NYC Ambulette & Ambulance License Attorney

Ambulette & Ambulance Licensing in New York

Operating an ambulette or ambulance service in New York requires authorization from multiple regulatory agencies, each with its own application requirements, operational standards, and compliance obligations. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) oversees ambulance services and certain medical transportation providers, while local agencies including the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) regulate ambulette and livery services used for Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Understanding which licenses and permits are required — and navigating the application process — is essential to launching or acquiring a compliant transportation operation.

At Agarunov Law Firm, P.C., we represent ambulette and ambulance company owners, entrepreneurs, and investors in all aspects of medical transportation licensing in New York and New Jersey. From new license applications through company acquisitions and ongoing compliance, we provide the legal guidance you need to operate lawfully and profitably.

New License Applications

Ambulette Licensing

Ambulette services provide non-emergency medical transportation for patients who require wheelchair-accessible or stretcher-capable vehicles but do not need ambulance-level care. Operating an ambulette service in New York typically requires TLC authorization (for NYC operations), DOT vehicle registration and inspection compliance, Medicaid enrollment as a transportation provider (for Medicaid-funded trips), appropriate insurance coverage meeting state and local minimums, driver qualifications including drug testing and background checks, and vehicle specifications and inspection requirements.

We prepare comprehensive ambulette license applications, coordinate with the applicable regulatory agencies, and ensure that your vehicles, drivers, and operational procedures meet all requirements before launch.

Ambulance Service Licensing

Ambulance services in New York are regulated by the DOH under Article 30 of the Public Health Law and 10 NYCRR Part 800. Launching a new ambulance service requires a Certificate of Need (CON) demonstrating public need, DOH application and approval, vehicle certification and equipment standards compliance, staffing with certified EMTs and paramedics, medical director appointment and medical control agreements, and compliance with regional EMS council requirements.

We advise on CON feasibility, prepare DOH applications, and coordinate the licensing process for both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance services.

Medicaid Enrollment

For ambulette and ambulance companies seeking to provide Medicaid-funded transportation, enrollment as an approved Medicaid transportation provider is required. We handle the Medicaid enrollment application process, including provider agreement execution and compliance with Medicaid transportation program requirements administered through Medicaid Managed Care plans and transportation managers.

Purchase & Sale of Ambulette & Ambulance Companies

Acquiring an existing ambulette or ambulance company is often the most efficient path to entering the medical transportation market. An established company comes with existing licenses, Medicaid enrollment, vehicle fleet, driver workforce, and payer relationships. However, the acquisition involves regulatory approvals, license transfers, and due diligence requirements specific to the transportation and healthcare industries.

Buyer Representation

We represent buyers in ambulette and ambulance company acquisitions, conducting due diligence on license status, regulatory compliance history, Medicaid enrollment, vehicle condition and certification, insurance coverage, driver qualifications, outstanding violations or investigations, and financial performance. We structure the transaction, prepare the purchase agreement with industry-specific provisions, submit required transfer and change of ownership applications, and coordinate the transition to ensure uninterrupted service and billing.

Seller Representation

For company owners looking to sell, we prepare the business for sale by addressing compliance issues, organizing operational records, and ensuring all licenses and enrollments are current. We negotiate terms, coordinate regulatory approvals, and ensure a clean transfer that protects the seller from post-closing liability.

License & Permit Transfers

Transferring ambulette and ambulance licenses requires approval from the relevant regulatory agencies. For TLC-authorized ambulette services, this includes a TLC ownership change application. For DOH-licensed ambulance services, a change of ownership process applies. We manage all transfer applications and ensure continuity of operations during the ownership transition.

Ongoing Compliance

• Vehicle Compliance: Maintaining vehicle certifications, inspections, and equipment standards
• Driver Qualifications: Background checks, drug testing, credential verification, and training documentation
• Insurance Compliance: Maintaining required coverage levels and timely renewals
• Medicaid Billing Compliance: Proper documentation, trip verification, and audit response
• DOH & TLC Inspections: Preparation for regulatory inspections and responding to deficiencies
• Corporate Compliance Programs: Establishing and maintaining compliance infrastructure for Medicaid-participating providers

Serving New York and New Jersey

Agarunov Law Firm is licensed in both New York and New Jersey. New Jersey medical transportation operates under different regulatory agencies, including the NJ Department of Health for ambulance licensing and the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission for vehicle compliance. We advise on the specific requirements of each jurisdiction, including companies operating cross-border transportation services.