NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 18
4 min read

PROVIDING SAFE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR DAILY LIVING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Non-Medical Transportation Services in North Dakota help individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges access essential community services, employment, social activities, and other non-medical destinations. These services are vital for maintaining independence and active community participation. Non-Medical Transportation Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Non-Medical Transportation Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)

Role: Provides oversight of transportation safety standards and vehicle regulations.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Non-Medical Transportation Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Non-Medical Transportation Services provide reliable transportation to help individuals access community activities, employment, social events, and essential services not related to medical care.

Approved providers may deliver:

Community Access Transportation: Rides to social events, recreational activities, and community programs.
Employment Transportation: Reliable transit to and from workplaces or vocational training centers.
Educational Access: Transportation to educational facilities, workshops, or training sessions.
Personal Errands: Assisting with trips to grocery stores, banks, or other essential errands.
Social and Recreational Trips: Enabling participation in group outings and leisure activities.
Escort and Assistance: Providing physical support for boarding and exiting vehicles.
Trip Scheduling: Coordinating transportation based on individual schedules and needs.
Safety Monitoring: Ensuring passenger safety during transit.
Accessibility Features: Offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and support for individuals with mobility challenges.
Documentation: Maintaining trip logs, mileage records, and service reports.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Non-Medical Transportation provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).
Maintain general liability, professional liability, and vehicle insurance.
Develop policies for transportation safety, trip scheduling, and vehicle maintenance.
Ensure drivers complete required background checks, health screenings, and defensive driving training.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Non-Medical Transportation Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, transportation policies, and driver training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including vehicle safety protocols, driver qualifications, and passenger assistance methods.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Non-Medical Transportation Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (North Dakota Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general, professional liability, and vehicle insurance
Non-Medical Transportation Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Trip planning and scheduling procedures
- Safety protocols for passenger support and mobility assistance
- Driver credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Vehicle maintenance logs and safety inspection documentation
- Documentation standards for trip tracking and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, passenger rights, and grievance handling
- Emergency response and accident reporting protocols
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business management, logistics, or a related field; experience in transportation coordination and compliance management.

Role: Drivers/Transportation Specialists

Requirements: Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger endorsement; defensive driving certification; experience in transporting individuals with disabilities.

Role: Transportation Coordinators

Requirements: Experience in scheduling, logistics, and trip planning; background clearance.

All staff must complete: