R414-14A-10. Concurrent Care for Clients Under 21 Years of Age

(1) For the duration of the election of hospice care, clients under 21 years of age may only receive hospice care which is provided by the designated hospice, or that has been provided under arrangements made by the designated hospice.

(2) Clients under 21 years of age who elect to receive Medicaid hospice care may also receive concurrent Medicaid State Plan treatment for the terminal illness and other related conditions.

(3) For life prolonging treatment rendered to clients under 21 years of age, Medicaid shall reimburse the appropriate Medicaid enrolled medical care providers directly through the usual and customary Medicaid billing procedures. Hospice providers are not responsible to reimburse medical care providers for life prolonging treatment rendered to hospice clients who are under 21 years of age.

(4) Each pediatric hospice provider shall develop a training curriculum to ensure that the hospice's interdisciplinary team members, including volunteers, are adequately trained to provide hospice care to clients who are under 21 years of age. All staff members and volunteers who provide pediatric hospice care must receive the training before they provide hospice care services, and at least annually thereafter. The training shall include the following pediatric specific elements:

(a) Growth and development;

(b) Pediatric pain and symptom management;

(c) Loss, grief and bereavement for pediatric families and the child;

(d) Communication with family, community and interdisciplinary team;

(e) Psycho-social and spiritual care of children;

(f) Coordination of care with the child's community.

(5) For pediatric care, the Hospice Program shall adopt the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's (NHPCO) Standards for Hospice Programs.