Medicaid Services Manual Complete PDF
Medicaid Services Manual Complete PDF
Medicaid Services Manual Complete PDF
MEDICAID PROGRAM
104 THIRD PARTY LIABILITY (TPL) – OTHER HEALTH CARE COVERAGE ...........................1
104.1 PAYMENT LIMITS AND EXCEPTIONS .....................................................................................2
104.2 SUBROGATION – COST SAVINGS PROGRAM........................................................................4
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
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MTL 04/18
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 100
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
100 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview and description of the Nevada Medicaid
program administered under the authority of the Nevada Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) and the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) and to establish
program policies and procedures.
1. purchase and provide quality health care services to low-income Nevadans in the
most efficient manner;
2. promote equal access to health care at an affordable cost to the taxpayers of Nevada;
4. review Medicaid and other State health care programs to maximize potential federal
revenue.
B. For the purposes of this chapter, individuals and/or entities that have never been enrolled with
Nevada Medicaid as a provider who submit an initial enrollment application and former
Nevada Medicaid providers who submit a re-enrollment application are considered
applicants. The term “Applicant” includes:
1. individuals;
C. For the purposes of this chapter and the Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check Up Provider
Contract, individuals and/or entities actively enrolled with Nevada Medicaid are considered
providers. The term “Provider” includes:
1. individual providers;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
100.1 AUTHORITY
The Medicaid program in Nevada is authorized to operate under the DHHS and the DHCFP per
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 422. Nevada Medicaid has a federally approved State
Plan to operate a Medicaid program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA). Regulatory
and statutory oversight of the program is found in Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFRs) as well as Chapter 422 of the NRS.
This Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) along with the Medicaid Operations Manual (MOM) is
the codification of regulations adopted by Nevada Medicaid based on the authority of NRS
422.2368, following the procedure at NRS 422.2369. These regulations supplement other
Medicaid program requirements including laws, all applicable Federal requirements and
requirements in the Nevada State Plan for Medicaid. The regulations provide the additional
conditions which limit Medicaid providers’ program participation and payment. The regulations
also provide additional limitations on services provided to Medicaid recipients. The Division
administrator has authority under NRS 422.2356 to establish policies and exceptions to policy for
administration of the programs under Medicaid.
2. Payment for Medicaid services is regulated by Sections 1902(a) and 1923 of the
SSA, 42 CFR, Part 447, and Nevada Medicaid State Plan Sections 4.19 and 4.21.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
8. Nevada Medicaid assistance is authorized pursuant to State of NRS, Title 38, Public
Welfare, Chapter 422, Administration of Welfare Programs.
9. Third Party Liability (TPL) policy is regulated by Section 1902 of the SSA, 42
CFR, Part 433, Subpart D, and the Nevada Medicaid State Plan Section 4.22.
13. Worker’s compensation insurance coverage is required for all providers pursuant
to NRS Chapter 616A through 616B.
14. Section 1902(a)(68) of the SSA establishes providers as ‘entities’ and the
requirement to educate their employees, contractors and agents on false claims
recovery, fraud and abuse.
16. Section 6401(b) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) amended Section 1902 of the
SSA to require states to comply with procedures established by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services for screening providers and suppliers. Section 6401(c)
of the ACA amended Section 2107(e) of the SSA to make the provider and supplier
screening requirement under Section 1902 applicable to the Children’s Health
Insurance Program (CHIP). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
implemented these requirements with federal regulations at 42 CFR 455 Subpart E.
17. Provider Categorical Risk Levels are assigned, in part, under 42 CFR §424.518.
18. Enhanced provider screening can be found under 42 CFR §455.432 for site visits
and 42 CFR §455.434 for criminal background checks.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
All individuals have the right to a confidential relationship with the DHCFP. All information
maintained on Medicaid and CHIP applicants and recipients (“recipients”) is confidential and must
be safeguarded.
Any ambiguity regarding the definition of confidential information or the release thereof will be
resolved by the DHCFP, which will interpret the above regulations as broadly as necessary to
ensure privacy and security of recipient information.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
4. Any information received for verifying income eligibility and amount of medical
assistance payments.
6. Health care operations as defined by HIPAA, which includes, but is not limited to:
quality assessment and improvement activities, including case management and
care coordination, competency assurance activities, medical reviews, audits, fraud
and abuse detection, rate setting, business management and general administration;
7. For public interest and benefit activities within limits set under HIPAA, including,
but not limited to: disclosures required by law, public health activities, health
oversight activities, judicial and administrative proceedings, essential government
functions, to comply with worker’s compensation laws and to avoid serious threats
to the health and safety of recipients and others.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
8. Per authorizations (as defined by HIPAA) from the recipient or their designated
representative.
C. Release of Information
Except as otherwise provided in these rules, no person shall obtain, disclose or use, or
authorize, permit or acquiesce the use of any client information that is directly or indirectly
derived from the records, files or communications of the DHCFP, except for purposes
directly connected with the administration of the Plan or as otherwise provided by federal
and state law.
5. Detailed policies and procedures are found in the DHCFP HIPAA Privacy and
Security Manuals, available for reference in hard copy form in the District Office
and on the DHCFP Intranet.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
D. Penalties
1. The HITECH Act imposes civil and criminal penalties depending upon the nature
and scope of the violation, which range from $100 to $1.5 million dollars and up to
ten years in prison. This is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights. State Attorneys
General have the authority to bring civil actions on behalf of state residents for
violations of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
E. Ownership
All recipient information contained in the DHCFP records is the property of the DHCFP,
and employees of the DHCFP shall protect and preserve such information from
dissemination except as provided within these rules
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS
Health care coverage for low-income individuals and families in Nevada is provided through
Medicaid and Nevada Check Up (NCU). For purposes of this manual, Medicaid and NCU are
referred to as Medicaid. However, there are some differences in coverage between the two
programs. Please refer to the NCU Manual for an explanation of these differences.
A. Medicaid
Medicaid applicants must apply for and meet the criteria of the appropriate assistance
program. Every person has the right to apply for assistance. A deceased person may have
an application filed on his or her behalf.
Requests for medical assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF)-Related Medicaid (TRM), Child Health Assurance Program (CHAP), Medical
Assistance for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MAABD) programs and the Child Welfare
Services (as provided by NRS 432.075 are processed at one of the local Nevada Division
of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) offices depending on the applicant’s
residence. Eligibility is established based on regulations stated in the DWSS policy
manuals. Inquiries are made at the nearest DWSS office and may be made verbally, in
writing, in person or by a representative. District Office staff will assist with applications
if necessary. DWSS policy manuals are located on their website at: www.dwss.nv.gov.
Children may also be covered by Medicaid through child welfare programs authorized
through the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
The NCU program is Nevada’s name for the Federal Title XXI benefits administered under
the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). NCU provides low-cost, health care
coverage to uninsured children who do not meet the conditions of Medicaid eligibility.
Applicants must apply for and meet the criteria for this program. The services for NCU
recipients generally duplicate the services outlined for Nevada Medicaid and the program
uses the Nevada Medicaid Provider Panel. Refer to the NCU Manual for a description of
program differences.
Section 1915(c) State Plan of the SSA known as Home and Community- Based Waiver
(HCBW) services which permits the option to waive certain Medicaid statutory
requirements in order to offer an array of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
to eligible individuals who may require such services in order to remain in their
communities and avoid institutionalization. Each 1915(c) Waiver is designed to provide
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS
eligible Medicaid waiver recipients access to both state plan services, as well as certain
extended Medicaid covered services unique to this waiver. The goal is to allow recipients
to live in their own homes, or community settings, when appropriate.
Section 6086 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, established a new benefit of the SSA
called 1915(i) State Plan HCBS which allows states to provide traditional 1915(c) services
as a covered state plan benefit. 1915(i) services are available to certain Medicaid recipients
who meet the needs based criteria and who reside in the community.
Nevada Medicaid may authorize payment for both mandatory and optional services if determined
to be medically necessary.
Section 1902(a)(16) of the SSA requires the out-of-state service equal in amount, duration and
scope to in-state service be reimbursed for eligible Nevada residents who are absent from the state
when:
C. Nevada Medicaid determines, on the bases of medical advice, that the needed medical
service or necessary supplementary resources are readily available in another state; or
D. provided to the children in out-of-state placement for whom Nevada makes adoption
assistance or foster care maintenance payments.
1. Nevada residents living near state lines or borders may be geographically closer to
out-of-state providers than in-state providers for both primary and specialty care.
In such cases, covered medically necessary services may be routinely provided by
out-of-state providers in what the DHCFP refers to as the “primary catchment
areas.” Such services are treated the same as those provided within the state borders
for purposes of authorization and transportation. Refer to the billing manual for a
list of catchment areas.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS
2. The same services that are covered within the state of Nevada are available for
payment for any qualified provider, in the catchment area, who is or will be enrolled
with the plan.
Nevada Medicaid does not pay for medical services rendered by health care
providers outside of the United States.
Medicaid and NCU recipients are issued a plastic identification card upon approval for benefits,
through the State Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). The card is issued with
his/her full eleven-digit billing number, last name, first name, sex and date of birth. The card does
not identify the category of eligibility nor does it carry photographic or other individual identifying
information and it does not guarantee eligibility for benefits. The recipient is not responsible to
return the card when the case is closed and they may use the same card for any subsequent
eligibility.
EVS will identify individuals eligible for full Medicaid, full Medicare, full Medicaid and
Medicare coverage, and Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) coverage. Note: Medicaid
pays only the deductibles and co-insurance for QMB recipients up to Medicaid allowable
amounts.
2. Eligibility is determined on a month to month basis. Providers must always verify recipient
eligibility prior to providing services, as well as the identity of the individual through a
driver’s license, Social Security card or photo identification. Recipients must be prepared
to provide sufficient personal identification to providers and shall not allow any individual
to use their card to obtain medical services.
3. Newly approved Medicaid recipients may present a Notice of Decision (NOD) from the
DWSS as proof of eligibility, prior to the EVS update.
4. Individuals may have more than one active billing number on file at the same time; e.g., a
child may be eligible through Child Welfare services and have a Welfare case at the same
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS
time. When this happens, the Division’s Provider Support Unit can advise the provider
which number to use for billing.
5. Medicaid and NCU have contracts with Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to provide
medical coverage to eligible categories of individuals in Clark and Washoe County.
Nevada Medicaid and NCU reimburse managed care providers a capitated monthly rate for
each enrollee and cannot reimburse any other provider independently for covered,
contracted services. Refer to MSM Chapter 3600 for detailed information about the
Managed Care program.
6. Recipients enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan must be sure to seek services only
from plan providers. Recipients should notify their providers as soon as they become
eligible for managed care. Refer to MSM Chapter 3600 on Managed Care.
7. In most cases, managed care eligibility begins the first of the month after the date of
approval. Medicaid prior medical months are covered under Fee-for-Service (FFS). Refer
to MSM Chapter 3600 for additional information on Managed Care.
Payment for emergent or necessary medical services or care provided to a child who is in the
custody of a Public Child Welfare Agency may be covered by Nevada Medicaid or guaranteed by
the custodial public agency. A child eligible for coverage through one of these sources will receive
a Medicaid number and card.
If a child requires medical care before a Medicaid number and/or a Medicaid card is issued, the
custodial agency may prepare a letter verifying demographic information including the child’s
name, date of birth, Social Security number and the services requested. (If a Medicaid number has
been assigned but a card has not yet been issued, the letter should also contain the Medicaid
number.) The letter must be signed by an authorized staff member of the Public Child Welfare
Agency in whose custody the child is placed and must be printed on the agency’s official
letterhead.
101.2C RESTRICTIONS
1. Certain recipients who have inappropriately used medical services may have their access
to Medicaid services restricted by Medicaid Staff.
2. Before any non-emergency service is provided to a recipient, whose benefits have been
restricted, phone authorization must be obtained from the Quality Improvement
Organization (QIO)-like vendor. Providers will be asked to document the necessity of all
services provided which are not emergent. If approval is granted, a specific authorization
number will be issued to the provider. This number must then appear on the provider’s
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS
claim for payment for the service dispensed. Claims submitted for a recipient whose
benefits have been restricted without an authorization number or documentation of an
emergency will not be paid.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
All individuals/entities providing services to Medicaid recipients under the FFS or Medicaid
Managed Care program must be enrolled as a Medicaid provider in order to receive payment for
services rendered. All healthcare providers shall obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI)
number and provide this NPI to Medicaid at the time of their provider enrollment application. To
obtain an NPI or further information regarding NPI, see the National Plan and Provider
Enumeration System (NPPES) website at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov.
1. Provides their NPI number on the application and requests for payment, maintains
their NPI in “Active” status in the NPPES Registry and updates all data elements,
per NPPES guidelines, when changes occur;
4. Receives notice from Nevada Medicaid that the credentialing requirements have
been met and the provider agreement has been accepted; and
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
C. CHOW enrollment:
1. is not guaranteed,
3. must meet all enrollment requirements for the specified provider type.
4. a conviction;
shall be terminated or have enrollment denied and will serve, at minimum, a Tier 4 – 12-
Month Sanction, unless a higher tier sanction is applicable.
1. criminal conviction(s);
3. falsified documentation.
E. Actively enrolled providers who submit an enrollment application which is found to meet
any of the criteria in Section 102(D) may be terminated and sanctioned.
Providers who request to voluntarily terminate while under any form of suspension,
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
investigation, audit and/or review may be sanctioned based on the results of the suspension,
investigation, audit and/or review.
