(1) Each ambulance must be inspected every 24 months unless: 

(a) the ambulance service has current and valid ambulance accreditation without variance or limitations from an accrediting body and provides the department with documentation of current accreditation; or

(b) the ambulance service has current and valid documentation that the vehicle has passed an inspection within the past 12 months pursuant to 49 CFR 396.17.

(2) Ground ambulance service providers must comply with applicable motor vehicle laws under Title 61, MCA.

(3) The inspector will provide a written or electronic inspection record for each vehicle upon completion of a ground ambulance inspection.

(4) If the inspector identifies and lists a minor defect in the ground ambulance inspection report, the inspector will issue a permit. The ambulance service manager has 180 days to repair the defect and notify the department that the repair has been accomplished.

(5) If the inspector identifies and lists a major defect in the ground ambulance inspection report, a vehicle permit will be issued only after the ambulance service manager notifies the inspector that the major defect has been repaired.

(6) Major and minor defects for ground ambulances are described under Table 10 of the Emergency Medical Services Rule Appendix.