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The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 4766 | State Board Of Emergency Medical, Fire, And Transportation Services

 
 
 
Section
Section 4766.01 | Medical transportation board definitions.
 

As used in this chapter:

(A) "Advanced life support" means treatment that an emergency medical technician-paramedic is authorized to perform under section 4765.39 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Air medical service organization" means an organization that furnishes, conducts, maintains, advertises, promotes, or otherwise engages in providing medical services with a rotorcraft air ambulance or fixed wing air ambulance.

(C) "Air medical transportation" means the transporting of a patient by rotorcraft air ambulance or fixed wing air ambulance with appropriately licensed and certified medical personnel.

(D) "Ambulance" means any motor vehicle that is specifically designed, constructed, or modified and equipped and is intended to be used to provide basic life support, intermediate life support, advanced life support, or mobile intensive care unit services and transportation upon the streets or highways of this state of persons who are seriously ill, injured, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless. "Ambulance" does not include air medical transportation or a vehicle designed and used solely for the transportation of nonstretcher-bound persons, whether the person is hospitalized or has a disability or whether the person is ambulatory or using a wheelchair.

(E) "Ambulette" means a motor vehicle that is specifically designed, constructed, or modified and equipped and is intended to be used for transportation upon the streets or highways of this state of persons who require use of a wheelchair or other mobility aid.

(F) "Basic life support" means treatment that an emergency medical technician-basic is authorized to perform under section 4765.37 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Disaster situation" means any condition or situation described by rule of the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services as a mass casualty, major emergency, natural disaster, or national emergency.

(H) "Emergency medical service organization" means an organization that uses emergency medical technicians-basic, emergency medical technicians-intermediate, or emergency medical technicians-paramedic, or a combination of EMTs-basic, EMTs-I, and paramedics, to provide medical care to victims of illness or injury. An emergency medical service organization includes, but is not limited to, a commercial ambulance service organization, a hospital, and a funeral home.

(I) "Emergency medical technician-basic," "EMT-basic," "emergency medical technician-intermediate," "EMT-I," "emergency medical technician-paramedic," and "paramedic" have the same meanings as in section 4765.01 of the Revised Code. Pursuant to section 4765.011 of the Revised Code, an emergency medical technician-basic or EMT-basic is also known as an emergency medical technician or EMT, respectively, and an emergency medical technician-intermediate or EMT-I is also known as an advanced emergency medical technician or AEMT, respectively.

(J) "Fixed wing air ambulance" means a fixed wing aircraft that is specifically designed, constructed, or modified and equipped and is intended to be used as a means of air medical transportation.

(K) "Health care practitioner" has the same meaning as in section 3701.74 of the Revised Code.

(L) "Health care services" has the same meaning as in section 3922.01 of the Revised Code.

(M) "Intermediate life support" means treatment that an emergency medical technician-intermediate is authorized to perform under section 4765.38 of the Revised Code.

(N) "Major emergency" means any emergency event that cannot be resolved through the use of locally available emergency resources.

(O) "Mass casualty" means an emergency event that results in ten or more persons being injured, incapacitated, made ill, or killed.

(P) "Medical emergency" means an unforeseen event affecting an individual in such a manner that a need for immediate care is created.

(Q) "Mobile intensive care unit" means an ambulance used only for maintaining specialized or intensive care treatment and used primarily for interhospital transports of patients whose conditions require care beyond the services a paramedic is authorized to perform under section 4765.39 of the Revised Code.

(R)(1) "Nonemergency medical service organization" means a person that does both of the following:

(a) Provides services to the public on a regular basis for the purpose of transporting individuals who require the use of a wheelchair or other mobility aid to receive health care services in nonemergency circumstances;

(b) Provides the services for a fee, regardless of whether the fee is paid by the person being transported, a third party payer, as defined in section 3702.51 of the Revised Code, or any other person or government entity.

(2) "Nonemergency medical service organization" does not include a health care facility, as defined in section 1751.01 of the Revised Code, that provides ambulette services only to patients of that facility.

(S) "Nontransport vehicle" means a motor vehicle operated by a licensed emergency medical service organization not as an ambulance, but as a vehicle for providing services in conjunction with the ambulances operated by the organization or other emergency medical service organizations.