Prior to receiving reimbursement, providers must meet the participation standards specified
for the program service area for which they are applying, and comply with all federal, state
and local statutes, rules and regulations relating to the services being provided.
Providers who provide services outside of the United States will not receive reimbursement
per MSM 101.1(e)(2)
A moratorium may be implemented at the discretion of the federal DHHS or the DHCFP.
A new enrollment application is required for enrollment after it is lifted.
A request for enrollment means an applicant, who has never been a Nevada Medicaid provider,
submits an initial enrollment application; re-enrollment means a former Nevada Medicaid
provider, whose contract was terminated or deactivated and who is now eligible to “re-enroll,”
submits an initial enrollment application; and, revalidation means an active Nevada Medicaid
provider, who must validate their current enrollment to extend their agreement with Nevada
Medicaid, submits a revalidation application.
An applicant and/or provider may request enrollment, including re-enrollment and revalidation, in
the Nevada Medicaid Program by completing the Enrollment Application and providing the
required verifications for their requested provider type. All applications and supporting documents
must be submitted online through the Provider Portal.
The DHCFP is not obligated to enroll all eligible providers, and all types of enrollment are at the
discretion of the DHCFP. For additional information regarding enrollment, the provider may
contact the Provider Enrollment Unit of the Fiscal Agent. Refer to Section 108 for contact
information.
The effective date of the provider contract is the date a complete enrollment request is received,
all verifications are completed and it is determined the applicant meets all conditions of
participation. Exceptions may be allowed for up to six months of retroactive enrollment to
encompass dates on which the otherwise eligible provider furnished services to a Medicaid
recipient. All approved Provider Contracts, unless otherwise withdrawn or terminated, shall expire
60 months from enrollment date, with the exception of Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Contracts which shall expire 36 months from enrollment date, unless withdrawn or terminated.
If the provider does not meet all State and Federal requirements at the time of the initial request
for participation, the effective date of the provider contract will be the date all requirements are
met. If the Provider is serving a sanction period, they are not eligible for enrollment.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
A. If discrepancies are found to exist during the pre-enrollment period, the DHCFP and/or the
Fiscal Agent may conduct additional inspections prior to enrollment. Failure to provide
complete and accurate information, or to resolve discrepancies as prescribed by the DHCFP
and/or the Fiscal Agent, may result in denial of the application.
The Fiscal Agent may complete additional screenings on applicants for the purpose of
verifying the accuracy of information provided in the application and in order to prevent
fraud and abuse.
The screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:
4. provisional enrollment.
As a condition of new or continued enrollment, providers and applicants shall consent and submit
to criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, when required to do so under State law
or by the level of screening based on risk of fraud, waste or abuse as determined for the provider.
The DHCFP and/or Fiscal Agent shall screen all initial applications, applications for a new practice
location and any applications received in response to a re-enrollment or revalidation of enrollment
request based on a categorical risk level of “Limited,” “Moderate” or “High.” This screening also
applies to providers who the DHCFP has adjusted to the highest level of risk after enrollment and
providers deemed “High” risk who add a person(s) with five percent or more direct or indirect
ownership interest in the provider. If a provider could be placed within more than one risk level,
the highest level of screening is applicable, and the DHCFP has the authority to adjust a provider’s
risk level to ensure the fiscal integrity of the Medicaid program.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
e. Histocompatibility laboratories.
d. Hospice organizations.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
B. The Fiscal Agent shall not enroll any provider or applicant (individual or entity having a
person with a five percent or greater direct or indirect ownership interest in the provider,
including management personnel) who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor
under Federal or State law for any offense which the State agency determines is
inconsistent with the best interest of recipients under the State plan. The following list,
though not exhaustive, provides examples of crimes and/or offenses which indicate a
provider or applicant is not eligible for participation:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
8. Conduct hostile or detrimental to the public health, morals, welfare and safety of
the people of the State of Nevada in the maintenance and operation of the premises
for which a provider contract is issued;
10. Any entity or individual who has an existing overpayment with an outstanding
balance with the DHCFP and has not entered into a State approved re-payment
plan;
11. Is on the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or Excluded Parties List System
(EPLS) exclusion list;
12. Has been terminated for cause, excluded or is under any form of suspension from
Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP (NCU), Title XX services program or any other State
or Federally funded assistance program;
13. Uses a financial institution outside of the country (excluding Guam, Puerto Rico,
Mariana Islands and American Samoa);
15. The Fiscal Agent shall not enroll a provider or applicant who has been convicted
within the preceding ten years of (not all inclusive):
C. The Fiscal Agent shall not enroll a public institution unless it is a medical institution. The
Fiscal Agent shall never enroll a penal or correctional institution.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
D. All providers must provide and maintain workers’ compensation insurance as required by
law and provided proof of insurance as required through 616D, inclusive, of the NRS.
E. All Nevada Medicaid providers must comply with information reporting requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6041) which requires the filing of annual
information (1099) showing aggregate amount paid to provider’s service identified by
name, address, Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Identification Number (FEIN).
A FEIN is the preferred identifier, but a SSN may be used by those self-employed
individuals in a sole proprietorship who do not have a FEIN.
F. The provider is responsible for understanding the requirements of their provider type as
stated in the Nevada MSM. The provider should also be familiar with Chapter 3100 –
Hearings and Chapter 3300 – Surveillance, Utilization and Review (SUR).
G. Providers are required to keep patient records that adhere to basic standards of practice and
in accordance with the DHCFP Operations Service Manuals, state and federal statutes and
regulations at a minimum of six years from the date of payment for the specified service.
Electronic health records must include a verifiable date of service time stamp, record who
is making the entry and who actually saw the patient.
H. Any provider who is providing services to foster children, in any setting, must submit to a
full, fingerprint-based criminal history and Child Abuse and Neglect Screening (CANS) in
order to comply with the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act of 2006.
These reports are legally mandated and maintained by the Nevada Division of Child and
Family Services (DCFS), Central Office, 4126 Technology Way, 1st Floor, Carson City,
Nevada 89706. Names of individuals are checked against names in the central registry to
identify any substantiated perpetrators of abuse. CANS employer information is limited to
provision of the substantiated status of a report and is released only by the Nevada DCFS
(NRS 432.100). Information may be released to an employer under NRS 432.100(3).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
I. Site visits shall be conducted on all providers and/or applicants designated as “Moderate”
or “High” categorical risk. The purpose of the site visit is to verify that the information
submitted to the Fiscal Agent or the DHCFP is accurate, the facility is operational and to
determine compliance with Federal and State enrollment requirements. Site visits may be:
J. In addition to any other authority it may have, the DHCFP may exclude an individual or
entity (applicant or provider) from participation in the Medicaid program for any reason
for which the secretary could exclude that individual or entity from participation in
Medicare.
A. CATEGORICAL RISK
Providers shall be placed in one of the following risk levels and submit to the necessary
screening, not all inclusive, for each risk level as follows:
d. provider initially and continues to meet enrollment criteria for their provider
type.
b. site visits, whether announced or unannounced, for any and all provider
locations.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
Once enrolled, providers or any person with a five percent or more direct or indirect
ownership interest in the provider, may have their categorical risk level adjusted from
“Limited” or “Moderate” to “High” for the following reason and/or reasons (not all
inclusive):
3. The DHCFP or the CMS in the previous six months lifted a temporary moratorium
for the particular provider type and a provider that was prevented from enrolling
based on the moratorium applies for enrollment as a provider at any time within six
months from the date the moratorium was lifted.
C. Within 30 days of notification, providers and/or individuals or any person with five percent
or more direct or indirect ownership interest in the provider whose risk level is elevated to
“High” and any out of state provider required to submit to FCBC shall consent to and
provide proof of fingerprint capture and submission per the instructions provided by the
DHCFP.
D. Approved providers whose categorical risk level is “High” shall complete the FCBC
requirements for any new person(s), having five percent or more direct or indirect
ownership, who is added and/or not previously screened.
E. Providers subject to FCBC will be responsible for all costs associated with fingerprint
collection.
F. Providers screened and placed in the “High” risk category by the Fiscal Agent or the
DHCFP may be found to have met the FCBC requirements when the provider enrolled
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
with Medicare. The DHCFP may rely upon Medicare’s screening if all of the following are
verified:
1. The date of Medicare’s last screening of the provider occurred within the last five
years.
A. At the discretion of the DHCFP, the Fiscal Agent may provisionally enroll applicants who
meet one or more of the following conditions (not all inclusive):
b. Medicare;
c. Medicaid;
d. an MCO; and/or
2. The applicant discloses a conviction which would not automatically preclude the
applicant from enrollment.
4. The applicant has an open or pending court case which is reported on the enrollment
application.
5. The applicant has been denied malpractice insurance or has ever had any
professional business or accreditation license/certificate denied, suspended,
surrendered, restricted or revoked.
6. All applicants for a provider type for which a moratorium was lifted in the
preceding 12 months.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
7. Other circumstances which would not preclude enrollment but would require
additional oversight as documented.
B. The DHCFP may elevate an active provider to provisionally enrolled status if one or more
of the following occurs (not all inclusive):
3. The provider’s license required for enrollment with Medicare and/or Medicaid (in
Nevada or any other State) is restricted by the issuing Board or agency.
C. At the discretion of the DHCFP, the Fiscal Agent may provisionally enroll a re-validating
provider who meets one or more of the following (not all inclusive):
b. Medicare;
c. Medicaid;
d. an MCO; and/or
e. a PAHP
2. The provider discloses a conviction which would not automatically preclude the
provider from enrollment.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
5. The provider has been denied malpractice insurance or has ever had any
professional, business or accreditation license/certificate denied, suspended,
restricted or revoked.
D. Provisional enrollment will be for a period not less than 30 days and not more than 24
consecutive months for each enrollment application. During the provisional enrollment
period, the provider shall be required to comply with all requirements within the MSM,
including, but not limited to, the following:
2. Provide any and all requested information regarding billing, billing practices and/or
policies and procedures in a complete and accurate manner by due date;
4. Cooperate and comply with all terms of a corrective action plan by the due date;
and/or
E. Providers who fail to meet provisional enrollment requirements will be terminated “for
cause” and serve a Tier 4 – 12-Month Sanction, unless termination criteria require a higher
level of sanction.
Out-of-state providers may request enrollment in the Nevada Medicaid program. Provider types
that require Medicare and/or national certification, as defined in Federal regulations, must have
the required certifications. In addition, all providers must meet all licensure, certification or
approval requirements in accordance with state law in the state in which they practice. Additional
conditions of participation may apply depending on where the services are provided.
Out of state providers requesting enrollment to provide ongoing services to Nevada Medicaid
recipients must meet one of the following criteria:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
A. The provider is providing a service which is not readily available within the state; and
Nevada Medicaid does not enroll providers to provide mail order delivery of
pharmaceutical or durable medical equipment or gases, except those providing services to
Medicare crossover recipient’s only.
A provider outside of the State of Nevada who furnishes authorized goods and services under the
Nevada medical assistance program to eligible Nevada residents visiting another state and urgently
requiring care and services shall be exempt from the full enrollment process as long as that provider
is properly licensed to provide health care services in accordance with the laws of the provider’s
home state and enrolled as a Medicaid provider in the provider’s home state to furnish the health
care services rendered. Refer to the Provider Enrollment Information Booklet for enrollment
instructions.
Section 1902(a)(36) requires Nevada Medicaid to make available, for inspection and copying by
the public, pertinent findings from surveys made by the State survey agency, the Bureau of Health
Care Quality and Compliance (BHCQC). Such surveys are made to determine if a health care
organization meets the requirements for participation in the Medicare/Medicaid program.
Federal regulations require the disclosure by providers and fiscal agents of ownership and control
information and information on a facility’s owners and other persons convicted of criminal
offenses against Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, NCU or the Title XX services program.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
Within the context of these requirements, the term “provider” or “discloser” excludes an
individual practitioner or group of practitioners unless specifically mentioned.
1. name and address of each person with an ownership or control interest in the
discloser, or in any subcontractor in which discloser has direct or indirect ownership
of five percent or more;
2. whether any of the persons named is related to another as spouse, parent, child or
sibling; and
C. Within 35 days of the date of request by the Secretary of Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), or the Medicaid agency, a provider must submit full and complete
information about:
1. ownership of any contractor with whom the provider has had business transactions
totaling more than $25,000 during the 12-month period ending on the date of the
request; and
2. any significant business transactions between the provider and any wholly owned
supplier, or between the provider and any subcontractor, during the five-year period
ending on the date of request.
A. To enter into and/or maintain a provider contract with the Medicaid or NCU programs, the
provider or any person who has ownership or a controlling interest of five percent or more,
or who is an agent or managing employee of the provider must disclose and/or report (if
status changes during enrollment) any information listed below including, but not limited
to the following:
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6. any current or previous affiliation with a provider, supplier or other State that has
uncollected debt with no attempt to resolve;
7. if billing privileges have ever been denied or revoked with a federal or state health
care program; or
8. if the provider’s and/or applicant’s license(s) required for enrollment with Medicare
and/or Nevada Medicaid has ever been suspended, surrendered, inactivated and/or
revoked by any licensing Board or State.
The Fiscal Agent and/or the DHCFP will review the completed provider application to determine
if the applicant meets all the conditions of participation as stated in the Nevada MSM for the
specified provider type/specialty and Nevada MSM Chapter 100, all inclusive.
