1. (1) Definition

   1. (a) Fixed wing (FW) air ambulance is the transportation by a fixed wing aircraft that is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a fixed wing air ambulance and the provision of medically necessary services and supplies.
   2. (b) Rotary Wing (RW) air ambulance is the transportation by a helicopter that is certified by the FAA as a rotary wing ambulance, including the provision of medically necessary supplies and services.

2. (2) Planning Policy

   1. (a) An applicant applying for an air ambulance service must identify a specific service area and any/all existing providers of air ambulance services in the proposed service area.
   2. (b) The applicant must provide documentation of the aircraft selection and the reasons for the selection of that type of aircraft.
   3. (c) A copy of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Charter Certificate and documentation of the approved specifications for air ambulance operations for the proposed aircraft must be provided.
   4. (d) The applicant must project the number of estimated transports within the proposed service area and the estimated population and hospital facilities that will be served.  Patient transport configurations must also be included.
   5. (e) The applicant must give a description of the proposed base or operations center and the ability to provide air ambulance services on a 24 hour per day, seven-day per week basis, identifying the means to access and communicate with the air ambulance personnel on duty.
   6. (f) The impact of the proposed service on existing services, and the basis for analysis should be assessed and considered. The applicant must provide a statement about the impact the proposed service is expected to have on any air ambulance service within seventy-five (75) miles.

Author: Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC)

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §22-21-260(4).

History: New Rule: Filed October 18, 2004; effective November 22, 2004. Amended (SHP Year Only): Filed December 2, 2014; effective January 6, 2015. Repealed and New Rule: Published March 31, 2020; effective May 15, 2020. Repealed and New Rule: Published April 30, 2024; effective June 14, 2024.