(T) "Patient" means any individual who as a result of illness or injury needs medical attention, whose physical or mental condition is such that there is imminent danger of loss of life or significant health impairment, or who may be otherwise incapacitated or helpless as a result of a physical or mental condition, or any individual whose physical condition requires the use of a wheelchair or other mobility aid.

(U) "Rotorcraft air ambulance" means a helicopter or other aircraft capable of vertical takeoffs, vertical landings, and hovering that is specifically designed, constructed, or modified and equipped and is intended to be used as a means of air medical transportation.

(V) "Taxicab" means a taxicab vehicle operated by a taxicab service company, provided the company is not a nonemergency medical service organization.

(W) "Transportation network company driver" has the same meaning as in section 3942.01 of the Revised Code.

(X) "Transportation network company services" has the same meaning as in section 3942.01 of the Revised Code.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated March 17, 2023 at 1:21 PM

Section 4766.03 | Administrative rules.
 

(A) The state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services shall adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, implementing the requirements of this chapter. The rules shall include provisions relating to the following:

(1) Requirements for an emergency medical service organization to receive a permit for an ambulance or nontransport vehicle;

(2) Requirements for an emergency medical service organization to receive a license as a basic life-support, intermediate life-support, advanced life-support, or mobile intensive care unit organization;

(3) Requirements for a nonemergency medical service organization to receive a permit for an ambulette vehicle;

(4) Requirements for a nonemergency medical service organization to receive a license for an ambulette service;

(5) Requirements for an air medical service organization to receive a permit for a rotorcraft air ambulance or fixed wing air ambulance;

(6) Requirements for licensure of air medical service organizations;

(7) Forms for applications and renewals of licenses and permits;

(8) Requirements for record keeping of service responses made by licensed emergency medical service organizations;

(9) Fee amounts for licenses and permits, and their renewals;

(10) Inspection requirements for licensees' vehicles or aircraft, records, and physical facilities;

(11) Fee amounts for inspections of ambulances, ambulettes, rotorcraft air ambulances, fixed wing air ambulances, and nontransport vehicles;

(12) Requirements for ambulances and nontransport vehicles used by licensed emergency medical service organizations, for ambulette vehicles used by licensed nonemergency medical service organizations, and for rotorcraft air ambulances or fixed wing air ambulances used by licensed air medical service organizations that specify for each type of vehicle or aircraft the types of equipment that must be carried, the communication systems that must be maintained, and the personnel who must staff the vehicle or aircraft;

(13) The level of care each type of emergency medical service organization, nonemergency medical service organization, and air medical service organization is authorized to provide;

(14) Eligibility requirements for employment as an ambulette driver, including grounds for disqualification due to the results of a motor vehicle law violation check, chemical test, or criminal records check. The rule may require that an applicant for employment as an ambulette driver provide a set of fingerprints to law enforcement authorities if the applicant comes under final consideration for employment.

(15) Any other rules that the board determines necessary for the implementation and enforcement of this chapter.

(B) In the rules for ambulances and nontransport vehicles adopted under division (A)(12) of this section, the board may establish requirements that vary according to whether the emergency medical service organization using the vehicles is licensed as a basic life-support, intermediate life-support, advanced life-support, or mobile intensive care unit organization.

(C) A mobile intensive care unit that is not dually certified to provide advanced life-support and meets the requirements of the rules adopted under this section is not required to carry immobilization equipment, including board splint kits, traction splints, backboards, backboard straps, cervical immobilization devices, cervical collars, stair chairs, folding cots, or other types of immobilization equipment determined by the board to be unnecessary for mobile intensive care units.

A mobile intensive care unit is exempt from the emergency medical technician staffing requirements of section 4765.43 of the Revised Code when it is staffed by at least one physician or registered nurse and another person, designated by a physician, who holds a valid license or certificate to practice in a health care profession, and when at least one of the persons staffing the mobile intensive care unit is a registered nurse whose training meets or exceeds the training required for a paramedic.

Section 4766.04 | License qualifications for basic life-support, intermediate life-support, or advanced life-support service organization.
 

(A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, unless a person is an emergency medical service organization licensed under division (B) or an air medical service organization licensed under division (D) of this section, no person shall engage in, or profess to engage in, the business or service in this state of providing emergency medical transportation to an individual who is experiencing a medical emergency.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, unless a person is a nonemergency medical service organization licensed under division (C) of this section, no person shall engage in, or profess to engage in, the business or service of providing nonemergency medical transportation to an individual who requires the use of a wheelchair or other mobility aid, and who is not experiencing a medical emergency, between any of the following locations:

(a) A hospital;

(b) An emergency department;

(c) A dialysis center;

(d) A long-term care facility, including a nursing home;

(e) A surgical facility;

(f) An inpatient rehabilitation facility;

(g) A memory care center;

(h) A health care practitioner's office;

(i) Any other licensed inpatient facility.