Provisional licensure will be allowed based on Nevada State Board requirements of the specific
specialties within the scope of practice for licensed professionals. Provisional licensure will apply
only to licensed level professionals. Credentialed and paraprofessional level providers do not meet
the requirement for provisional licensure.
1. That payment will be from federal and state funds and that any falsification, or
concealment of a material fact, may be prosecuted under federal and state laws; and
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
a. I certify that all information is true, accurate and complete and that I am
responsible for any and all claims submitted by employees and other
person(s) acting on my behalf.
b. I certify that no individual other than the one whose NPI number appears
on the claim provided the services for the submitted claim.
4. With regard to remittance and receipt of payment, the provider agrees and
acknowledges:
b. that they have examined the remittance advice that accompanied the
payment, the payment represents amounts due and the services listed
thereon have been rendered by the provider whose NPI number was noted
on the claim.
If conditions of participation are met, Nevada Medicaid will obtain the necessary signatures to
bind the contract.
An enrollment approval letter, which will include the provider’s NPI, will be sent to the provider.
If the provider has been approved to provide more than one type of medical service, the provider
type will be identified for each service type.
Denial means denial of an enrollment application submitted to Nevada Medicaid from any
applicant, including an individual, entity or group.
A. The DHCFP will refuse to enter into a contract with an applicant for provider enrollment
in the Medicaid program if the provider:
1. does not meet the conditions of participation as stated in this Chapter, all inclusive;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER ENROLLMENT
2. does not meet all the professional credentialing requirements or other conditions of
participation as required by the Nevada MSM for the specified provider type;
6. fails to consent to the FCBC process and/or submit FCBC forms and fingerprints
as requested and instructed by the Fiscal Agent and/or the DHCFP.
B. The Fiscal Agent or the DHCFP Provider Enrollment Unit will notify the provider of the
contract denial. Individuals and/or entities who have their enrollment denied do not have
appeal or hearing rights.
Nevada Medicaid may impose a sanction on any provider as defined in this chapter who requests
to voluntarily terminate while under investigation, audit, review, survey or payment suspension.
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REQUIREMENTS
Under a program such as Medicaid, providers of medical services have responsibilities that may
not exist in a private patient relationship. The provider accepts a degree of responsibility not only
to the recipient but also to the paying agency, which in the end, is the community as a whole.
B. A Medicaid provider who accepts a Medicaid recipient for treatment accepts the
responsibility to make certain the recipient receives all medically necessary Medicaid
covered services. This includes, but is not limited to, the following assurances:
C. In addition, when the services require a Prior Authorization (PA) and a PA number is
obtained, the provider must give that number to other relevant providers rendering service
to the recipient.
D. All Medicaid providers who accept Medicaid reimbursement for treatment accept
responsibility for understanding and comprehending their provider contract and all
chapters of the MSM that pertain to their individual provider type and services they
provide. This applies to all institutions and medical groups as well.
Medical Necessity is a health care service or product provided for under the Medicaid State Plan
and is necessary and consistent with generally accepted professional standards to:
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REQUIREMENTS
The determination of medical necessity is made on the basis of the individual case and takes into
account:
D. the type, frequency, extent, body site and duration of treatment with scientifically based
guidelines of national medical or health care coverage organizations or governmental
agencies.
E. the level of service that can be safely and effectively furnished, and for which no equally
effective and more conservative or less costly treatment is available.
F. that services are delivered in the setting that is clinically appropriate to the specific physical
and mental/behavioral health care needs of the recipient.
G. that services are provided for medical or mental/behavioral reasons, rather than for the
convenience of the recipient, the recipient’s caregiver or the health care provider.
Medical necessity shall take into account the ability of the service to allow recipients to remain in
a community-based setting, when such a setting is safe, and there is no less costly, more
conservative or more effective setting.
103.2 AUTHORIZATION
Titles XI and XVIII of the Act provide the statutory authority for the board objectives and
operations of the Utilization and Quality Control QIO program. The Peer Review Improvement
Act of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 established Utilization and Quality
Control QIO.
QIOs operate under contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review
Medicaid services, once so certified by CMS. They may also contract with Medicaid agencies and
private insurers. The utilization review/control requirements of 42 CFR 456 are deemed met if a
state Medicaid agency contract with a Medicare certified QIO, designated under Part 475 to
perform review/control services (42 CFR 431.630).
A. Some services covered by Nevada Medicaid require PA for payment. When the provider
learns that a patient has been approved for Medicaid, authorization, as appropriate, must
be requested for services provided and/or being provided.
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REQUIREMENTS
For Medicaid recipients who have been discharged from an inpatient facility and are
approved for Medicaid eligibility retroactively, the provider has 90 days from the date of
the eligibility decision to submit a request for authorization, with the complete medical
record, to the QIO-like vendor. For recipients, still in the hospital when the eligibility date
of decision is determined, the facility is responsible for initiating the admission and
concurrent review authorization within ten working days.
B. For Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible, there is no requirement to obtain Medicaid PA
for Medicare covered services. If services are non-covered for Medicare, the provider must
follow Medicaid’s PA guidelines. PAs are not necessary for recipients who are eligible for
QMB only since Medicaid pays only the co-pay and deductible. If Medicare benefits are
exhausted (i.e. inpatient) a PA from Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor must be obtained within
30 days of the receipt of the Medicare Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
C. Medicaid Eligibility may be determined for up to three months prior to an application for
assistance. Services provided during a period of retroactive eligibility are evaluated on a
case-by-case basis. Provider can verify eligibility through the EVS. Covered services that
meet the definition of “emergency services” reimbursed. A retrospective review for
services which require prior authorization by Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor will determine
authorization for payment based on clinical information that supports medical necessity
and/or appropriateness of the settings.
E. Once an approved PA request has been received, providers are required to notify the
recipient in a timely manner of the approved service units and service period dates.
F. Each authorization is for an independent period of time as indicated by the start and end
date of the service period. If a provider believes it is medically necessary for services to be
rendered beyond the scope (units, time period or both) of the current authorization, the
provider is responsible for the submission of a new PA request. It is recommended that the
new request be submitted 15 days prior to the end date of the existing service period so the
newly authorized service may start immediately following the expiration of the existing
authorization. Exception: the 15-day recommendation does not apply to concurrent,
inpatient hospital stay authorizations.
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PROVIDER RULES AND
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
REQUIREMENTS
A. Medicaid providers are required to report in writing, on the form prescribed in the online
Provider Enrollment Information Booklet, within five working days, any change and/or
correction to address, addition or removal of practitioners or any other information
pertinent to the receipt of Medicaid funds. Change in ownership, including but not limited
to the removal, addition and/or substitution of a partner, must be reported within five
working days by completing and submitting an initial enrollment application along with all
required documentation. Failure to do so may result in termination of the contract at the
time of discovery.
B. Within five working days, providers are required to report changes which may affect
enrollment status. All changes are to be reported on the form prescribed in the online
Provider Enrollment Booklet. Below are examples of changes effective after enrollment
which shall be reported (not all inclusive):
A. All changes, with the exception of change in ownership, must be reported in writing on the
form prescribed in the online Provider Enrollment Information Booklet and require the
signature of the provider. If the provider is a business, the change must include the
signature of the owner or administrator. Medicaid will not change any provider record
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REQUIREMENTS
without proper signatures. Annual 1099 forms reflect the information in Medicaid’s
records and may be incorrect if changes are not reported timely.
B. Correct address, including email, banking information, phone numbers and other
information are necessary to assure receipt of all payments and provider notifications from
Nevada Medicaid. Address changes are required for any change, including the suite
number. Returned mail may be used by Medicaid to administratively terminate the provider
due to “loss of contact.”
C. When there is a change in ownership, the contract may be automatically assigned to a new
owner, as well as the payment amounts that may be due or retrospectively become due to,
or from Nevada Medicaid, by the prior owners. The assigned contract is subject to all
applicable statutes and regulations and to the terms and conditions under which it was
originally issued.
If there is a change in ownership, the provider must provide a copy of the bill of sale, copies
of new licenses/certifications and/or verification of a change in the Federal Employer
Identification Number (FEIN). The provider must also complete/submit an initial
enrollment application.
D. For a change in name only, the provider must provide copies of new license/certifications
and verification of change in FEIN. For a change in FEIN, the provider must provide
verification from the Treasury Department of the new number.
The DHCFP is required to ensure entities receiving annual payments from Medicaid of at least
$5,000,000 have written policies for educating their staff on federal and state regulations pertaining
to false claims and statements, the detection and prevention of fraud and abuse, and whistleblowers
protections under law for reporting fraud and abuse in Federal health care programs. (1396a(a)(68)
of Title 42, United States Code).
A. adhere to federal and state regulations, and the provider agreement or contract, to establish
written policy of dissemination to their staff;
B. ensure policies are adopted by any contractor or agent acting on their behalf;
C. educate staff on the regulations. Dissemination to staff should occur within 30 days from
the date of hire, and annually thereafter;
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REQUIREMENTS
D. provide signed Certification Form, signed provider agreement, copies of written policy and
employee handbook, and documentation staff has been educated, within the required
timeframes;
E. maintain documentation on the education of staff, and make it readily available for review
by state or federal officials; and
A. The DHCFP has a program to identify providers that fit the criteria of being an entity and
will identify additional or new providers fitting the criteria at the beginning of each federal
fiscal year.
B. The DHCFP will issue a letter advising an entity of the regulations and require the entity
to:
3. provide copies of written policies developed for educating their staff on false
claims, fraud and abuse and whistleblowers protections under law; and
D. The DHCFP is authorized to take administrative action for non-compliance through non-
renewal of provider or contract or suspension or termination of provider status.
Federal and state regulations including HIPAA of 1996, the HITECH Act of 2009 and
confidentiality standards within 42 CFR § 431.301 – 431.305 restrict the use or disclosure of
information concerning applicants and recipients. The information providers must safeguard
includes, but is not limited to, recipient demographic and eligibility information, social and
economic conditions or circumstances, medical diagnosis and services provided and information
received in connection with the identification of legally liable third-party resources.
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REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with HIPAA, protected health information may be disclosed for the purposes of
treatment, payment or health care operations. Most other disclosures require a signed
Authorization for Disclosure from the participant or designated representative. Details about
allowable uses and disclosures are available to participants in the DHCFP Notice of Privacy
Practices, which is provided to all new Medicaid enrollees.
For penalties associated with impermissible use and disclosure of recipient information, see
Section 100.2(d).
A. Any psychological information received about an applicant or recipient shall not be shared
with that person. This ruling applies even if there is a written release on file from his or her
physician. If the applicant/recipient wishes information regarding his or her psychological
condition, he or she must discuss it with his or her physician.
B. Medical information, regardless of source, may be shared with the applicant or recipient
upon receipt of their written request. However, any other agency needing copies of medical
information must submit a Medicaid release stating what information is requested and
signed by the applicant or recipient in question or their authorized representative.
The exception to this policy is in the case of a fair hearing. Agency material presented at a
fair hearing constituting the basis of a decision will be open to examination by the
applicant/recipient and/or his or her representative.
C. The HIPAA of 1996 Privacy Rules permit the disclosure of a recipient’s health information
without their authorization in certain instances (e.g. for treatment, payment, health care
operations or emergency treatment; to make appointments to the DHCFP business
associates; to recipient’s personal representatives; as required by law; for the good of public
health; etc.)
D. The HIPAA Privacy Rules assure the recipient certain rights regarding their health
information (e.g. to access/copy, to correct or amend, restrict access, receive an accounting
of disclosures and confidential communications).
E. A provider may not disclose information concerning eligibility, care or services given to a
recipient except as specifically allowed by state and federal laws and regulations.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, prohibit
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REQUIREMENTS
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability (including
AIDS or related conditions) or any other class status protected by federal or state law or regulation
by programs receiving Federal Financial Participation (FFP). The DHCFP service providers must
comply with these laws as a condition of participation in the Nevada Medicaid program in offering
or providing services to the Division’s program beneficiaries or job applicants and employees of
the service providers.
All service providers are required to follow and abide by the DHCFP’s non-discrimination
policies. In addition, hospitals, nursing facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals
with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) will be reviewed by Medicaid periodically to assure they
follow requirements specific to them. Requirements for compliance:
1. admissions;
3. employment.
There must, also, be posted a grievance procedure to assure patients and employees of the
facility are provided notice of how to file a grievance or complaint alleging a facility’s
failure to comply with applicable civil rights and non-discrimination laws and regulations.
C. Medical facilities may not ask patients whether they are willing to share accommodations
with persons of a different race, color, national origin, religion, age or disability (including
AIDS and related conditions) or other class protected by federal law. Requests for transfers
to other rooms in the same class of accommodations must not be honored if based on
discriminatory considerations. (Exceptions due to valid medical reasons or compelling
circumstances of the individual case may be made only by written certification of such by
the attending physician or administrator).
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
REQUIREMENTS
D. Medical facilities must have policies prohibiting making improper inquiries regarding a
person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability (including AIDS and
related conditions) prior to making the decision to admit the person. Supervisory staff must
be aware of this policy and enforce it.
Admission to a facility and all services rendered and resources routinely used by all persons
in the facility (e.g., nursing care, social services, dining area, beauty salon, barber shop,
etc.) must be provided without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or
disability (including AIDS and related conditions). An acute hospital must have a
Telecommunications Device (TTY or TDD) for use by patients and staff who are deaf to
assure that its emergency room services are made equally available. All other hospitals,
Nursing Facilities (NF) and ICF/IIDs, which do not have a TDD, must have access to a
TDD at no cost or inconvenience to the patient or staff member wishing to use it.
