Driver Testing Software for Your NEMT Business

Good driver performance is vital in the non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) industry. This ensures safe transport for all passengers and needed emergency care for patients on the road. 

How should NEMT providers assess the skills and qualifications of their drivers to ensure top-notch performance on all trips?

First, basic professional requirements must be met: driving licenses, vehicle permits, and other certifications that show the driver’s capacity to complete the job. NEMT providers also require drivers to be trained in basic life-saving skills and emergency medical care. 

Contents:

• Requirements for NEMT Drivers
• Requirements for NEMT Providers
• Using NEMT Software for Managing Drivers 
• How Random Drug Testing Software Works 
• How to Monitor Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Types of Drug Testing for Drivers. What type of drug testing does driver solutions do?
• Use the Right Software to Monitor Your Drivers

Requirements for NEMT Drivers

Drivers who want to work in the NEMT industry must meet certain qualifications, such as a clean driving record and experience in the healthcare industry. 

Here are some requirements for drivers who want to work in the NEMT industry:

Valid Driver’s License

The driver must have a valid driver’s license. Some states require valid licenses specifically in the state they intend to operate. 

Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) 

MVR checks help operators review the full driving history and violations committed by an applicant. These include DUI cases and other offenses. 

Most operators prefer a clean record or, at most, a record penalty of two (2) minor offenses.  

Health Certification

The driver must prove they have a clean bill of health. 

Criminal Background Check

Providers should conduct a criminal background check on all applicants. This ensures they will only hire reliable drivers with impeccable character who will look after their passengers' safety. 

Insurance Coverage 

The driver should have full automobile insurance coverage that does not exempt carrying passengers.

Negative Drug Screenings

Drug tests ensure the safety of passengers at all times, no matter which driver they are assigned on their trip. Testing also enhances the safety and productivity of the general workplace.

Requirements for NEMT Providers

NEMT providers must also meet certain requirements related to their group of drivers. The operator should ensure the following:

• A sufficient number of qualified drivers to drive their vehicles;
• Drivers meet all requirements to operate the specific vehicles as required in the NEMT industry; 
• All drivers meet the certification and training requirements;
• All drivers meet vehicle insurance, inspection, and safety requirements;
• All drivers must pass the Passenger Service and Safety (PASS) Trainer and Driver Course. This industry-standard requirement ensures drivers and other attendants know how to transport passengers correctly and safely.

Using NEMT Software for Managing Drivers 

Using NEMT software is an efficient way to manage drivers and keep track of licenses, permits, training, and certifications they have completed. It also keeps track of their overall performance and collects passenger reviews and comments. 

Software like RouteGenie helps companies run their transport businesses through document tracking and team management. Providers can store digital copies of documents and use automation to inform HR of licenses, certifications, and vehicle registration that might expire soon.  

The software can also help your HR team go through driver profiles. The automation and tracking system can be customized to include onboarding paperwork, check certifications, and track the application process to ensure that all drivers meet all requirements. 

Once you’ve hired a new driver, you can use the software to monitor their daily performance. Via NEMT passenger app MobiMate RouteGenie gives passengers the capability to rate drivers and helps drivers schedule trips and track their trips. The system also uses metrics such as on-time performance and driver testing to monitor how drivers are doing on the road. 

How Random Drug Testing Software Works 

Why is drug testing important in the workplace? It helps companies ensure that drivers are completing their tasks responsibly and maintaining the safety of their passengers. Operators can explore random drug testing via software. 

So how does random drug testing software work?  

NEMT business owners and providers can use software to automate random drug testing and record the results accurately. Drivers will not feel targeted as the system uses a randomizer to select a random employee to take the drug or alcohol test at an unspecified time. 

Operators can easily record and review the screening results in the system. You could then check which drivers are not clean and do what is needed to protect passengers and improve your services. 

How to Monitor Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing

How to monitor driver drug and alcohol testing? The results of a driver’s drug and alcohol screening test should be recorded in your software. The software will maintain all driver records, and you can easily access past tests and compliance results to evaluate your drivers’ histories. 

The database can help you monitor which drivers have continually met all of your requirements. It will also help you single out drivers failing to meet safety standards. 

You can share the caliber of your drivers’ services with your passengers, partners, and teams. This can improve company morale and boost your brand image. It can build up your company as a safe transport provider that cares for its passengers’ safety. 

Types of Drug Testing for Drivers. What type of drug testing does driver solutions do?

There are three types of tests that drivers need to complete for a drug and alcohol screening. They all ensure that the driver is clear of any addictive substance: 

Urine Testing

A urine test can indicate if the subject has substance abuse problems or ingesting alcohol during working hours. 

There are two types of urine tests:

• Immunoassay - an affordable test that produces results within 24 hours
• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry - a follow-up test completed to confirm the results of an immunoassay. The results can take longer to be finalized.

Process:

Urine tests are often conducted in a special room or bathroom. This is the step-by-step process:

• The person will leave their belongings in another area as they take the test. Pockets are emptied, and they will only take the specimen cup with them into the testing area.
• The technician will explain how to collect the urine mid-flow. 
• The person goes into the testing area to collect the sample. They must provide at least 45 ml in the cup.
• Once completed, the technician will measure and seal the sample. They will maintain visual contact until the sample is packaged. 

Oral Fluid Drug Testing

This test uses saliva samples to determine if a person has ingested a drug or opioid within 48 hours or as early as 30 minutes of use. The oral fluid test is used to check compounds found in the tongue. 

The results are released within 24 hours of submitting the specimen to a laboratory. If confirmation testing is needed, the results can be delivered within 72 hours.

Though the test is quick and non-invasive, it can be affected by food consumption and even the physiology of the person. 

Process:

• The person is given the collection device. It contains an absorbent pad that is placed inside their mouth. 
• The person must provide the required amount of saliva. Some devices have an indicator of how much saliva is needed for the test. 
• Once the device is filled, the pad is packed in a buffer and sent to the lab. 

Synthetic Testing

This test detects traces of synthetic drugs in the body, such as stimulants (meth, cocaine) and cannabinoids (chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana). Often synthetic testing uses a hair sample. 

It is considered the best indicator of drug use because hair maintains substance traces for up to 90 days. This test gives operators and companies a better perspective of an employee’s behavior and for how long a substance was used. 

Hair testing is conducted under supervision and is not considered an invasion of privacy. Drivers only have to give a small sample which is then packed and sent to the lab for testing.

The results are available within 48 to 72 hours. If a positive result requires confirmation, another 72 hours are needed. Hair testing is considered very reliable, as it cannot be changed or cheated. 

Use the Right Software to Monitor Your Drivers

The NEMT industry prides itself on safety and security. Providers must assure passengers that their vehicles and drivers meet the basic requirements for safe transport. That means completing all health certifications and drug testing requirements.

As an NEMT provider, you know that non-emergency medical transportation software is the best way to manage your drivers. Your passengers will feel safe, and your drivers will be certified clean and responsible.