(B) To qualify for a license as a basic life-support, intermediate life-support, advanced life-support, or mobile intensive care unit organization, an emergency medical service organization shall do all of the following:

(1) Apply for a permit for each ambulance and nontransport vehicle owned or leased as provided in section 4766.07 of the Revised Code;

(2) Meet all requirements established in rules adopted by the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services regarding ambulances and nontransport vehicles, including requirements pertaining to equipment, communications systems, staffing, and level of care the particular organization is permitted to render;

(3) Maintain the appropriate type and amount of insurance as specified in section 4766.06 of the Revised Code;

(4) Meet all other requirements established under rules adopted by the board for the particular license.

(C) To qualify for a license to provide ambulette service, a nonemergency medical service organization shall do all of the following:

(1) Apply for a permit for each ambulette owned or leased as provided in section 4766.07 of the Revised Code;

(2) Meet all requirements established in rules adopted by the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services regarding ambulettes, including requirements pertaining to equipment, communication systems, staffing, and level of care the organization is permitted to render;

(3) Maintain the appropriate type and amount of insurance as specified in section 4766.06 of the Revised Code;

(4) Meet all other requirements established under rules adopted by the board for the license.

(D) To qualify for a license to provide air medical transportation, an air medical service organization shall do all of the following:

(1) Apply for a permit for each rotorcraft air ambulance and fixed wing air ambulance owned or leased as provided in section 4766.07 of the Revised Code;

(2) Meet all requirements established in rules adopted by the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services regarding rotorcraft air ambulances and fixed wing air ambulances, including requirements pertaining to equipment, communication systems, staffing, and level of care the organization is permitted to render;

(3) Maintain the appropriate type and amount of insurance as specified in section 4766.06 of the Revised Code;

(4) Meet all other requirements established under rules adopted by the board for the license.

(E) An emergency medical service organization that applies for a license as a basic life-support, intermediate life-support, advanced life-support, or mobile intensive care unit organization; a nonemergency medical service organization that applies for a license to provide ambulette service; or an air medical service organization that applies for a license to provide air medical transportation shall submit a completed application to the board, on a form provided by the board for each particular license, together with the appropriate fees established under section 4766.05 of the Revised Code. The application form shall include all of the following:

(1) The name and business address of the operator of the organization for which licensure is sought;

(2) The name under which the applicant will operate the organization;

(3) A list of the names and addresses of all officers and directors of the organization;

(4) For emergency medical service organizations and nonemergency medical service organizations, a description of each vehicle to be used, including the make, model, year of manufacture, mileage, vehicle identification number, and the color scheme, insignia, name, monogram, or other distinguishing characteristics to be used to designate the applicant's vehicle;

(5) For air medical service organizations using fixed wing air ambulances, a description of each aircraft to be used, including the make, model, year of manufacture, and aircraft hours on airframe;

(6) For air medical service organizations using rotorcraft air ambulances, a description of each aircraft to be used, including the make, model, year of manufacture, aircraft hours on airframe, aircraft identification number, and the color scheme, insignia, name, monogram, or other distinguishing characteristics to be used to designate the applicant's rotorcraft air ambulance;

(7) The location and description of each place from which the organization will operate;

(8) A description of the geographic area to be served by the applicant;

(9) Any other information the board, by rule, determines necessary.

(F) Within sixty days after receiving a completed application for licensure as a basic life-support, intermediate life-support, advanced life-support, or mobile intensive care unit organization; an ambulette service; or an air medical service organization, the board shall approve or deny the application. The board shall deny an application if it determines that the applicant does not meet the requirements of this chapter or any rules adopted under it. The board shall send notice of the denial of an application by certified mail to the applicant. The applicant may request a hearing within ten days after receipt of the notice. If the board receives a timely request, it shall hold a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(G) If an applicant or licensee operates or plans to operate an organization in more than one location under the same or different identities, the applicant or licensee shall apply for and meet all requirements for licensure or renewal of a license, other than payment of a license fee or renewal fee, for operating the organization at each separate location. An applicant or licensee that operates or plans to operate under the same organization identity in separate locations shall pay only a single license fee.