The facility must assure equal availability of all services to persons with Limited English
Proficiency (LEP), hearing and sight-impaired patients and persons with other
communication limitations. For example, when a provider determines that a particular non-
English language must be accommodated, vital documents must be available at no charge.
With regard to sight-impaired individuals, the provider’s library or other reading service
must be made equally available through Braille, Large Print books or Talking books.
A facility must not require a Medicaid-eligible resident or his or her legal guardian to
supplement Medicaid coverage. This includes requiring continuation of private pay
contracts once the resident becomes Medicaid eligible, and/or asking for contributions,
donations, or gifts as a condition of admission or continued stay. Complaints regarding
alleged economic discrimination should be made to the Aging and Disability Services
Division (ADSD) Long Term Care Ombudsman or to the DHCFP.
F. Medical facilities must have policies that prevent making improper inquiries regarding
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability (including AIDS and related
conditions) prior to making a decision to employ a person. Supervisory personnel must be
knowledgeable with regard to these policies and practices and must enforce them.
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PROVIDER RULES AND
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
REQUIREMENTS
The facility must assure that educational institutions which place students with the facility
do not discriminate regarding the selection or treatment of minority groups, disabled
(including AIDS and related conditions) or other protected classes of students. Facilities
must also assure they do not discriminate in their selection and placement of student
interns.
G. All service providers (including medical facilities) must maintain a list of in-house and/or
community-based sign language interpreters. This list must be reviewed and revised, if
necessary, at least annually. Facilities must also have policies outlining how persons with
hearing impairments are identified as needing interpretation services, and how these
services can be accessed at no cost to them.
H. All service providers (including medical facilities) must provide persons who have LEP
with access to programs and services at no cost to the person. Services providers must:
2. develop and implement a written policy that ensures accurate and effective
communication;
3. take steps to ensure staff understands the policy and is capable of carrying it out;
and
Service providers in need of additional guidance should refer to the LEP policy
guidance document provided by the CMS and the U.S. Office of Civil Rights
(OCR). Among other things, the document explains the criteria for identifying
languages that must be accommodated and includes methods of providing language
assistance. A link to the policy document is available via the Division’s Civil Rights
web pages accessible from its Internet website: www.dhcfp.nv.gov.
I. The facility must maintain, in systematic manner, and provide upon request to Medicaid,
information regarding race, color, national origin, and disability of patients and employees.
An Advanced Directive (AD) is a written instruction by an individual, 18 years of age or older and
done in advance of a serious illness or condition. The AD allows the individual to direct health
care decisions in the event they become incapacitated. It may be in the form of a Living Will or
Subject:
PROVIDER RULES AND
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
REQUIREMENTS
Durable Power of Attorney, and includes provisions allowing the individual to make decisions
regarding the use or refusal of life sustaining treatment.
A. Hospitals, Nursing Facilities, home health agencies, Personal Care Attendants (PCA)
providers and hospices must maintain written policies and procedures concerning ADs and
provide written information to all adult individuals (age 18 or older) upon admission or
service delivery concerning the:
1. individual’s rights under state law to make decisions concerning their medical care,
including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment, and the right
to formulate ADs.
B. Document in the individual’s medical records whether or not the individual has an AD.
D. Ensure compliance with the requirements of state law regarding ADs and inform
individuals any complaints concerning AD requirements may be filed with the state survey
and certification agency.
E. Provide for the education of staff concerning its policies and procedures on ADs (at least
annually).
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PROVIDER RULES AND
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REQUIREMENTS
F. Provide for community education regarding issues concerning ADs (at least annually). At
a minimum, education presented must define what constitutes an AD, emphasize an AD is
designed to enhance an individual’s control over medical treatment, and describe
applicable state law concerning ADs. A provider must be able to document its community
education efforts.
Any individual eligible for Medicaid has free choice of provider from among those who have
signed a participating contract. Such choice is a matter of mutual agreement between the recipient
and provider and in no way abrogates the right of the professional to accept or reject a given
individual as a private patient or to limit his or her practice as he or she chooses.
Subject:
THIRD PARTY LIABILITY (TPL)
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OTHER HEALTH CARE
COVERAGE
Medicaid is generally the payer of last resort whenever there are any other responsible resources
for payment of health care services. Other Health Care Coverage (OHC) includes, but is not limited
to: Medicare, worker’s compensation insurance, private or group insurance and any self-insured
plans.
Recipients who have major medical insurance cannot participate in the NCU program. If a provider
discovers a participant in NCU has major medical insurance, they must report to the DHCFP.
A. Providers should question all patients carefully regarding any other possible medical
resources. If coverage has lapsed, or if insurance is discovered when none is indicated on
the EVS, VRU or swipe card, an explanatory note attached to the claim will enable the
fiscal agent to update the Third-Party Liability (TPL) file.
C. Medicaid MCO is not considered an OHC. Providers should refer recipients enrolled in a
Medicaid MCO plan to the contact that is identified by the Fiscal Agent’s EVS or swipe
card vendor unless the provider is authorized to provide services under the plan.
D. If the provider does not participate in a recipient’s OHC plan, the provider must refer the
recipient to the OHC. Nevada Medicaid will deny payment for OHC services if the
recipient elects to seek treatment from a provider not participating in the OHC plan. If the
Medicaid recipient is informed by a provider not authorized by the OHC that both the OHC
and Medicaid may deny payment for the services, and the recipient then voluntarily elects
to receive services from a provider who does not participate in the recipient’s OHC plan,
the recipient assumes the responsibility to pay for the services personally.
E. The provider must inform the recipient, or responsible individual, before services are
provided that they will be financially responsible for the cost of services. If the recipient
chooses to continue with the service, the provider must secure a written and signed
statement at the time of the agreement which includes the date, type of services, cost of
service and the fact that the recipient, or responsible individual, has been informed
Medicaid will not pay for the services and agrees to accept full responsibility for the
payment. This agreement may not be in the form of a blanket authorization secured only
once (for example, at the time of consent for all treatment). It must be specific to each
incident or arrangement for which the recipient, or responsible individual, accepts financial
responsibility.
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THIRD PARTY LIABILITY (TPL)
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OTHER HEALTH CARE
COVERAGE
G. Providers are required to bill Medicare for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries and
must accept assignment if the recipient is a Medicare beneficiary and eligible for Medicaid,
including Medicare/Medicaid (dual eligible) and QMBs.
H. If providers are unable to pursue TPL, assistance may be requested within one year from
the date of service through the Fiscal Agent’s TPL Unit. See Reference Section of this
chapter. Providers are requested to contact the Fiscal Agent’s TPL Unit within four weeks
after the date of service or TPL date of discovery. In many instances this prompt action
will result in additional insurance recoveries.
I. Providers should not release itemized bills to Medicaid patients. This will help prevent
prior resources from making payment directly to the patient. Providers are encouraged to
accept assignment whenever possible to lessen insurance problems by receiving direct
payments.
The total combined payment of other insurance and Medicaid cannot exceed the Medicaid
maximum allowable. For Medicare services which are not covered by Medicaid, or for which
Nevada does not have an established rate, Medicaid will pay the Medicare co-insurance and
deductible amounts. In all instances, Medicaid payment, even a zero-paid amount, is considered
payment in full and no additional amount may be billed to the recipient, his or her authorized
representative or any other source.
Medicare recipients covered by Medicaid as QMB are entitled to have Medicaid pay their
Medicare premiums, co-insurance and deductible amounts for regular Medicare benefits. Some
individuals may have this coverage as well as full Medicaid benefit coverage.
Some QMB only recipients may have a Health Management Organization (HMO) for their
Medicare benefits. Any services provided to a QMB only recipient by the HMO which exceed the
standard Medicare benefit package (i.e., prescription drugs) will not have co-payments and
deductible amounts paid by Medicaid for those added benefits.
Co-pays and/or deductibles, set forth by the OHC, cannot be collected from a Medicaid recipient
for a Medicaid covered service. Rather, the provider must bill Medicaid for the co-pay and/or
deductible. In no instance will Medicaid’s payment be more than the recipient’s co-pay and/or
deductible. Medicaid can make payments only where there is a recipient legal obligation to pay,
such as a co-pay and/or deductible. EXCEPTION: Medicaid pays only co-payments and
Subject:
THIRD PARTY LIABILITY (TPL)
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL OTHER HEALTH CARE
COVERAGE
deductibles for regular Medicare benefits, even if provided through a Medicare HMO.
Nevada Medicaid is not liable for payment of services if the recipient elects to seek treatment from
a provider outside the OHC network, or if the provider fails to follow the requirements of the OHC.
Exceptions to Medicaid liability policy for OHC coverage are:
B. the service is an emergency and the recipient is not given an option to choose/select where
they are taken; or
C. the recipient resides outside the service area of the OHC and accesses the nearest Nevada
Medicaid provider.
Providers who have entered into an OHC agreement agree to accept payment specified in these
agreements and must bill Medicaid for the recipient’s co-pay and/or deductible. In no instance can
the provider bill Medicaid for an amount that exceeds the patient’s legal obligation to pay under
the OHC agreement.
After receiving payment or a denial letter from the OHC, if the provider is submitting a paper
claim, they must also submit the OHC’s EOB, computer screen print-out or denial letter to the
fiscal agent. All attached documents must reflect the name of the patient, date of service, service
provided, the insurance company, the amounts billed, approved and paid.
It is not necessary to bill the OHC if it is known the specific service provided is not a covered
benefit under the OHC policy. In this instance, the provider must note on the claim the date, phone
number and name of the person from whom the coverage information on the insurance was
obtained and submit the claim to the Medicaid fiscal agent for processing. If the recipient’s OHC
is Medicare and the service is not a covered Medicare service, the provider is not required to
contact Medicare.
Providers must bill Medicaid for all claims, regardless of the potential for tort actions, within the
specified time frame from the date of service or date of eligibility determination, whichever is
later. Time frames are according to the Medicaid stale date period when no third-party resource
has been identified; or 365 days, when a third-party resource exists.
Not all medical benefit resources can be discovered prior to claims payment. Therefore, a post
payment program is operated. In these instances, Medicaid payment is recovered from the provider
and the provider is required to bill the OHC resource. If OHC has been identified by the Medicaid
system and the other resource has not been billed and the service(s) is/are a covered benefit of the
OHC, the payment will be denied. The insurance carrier information will appear on the Medicaid
Subject:
NEVADA MEDICAID PROVIDER
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
TYPES
Medicaid is primary payer to these three programs; however, this does not negate the provider’s
responsibility to pursue OHC. For specific information on IHS billing, refer to MSM Chapter 600,
Section 603.8.
In certain trauma situations, there may be a source of medical payments other than regular health
insurance. This source could be through automobile insurance, homeowner’s insurance, liability
insurance, etc. A provider may elect to bill or file a lien against those sources, or Medicaid may be
billed.
Nevada Medicaid will allow providers who accept(ed) a Medicaid payment for services directly
related to injuries or accidents to subsequently return that payment to Medicaid in order to seek
reimbursement directly from a liable third party.
Pursuant to NRS 422.293, subrogation cases are considered to be recovery of medical cost incurred
and are unusual in that collection is often not a straight-forward process. Subrogation is a Cost
Savings Program and resides in the Nevada MOM Chapter 800.
http://dhcfp.nv.gov/Resources/AdminSupport/Manuals/MOM/MOMHome/
Nevada Medicaid may pay insurance premiums through Employer-Based Group Health Plans for
individuals and families when it is cost effective for the agency. In determining cost-effectiveness,
the fiscal agent uses a formula as set forth in the State Plan or considers whether the individual has
catastrophic illness or condition (e.g., AIDS or AIDS-related conditions, Down syndrome, cerebral
palsy, cystic fibrosis, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.)
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MEDICAID BILLING AND
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PAYMENT
Medicaid payment must be made directly to the contracted person, entity or institution providing
the care or service unless conditions under #B. below are met. Federal regulations prohibit
factoring or reassignment of payment.
A. A provider may use a billing agent to complete Medicaid billing only if the compensation
for this service is:
2. not related on a percentage or other basis to the amount that is billed or collected;
and
2. the group if the practitioner and the group have a contract in place under which the
group submits the claims;
3. the facility in which the services are provided, if the practitioner has a contract
under which the facility submits the claims; or
C. Payments will be from federal and state funds and any falsification, or concealment of a
material fact, may be prosecuted under federal and state law. Providers agree and accept
responsibility to:
1. accept Medicaid payments as payment in full for services rendered and under no
condition, except for lawful patient liability, contact the patient or members of the
patient’s family for additional monies;
2. examine all remittance advices for accuracy and report to Medicaid within five days
any discrepancy found.
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PAYMENT
A. As specified in federal regulations and the terms of all provider agreements, Medicaid
payment is payment in full. Providers may not attempt to collect additional money directly
from recipients. This includes, but is not limited to, situations where the provider’s claim
is denied by Medicaid for failure to bill timely, accurately or when Medicaid payment
equates to zero because a third party’s payment exceeds Medicaid’s allowable amount.
B. Medicaid utilizes the CMS developed National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) to control
improper coding that leads to inappropriate payments. The NCCI edits are defined as edits
applied to services performed by the same provider for the same beneficiary on the same
date of service. Section 6507 of the Affordable Care Act requires each State Medicaid
program to implement compatible methodologies of the NCCI, to promote correct coding
and to control improper coding leading to inappropriate payment.
