427.0135  Member departments; duties and responsibilities.--Each member department, in carrying out the policies and procedures of the commission, shall:

(1)(a)  Use the coordinated transportation system for provision of services to its clients, unless each department meets the criteria outlined in rule to use an alternative provider.

(b)  Subject to the provisions of s. 409.908(18), the Medicaid agency shall purchase transportation services through the community coordinated transportation system unless a more cost-effective method is determined by the agency for Medicaid clients or unless otherwise limited or directed by the General Appropriations Act.

(2)  Provide the commission, by September 15 of each year, an accounting of all funds spent as well as how many trips were purchased with agency funds.

(3)  Assist communities in developing coordinated transportation systems designed to serve the transportation disadvantaged. However, a member department may not serve as the community transportation coordinator in any designated service area.

(4)  Assure that its rules, procedures, guidelines, and directives are conducive to the coordination of transportation funds and services for the transportation disadvantaged.

(5)  Provide technical assistance, as needed, to community transportation coordinators or transportation operators or participating agencies.