An ambulance service may provide scheduled pre-hospital or inter-facility transport of patients, including physically or mentally impaired patients or non-ambulatory patients, who require the attending care and monitoring of qualified medical personnel. Only certified ambulances shall transport recumbent patients requiring medical monitoring. An ambulance service providing such service shall:

1. A. provide at least one EMT of the appropriate service level and one qualified driver; the EMT shall be in the patient compartment attending the patient whenever a patient is being cared for or transported.

2. B. Stretcher or wheelchair vans: A stretcher or wheelchair van may be used to transport a person who is:

   1. (1) Non-ambulatory and requires non-emergency medical transportation

      and does not require medical monitoring or treatment during transport.

   2. (2) An inpatient who requires transportation to another facility for diagnostic tests and a physician authorizes the use of a stretcher van.

3. C. A stretcher van or wheelchair van shall not transport a person who:

   1. (1) Is being administered intravenous fluids;
   2. (2) Needs oxygen, unless that person’s physician has prescribed oxygen as a self-administered therapy;
   3. (3) Needs suctioning;
   4. (4) Has a visible injury not yet evaluated by a medical professional;
   5. (5) Is experiencing an acute condition or the exacerbation of a chronic condition;

   6. (6) Needs to be transported from one hospital to another hospital if the destination hospital is

      the same level or a higher level as the hospital of origin.

   7. (7) Is being medically monitored at the sending facility and will continue to be medically

      monitored at the destination facility.

[18.3.14.19 NMAC - Rp, 18.3.14.20 NMAC, 7/1/2024]