C. Nevada Medicaid utilizes a clinical claims editor program to enhance the adjudication
process for Nevada Medicaid/Check Up claims for professional services. The claims editor
program employs a nationally recognized standardized method of processing claims for
professional services using clinical logic based on the most current Current Procedural
Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS),
International Classification of Diseases (ICD), American Medical Association (AMA),
CMS and specialty societal guidelines. The claim editor results in consistent claims
adjudication for all providers of professional services and increased claims payment
turnaround time.
E. Providers are to bill their usual and customary fees unless otherwise specified in Medicaid
policy. For exceptions, refer to individual chapters. Billings are submitted according to
established Medicaid policies.
F. Appropriate billings must include the current year procedure codes and ICD diagnostic
codes or the HIPAA of 1996 compliant codes. Complete billing information may be
obtained by contacting the Medicaid Field Representative at Medicaid’s fiscal agent. Refer
to Section 108 of this chapter for additional contact information.
Subject:
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PAYMENT
G. Claims for payment are to be submitted electronically to Nevada Medicaid’s fiscal agent.
Refer to Section 108 of this chapter for addresses and other information.
H. It is the provider’s responsibility to submit clean, accurate and complete claims to assure
accurate payment within Medicaid time frames.
Claims not meeting this criterion will be returned from the fiscal agent to the provider.
I. Nevada Medicaid will neither accept nor reimburse professional billings for services
rendered by anyone other than the provider under whose name and provider number the
claim is submitted (e.g., a claim for an office visit submitted by a physician when a
psychologist or other personnel actually provided the service). Individuals who do not meet
Medicaid criteria for provider numbers must not have their services billed as through a
physician/dentist to the Medicaid program for payment.
J. Medical residents do not meet Medicaid criteria for provider status. No service provided
by a medical resident is to be submitted by another licensed physician/dentist to the
Medicaid program for payment except by the teaching physician under the policy guidance
in MSM Chapter 600.
K. Payments are made only to providers. (Recipients who provide transportation for
themselves and/or other recipients may be reimbursed as providers under certain
circumstances.) A provider cannot request payment from Medicaid recipients assuming
Medicaid will reimburse the recipient. Optional reimbursement to a patient is a
characteristic of the Medicare program, not the Medicaid program.
L. Providers are required to keep any records necessary to disclose the extent of services the
provider furnishes to recipients and to provide these records, upon request, to the Medicaid
agency, the Secretary of HHS, or the state Medical Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).
Group practices should make certain that rebilling shows the same service codes, the same
physician’s name and the same Medicaid provider number. If it should be necessary to alter
the billing to show different codes or descriptors, a copy of the previous claim should be
attached to the revised billing.
Services or treatment provided over an extended period of time require interim billing so that
Subject:
MEDICAID BILLING AND
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
PAYMENT
1. The discharge date or the last day of the month which service was provided, whichever
comes first, is considered the date of service for inpatient/residential claims. Each interim
monthly billing must be received no later than the stale date.
3. A global payment will be paid to the delivering obstetrician when the pregnant woman has
been seen seven or more times by the delivering obstetrician and must be billed following
the delivery. The delivery date is considered the date of service in this instance. Bill all
other obstetrical claims as follows:
a. Prenatal laboratory panels must be billed before the stale date under rules of clinical
laboratory services;
b. Prenatal visits (three or fewer) must be itemized and submitted before the stale date;
c. Prenatal visits (four to seven or more) must be billed using appropriate obstetrical
codes and submitted before the stale date; and
d. If delivery is performed by someone other than the prenatal provider, prenatal care
is billed as above before the stale date.
105.2 REIMBURSEMENT
Nevada Medicaid reimburses qualified enrolled providers for services provided within program
limitations to Medicaid-eligible persons. Reimbursement rates and methodologies are established
by the Rates Unit at the DHCFP. Rates and methodologies are based on, but not limited to, federal
regulations and fee studies prior to billed charges. Providers may appeal their rate of payment to
the DHCFP, submit appropriate documentation and receive administrative review. Refer to
Chapter 700 in this manual for specific information.
105.2A LIMITATIONS
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PAYMENT
assigned to a specific procedure code. Procedure code value lists and/or dollar factors are
available on the DHCFP website at http://dhcfp.nv.gov.
If a Provider Preventable Condition (PPC) is discovered that has caused or will cause an
increase in incurred cost, the DHCFP or its agents may deny payment, or recover any
payments already made, for such condition. The term ''Provider Preventable Condition’’ is
defined as an undesirable and preventable medical condition that the patient did not have
upon entering a health care facility but acquired while in the medical custody of the facility.
Known risks associated with a procedure will not be considered to be a PPC; however, any
primary or secondary diagnosis code(s) caused by the care provided in the facility will be
subject to this policy. Examples of PPCs include, but are not limited to:
e. Air embolism.
f. Blood incompatibility.
Subject:
MEDICAID BILLING AND
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
PAYMENT
Providers can request an appeal via the fiscal agent if they disagree with an adverse
determination related to a PPC. The fiscal agent’s appeal process must be exhausted
before pursuing a Fair Hearing with the DHCFP. Refer to MSM Chapter 3100,
Section 3105 for additional information on Fair Hearings.
5. Nevada Medicaid may suspend Medicaid payments to a provider after the agency
determines there is a credible allegation of fraud for which an investigation is pending
under the Medicaid program against an individual and/or entity. This action may be taken
without first notifying the provider. Further information on payment suspensions is detailed
in MSM Chapter 3300 – Program Integrity.
Providers must bill Medicaid for all claims within the specific time frame set by Medicaid. To be
considered timely, claims must be received by the fiscal agent within 180 days from the date of
service or the date of eligibility decision, whichever is later. For out-of-state providers or when a
third-party resource exists, the timely filing period is 365 days.
Subject:
MEDICAID BILLING AND
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
PAYMENT
Stale date criteria are strictly adhered to whether the claim is initially received or being appealed
for a stale date override.
In order to submit claims for which eligibility was determined after the date of service within the
required time frame, providers should query the EVS every 30 days until the determination of
eligibility is obtained.
The Fiscal Agent is responsible for research and adjudication of all disputed payments. This
includes claims for which the provider is requesting an override even though the claim has not
been previously submitted and denied.
Requests for adjustments to paid claims, including zero-paid claims, must be received by the Fiscal
Agent no later than the Medicaid stale date period.
Providers can request an appeal of denied claims through the Fiscal Agent. All requests shall be
submitted electronically through the Provider Portal. Claim appeals must be requested no later
than 30 days from the date of the initial Remittance Advice (RA) listing the claim as denied. An
additional 30 days to appeal a denied claim will not be allowed when an identical claim has been
subsequently submitted.
Claims that have denied due to a system error, as identified by web announcement on the Fiscal
Agent website, do not need to be resubmitted or appealed.
1. Providers who request an appeal must follow the appeal process outlined in the Billing
Manual.
2. A NOD will be sent by the fiscal agent to the provider advising them of the appeal decision.
4. Providers must exhaust the fiscal agent’s appeal process prior to pursuing a Fair Hearing
with the Division.
Refer to Section 108 for contact information for filing an appeal and MSM Chapter 3100 for
additional information on Fair Hearings.
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MEDICAID BILLING AND
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A. A provider may bill a recipient when a Medicare/Medicaid patient elects not to use lifetime
reserve days for hospital inpatient stays. In these cases, the patient must be informed that,
due to this election, Medicaid coverage will not be available.
C. When all of the criteria under a. and b. below are met, a patient may be billed for all or a
portion of an acute hospital admission.
1. Preadmission Denial – The QIO-like vendor issues a denial for the admission as
not being medically necessary or not a Medicaid benefit; and
2. Denial of a portion of the admission – the QIO-like vendor issues a denial for a
portion of the admission as no longer medically necessary for acute care; and
a. The recipient is furnished with the denial notice prior to services being
rendered which are to be billed;
D. Recipients may not be billed for acute hospital admissions or a portion of the stay if certain
conditions exist. The following are examples and may be all inclusive:
1. The admitting physician fails to acquire a prior authorization from the QIO-like
vendor in cases other than emergency, except when the hospital admission comes
Subject:
MEDICAID BILLING AND
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
PAYMENT
2. The QIO-like vendor has reduced the level of care from acute to an administrative
level.
3. The hospital and patient receive a retrospective denial by the QIO-like vendor after
service has been rendered.
In any case where the hospital neglects to follow Medicaid policies, courts have
upheld the position that hospitals should be knowledgeable of rules and regulations
and may not look to Medicaid or the recipient for payment when the rules or
regulations are not followed.
E. If the payment for services is made by the recipient’s other health care coverage directly to
the recipient or his or her parent and/or guardian, he or she is responsible to submit the
payment to the provider. If the recipient, or his or her guardian, fails to do so, the provider
may bill the recipient for the services, but may not collect more than the exact dollar
amount paid by the OHC for services rendered.
F. Providers may bill Medicaid recipients when the recipient does not disclose Medicaid
eligibility information at the time the service is provided. As a rule, all providers seek
payment source information from recipients/patients before services are rendered. Any
recipient not declaring their Medicaid eligibility or pending eligibility, and thus denying
the provider the right to reject that payment source, is viewed as entering into a “private
patient” arrangement with the provider.
G. If a provider has billed a Medicaid recipient erroneously, the provider must refund the
money to the recipient and bill Medicaid for the amount. Medicaid claims showing a
"patient paid" amount, when the recipient was not responsible for payment, will be returned
to the provider. Once the refund has been made to the recipient, the claim may be
resubmitted with a copy of the refund check and the fiscal agent will process the claim for
payment.
H. Providers are prohibited from billing Medicaid or the recipient when no service has been
provided. This includes billing a deposit for a scheduled appointment or for a missed
appointment.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
Termination means termination of the Medicaid Contract between Nevada Medicaid and the
actively enrolled provider.
A provider whose contract is terminated may request a fair hearing in accordance with NRS
422.306 and MSM Chapter 3100. Refer to Chapter 3100, Section 3105 of the MSM for additional
information on how to request a hearing.
Nevada Medicaid will not reimburse the provider for services rendered to Medicaid recipients on
or after the Medicaid contract has been terminated or suspended.
Individuals/entities enrolled with Nevada Medicaid who are terminated or who voluntarily
terminate must be terminated by all Medicaid MCO(s) and PAHP.
The Medicaid provider contract can be terminated for convenience by either party upon 90 days’
prior written notification of the other party.
A. Immediate Terminations
The DHCFP may decide to immediately terminate a provider contract if any of the
following occurs, is discovered or reported:
3. The DHCFP is notified the provider is placed on the OIG’s Exclusion List (42 CFR
1002).
5. The DHCFP has determined that the quality of care of services rendered by the
provider endangers the health and safety of one or more recipients.
6. Mail is returned from the post office and a forwarding address is not provided.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
7. The provider has failed to disclose information listed in MSM Chapter 100, Section
102 and all sub sections.
9. The provider has been terminated for cause by a MCO and/or PAHP contracted
with the DHCFP.
10. The Provider, or any person with a five percent or greater direct or indirect
ownership interest in the Provider, fails to consent to FCBC and/or to submit sets
of fingerprints in the form and manner as instructed by the Fiscal Agent and/or the
DHCFP.
11. Credible allegations of fraud, waste or abuse of such a nature and extent have been
discovered and/or reported that immediate and permanent action is deemed
necessary.
12. The provider has been convicted of a misdemeanor and/or felony that is
incompatible with the mission of the DHCFP.
13. The DHCFP becomes aware that the provider failed to provide required information
and/or provided false information on the enrollment application.
14. The provider is convicted of any offense related to the participation in any Social
Services program administered by any State or the Federal Government, including,
but not limited to, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
15. The seller and/or buyer having 5% or more direct or indirect ownership of any
active provider entity/group is found to have sold, transferred or purchased the
provider entity/group in anticipation of (or following) a conviction, imposition of a
civil money penalty or assessment or imposition of an exclusion.
An advance Notice of Intent (NOI) to terminate must be mailed no less than 20 days from
the intended action date if the DHCFP determines to terminate the contractual relationship.
Advance notice is required for the following reasons (not all inclusive):
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
4. The provider fails to submit requested information by the required due date.
6. The Division has determined that the results of any investigation, audit, review or
survey necessitate termination;
8. The provider’s NPI number is deactivated and/or the provider’s data elements in
NPPES are no longer current.
Providers who are terminated or denied from Nevada Medicaid for cause will serve a sanction
period that begins with the effective date of the termination or denial. Sanctioned providers will
not be reimbursed for any services provided on or after the date of termination. Providers who
have not been permanently sanctioned from the Nevada Medicaid program may resubmit a new
Provider Enrollment Application at the end of the sanction.
Sanctions apply to entities when individuals meet the criteria below who have a 5% or greater
ownership or control interest or are an agent or managing employee. Sanctions also apply to
individual owners, having 5% or more direct or indirect ownership, and agents/managing
employees when the group/entity meets any of the criteria listed in this section. A person who
assists to submit prior authorization requests or claims is an agent for purposes of MSM Chapter
100.
If an entity is excluded, the length of the individual owner’s exclusion will be for the same period
as the sanctioned entity. If an individual owner is excluded, the entity will also be excluded and
the length of the entity’s exclusion will be for the same period as the sanctioned owner.
2. Provider has been convicted of a felony offense related to that person’s involvement
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
3. Provider has been terminated for cause, excluded or is under any form of
suspension from Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP (NCU), the Title XX services program
or any other state or federally funded assistance program.
i. Any offense against public decency and good morals under a provision NRS
201.015 through NRS 201.56;
The DHCFP may choose to allow re-enrollment if the United States DHHS or Medicare
notifies the DHCFP that the provider may be reinstated.
1. Provider has been terminated due to quality of care issues or inappropriate and/or
fraudulent billing practices as identified as a result of an investigation, audit, review
or survey.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
a. Assault or battery;
c. Harassment or stalking;
d. Any offense against the executive power of the State in violation of NRS
197;
e. Any offense against the legislative power of the State in violation of NRS
198;
g. Any other felony involving the use of a firearm or other deadly weapon
within the immediately preceding seven years.
3. Provider was terminated due to not meeting the conditions of participation as stated
in Chapter 100 all-inclusive of the Nevada MSM or other conditions of
participation as required by the Nevada MSM for the specified provider type;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
or felony, not listed in Tier 1 or Tier 2, which is incompatible with the mission of
the DHCFP;
1. Provider has failed to follow through with their DHCFP approved corrective action
plan;
4. Provider failed to report/provide required information in the time frame set forth in
the Enrollment Application, Provider Contract and/or the MSM (all inclusive), such
as:
a. CHOW;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
E. Immediate Re-Application
Providers whose contracts have been terminated for the following reasons may reapply at
any time:
1. Loss of contact;
3. When the sole issue is a change in federal law and the law has been repealed; or
If the DHCFP decides to terminate or not renew a provider contract in the Nevada Medicaid
Program:
1. A Notice of Intent to Terminate or Non-renew will be sent to the provider at the last known
mailing address via U.S. mail. The notice will include:
3. the basis for the proposed action, citing the appropriate Medicaid policy, federal
regulation and/or state law;
4. the effect of the action on the provider’s participation in the Nevada Medicaid
Program;
5. the provider’s right to a fair hearing, in accordance with NRS 422.306; and
Administrative contract terminations are not based on a disciplinary action or program deficiency.
An administrative termination is required to ensure accurate statistics within the agency.
A Provider contract can be terminated for administrative reasons when deemed necessary and
includes:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
2. loss of contact;
The DHCFP may initiate a corrective action plan against a provider as the result of an
investigation, audit and/or review.
Investigations, audits or reviews may be conducted by one or more of the following (not all
inclusive):
A. U.S. DHHS;
D. MFCU;
I. ADSD staff; or
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
2. The DHCFP may take one or a combination of the possible corrective actions such as:
a. Educational contact may be used when minor errors are detected and may be in the
form of a telephone call, on-site visit or a letter by the DHCFP or fiscal agent staff.
Educational contact is made for the purpose of instructing a provider in policy
compliance, correct billing procedures, program benefit limitations and to correct
identified errors in billing or requests for services not covered by Medicaid.
d. Suspending the provider from accepting and billing for new Medicaid recipients.
If corrective action is initiated against a provider, the provider is required to cooperate and
comply with the terms of the corrective action plan. Failure to cooperate and/or comply
with the terms of the corrective action plan may result in the termination of the provider’s
contract.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
If the provider disagrees with the action recommended, they may request a fair hearing.
Refer to MSM Chapter 3100, Section 3105 for additional information.
106.6 SUSPENSION
Suspension means Nevada Medicaid will not reimburse payment for rendered services for a
specified period of not more than one year. In addition, a provider may be suspended from
accepting and billing for new Medicaid recipients as the result of an audit, review or investigation
until corrective action is initiated.
B. Suspension may be applied to any person who has ownership or controlling interest in the
provider or who is an agent or managing employee of the provider. All persons affected by
the exclusion must be notified in the original notice of exclusion.
C. A provider whose contract is suspended may request a fair hearing pursuant to MSM
Chapter 3100. Refer to Chapter 3100 Section 3105 for additional information.
If the DHCFP decides to suspend a provider contract, a notice of the intended action will be mailed
to the provider via U.S. mail to the last known address.
4. basis for the proposed action, citing the appropriate Medicaid policy, federal regulation
and/or state law;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
CONTRACT TERMINATIONS
5. the effect of the action on the provider’s participation in the Nevada Medicaid Program;
and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RE-ENROLLMENT
107 RE-ENROLLMENT
A Medicaid provider who has been previously terminated, excluded or suspended may be re-
enrolled upon completion of the Provider Enrollment Application, Medicaid Provider Contract,
submission of the required verifications and meeting all conditions of participation noted
elsewhere in this chapter. Re-enrollment is at the discretion of the Division.
A provider who voluntarily terminates enrollment is not eligible for re-enrollment for a period of
365 days from the date of termination, unless an access to care issue exists, or a sanction is
applicable.
A. If a termination was for administrative reasons (e.g., loss of contact, failure to return
updated agreement, failure to provide requested information to determine whether
conditions of participation are met, etc.) Nevada Medicaid may reinstate the provider upon
receipt of a completed updated agreement, information request form and/or any other
information requested to determine that conditions of participation are met.
Nevada Medicaid may re-enroll the provider only if it is reasonably certain the fraudulent
and/or abusive acts which led to the adverse action by Nevada Medicaid will not be
repeated. Factors which will be considered include, but are not limited to:
1. Whether the provider has been convicted in a federal, state or local court of other
offenses related to participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs which were
not considered in the development of the Medicaid suspension, exclusion or
termination; and
2. Whether the state or local licensing authorities have taken any adverse action
against the provider for offenses related to participation in the Medicare or
Medicaid programs which was not considered in the development of the Medicaid
suspension, exclusion or termination.
C. If the provider has been suspended, excluded or terminated from Medicare or at the
direction of the Secretary of HHS, Nevada Medicaid will not re-enroll the provider until
federal HHS notifies Nevada Medicaid it is permissible to do so and the provider completes
all enrollment applications and contracts.
D. If Nevada Medicaid approves the request for re-enrollment, it must give written notice to
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RE-ENROLLMENT
the suspended, excluded or terminated provider and to all others who were notified of the
adverse action and specify the date on which Medicaid program participation may resume.
E. Nevada Medicaid Fiscal Agent will give written notice to the suspended, excluded or
terminated provider of the status of their re-enrollment request.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES
108 REFERENCES
DXC Technology
Phone: (877) 638-3472
ELECTRONIC BILLING
DXC Technology
EDI Coordinator
PHARMACY
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES
Email: [email protected]
Claims Address:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions
Attn: Nevada Claims
P.O. Box 61010
Virginia Beach, VA 23466-1010
E-mail: [email protected]
Provider Customer Service (for eligibility, claims and pre-certification)
Phone: (844) 495-8711 (except re-certification)
Pre-certification
Fax: (800) 694-3627 (for all other pre-certification requests, including ALL elective inpatient or
outpatient service)
Fax: (866) 920-8362 (for durable medical equipment (DME), outpatient rehabilitation
(PT/OT/ST), pain management, home care, home infusion, hyperbaric treatment and wound care)
Claims Address:
Health Plan of Nevada
P.O. Box 15645
Las Vegas, NV 89114
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES
Physician Contracting
Phone: (844) 366-2880
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Medical/Behavioral Health: (844) 366-2880
Pharmacy: (844) 366-2880
Pharmacy (Prior Authorization): (855) 565-9520
Vision: (855) 896-8572
Claims Address:
Medical/Behavioral Health:
P. O. Box 5090
Farmington, MO 63640
Pharmacy:
5 River Park Place E, Suite 210
Fresno, CA 93720
Vision:
Attn: Claims Processing
P. O. Box 7548
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
LIBERTY DENTAL
6385 South Rainbow Blvd, Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Phone: (888) 700-0643
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
109 RESERVED
Subject:
NEVADA MEDICAID
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER TYPES
10 - Outpatient Surgery
11 - Hospital, Inpatient
12 - Hospital, Outpatient
13 - Psychiatric Hospital, Inpatient
14 - Mental Health, Outpatient/Public
16 - Intermediate Care Facility/MR
17 - Special Clinics
18 - Nursing Facility/Skilled Level
19 - Nursing Facility/Intermediate Level
20 - Physician/Osteopath
21 - Podiatrist
22 - Dentist
23 - Hearing Aid Dispenser & Related Supplies
24 - Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, Nurse
25 - Optometrist
26 - Psychologist
27 - Radiology & Noninvasive Diagnostic Centers
28 - Pharmacy
29 - Home Health Agency - (persons 21 years old and older)
30 - Personal Care Aide (Home Care) Provider Agency
32 - Ambulance - Air or Ground
33 - Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Disposables, Prosthetics
34 - Therapy - Physical, Occupational, Respiratory, Speech and Audiology
35 - Transportation
36 - Chiropractor
37 - Intravenous Therapy (TPN)
38 - Home and Community Based Waiver - MR Services
39 - Adult Day Health Care
40 - Primary Care Case Management (PCCM) Services
41 - Optician/Optical Businesses
42 - Out-Patient Psych Hosp/Private & Comm Mental Health Cntrs/Private
43 - Laboratory - Pathology/Clinical
44 - Swing-bed (Acute Hospitals)
45 - End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Facility
46 - Ambulatory Surgery Centers (Medicare Certified)
47 - Indian Health Services (IHS) & Tribal Clinics
48 - Senior Waiver
49 - IHS Transportation
51 - IHS Hospital (Inpatient)
52 - IHS Hospital (Outpatient)
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER TYPES
HOSPITAL SERVICES
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 200
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
200 INTRODUCTION
Inpatient services are a federally mandated Medicaid benefit. A hospital is an inpatient medical
facility licensed as such to provide services at an acute Level of Care (LOC) for the diagnosis, care
and treatment of human illness primarily for patients with disorders other than mental diseases.
For purposes of Medicaid, a hospital meets the requirements for participation in Medicare as a
hospital and does not include an Institution for Mental Diseases (IMD), a Nursing Facility (NF) or
an Intermediate Care Facility for the Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), regardless
of name or licensure.
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) may reimburse acute hospitals for
providing the following services: medical/surgical/intensive care, maternity, newborn, neonatal
intensive care, trauma level I, medical rehabilitation or long-term acute care specialty,
administrative skilled or intermediate days and emergency psychiatric and substance abuse
treatment and acute medical detoxification.
In Nevada, hospitals are licensed by the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC)
within the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH).
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of those listed in the NCU Manual, Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
201 AUTHORITY
A. In 1965, the 89th Congress added Title XIX of the Social Security Act authorizing varying
percentages of federal financial participation for states that elect to offer medical programs.
The states must offer at least 11 basic required medical services. Two of these services are
inpatient hospital services (42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 440.10) and outpatient
hospital services (42 CFR 440.20).
1. Section 1861 (b) and (e) of the Social Security Act (Definition of Services)
5. 29 CFR Part 2590.711 (Standards Relating to Benefits for Mothers and Newborns)
6. Section 2301 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Federal Requirements for Birth
Centers)
10. NRS Chapter 422 Limited Coverage for certain aliens including dialysis for kidney
failure.
11. 42 CFR 435.406 (2)(i)(ii) (permitting States an option with respect to coverage of
certain qualified aliens subject to the five-year bar or who are non-qualified aliens
who meet all Medicaid eligibility criteria).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
202 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
203 POLICY
Inpatient hospital services are services ordinarily furnished in a hospital for the care and treatment
of an inpatient under the direction of a physician or dentist and furnished in an institution that:
a. is maintained primarily for the care and treatment of patients with disorders other than
mental disease;
d. has in effect a Utilization Review (UR) plan, applicable to all Medicaid recipients, that
meets the requirements of 42 CFR 482.30 and 42 CFR 456.50-456.145.
Inpatient hospital services do not include Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Intermediate Care
Facility (ICF) services furnished by a hospital with a swing-bed approval (42 CFR 440.10).
A hospital is an inpatient medical facility licensed as such to provide services at an acute Level of
Care (LOC) for the diagnosis, care and treatment of human illness primarily for patients with
disorders other than mental diseases. For purposes of Medicaid, a hospital meets the requirements
for participation in Medicare as a hospital and does not include an Institution for Mental Diseases
(IMD), a Nursing Facility (NF) or an Intermediate Care Facility for the Individuals with
Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), regardless of name or licensure.
Non-emergency out-of-state acute inpatient hospital care requires prior authorization by the
Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor for Medicaid eligible recipients. Out-of-
state inpatient hospital services may be authorized for specialized medical procedures not available
in Nevada. The referral for out-of-state services must come from the referring/transferring Nevada
physician and/or hospital. Reference Chapter 100, Out-of-State Services and Out-of-State Provider
Participation.
The attending physician who is transferring a Medicaid recipient from an acute hospital to any
other acute hospital (general, medical/surgery, psychiatric, rehabilitation, specialty) in or out-of-
state is responsible to request authorization prior to the transfer. It should be noted that inherent in
the decision to authorize transfers to another in-state or out-of-state hospital, the QIO-like vendor
must make a determination regarding the availability of such services at the referring hospital or
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within another facility in the state. This decision is also based on the appropriate level or quality
of medical care not being at the transferring facility.
It is always the receiving hospital’s responsibility to confirm with the QIO-like vendor whether
the transferring physician/hospital obtained authorization for a non-emergent transfer from the
QIO-like vendor prior to the transfer and prior to the receiving hospital’s agreeing to accept/admit
the recipient.