(H) An emergency medical service organization that wishes to provide ambulette services to the public must apply for a separate license under division (C) of this section.

(I) Each license issued under this section and each permit issued under section 4766.07 of the Revised Code expires one year after the date of issuance and may be renewed in accordance with the standard renewal procedures of Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code. An application for renewal shall include the license or permit renewal fee established under section 4766.05 of the Revised Code. An applicant for renewal of a permit also shall submit to the board proof of an annual inspection of the vehicle or aircraft for which permit renewal is sought. The board shall renew a license if the applicant meets the requirements for licensure and shall renew a permit if the applicant and vehicle or aircraft meet the requirements to maintain a permit for that vehicle or aircraft.

(J) Each licensee shall maintain accurate records of all service responses conducted. The records shall be maintained on forms prescribed by the board and shall contain information as specified by rule by the board.

Section 4766.05 | Fees.
 

(A) The state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services shall establish by rule a license fee, a permit fee for each ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, and nontransport vehicle owned or leased by the licensee that is or will be used as provided in section 4766.07 of the Revised Code, and fees for renewals of licenses and permits, taking into consideration the actual costs incurred by the board in carrying out its duties under this chapter. However, the fee for each license and each renewal of a license shall not exceed one hundred dollars, and the fee for each permit and each renewal of a permit shall not exceed one hundred dollars for each ambulance, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, and nontransport vehicle. The board shall determine by rule the fee, which shall not exceed fifty dollars, for each permit and each renewal of a permit for each ambulette. For purposes of establishing fees, "actual costs" includes the costs of salaries, expenses, inspection equipment, supervision, and program administration.

(B) The board shall deposit all fees and other moneys collected pursuant to sections 4766.04, 4766.07, and 4766.08 of the Revised Code in the state treasury to the credit of the trauma and emergency medical services fund, which is created by section 4513.263 of the Revised Code.

(C) The board, subject to the approval of the controlling board, may establish fees in excess of the maximum amounts allowed under division (A) of this section, but such fees shall not exceed those maximum amounts by more than fifty per cent.

Section 4766.06 | Liability insurance coverage.
 

(A)(1) Every emergency medical service organization and nonemergency medical service organization licensee under this chapter shall furnish adequate evidence of liability insurance coverage, in an amount of not less than five hundred thousand dollars per occurrence and not less than five hundred thousand dollars in the aggregate, for any cause for which the licensee would be liable.

(2) Every air medical service organization licensed under this chapter shall furnish adequate evidence of liability insurance coverage, in an amount not less than twenty million dollars per occurrence and not less than twenty million dollars in the aggregate, for any cause for which the licensee would be liable.

(B) In addition to the insurance requirements of division (A) of this section, every licensee shall carry bodily injury and property damage insurance with solvent and responsible insurers licensed to do business in this state for any loss or damage resulting from any occurrence arising out of or caused by the operation or use of any ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, or nontransport vehicle. The insurance shall insure each vehicle or aircraft for the sum of not less than one hundred thousand dollars for bodily injury to or death of any one person arising out of any one accident and the sum of not less than three hundred thousand dollars for bodily injury to or death of more than one person in any one accident and for the sum of fifty thousand dollars for damage to property arising from any one accident.

(C) Each policy or contract of insurance issued shall provide for the payment and satisfaction of any financial judgment entered against the licensee and any person operating the vehicle or aircraft and for a thirty-day cancellation notice to the board.

Section 4766.07 | Permit for ambulance and nontransport vehicle.
 

(A) Except as otherwise provided by rule of the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services, each emergency medical service organization, nonemergency medical service organization, and air medical service organization subject to licensure under this chapter shall possess a valid permit for each ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, and nontransport vehicle it owns or leases that is or will be used by the licensee to perform the services permitted by the license. Each licensee and license applicant shall submit the appropriate fee and an application for a permit for each ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, and nontransport vehicle to the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services on forms provided by the board. The application shall include documentation that the vehicle or aircraft meets the appropriate standards set by the board, that the vehicle or aircraft has been inspected pursuant to division (C) of this section, that the permit applicant maintains insurance as provided in section 4766.06 of the Revised Code, and that the vehicle or aircraft and permit applicant meet any other requirements established under rules adopted by the board.

