Page 49 - 2021 MHA Start-up Guide

Funding restrictions
Mobile healthcare vehicles cost, on average, about $500,000 US, and
another $400,000 to $500,000 US a year to equip staff and operate. Revisit your
So, before you make this significant purchase, check your funding
agreements to ensure that there are no limitations on the funds operations checklist
that could impact your program . For example, certain grant pro- every few months to update
grams mandate that funds be used for specific clinical needs, like it based on learnings
mental health . A sample budget is located in Appendix A .
and changes to
Vehicle design and code compliance your Program.

Local contractors should already be up to date on code compliance
for your vehicle build . Just make sure that they have the relevant in-
formation, e .g ., where you’ll be operating, for how long, with what kind
of weight, etc . If your manufacturer is out of state, province or country, however, double check
to make sure they’re working within the bounds of your local codes, including voltage, propane
usage and storage, lighting, number of axles, air brake requirements, handicapped access, etc.

Mobile vehicle operations, vendor relations and equipment maintenance

Your vehicle will consist of an engine and chassis that is manufactured by one entity in all likeli-
hood and the body and fitments and equipment will be a constructed and fitted compilation by
your selected vendor . There may well be multiple suppliers each with a separate warranty . This
means you need to be aware of each supplier and if they are covering different items for example
your fridge or connectivity equipment. Ensure you build a good relationship with your main man-
ufacturer and fully understand if they are giving you a full-service option or you are on your own
to deal with individual suppliers .

Make sure you can answer the following:

• Do you know your vehicle warranty stipulations?

• Has your vehicle passed safety inspections, and is it carrying the necessary State or Pro-
vincial approval tags?

• Do you know your weigh station requirements?

• Who’s in charge of making sure you stay up to date on equipment warranties, biomedical
re-certifications and X-ray protection compliance?

• Who’s checking onboard pharmaceutical supplies for expiration dates and temperature
regulation? If you carry narcotics is there an approved safe?

• What are optimal infection control protocols for the walls, surfaces, upholstery and cur-
tains on your vehicle?

• Who inspects the vehicle prior to any trip? (Tip: Consider creating a checklist of pre-trip
inspection tasks for your driver which can be reviewed with the entire team on a weekly
basis. You can find an example of these checklists in the Appendix.B)

MOBILE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION 47