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Secure Transportation

Secure Transportation

In 2021, the governor signed into law House Bill 21-1085 which created newly regulated secure transportation services for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. This law required the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to create minimum standards for most secure transportation services. The law requires counties to implement these standards. Specifically, counties must:

● License secure transportation services,
● Issue permits for secure transportation service vehicles, and
● Enforce the minimum standards that secure transportation services must follow.

Beginning January 1, 2023, any entity that provides secure transportation services, must apply for and receive a license issued by the county in which the service is based. Each service must also apply for and receive a permit for each vehicle it uses to provide secure transportation services.

Application Process 

  1.  All applications, whether for a secure transportation service license, a secure transportation vehicle permit, or for questions related to the applications can be obtained by emailing the Licensing Coordinator at SLV RETAC slvretac@gmail.com.  Completed applications should be submitted to the same email address.  The Licensing Coordinator will review the application for completeness. 

  2. Upon completion of the application review, SLV RETAC shall contact Alamosa County Administrator and request that the application be placed on the agenda for the next available Board of County Commissioners’ (“the Board”) meeting for final review and approval. 

  3. Upon Board review, Alamosa County shall contact the Licensing Coordinator and the coordinator will notify the applicant of the Board’s findings and when/if the approved license and permit(s) will be available for pick-up.

  4. For secure transportation service licenses, applicants must provide:

         A. Completed license application.

         B. Certificate of occupancy or other documentation that the applicant’s premises were found be in compliance with applicable local requirements.

         C.  Proof of a minimum level of worker’s compensation consistent with the Colorado Worker’s Compensation Act.

         D.  Copy of a written policy and procedure manual, operational protocols, medical protocols (if applicable), training procedures, or other relevant documents.

              i.  Policies and procedures must follow national best practice guidelines where available that address, at a minimum:

    1. Appropriate procedures to assess initially whether the client requires a higher level of transport than the service can provide;

    2. Appropriate procedures to follow when, during a secure transport, it becomes apparent that a client needs medical attention or a higher level of transport than the service can provide;

    3. Appropriate procedures to confirm the receiving facility’s acceptance of the client prior to initiation of the secure transport;

    4. Criteria used for pickup and drop-off, including the circumstances that determine a secure transport client’s eligibility;

    5. The level of support and protection needed for both client and staff safety;

    6. Compliance with vehicle safety standards and procedures;

    7. Proper evacuation of the vehicle during emergencies if the windows and/or exits of the vehicle are blocked or inaccessible;

    8. Infection protection and control, including the decontamination of the vehicle after each transport;

    9. Parental and/or guardian level of support and involvement;

    10. Meeting client needs on extended transports including meals, water and bathroom breaks; and

    11. Documentation of all steps in the process from initial pickup request to drop-off, including but not limited to documenting all stops made during the secure transportation service. 

           E.  Payment of Secure Transportation Service License fee

 

5.  For secure transportation vehicle permits, applicants must provide:

          A. Completed permit application (one for each vehicle).

          B. Certificate of Mechanical Inspection to be completed by a qualified motor vehicle mechanic (one for each vehicle).

          C.  Proof of motor vehicle insurance coverage with Alamosa County identified as certificate holder.

          D.  Proof of general liability and applicable professional liability insurance coverage, including, at a minimum:

  1. Liability insurance for injuries in the amount of $1,000,000 for each individual claim;

  2. Liability insurance in the amount of $3,000,000 for all claims made against the secure transportation service or against its personnel from an insurance company authorized to write liability insurance in Colorado;

  3. Liability insurance coverage to the maximum extent required by Section 24-10-114, C.R.S., as applicable, if the secure transportation service is granted qualified immunity under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Section 24-10-101, et.seq., C.R.S.; and

  4. Proof of any additional insurance as identified in county resolution or regulations.

          E.  Payment of Secure Transportation Service Vehicle permit fee


 

Alamosa County Policy and Procedures Regarding Secure Transportation Services