The state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to authorize the temporary use of a vehicle or aircraft for which a permit is not possessed under this section in back-up or disaster situations.

(B)(1) Within forty-five days after receiving a completed application for a permit, the board shall issue or deny the permit. The board shall deny an application, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, if it determines that the permit applicant, vehicle, or aircraft does not meet the requirements of this chapter and the rules adopted under it that apply to permits for ambulances, ambulettes, rotorcraft air ambulances, fixed wing air ambulances, and nontransport vehicles. The board shall send notice of the denial of an application by certified mail to the permit applicant. The permit applicant may request a hearing within ten days after receipt of the notice. If the board receives a timely request, it shall hold a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(2) If the board issues the vehicle permit for an ambulance, ambulette, or nontransport vehicle, it also shall issue a decal, in a form prescribed by rule, to be displayed on the rear window of the vehicle. The board shall not issue a decal until all of the requirements for licensure and permit issuance have been met.

(3) If the board issues the aircraft permit for a rotorcraft air ambulance or fixed wing air ambulance, it also shall issue a decal, in a form prescribed by rule, to be displayed on the left fuselage aircraft window in a manner that complies with all applicable federal aviation regulations. The board shall not issue a decal until all of the requirements for licensure and permit issuance have been met.

(C) In addition to any other requirements that the board establishes by rule, a licensee or license applicant applying for an initial vehicle or aircraft permit under division (A) of this section shall submit to the board the vehicle or aircraft for which the permit is sought. Thereafter, a licensee shall annually submit to the board each vehicle or aircraft for which a permit has been issued.

(1) The board shall conduct a physical inspection of an ambulance, ambulette, or nontransport vehicle to determine its roadworthiness and compliance with standard motor vehicle requirements.

(2) The board shall conduct a physical inspection of the medical equipment, communication system, and interior of an ambulance to determine the operational condition and safety of the equipment and the ambulance's interior and to determine whether the ambulance is in compliance with one of the following:

(a) The federal requirements for ambulance construction that were in effect at the time the ambulance was manufactured, as specified by the general services administration in the various versions of its publication titled "federal specification for the star-of-life ambulance, KKK-A-1822 " ;

(b) A national standard for ambulance construction approved by the American national standards institute, "ANSI ", in effect at the time the ambulance was manufactured;

(c) A standard for ambulance construction approved by the commission on accreditation of ambulance services, "CAAS ", in effect at the time the ambulance was manufactured.

(3) The board shall conduct a physical inspection of the equipment, communication system, and interior of an ambulette to determine the operational condition and safety of the equipment and the ambulette's interior and to determine whether the ambulette is in compliance with state requirements for ambulette construction. The board shall determine by rule requirements for the equipment, communication system, interior, and construction of an ambulette.

(4) The board shall conduct a physical inspection of the medical equipment, communication system, and interior of a rotorcraft air ambulance or fixed wing air ambulance to determine the operational condition and safety of the equipment and the aircraft's interior.

(5) The board shall issue a certificate to the applicant for each vehicle or aircraft that passes the inspection and may assess a fee for each inspection, as established by the board.

(6) The board shall adopt rules regarding the implementation and coordination of inspections. The rules may permit the board to contract with a third party to conduct the inspections required of the board under this section.

Last updated October 4, 2023 at 3:56 PM

Section 4766.08 | Revocation of license or permit - deficiencies.
 

(A) The state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services, pursuant to an adjudication conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may suspend or revoke any license or permit or renewal thereof issued under this chapter for any one or combination of the following causes:

(1) Violation of this chapter or any rule adopted thereunder;

(2) Refusal to permit the board to inspect a vehicle or aircraft used under the terms of a permit or to inspect the records or physical facilities of a licensee;

(3) Failure to meet the ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, and nontransport vehicle requirements specified in this chapter or the rules adopted thereunder;

(4) Violation of an order issued by the board;

(5) Failure to comply with any of the terms of an agreement entered into with the board regarding the suspension or revocation of a license or permit or the imposition of a penalty under this section.

(B) If the board determines that the records, record-keeping procedures, or physical facilities of a licensee, or an ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, or nontransport vehicle for which a valid permit has been issued, do not meet the standards specified in this chapter and the rules adopted thereunder, the board shall notify the licensee of any deficiencies within thirty days of finding the deficiencies. If the board determines that the deficiencies exist and they remain uncorrected after thirty days, the board may suspend the license, vehicle permit, or aircraft permit. The licensee, notwithstanding the suspension under this division, may operate until all appeals have been exhausted.

(C) At the discretion of the board, a licensee whose license has been suspended or revoked under this section may be ineligible to be licensed under this chapter for a period of not more than three years from the date of the violation, provided that the board shall make no determination on a period of ineligibility until all the licensee's appeals relating to the suspension or revocation have been exhausted.

(D) The board may, in addition to any other action taken under this section and after a hearing conducted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, impose a penalty of not more than fifteen hundred dollars for any violation specified in this section. The attorney general shall institute a civil action for the collection of any such penalty imposed.

Section 4766.09 | Inapplicability of chapter.
 

This chapter does not apply to any of the following:

(A) A person rendering services with an ambulance in the event of a disaster situation when licensees' vehicles based in the locality of the disaster situation are incapacitated or insufficient in number to render the services needed;

(B) Any person operating an ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, or fixed wing air ambulance outside this state unless receiving a person within this state for transport to a location within this state;

(C) A publicly owned or operated emergency medical service organization and the vehicles it owns or leases and operates, except as provided in section 307.051, division (G) of section 307.055, division (F) of section 505.37, division (B) of section 505.375, and division (B)(3) of section 505.72 of the Revised Code;

(D) An ambulance, ambulette, rotorcraft air ambulance, fixed wing air ambulance, or nontransport vehicle owned or leased and operated by the federal government;

(E) A publicly owned and operated fire department vehicle;

(F) Emergency vehicles owned by a corporation and operating only on the corporation's premises, for the sole use by that corporation;

(G) An ambulance, nontransport vehicle, or other emergency medical service organization vehicle owned and operated by a municipal corporation;

(H) A motor vehicle titled in the name of a volunteer rescue service organization, as defined in section 4503.172 of the Revised Code;

(I) A public emergency medical service organization;

(J) A fire department, rescue squad, or life squad comprised of volunteers who provide services without expectation of remuneration and do not receive payment for services other than reimbursement for expenses;

(K) A private, nonprofit emergency medical service organization when fifty per cent or more of its personnel are volunteers, as defined in section 4765.01 of the Revised Code;

(L) Emergency medical service personnel who are regulated by the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services under Chapter 4765. of the Revised Code;

(M) Any of the following that operates a transit bus, as that term is defined in division (Q) of section 5735.01 of the Revised Code, unless the entity provides ambulette services that are reimbursed under the state medicaid plan:

(1) A public nonemergency medical service organization;

(2) An urban or rural public transit system;

(3) A private nonprofit organization that receives grants under section 5501.07 of the Revised Code.

(N)(1) An entity, to the extent it provides ambulette services, if the entity meets all of the following conditions:

(a) The entity is certified by the department of aging or the department's designee in accordance with section 173.391 of the Revised Code or operates under a contract or grant agreement with the department or the department's designee in accordance with section 173.392 of the Revised Code.

(b) The entity meets the requirements of section 4766.14 of the Revised Code.

(c) The entity does not provide ambulette services that are reimbursed under the state medicaid plan.

(2) A vehicle, to the extent it is used to provide ambulette services, if the vehicle meets both of the following conditions:

(a) The vehicle is owned by an entity that meets the conditions specified in division (N)(1) of this section.

(b) The vehicle does not provide ambulette services that are reimbursed under the state medicaid plan.

(O) A vehicle that meets both of the following criteria, unless the vehicle provides services that are reimbursed under the state medicaid plan:

(1) The vehicle was purchased with funds from a grant made by the United States secretary of transportation under 49 U.S.C. 5310;

(2) The department of transportation holds a lien on the vehicle.

(P) A taxicab or a vehicle providing transportation network company services that is operated by a transportation network company driver, unless transporting a person under the conditions requiring licensure specified in division (A) of section 4766.04 of the Revised Code.

(Q) A vehicle providing transportation services for a private adult day habilitation services company, unless transporting a person under the conditions requiring licensure specified in division (A) of section 4766.04 of the Revised Code. As used in division (Q) of this section, "adult day habilitation services" has the same meaning as in section 5126.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 4766.10 | Municipal licensing standards.
 