1. Admission
a. Admission Criteria
3. the recipient has been transferred to, or is awaiting transfer to, an acute care
bed from the emergency department, operating room, admitting department
or other hospital services; and
b. Admission Order
Physician orders for admission must be written at the time of admission or during
the hospital stay and are only valid if they are signed by the physician. Admission
orders written after discharge are not accepted. Verbal and telephone orders written
by other allied personnel must be co-signed by the physician.
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c. Admission Date
The admission date must be reflected on the authorization as the date and time the
admission order was written during hospitalization. If the date and time of the
physician admission orders are not clear or available, the QIO-like vendor applies
provision of acute care services. The QIO-like vendor makes every effort to identify
the documented admission date; however, it is ultimately the hospital’s
responsibility to provide complete and accurate admission information.
For those instances in which the admission order was written (as defined above)
before the recipient arrives at the hospital (planned elective admission), a signed
physician order meets the requirements for admission. For transfers from other
acute care hospitals, a signed physician order (as defined above) must be contained
in the accepting facility’s record. The admission date and time for the authorization
is based on documentation most relevant and available to the admission
determination contingent upon provision of acute care services and admission
certification by the QIO-like vendor. Reference 203.1B(16) regarding provider
responsibilities related to in-state and out-of-state acute hospital transfers.
Inpatient admission from observation begins at the time and on the calendar date
that a physician writes an inpatient admission order.
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2. Authorization Requirements
Reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 100, Section 103.1 regarding criteria
related to medical necessity.
c. Services requiring prior authorization which have not been prior authorized by the
QIO-like vendor are not covered and will not be reimbursed. A prior authorization
request inappropriately submitted for inpatient admission after an unauthorized,
planned, elective inpatient procedure or surgery is performed, will be rejected and
returned without consideration. Concurrent services related to these unauthorized
admissions will also be returned without consideration, unless the services are
specifically related to stabilization of emergency medical condition that develops.
Once the emergency medical condition is stabilized, no additional services related
to this unauthorized elective admission will be reimbursed.
d. A prior authorization is valid for the dates of service authorized. If the service
cannot be provided for any reason during authorized service dates (e.g. a recipient
has a change of condition) the prior authorization becomes invalid. A new or
updated prior authorization must be obtained for reimbursement of corresponding
dates of service.
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f. Providers must submit pertinent clinical information and obtain prior authorization
from the QIO-like vendor for the following services:
5. Additional inpatient days must be requested prior to or by the last day of the
current/existing authorization period.
10. All changes in LOC and/or transfer between units (e.g. medical/surgical,
intensive care, obstetrics, newborn, neonatal intensive care, trauma level 1,
psychiatric/detoxification, rehabilitation, administrative and outpatient
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14. When Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance, other than Medicare Part A, is
the primary payment source. Reference Chapter 100, Section 104.
15. Non-Medicare covered days within 30 days of the receipt of the Medicare
EOB indicating Part A Medicare benefits are exhausted. Reference Chapter
100, Section 103.2.
g. Providers must submit pertinent clinical information and request authorization from
the QIO-like vendor within one business day of patient admission for the following
services:
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1. Concurrent Review
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provided. Initially the QIO-like vendor assigns a length of stay based on the
diagnosis and condition of the recipient. For complex cases, additional days
may be authorized to manage the medical condition through the concurrent
review process. Additional inpatient review days must be requested prior to
or by the last day of the current/existing authorization period.
2. Retrospective Review
3. Leave of Absence
1. last longer than eight hours from an acute hospital; or last longer than eight
hours or involving an overnight stay from a Medical Rehabilitation hospital
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2. The medically appropriate reason for the pass prior to issuance of the pass;
and
1. Patient Liability
b. Collection: When a case is approved or PL changes, the recipient, facility and fiscal
agent (and authorized representative, where appropriate) are notified of the amount
and effective date. Collection of PL is the facility’s responsibility.
2. PL for new approvals is effective the first month of eligibility for Medicaid.
When a recipient’s income changes, PL is adjusted beginning with the
month of the change.
3. The monthly PL is deducted from the initial claim received by the QIO-like
vendor from a qualified facility. There is no prorating of PL for recipients
transferring facilities within the month.
2. Conditions of Participation
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3. have a Provider Contract with the DHCFP. Refer to Chapter 100, Section
102, Provider Enrollment.
b. Termination
The DHCFP may terminate a provider contract for failure of a hospital to adhere to
the conditions of participation, reimbursement principles, standards of licensure, or
to conform to federal, state, and local laws. Either party may terminate its
agreement without cause at any time during the term of agreement by prior written
notice to the other party.
Refer to MSM, Chapter 100, for termination, lockout, suspension, exclusion and
non-renewal of Medicaid provider enrollment.
Parts 456.100 through 456.145 of Section 42 CFR prescribe the requirements for a written
UR plan for each hospital providing Medicaid services. The UR plan is deemed met for
Medicare and Medicaid if a QIO-like vendor is conducting binding review.
CFR 482.30 provides that hospitals participating in the Medicaid program must have in
effect a UR program under a QIO-like or CMS has determined that the UR procedures
established by the Medicaid program are superior to the procedures under the QIO-like
vendor and meet the UR plan requirements under 42 CFR 456.50 through 456.24.
The purpose of hospital medical care evaluation studies is to promote the most effective
and efficient use of available health facilities and services consistent with recipient needs
and professionally recognized standards of care. (CFR 456.141 to 456.145)
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As part of the conditions of participation in the Medicaid Title XIX program, a minimum
of one medical care evaluation study must be in progress at any time. Additionally, one
study must be completed each year. The completed study must be submitted to the QIO-
like vendor at the end of each calendar year along with the study in progress topic. (A
report summarizing the study topics will be submitted to Nevada Medicaid by the QIO-
like vendor.)
Hospitals may design and choose their own study topic or, at the request of Medicaid,
perform a topic designed by Medicaid and forward a copy of the completed study to the
QIO-like vendor office within the specified time frames.
As recipients of federal funding, hospitals must assure compliance with the provisions of
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(including HIV, AIDS and AIDS-related conditions), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975
and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Pursuant to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA 90) and federal
regulations at 42 CFR 489.100, hospitals which participate in and receive funding for
Medicare and/or Medicaid must comply with the Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA)
of 1990, including Advance Directives. The DHCFP is responsible for
monitoring/reviewing hospitals periodically to determine whether they are complying with
federal and state advance directive requirements.
All hospitals are required to submit Form 3058 to their local DWSS District Office
whenever a hospital admission, discharge or death occurs.
Failure to submit this form could result in payment delay or denial. To obtain copies of
Form 3058, please contact the local DWSS.
8. Patient Rights
Pursuant to 42 CFR 482.13, a hospital must protect and promote each patient’s rights.
Hospitals are also required to comply with Nevada Revised Statues (NRS) 449.730
pertaining to patient’s rights.
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After having an inpatient service authorized by the QIO-like vendor, hospitals are not
permitted to submit the claim to the fiscal agent as an outpatient service. The only exception
to this is if an outpatient or non-inpatient related service was truly rendered prior to the
inpatient admission order by the physician but the inpatient stay was denied by the QIO-
like vendor (e.g., admit from ER or rollover from observation days).
Any hospital receiving authorization from the QIO-like vendor to admit and provide
services for a recipient is responsible for the recipient’s service and treatment needs. If a
hospital does not have the proper or functional medical equipment or services and must
transfer a recipient temporarily to another hospital or other medical service provider
(generally for only a portion of that day) for testing, evaluation and/or treatment, it is the
transferring hospital’s responsibility to fund the particular services and transportation if
necessary.
a. Pre-Admission Authorization
The physician (or his/her staff) must obtain prior authorization from the QIO-like
vendor for all non-emergency, elective, planned hospital procedures/admissions.
Lack of a prior authorization for an elective procedure or admission results in an
automatic denial which cannot be appealed. Reference Chapter 600.
Dental, oral and maxillofacial surgeons must also secure prior authorization from
the DHCFP dental consultant to assure payment for the procedure. (Reference
Section 203.1A(2)(f)(4)) and Chapters 600 and 1000 regarding covered dental
benefits.
b. Physician Certification
A physician’s order, written prior to or at the time of admission, is required for all
inpatient admissions. If a recipient applies for assistance while in the hospital, a
physician’s order for inpatient admission is required before reimbursement is
authorized.
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c. Plan of Care
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e. Prior to Nursing Facility (NF) placement, the following documents are completed
and in recipient’s medical record:
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Refer to MSM Chapter 500 for nursing facility placement screening requirements.
Providers must maintain sufficient financial records and statistical data for proper
determination of costs payable under the DHCFP program.
All providers shall permit any representative of the single state agency to examine the
records and documents necessary to determine the proper amount of payments due. These
records shall include, but are not limited to, provider ownership, organization and
operation; fiscal, medical and other record keeping systems; federal income tax status; asset
acquisition, lease, sale or other action; franchise or management arrangements; patient
service charge schedules; costs of operation; amounts of income received, by source and
purpose; flow of funds and working capital; statistical and other reimbursement
information.
A provider must:
a. notify the QIO-like vendor whenever there is a reason to believe that Medicare
coverage has been exhausted.
b. attach a copy of the Medicare Explanation of Benefits (EOB) (if obtained from
Medicare) or other supporting documentation that clearly indicates that acute care
hospital days have been exhausted when requesting a QIO-like vendor review.
c. obtain prior authorization from the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor in accordance with
Section 203.1A(2)(f)(15).
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A provider must allow a recipient receiving maternity care or a newborn infant receiving
pediatric care to remain in the hospital for no less than 48 hours after a normal vaginal
delivery or 96 hours after a cesarean section delivery except when an attending physician
makes a decision to discharge a mother or newborn infant prior to these timeframes.
Providers must ensure a valid sterilization consent form meeting all federal requirements
is obtained prior to performing a sterilization procedure. Reference the QIO-like vendor’s
Sterilization and Abortion Policy under Provider, Billing Instructions, Billing Information
for the specific procedures.
b. Medically necessary inpatient days within the same episode of care, not including
the day of the sterilization, may be reimbursed when the sterilization consent form
was not obtained. An episode of care is defined as the admission date to date of
discharge. All applicable coverage inpatient rules apply.
a. Non-Emergency Transfers
b. Emergency Transfers
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a. Providers must identify and submit all pertinent (relevant and significant) written
medical information that supports an inpatient admission with an authorization
request and/or with a request for a QIO-like vendor reconsideration review. This
information must be provided in the format required by the QIO-like vendor. In
addition, any documentation specifically requested by the QIO-like vendor must be
submitted within time frames specified by the QIO-like vendor. Failure to provide
all pertinent medical information in the format and within time frames required by
the QIO-like vendor will result in authorization denial.
An adverse action or determination includes, but is not limited to, a denied or reduced
authorization request.
a. If a provider does not agree with the DHCFP QIO-like vendor’s adverse
determination, a peer to peer review or a reconsideration review can be requested.
Reference the QIO-like vendor’s/DHCFP’s Billing Manual for details.
c. Pertinent medical information not provided to the QIO-like vendor in the required
format by the reconsideration date of decision, will not subsequently considered by
the QIO-like vendor.
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2. If a provider disagrees with the results of the QIO-like vendor’s peer to peer
and/or reconsideration review, the provider may request a fair hearing
through the DHCFP. A provider must utilize internal grievance processes
available through the QIO-like vendor.
To receive reimbursement for covered services, a hospital must adhere to all conditions
stated in the Provider Contract, all applicable the DHCFP policies related to the specific
service provided, all state and federal requirements, the QIO-like vendor/DHCFP billing
requirements and current International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural
Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) billing
guidelines.
203.2A DESCRIPTION
Administrative days are inpatient hospital days reimbursed at a lower per diem rate when a
recipient’s status no longer meets an acute Level of Care (LOC). If discharge is ordered, a
recipient’s medical record must contain documentation that alternative appropriate placement is
not available, despite a hospital’s comprehensive discharge planning efforts.
1. COVERED SERVICES
a. The DHCFP reimburses two levels of administrative days when authorized by the
QIO-like vendor in increments usually not exceeding seven calendar days per
request: a skilled nursing care level (skilled administrative days) and an
intermediate care level (intermediate administrative days).
b. At least one acute inpatient hospital day must immediately precede an initial request
for skilled or intermediate administrative days. Reimbursement is not available for
direct admission to an administrative level of care or for admission to an
administrative level of care from an outpatient setting (e.g., emergency room,
observation status, a physician’s office, urgent care or clinic).
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5. preparation for a surgery unrelated to the original reason for admission that
does not meet acute care criteria.
2. NON-COVERED SERVICES
a. at least one acute inpatient hospital day did not immediately precede the initial
request for administrative days.
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b. the days are only for the convenience of the recipient, recipient’s family or
physician.
d. a discharge order is written and a hospital has not provided documented evidence
of a comprehensive discharge plan or an acceptable reason and timeframe for an
unavoidable delay, such as awaiting a specifically identified court date for court
appointed guardianship related to out-of-state NF placement.
3. Administrative day policy is consistent with the inpatient prior authorization and utilization
review policies.
1. Submit all pertinent discharge planning information to the QIO-like vendor with a prior
authorization request, when applicable, and obtain authorization for administrative days
within timeframes required by the QIO-like vendor.
2. Notify the QIO-like vendor when there is a reduction in LOC to administrative days.
b. discharge planning notes from applicable social workers, case managers and/or
nurses;
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Reference Chapter 200, Attachment A, Policy #02-04, Hospitals with Swing Beds.
General Medical/Surgical Hospitals commonly provide several outpatient services, included but
not limited to general, clinic, office, emergency room, ambulatory surgery center and observation
services.
