Page 55 - 2021 MHA Start-up Guide
P. 55

Basic Vehicle Design Considerations
           Designing your mobile health vehicle is a balancing act between budget, client needs, staff needs
           and regulatory requirements. The details will be important and extensive here. It’s easy to get
           lost in cabinetry options, but before you do that, make sure you have the big decisions made .
           In this section we’ll go over some basic design considerations, but a longer list is available on
           Mobile Healthcare Association’s website in the members only section and in the handouts from
           the pre-conference Intensive Training Course at the National Mobile Health Clinics Conference .

           The Basics
               •  What is your budget for design, build and maintenance?

               •  Are you purchasing a new or used vehicle?
                      •  If used, what minimum conditions must the vehicle meet?

               •  How frequently will the vehicle be in use?
                      •  Have you accounted for rising maintenance cost with more frequent use?

               •  Must your vehicle be outfitted for special needs clients?
                      •  Are there programs you can access to support the cost of accessibility?

               •  Will you be offering imaging, primary care, dental care or some aspect of specialty care
                  with its own specific equipment or space and privacy requirements?

               •  What type of geography does your service area have?
                      •  Is it flat, mountainous, desert?
                      •  How far will you have to travel to serve clients?

               •  Will you use diesel, gasoline or propane to fuel the vehicle?

               •  Will the vehicle require shore power once parked?

               •  What regulations do you have to meet?

               •  How long will the vehicle need to last?
                      •  Will you amortize the vehicle cost over a lifespan of 15 years?
                      •  Or will you purchase a used vehicle for less, understanding it will have a shorter
                         lifespan?
                      •  Can you retrofit an existing vehicle?

               •  Will you need a commercial vehicle with a substantial frame or a recreational vehicle with
                  a lighter frame and body?

               •  What size vehicle do you need and what vehicle class best supports that?
                      •  Does your vehicle require a CDL or Class 1 license based on size or other feature,
                         like air brakes?

               •  What recycling measures do you plan to incorporate for waste disposal, including brown
                  and grey water disposal?





           MOBILE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION                                                                       53
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