This chapter does not invalidate any ordinance or resolution adopted by a municipal corporation that establishes standards for the licensure of emergency medical service organizations as basic life-support, intermediate life-support, or advanced life-support service organizations that have their principal places of business located within the limits of the municipal corporation, as long as the licensure standards meet or exceed the standards established in this chapter and the rules adopted thereunder.

Emergency medical service organizations licensed by a municipal corporation are subject to the jurisdiction of the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services, but the fees they pay to the board for licenses, permits, and renewals thereof shall not exceed fifty per cent of the fee amounts established by the board pursuant to section 4766.03 of the Revised Code. The board may choose to waive the vehicle inspection requirements and inspection fees, but not the permit fees, for the vehicles of organizations licensed by a municipal corporation.

Section 4766.11 | Investigation of violations and complaints.
 

(A) The state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services may investigate alleged violations of this chapter or the rules adopted under it and may investigate any complaints received regarding alleged violations.

In addition to any other remedies available and regardless of whether an adequate remedy at law exists, the board may apply to the court of common pleas in the county where a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant thereto is occurring for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining a person from continuing to commit that violation. On a showing that a person has committed a violation, the court shall grant the injunction.

In conducting an investigation under this section, the board may issue subpoenas compelling the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records, and other documents pertaining to the investigation. If a person fails to obey a subpoena from the board, the board may apply to the court of common pleas in the county where the investigation is being conducted for an order compelling the person to comply with the subpoena. On application by the board, the court shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena from the court or a refusal to testify therein.

(B) The board may suspend a license issued under this chapter without a prior hearing if it determines that there is evidence that the license holder is subject to action under this section and that there is clear and convincing evidence that continued operation by the license holder presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public. The chairperson and executive director of the board shall make a preliminary determination and describe the evidence on which they made their determination to the board members. The board by resolution may designate another board member to act in place of the chairperson or another employee to act in place of the executive director in the event that the chairperson or executive director is unavailable or unable to act. Upon review of the allegations, the board, by the affirmative vote of a majority of its members, may suspend the license without a hearing.

Immediately following the decision by the board to suspend a license under this division, the board shall serve a written order of suspension in accordance with sections 119.05 and 119.07 of the Revised Code. If the license holder subject to the suspension requests an adjudication hearing by the board, the date set for the adjudication shall be within fifteen days but not earlier than seven days after the request unless another date is agreed to by the license holder and the board.

Any summary suspension imposed under this division remains in effect, unless reversed by the board, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order not less than ninety days after completion of its adjudication hearing. Failure to issue the order by that day shall cause the summary suspension order to end, but such failure shall not affect the validity of any subsequent final adjudication order.

Last updated October 4, 2023 at 3:56 PM

Section 4766.12 | County, township, joint ambulance district, or joint emergency medical services districts.
 

If a county, township, joint ambulance district, or joint emergency medical services district chooses to have the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services license its emergency medical service organizations and issue permits for its vehicles pursuant to this chapter, except as may be otherwise provided, all provisions of this chapter and all rules adopted by the board thereunder are fully applicable. However, a county, township, joint ambulance district, or joint emergency medical services district is not required to obtain any type of permit from the board for any of its nontransport vehicles.

Section 4766.13 | License and vehicle permits for emergency medical service organization regulated by another state.
 

The state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services, by endorsement, may license and issue vehicle permits to an emergency medical service organization or a nonemergency medical service organization that is regulated by another state. To qualify for a license and vehicle permits by endorsement, an organization must submit evidence satisfactory to the board that it has met standards in another state that are equal to or more stringent than the standards established by this chapter and the rules adopted under it.

Section 4766.14 | Ambulette service provider duties - drivers.
 

(A) An ambulette service provider described in division (M) or (N) of section 4766.09 of the Revised Code or the entity responsible for a vehicle described in division (O) of section 4766.09 of the Revised Code that provides ambulette services shall do all of the following:

(1) Make available to all its ambulette drivers while operating ambulette vehicles a means of two-way communication using either ambulette vehicle radios or cellular telephones;

(2) Equip every ambulette vehicle with one isolation and biohazard disposal kit that is permanently installed or secured in the vehicle's cabin;

(3) Before hiring an applicant for employment as an ambulette driver, obtain all of the following:

(a) A valid copy of a signed statement from a licensed physician acting within the scope of the physician's practice declaring that the applicant does not have a medical condition or physical condition, including vision impairment that cannot be corrected, that could interfere with safe driving, passenger assistance, and emergency treatment activity or could jeopardize the health and welfare of a client or the general public;

(b) All of the certificates and results required under divisions (A)(2), (3), and (4) of section 4766.15 of the Revised Code.

