One primary requirement for non-emergency medical transportation brokers is the increased need for credentialing and the use of credentialing software. This means every provider company or individual working with this broker will need to show proof that credentials are valid and up-to-date.
When applying for a job, such as in retail or fast food service, licensing or job history will often be looked up to verify the information provided is accurate. Credentialing software is used to check the validity of the information entered into the system. Without the correct information, job offers are no longer presented.
The reliability check process is particularly relevant tо healthcare settings, where there is access to personal, private, and secure information. With sensitive information comes increased security, especially against credential stuffing cyberattacks. Credentialing software helps mitigate this risk.
Examples of Credentials
Credentials come in many forms, and the most common ones are:
Licensing
The official permission includes a license, such as a driver, EMT, or nurse. When proving, the authorized person may request either a hard copy or an official digital copy of the license. It’s important to highlight that many states now allow one to enter a driver’s license number and receive a digital copy directly from the issuing state authority.
Most credentialing software is adjusted to accept either a hard copy or digital copy, making it easy to ensure that the credential is valid.
Certifications and Training
In addition to licenses, many professions require additional certifications or specialized training to provide transportation benefits to their members. NEMT enables eligible members and participants to arrive safely and on time to their medical appointments, the pharmacy, urgent care, or the hospital. For that purpose, certifications for defensive driving, disability awareness, passenger assistance, and proper wheelchair securement are often required.
Background Checks
In addition to having the required certifications and licenses, it is equally essential to ensure that driver and company personnel have clean background checks. Some background checks are done by completing a simple form, while others require fingerprints.
Considering the services NEMT professionals provide, some checks are required by the state, and others require a full FBI fingerprint background check. It is not uncommon for complete background checks to be required for all personnel and the company.
Federal Exclusion Lists and National Accreditation
All companies, owners, and operators are required to review the Official U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM) and Exclusion Lists to ensure those receiving federal funding (Medicaid, Medicare) have not previously been involved with fraud or abuse in former.
The Certified Transport Specialist (CTS) is a nationally accredited program for the NEMT professional offered through the NEMT Accreditation Commission since 2019. Its purpose is to enhance service delivery and improve the safety of NEMT services. CTS is a certification program specially created for NEMT professionals to receive specialized education for safely transporting ambulatory individuals. After completing the course, each student gets a CTS patch, a vehicle decal, and a national certificate for professional transportation specialists.
Getting Started with Credentialing
Providing all required credentials for drivers and personnel is crucial for ensuring that only the highest quality of care and service is provided. This process is an essential part of non-emergency medical transportation management.
Additional documents may still be required after producing the necessary licensing, certifications, and background checks. For example, school transcripts, work references, and credit scores could be needed for some transportation services. Credentialing software allows agencies to be nimble in adjusting to changing requirements.
The more information available when selecting drivers, the better. There should never be any question about if they’re the best person for your business.
