Secure Transportation Licensing and Permitting

In 2021, the Colorado legislature passed HB21-1085. It requires all counties to have a licensing program for secure transportation services.

These services provide voluntary, urgent (but not medical, emergency, or police) transportation to treatment facilities for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. They are a required benefit of the state's Medicaid program, under HB21-1085.

Individuals or businesses that provide secure transportation services within Larimer County must be approved through Behavioral Health Services for licenses and permits. Larimer County does not directly fund or operate these services.

It can take several weeks to get an application ready for submission. Extensive requirements are in place to support the safety of all involved in these services. Review the state statute and Larimer County's Secure Transportation policy to make sure this is a good fit before starting the process.

State Standards for Secure Transportation
Larimer County Secure Transportation Policy

License and Permit Application Requirements

Once a completed application is received, it takes about 30 days to issue the license and permit(s). A complete application consists of the following requirements and MUST be submitted in a single submission via email/mail.

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The following documents must be completed and submitted to Larimer County Behavioral Health Services for review:

  • Application for Secure Transportation Service License (new or renewal)
  • Application for Secure Transportation Vehicle Permit (new or renewal; submit within two days of the application for license)
  • Attestation Form - Detailed checklist for applying
  • Area to be serviced by the secure transportation service (a map must be included)
  • Manager Contact Information and Qualifications
  • Ownership Information
  • Documentation that the applicant's staff training procedures comply with the requirements (background checks, minimum staff training, etc.)
  • List of the location(s) of the secure transportation service headquarters, substation(s), office(s), secure transportation post(s) or other locations from which it is intended to operate the secure transportation service
    • Certificate of occupancy or other documentation that the applicant’s premises were found to be in compliance with applicable local requirements
  • Copy of a written policy and procedure manual, operational protocols, medical protocols (if applicable), training procedures, or other relevant documents.
  • Copy of Quality Management Program
  • Copies of the applicant's written client rights that comply with the requirements
  • For class A secure transportation services, attestation that the applicant has policies and procedures that comply with the requirements
  • Any known or alleged complaints or violations of the secure transportation service licensing regulations by the secure transportation service or its individual staff members within the state during the most recent twelve (12) months and the resolution of each such complaint or violation.
  • Proof of general liability and applicable professional liability insurance coverage, as set forth in 6 CCR 1011-4 Part 3.3 (6).
    • Liability insurance for injuries in the amount of $1,000,000 for each individual claim
    • Liability insurance in the amount of $3,000,000 for all claims made against the secure transportation service or against its personnel from an insurance company authorized to write liability insurance in Colorado
    • Liability insurance coverage to the maximum extent required by Section 24-10-114, C.R.S., as applicable, if the secure transportation service is granted qualified immunity under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Section 24-10-101, et seq., C.R.S.
  • Proof of a minimum level of worker's compensation consistent with the Colorado Worker's Compensation Act in Articles 40 to 47 of Title 8, C.R.S., as amended.
  • Payment of applicable fees
  • Vehicle documentation (required for each vehicle)

License Classifications
Class A: Services that may use physical restraint during secure transport
Class B: Services that shall not use physical restraint during secure transport

Permit Classifications
Type 1: Vehicle with a safety partition that separates the driver from the passenger compartment
Type 2: Non-partitioned vehicle

Each vehicle used by a licensed secure transportation service is required to have a valid County-issued permit for the vehicle, as of Jan. 1, 2023. 

Permits are valid for one year and have the following two types of permitting options: 

  • Type 1 -vehicle with a safety partition that separates the driver from the passenger compartment; or
  • Type 2 -non-partitioned vehicle. 

Requirements for Licensing: 

1. All client and crew vehicle safety standards must be followed. 

2. All vehicles must demonstrate proof of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards on the date of manufacture. 

3. All vehicles must undergo routine vehicle maintenance and periodic checks in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. 

4. All vehicles must have the following safety features: 

  • Four doors;
  • Ligature risk reduction measures;
  • Child safety and window safety locks;
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking;
  • Occupant protection, including seat belts, supplemental inflatable restraints, and child safety seats (as applicable);
  • Cabin temperature control and ventilation system;
  • Be absent any foreign items or instruments in the secured area that may be used to inflict harm; and Page 7                                                                          
  • Mirror for monitoring the client or capability for visual observation of the client. 

5. If a Type 1 vehicle with a safety partition that separates the driver from the passenger compartment is being used for the secure transportation service, then the vehicle must have the following additional safety features: 

  • Permanent installation of all safety partitions; and
  • For vehicles with a cargo area, a safety partition must also be installed that separates the passenger compartment from the cargo area 

6. All vehicles must be equipped with the following: 

  • First aid kit;
  • Fire extinguisher;
  • Wireless two-way communication (public safety radio, commercial land mobile radio, or wireless telephone);
  • Biohazard bag;
  • Personal protective equipment for each occupant as per public health recommendations; and
  • Map of service area

7. If a licensed secure transportation service utilizes physical restraint as part of its services, the vehicle shall additionally be equipped with the following: Automated external defibrillator (AED); 

  • Non-metal, soft posey-type restraints; and
  • Device intended to prevent a client from spitting or biting that does not restrict the client's airway or breathing ability and does not pose a ligature risk.

License (service): Valid for three years
Permit (vehicle): Valid for one year

  • License application fee: $300
  • Vehicle Permit application fee: $50 (per vehicle)
  • License renewal fee: $150
  • Vehicle Permit renewal fee: $25 (per vehicle)

If you have a complaint or concern about a business licensed in Larimer County to provide secure transportation services, complete a Complaint Form. The following steps are part of Larimer County's investigation process: 

  • Complaint received by Larimer County Behavioral Health Services
  • Behavioral Health Services staff complete initial review of complaint, within five business days, of receipt to determine if a rule violation occurred.
  • If allegation of violation is outside purview of the Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County, it shall be returned to the person who filed the complaint for referral to the appropriate authority or jurisdiction.
  • If initial review determines a violation occurred, Behavioral Health Services adds complaint (with summary) to an agenda for a public Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County meeting.
  • Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County reviews complaint and determines if a full investigation is warranted.
  • Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County notifies complainant in writing that:
    • Allegation lacks sufficient basis to warrant investigation,
    • Complaint doesn't constitute a violation of the rules,
    • Allegation is sufficient to warrant a full investigation, and
    • Licensee cures violation.
  • Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County notifies the secure transportation service of the alleged violation in writing.
  • If found to be a violation, the Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County commences action against the secure transportation service to suspend or revoke a license or permit; or provides a reasonable period for the licensee to cure violation/implement corrective measures.
  • Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County decides to temporarily suspend license or permit and provides service with written notice of suspension and notice of public hearing
  • Following notice to licensee and a public hearing, the Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County suspends (for a specific period of time) or revokes license or permit.

FAQs

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  1. If approved for a secure transportation license in Larimer County, can I provide secure transportation services outside of Larimer County?

    No. If you want to be able to provide secure transportation services in the Denver area, for example, you must obtain a license from the City and County of Denver. Each jurisdiction manages its own license and permitting program.

  2. Why are there so many requirements to obtain a license and permit?

    Safety and security of those involved with any part of secure transportation services -- think the driver and riders -- is a top priority. State law and Larimer County policy outline the requirements to obtain a license and permit and are designed to support the safety of all.

Questions?

Email bhs@larimer.org. As a reminder, please email all required application materials in one message.