(B) No ambulette service provider described in division (M) or the (N) of section 4766.09 of the Revised Code or entity responsible for a vehicle described in division (O) of section 4766.09 of the Revised Code that provides ambulette services shall employ an applicant as an ambulette driver if the applicant has six or more points on the applicant's driving record pursuant to section 4510.036 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) Except as provided in division (C)(2) of this section, the department of aging shall administer and enforce this section.

(2) The department of transportation shall administer and enforce this section as it applies to entities described in division (M) of section 4766.09 of the Revised Code.

Section 4766.15 | Requirements for ambulette drivers.
 

(A) An applicant for employment as an ambulette driver with an organization licensed pursuant to this chapter shall submit proof to the organization of, or give consent to the employer to obtain, all of the following:

(1)(a) A valid driver's license issued pursuant to Chapter 4506. or 4507. of the Revised Code, or its equivalent, if the applicant is a resident of another state;

(b) A recent certified abstract of the applicant's record of convictions for violations of motor vehicle laws provided by the registrar of motor vehicles pursuant to section 4509.05 of the Revised Code, or its equivalent, if the applicant is a resident of another state.

(2)(a) A certificate of completion of a course in first aid techniques offered by the American red cross or an equivalent organization;

(b) A certificate of completion of a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or its equivalent, offered by an organization approved by the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services.

(3) The result of a chemical test or tests of the applicant's blood, breath, or urine conducted at a hospital or other institution approved by the board for the purpose of determining the alcohol, drug of abuse, controlled substance, or metabolite of a controlled substance content of the applicant's whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine;

(4) The result of a criminal records check conducted by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation.

(B) An organization may employ an applicant on a temporary provisional basis pending the completion of all of the requirements of this section. The length of the provisional period shall be determined by the board.

(C) An organization licensed pursuant to this chapter shall use information received pursuant to this section to determine in accordance with rules adopted by the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services under section 4766.03 of the Revised Code whether an applicant is disqualified for employment.

No applicant shall be accepted for permanent employment as an ambulette driver by an organization licensed pursuant to this chapter until all of the requirements of division (A) of this section have been met.

Section 4766.17 | Requirements for air medical service organization.
 

An air medical service organization licensed under this chapter that uses a rotorcraft or fixed wing air ambulance shall do both of the following:

(A) Use at a minimum a physician who holds a current, valid license issued under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code or registered nurse who holds a current, valid license issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, and a paramedic or one other person, designated by the medical director of the air medical service organization, who holds a current, valid certificate or license to practice a health care profession in this state;

(B) Employ as a medical director an individual who holds a current, valid license issued under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code authorizing the practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

Section 4766.22 | Annual report of state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services.
 

(A) Not later than forty-five days after the end of each fiscal year, the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services shall submit a report to the governor and general assembly that provides all of the following information for that fiscal year:

(1) The number of each of the following the board issued:

(a) Basic life-support organization licenses;

(b) Intermediate life-support organization licenses;

(c) Advanced life-support organization licenses;

(d) Mobile intensive care unit organization licenses;

(e) Ambulette service licenses;

(f) Air medical service organization licenses;

(g) Ambulance permits;

(h) Nontransport vehicle permits;

(i) Ambulette vehicle permits;

(j) Rotorcraft air ambulance permits;

(k) Fixed wing air ambulance permits.

(2) The amount of fees the board collected for issuing and renewing each type of license and permit specified in division (A)(1) of this section;

(3) The number of inspections the board or a third party on the board's behalf conducted in connection with each type of license and permit specified in division (A)(1) of this section and the amount of fees the board collected for the inspections;

(4) The number of complaints that were submitted to the board;

(5) The number of investigations the board conducted under section 4766.11 of the Revised Code;

(6) The number of adjudication hearings the board held and the outcomes of the adjudications;

(7) The amount of penalties the board imposed and collected under section 4766.08 of the Revised Code;

(8) Other information the board determines reflects the board's operations.

(B) The board shall post the annual report required by this section on its web site and make it available to the public on request.

Section 4766.23 | Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking.
 

The Ohio medical transportation board shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.

Section 4766.99 | Penalty.
 

Whoever violates division (A) of section 4766.04 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on each subsequent offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.