10A NCAC 70K .0318       VEHICLES USED FOR TRANSPORTATION OF RESIDENTS

(a)  Vehicle Requirements for Transporting Residents.

(1)           Vehicles shall comply with all motor vehicle laws and regulations for the State of North Carolina.

(2)           Motor vehicles shall be maintained in a safe operating condition and shall be registered and inspected.

(3)           A first-aid kit shall be in all motor vehicles.

(4)           The bed of an open body or a stake bed vehicle shall not be used for transporting children.

(b)  Driver Requirements.  The name of and a copy of a valid driver's license for each person transporting residents shall be maintained in a separate file at the facility.

(c)  Safety Practices for Transporting Residents.

(1)           The interior of each vehicle shall be maintained in a clean and safe condition with clear passage to operable doors.

(2)           The driver shall ensure that all passengers follow North Carolina laws regarding seat belt usage and shall adhere to child passenger restraint laws when transporting children.

(3)           The driver shall not transport more persons, including children and adults, than allowed by the design capacity of the vehicle.

(4)           Residents shall have at least one 30 minute rest stop for every four hours of continuous travel.

(5)           Residents shall not be transported for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period.

(d)  Transportation Records.  Insurance verification and the vehicle identification certificate shall be kept in the vehicle in accordance with State law.  Emergency medical information shall be kept in the vehicle for each resident occupying the vehicle.

(e)  Insurance.  If a residential maternity home's transportation services are provided by a private individual, a firm under contract, or by another arrangement, the facility shall maintain a file copy of the individual's or firm's insurance coverage.

(f)  Emergency Transportation.  A residential maternity home shall have a plan for transporting residents when emergency situations arise that includes:

(1)           the need for immediate medical care;

(2)           picking residents up at school before the end of the school day; and

(3)           transporting residents during adverse weather conditions.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-1; 143B-153;

Eff. November 1, 2009.

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 5, 2016.