "Service mode" means the method of transportation the transportation broker selects to use for an MAA client.

     "Stretcher trip" means a transportation service that requires a client to be transported in a prone or supine position. This may be by stretcher, board or gurney (reclined and with feet elevated). Medical or safety requirements must be the basis for transporting a client in the prone or supine position.

     "Trip" means transportation one-way from the pickup point to the drop off point by an authorized transportation provider.

     "Urgent care" means an unplanned appointment for a covered medical service with verification from an attending physician or facility that the client must be seen that day.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, and 74.04.057. 01-06-029, § 388-546-5000, filed 3/2/01, effective 4/2/01.]