Why Continuing Education Matters for Experienced NEMT Drivers
The "non-emergency medical transportation" ("NEMT") sector is undergoing a radical change. The expectations placed on these NEMT drivers have never been higher and with an aging population driving demand, along with credentialing standards tightening across the board, demand for NEMT drivers has increased. When an experienced driver has been behind the wheel for years, the issue isn't if he/she can do the job, but if he/she is holding up his/her skills and abilities to industry standards as they change. Continuing education is not simply a checklist! It's necessary for a professional reason that serves the passengers, maintains careers and preserves the entire NEMT system.
The Evolving Landscape of NEMT Regulations
Healthcare transportation is subject to a myriad of federal, state and broker specific laws and regulations, and these laws tend to change frequently and with little warning. The Americans With Disabilities Act provides guidelines for accessibility and equal treatment with regard to wheelchairs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are responsible for determining the process of authorizing, documenting and reimbursing trips. The requirements for vehicle licensing, vehicle standards and driver certification vary from area to area and are constantly being changed. The standards for broker credentialing are also becoming more specific and more important – providers must create and maintain driver qualification files and be able to demonstrate that they are delivering training that is NEMTAC-aligned. If these changes have come about in the years since this type of certification was first provided, it may leave a compliance hole for an experienced driver, which could lead to problems for both the driver and employer.
Building Professional Credibility and Career Longevity
Continuing education offers great opportunities to promote the careers of experienced NEMT drivers. This Certified Transport Specialist training is the first nationally accredited training for NEMT drivers and is recognized by all of the major brokers such as Modivcare, SafeRide Health and MTM. It is the gold standard of excellence, and provides drivers with the essential skills and knowledge they need to be successful. By learning, the driver is proving himself to be a professional and will stand out in the many different drivers available to them. Furthermore, NEMT recertification training is becoming more prominent in the broker requests for proposals (RFPs) and a differentiating factor. No matter how many years a driver has in driving experience, he or she could have his/her certifications revoked and not be able to work with preferred brokers.
Protecting Passenger Safety Through Ongoing Education
The emphasis of all quality NEMTs is safety. It is also essential to have patient assistance. The drivers need to have the appropriate skills to assist a person who is limited in mobility, to properly secure a wheelchair and to prevent injuries when transferring a person. These are all little things that can make a big difference to an unprotected passenger. The NEMTAC standard calls for all drivers to be involved in defensive driving training before they are first assigned to solo transport, and for drivers to undergo periodic training and evaluation to keep them on top of their game and re-certified every three years or sooner. This is a recognition that skills deteriorate with time and that frequent recertification training in NEMT is the most effective means of providing experienced drivers with regular refreshment in order to help them maintain the highest standards of competence expected by passengers.
Understand meeting requirements for participants
Continuing education of some kind is a must for the NEMT industry for a variety of financial reasons. The requirements for credentialing have become more specific and if a broker does not meet the requirements specific to the broker, he/she will be denied trips regardless of state Medicaid enrollee status. The trips a driver would make will be offered to someone else if the driver is not CPR-certified or if the background check is expired. Recertification training for NEMT turns into an issue of income protection rather than professional development. Regular recertification also aids drivers in keeping the records needed for broker audits and if they get to the point of having to recertify, all the necessary paperwork will be in place and up-to-date.
Improving the CX and Trust of the Customer and Patient
Patient transportation is a job of service like a job as driving as well. Whether a driver speaks, listens and responds in an effective manner or not will dictate how a passenger feels throughout often a stressful day. Communication training assists drivers to communicate clearly about delays and patiently respond to questions. Compassion is also important and for those who are sick, anxious or in pain, their rider should be. A friendly and courteous attitude can make it a comfort to be there. Continuing education trains drivers to meet the needs of customers with various mobility needs, including customers who use walkers, or those who need complete assistance in a wheelchair. These “soft skills” are reinforced along with the driver's technical skills when he or she takes part in recurring NEMT recertification training. This approach is more compassionate, patient and centered, which fosters loyalty and consistent referrals.
The adjustment to Technological change
Today's NEMT tools are ones that weren't available 10 years ago. GPS fleet management allows operators to monitor vehicles on the move, drivers' actions, and quickly adjust plans when they need to. These technologies, such as electronic logging, mobile dispatch apps and digital documentation systems are now a part of everyday life. Those who have been driving for a while and don't want to get used to these new technologies are in danger of getting left behind. New drivers are growing up with these tools, and they are a focus of continuing education programs, making it easier for seasoned drivers to get up and running with them.
This has been an interest of mine for a while
The NEMT industry is projected to grow considerably in the next few years and there will be even more competition between NEMT providers. Under this scenario, those who will do well will see education as a never-ending process, not a one-off exercise. Drivers keep their skills fresh and operators competitive through continuing education. Continuous learning for providers makes for improved passenger care and enhanced reputations for companies. A long and successful driving career is most likely a matter of:
Conclusion
Experienced NEMT drivers don't have to put up with administrative hassles when it comes to continuing education. It's a good professional practice and a strategic benefit. Continuous learning can have an impact on the regulatory requirements, safety of passengers, future employment prospects, and customer satisfaction of the NEMT industry. Certifications expire, skills go away and industry standards change over time. In an industry that requires nothing less than excellence, NEMT recertification training assures experienced drivers to remain competent, confident and competitive. Those drivers who seek out continuing education will not only keep their passengers, and their careers safe, but they'll pave the way for the future of the NEMT industry with higher standards and increased trust.
