(1) Department forensic clients shall be transported separately from Department of Corrections felons who are being transported to and from correctional facilities.
    (2) All transportation provided shall be consistent with the needs of clients and the condition of clients being transported, as specified by the sending facility. Any company contracting with the governing board of a county to transport forensic clients shall comply with requirements to ensure the safety and dignity of the client. Such requirements shall be specified in the contract and shall include, but not be limited to the following:
    (a) All transport vehicles will be equipped with a type 1A10BC fire extinguisher, seat belts, and two-way communication radio.
    (b) Staff having the responsibility for transporting clients shall be trained, experienced, and otherwise qualified to transport mentally ill persons. This training shall include, but not be limited to, the training approved by the department for law enforcement officers involved with the care and handling of clients under chapter 394, F.S.
    (c) A minimum of two staff members shall be used in the transporting of clients.
    (d) Staff members transporting forensic clients shall not wear firearms in the vehicle.
    (e) The length of time for transporting clients shall not exceed 12 hours per day.
    (f) Rest stops shall be made at regular intervals during the transporting of clients.
    (g) Clients shall be dressed in appropriate seasonal attire.
    (h) Nutritious meals shall be provided at appropriate times during the transporting of clients.
    (i) Physical restraints, such as canvas cuffs, shall be used only when necessary to protect the clients from injury to themselves or others.
    (j) All staff members who accompany clients shall have knowledge of techniques in handling volatile clients.
    (k) Any driver of a vehicle used in transporting mental health clients shall have a valid Florida Class E (non-commercial) license when operating a vehicle designed to transport 15 or fewer individuals including the driver. The Class C commercial license will be needed when operating a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 pounds designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver. When passengers are transported in a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more a Class B commerical license with a Passenger endorsement will be needed. All drivers will be responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate licenses and endorsements.
    (l) Any vehicle used in transporting clients shall be maintained and operated in accordance with chapter 916, F.S., and in a manner that protects the clients’ rights, dignity, and physical safety.
    (m) The number of persons in any vehicle used in transporting clients shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended seating capacity.
    (n) Any unusual incidents occurring during the client transport process shall be reported immediately upon arrival at the treatment facility to the sheriff’s department, the originating receiving or treatment facility, if applicable, and the governing board of the county.
    (o) The transport company shall ensure the confidentiality of the transport record.
    (p) Civil patients committed under part I of chapter 394, F.S., and forensic clients committed under chapter 916, F.S., who are assigned to reside in secure facilities, shall be transported separately. Forensic clients who reside in civil facilities may be transported with civil patients.
Rulemaking Authority Florida Statutes § 916.1093(2). Law Implemented 916.107(10) FS. History-New 9-29-86, Amended 7-1-96, Formerly 10E-20.010, Amended 9-29-98, 11-29-12.