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Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019) |
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R414. Health, Health Care Financing, Coverage and Reimbursement Policy |
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R414-14. Home Health Services |
| R414-14-1. Introduction and Authority |
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(1) Home health services are part-time intermittent health care services that are based on medical necessity and provided to eligible persons in their places of residence when the home is the most appropriate and cost effective setting that is consistent with the client's medical need. The goals of home health care are to minimize the effects of disability or pain; promote, maintain, or protect health; and prevent premature or inappropriate institutionalization. (2) This rule is authorized under Section 26-18-3 and governs the services allowed under 42 CFR 440.70 and 42 CFR, Part 484. 42 U.S.C. Secs. 1395u, 1395x, and 1395y also authorize home health services. |
| R414-14-2. Definitions |
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The following definition applies to home health services. In addition, the Department adopts the definitions in the Home Health Agencies Utah Medicaid Provider Manual and incorporates them by reference in Section R414-1-5. (1) "Plan of Care" means a written plan developed cooperatively by home health agency staff and the attending physician. The plan is designed to meet specific needs of an individual, is based on orders written by the attending physician, and is approved and periodically reviewed and updated by the attending physician. (2) "Home health services" as defined in 42 CFR 440.70(b). |
| R414-14-3. Client Eligibility Requirements |
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Home health services are available to categorically eligible and medically needy individuals. |
| R414-14-4. Program Access Requirements |
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(1) Home health service shall be provided only to an individual who is under the care of a physician. The attending physician shall write the orders on which a plan of care is established and certify the necessity for home health services. (2) The home health agency may accept a recipient for home health services only if there is a reasonable expectation that a recipient's needs can be met. (3) The attending physician and home health agency personnel must review and sign a total plan of care as often as the severity of the patient's condition requires, but at least once every 60 days in accordance with 42 CFR 440.70. (4) The home health agency must provide quality, cost-effective care and a safe environment in the home through registered or licensed practical nurses who have adequate training, knowledge, judgement, and skill. (5) Home health aide services may only be provided pursuant to written instructions and under the supervision of a registered nurse by a person selected and trained to assist with routine care not requiring specialized nursing skills. (6) Over the long term service period, the cost to provide the required service in the patient's home must be no greater than the cost to meet the client's medical needs in an alternative setting. (7) A home health agency may provide an initial assessment visit without prior authorization to assess the patient's needs and establish a plan of care. After the initial visit, all home health care and service must be based on prior authorization. (8) The home health agency must meet the face-to-face requirement, as stated in Section R414-1-30, or the Department may deny or recover reimbursement. |
| R414-14-5. Service Coverage |
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(1) Two levels of home health service are covered: Skilled Home Health Services and Supportive Maintenance Home Health Services. (2) Skilled nursing service encompasses the expert application of nursing theory, practice and techniques by a registered professional nurse to meet the needs of patients in their place of residence through professional judgments, through independently solving patient care problems, and through application of standardized procedures and medically delegated techniques. (3) Home health aide service encompasses assistance with, or direct provision of, routine care not requiring specialized nursing skill. The home health aide is closely supervised by a registered, professional nurse to assure competent care. The aide works under written instructions and provides necessary care for the patient. (4) Supportive maintenance home health care serves those patients who have a medical condition which has stabilized, but who demonstrate continuing health problems requiring minimal assistance, observation, teaching, or follow-up. This assistance can be provided by a certified home health agency through the knowledge and skill of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a home health aide with periodic supervision by a registered nurse. A physician continues to provide direction. (5) IV therapy, enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy are provided as a home health service either in conjunction with skilled or maintenance care or as the only service to be provided. Specific policy is outlined in the Medical Supplies and Durable Medical Equipment Utah Medicaid Provider Manual, and all requirements of the home health program must be met in relation to orders, plan of care, and 60-day review and recertification. (6) Physical therapy and speech-language pathology services are occasionally indicated and approved for the patient needing home health services. Any therapy services offered by the home health agency directly or under arrangement must be ordered by a physician and provided by a qualified licensed therapist in accordance with the plan of care. Occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services in the home are available only to clients who are pregnant women or who are eligible under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program. (7) Medical supplies utilized for home health service must be consistent with physician orders, and approved as part of the plan of care. (8) Medical supplies provided by the home health agency do not require prior approval, but are limited to: (a) supplies used during the initial visit to establish the plan of care; (b) supplies that are consistent with the plan of care; and (c) non-durable medical equipment. (9) Supportive maintenance home health services is limited in time equal to one visit per day determined by care needs and care giver participation. (10) A registered nurse employed by an approved, certified home health agency must supervise all home health services. Nursing service and all approved therapy services must be provided by the appropriate licensed professional. (11) Only one home health provider (agency) may provide service to a patient during any period of time. However, a subcontractor of a home health provider may provide service if the original agency is the only provider that bills for services. A second provider or agency requesting approval of service will be denied. (12) Home health care provided to a patient capable of self-care is not a covered Medicaid benefit. (13) Personal care services, except as determined necessary in providing skilled care, is not a covered home health benefit. (14) Housekeeping or homemaking services are not covered home health benefits. (15) Occupational therapy is not a covered Medicaid benefit except for children covered under CHEC for medically necessary service. (16) Home health nursing service beyond the initial evaluation visit requires prior authorization. (17) All home health service beyond the initial visit, including supplies and therapies, shall be in the plan of care that the home health agency submits for prior authorization. After initial authorization, if level of service needs change and additional services are required, the home health agency must submit a new prior authorization request. (18) A home health agency may provide therapy services only in accordance with medical necessity and after receiving prior authorization. |
| R414-14-6. Reimbursement for Services |
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Reimbursement for home health services shall be provided as documented in Attachment 4.19-B of the Medicaid State Plan. |