1. Outpatient hospital services provided by hospitals are subject to the same service
limitations as other outpatient service providers. Providers must refer to Medicaid/DHCFP
service manuals relevant to the specific services being provided. The following is a list of
some of the chapters a hospital should reference:
This is not an all-inclusive list. The MSM in its entirety needs to be reviewed.
Emergency services are defined as case in which delay in treatment of more than 24 hours
could result in severe pain, loss of life, limb, eyesight or hearing, injury to self or bodily
harm to others.
Non-emergent services provided in an emergency room are a covered service for recipients
with full Medicaid eligibility. Providers are expected to follow national coding guidelines
by billing at the most appropriate level for any services provided in an emergency room
setting.
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Laboratory and radiological services ordered during the course of emergency room services
(when it is an emergency diagnosis and not a clinic diagnosis) are payable without prior
payment authorization.
Charges made for stat performance of laboratory or radiological procedures ordered during
a hospital’s normal operating hours in the applicable department are not a DHCFP benefit.
Patients requiring mental health services while in the emergency room may receive such
services if medically appropriate, but must first be stabilized. Every effort must be made
to transfer the patient to psychiatric hospital or unit, accompanied by a physician’s order.
Authorization from the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor is also required.
3. Observation Services
Ambulatory Surgical Centers refers to freestanding or hospital based licensed ambulatory surgical
units that can administer general anesthesia, monitor the recipient, provide postoperative care and
provide resuscitation as necessary. These recipients receive care in a facility operated primarily
for performing surgical procedures on recipients expected to return safely home within 24 hours.
By contrast, physician office (MD-Office) services refers to a setting limited to use of local
anesthesia, including private physician office, emergency room, urgent care centers and clinic
settings.
Observation/Medical short stay refers to the “ambulatory” recipient with a coexisting medical
condition or some unforeseen medical situation who may remain in a hospital environment for an
extended period. This extended stay, called observation or medical short stay can be used to assure
recipient stability without an inpatient admission. The recipient may occupy any hospital unit.
Observation recipients may be rolled over for inpatient admission any time the patient requires
acute care services. All rollovers to inpatient care require QIO-like vendor’s authorization within
24 hours of the admission/rollover. Observation stays which do not rollover to inpatient status are
limited to 48 hours.
1. The DHCFP reimburses for services provided in a freestanding ambulatory surgical center
or an ambulatory surgical setting within a general hospital. Some ambulatory surgical
center services require QIO-like vendor authorization (please see Section 203.10(D) of this
Chapter entitled Authorization Process).
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a. the recipient’s medical condition or treatment needs meet acute inpatient guidelines
and standards of care.
f. services are not reasonable and medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment of a
recipient when provided for the convenience of the recipient, recipient’s family or
the physician.
When any listed procedure is planned in a higher setting, the physician or his/her office
staff must contact the QIO-like vendor for prior authorization of the setting. These
procedures are listed in the booklet entitled “Surgical Procedures Recommended for an
Ambulatory Setting (including inpatient prior authorization guidelines).”
4. Non-Covered Procedures
5. Approval Process
The procedure approval process is designated to establish the medical necessity and
appropriateness for:
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The requesting physician must provide the QIO-like vendor with the medical
documentation and justification to establish medical necessity and appropriateness.
Please consult Section 203.1(B) of this chapter for service provider responsibility.
The provider must contact the QIO-like vendor 48 hours prior to the procedure date.
1. Provider must submit the required authorization form or request Prior Authorization
telephonically.
2. A copy of Medicaid card to confirm that the physician’s office has verified the recipient’s
eligibility.
3. All supporting medical documentation that the requesting physician would like considered.
c. DOS must be within 30 days from the Prior Authorization’s date of issue.
For those recipients who applied for Medicaid eligibility after services were rendered, the
QIO-like vendor must be contacted for retro eligible authorization.
The QIO-like vendor reviews the information for medical necessity, appropriateness of the
procedure and compliance with Medicaid program benefits. Written notification of the
review determination is sent to the physician and facility within 30 days of receipt of all
required documentation.
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c. a procedure appearing on the list is planned for a recipient who is currently being
treated in an acute care hospital and the procedure is unrelated to the original reason
for admission. Authorization is not required if the procedure is for treatment related
to the admitting diagnosis.
d. the physician can provide compelling evidence that non-covered procedure is not
cosmetic but is medically necessary.
203.6 LONG TERM ACUTE CARE (LTAC) SPECIALTY HOSPITAL SERVICES POLICY
203.6A DESCRIPTION
LTAC specialty hospitals meet Medicare inpatient hospital Conditions of Participation, maintain
an average length of stay greater than 25 days and provide comprehensive long-term acute care to
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individuals with complex medical conditions and/or an acute illness, injury or exacerbation of a
disease process. Most commonly, specialty or LTAC hospitals treat patients who require
ventilator, wound care or stroke-related services.
1. COVERED SERVICES
2. NON-COVERED SERVICES
Services are not covered in a long term acute care hospital when:
b. the services do not meet medical necessity requirements or are only for the
convenience of a recipient or a recipient’s family or physician; or
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1. Prior Authorization is required, except for Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible recipients
when Medicare benefits are not exhausted. Reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM)
Chapter 100.
3. LTAC specialty hospital’s policy is consistent with applicable inpatient prior authorization
and utilization review policies, MSM Chapter 200, Section 203.1A(2)(a-e), 203.1(A)(2)(f),
(5), (8), (10), (14) and (15) and 203.1A(2)(h)(1-2).
Providers must:
203.7A DESCRIPTION
Inpatient rehabilitation specialty hospitals and distinct inpatient rehabilitation units in a general or
critical access hospital provide intensive, multidisciplinary, coordinated rehabilitation services
(e.g., physical, occupational, speech or prosthetics/orthotics therapy) to restore optimal function
following an accident or illness, (e.g., spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, neurologic disorders,
congenital deformity, burns, amputation, major multiple trauma, fractures of the femur or hip,
severe advanced osteoarthritis, active polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis, systemic vasculitis with
joint inflammation, knee or hip replacement). Inpatient rehabilitation involves both retraining and
relearning to achieve the maximal level of function possible, based on a recipient’s abilities and
disabilities.
1. COVERED SERVICES
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1. Services are ordered and provided under the direction of a physician with
specialized training or experience in rehabilitation.
5. Rehabilitative service are provided a minimum of either three hours per day,
five days per week or 15 hours within each seven-consecutive day period,
beginning the date of admission.
1. the exception is limited to once per admission and does not exceed three
consecutive days;
d. In cases of brain injury, a recipient can be admitted on a trial basis lasting no longer
than seven days if a comprehensive preadmission assessment supports that the
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e. A leave of absence not exceeding 32 hours for a therapeutic reason (e.g., preparing
for independent living) is covered when authorized by the QIO-like vendor and
when the following information is documented in a recipient’s medical record:
1. a physician’s order that specifies the number of hours for the leave;
2. the medically appropriate reason for the leave; and an evaluation of the
therapeutic effectiveness of the leave.
2. NON-COVERED SERVICES
a. the services do not meet authorization or other policy coverage requirements (e.g.,
a preadmission screening demonstrates a recipient cannot participate with intensive
rehabilitation services);
b. the level of rehabilitative care required can be safely and effectively rendered in an
alternate, less intensive setting, such as an outpatient rehabilitation department or a
skilled nursing facility; or
1. Prior Authorization is required, except for Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible recipients
when Medicare benefits are not exhausted. Refer to MSM Chapter 100.
2. Prior Authorization is also required for a leave of absence expected to last longer than eight
hours or involving an overnight stay or a brief exception to the intensity of service rule.
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a. a preadmission screen specifying the condition that caused the need for
rehabilitation, the recipient’s level of function, functional improvement goals and
the expected frequency and duration of treatments required to accomplish these
goals, any risk for clinical complications and the anticipated post discharge
destination.
c. evidence of no less than 15 hours of therapy being provided per week, beginning
with the date of admission, unless comprehensive documentation is provided to the
QIO-vendor regarding an unexpected clinical event that meets the exception to
intensity of service criteria.
b. individualized and specify the intensity, frequency and duration of therapies and
the anticipated, quantifiable treatment goals; and
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204 HEARINGS
A. DESCRIPTION
Section 2301 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires coverage of services furnished at freestanding
birth centers. A freestanding birth center is described as a health facility that is not a hospital or physician’s
office, where childbirth is planned to occur away from the pregnant woman’s residence. The birth center
must be in compliance with applicable state licensure and nationally recognized accreditation organization
requirements for the provision of prenatal care, labor, delivery and postpartum care. “Obstetric Center”,
Nevada’s legal term for birth center, complies with Section 2301 of the ACA birth center requirements
related to the health and safety of recipients provided services by licensed birth centers.
B. POLICY
The DHCFP birth center coverage and reimbursement is limited to medically necessary childbirth services
which use natural childbirth procedures for labor, delivery, postpartum care and immediate newborn care.
Birth center coverage and reimbursement are limited to women admitted to a birth center in accordance
with adequate prenatal care, prospect for a normal uncomplicated birth defined by criteria established by
the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and by reasonable generally accepted clinical
standards for maternal and fetal health.
Refer to the Maternity Care section of Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 600 – Physician
Services, for comprehensive maternity care coverage provided by physicians and/or nurse midwives.
1. COVERED SERVICES
Birth center reimbursement includes childbirth services for labor, delivery, post-partum and
immediate newborn care when the following pregnancy criteria are met:
b. Completion of at least 36 weeks’ gestation and not more than 42 weeks’ gestation.
d. There is history of major uterine wall surgery, cesarean section or other obstetrical
complications which are likely to recur.
2. NON-COVERED SERVICES
a. Emergency treatment as a separately billed service provided by the birth center. For
emergency treatment provided in a hospital – refer to policy in MSM Chapter 200 –
Hospital Services; and
E. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
1. Have a provider contract with the DHCFP. Refer to MSM Chapter 100, Section 102, Provider
Enrollment.
2. Meet applicable state licensing and/or certification requirements in the state in which the center is
located.
c. The Joint Commission, for institution-affiliated outpatient maternity care programs which
principally provide a planned course of outpatient prenatal care and outpatient childbirth
service limited to low-risk pregnancies.
4. Informed consent: Each recipient admitted to the birth center will be informed in writing at the
time of admission of the nature and scope of the center’s program and of the possible risks
associated with maternity care and childbirth in the center.
5. The birth center must have written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a backup hospital
(or physician with admitting privileges) which will accept and treat any woman or newborn
transferred from the center in need of emergency obstetrical or neonatal medical care.
6. The birth center must have a written MOU with ambulance service which is routinely staffed by
qualified personnel to manage critical maternal and neonatal patients during transport to each
backup hospital.
For billing instructions and a list of covered procedure and diagnosis codes, please refer to the QIO-like
vendor’s Billing Manual.
A. INTRODUCTION
The Nevada State Plan provides that certain non-United States (U.S.) citizens, who otherwise meet the
requirements for Title XIX eligibility, are restricted to receive only emergency service as defined by 42
CFR 440.255. Provision of outpatient emergency dialysis health care services through the Federal
Emergency Services Program (FESP) is deemed an emergent service for this eligibility group.
B. DEFINITIONS
1. Acute – means symptoms that have arisen quickly and which are short-lived.
3. Federal Emergency Service (FES) – treatment of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute
symptoms of sufficient severity, including severe pain, such that the absence of immediate medical
attention could reasonably be expected to result in:
5. End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)/Dialysis services – means the method by which a dissolved
substance is removed from the body of a patient by diffusion, osmosis and convection from one
fluid compartment to another fluid compartment across a semi permeable membrane (i.e.,
hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and other miscellaneous dialysis procedures).
6. Stabilized – with respect to an emergency medical situation, means that no material deterioration
of the condition is likely, within reasonable medical probability, to result from or occur during the
transfer of the individual from a facility.
Outpatient dialysis services for an FES recipient with ESRD are covered as an emergency service when
the recipient’s treating physician signs and completes the certification stating that in his/her medical
opinion the absence of receiving dialysis at least three times per week, would reasonably be expected to
result in any one of the following:
D. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
2. Refer to “Provider Requirements Section” for treating physician certification form requirements.
E. NON-COVERED SERVICES
1. FESP – dialysis for an eligibility group not qualified under 42 CFR 435.406(2)(i)(ii).
4. the “Initial Dialysis Case Creation” form is not on file with the QIO-like vendor;
5. “Monthly Certification Form” is incomplete and/or missing from the FES recipient medical
record.
F. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
1. Treating physicians must complete and sign the monthly certification form entitled, “Monthly
Certification of Emergency Condition” and retain the certification in the FES recipient’s medical
record. The form is found on the QIO-like vendor website.
2. For initiation of treatment, the treating physician must submit an “Initial Dialysis Case Creation”
Form to the QIO-like vendor with the initial claim. The form is found on the QIO-like vendor
website.
3. The DHCFP may audit FES recipient medical records to ensure compliance with this monthly
requirement.
4. For billing instructions, please refer to the QIO-like vendor’s Billing Manual and/or PT45 Billing
Guideline.
A. DESCRIPTION
A swing bed is a bed in a rural or Critical Access Hospital (CAH), certified as a swing bed by the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which can be used to provide either acute care or post-acute
skilled nursing services. A recipient admitted to a swing bed for post-acute skilled nursing following
discharge from acute inpatient care, does not have to change beds or locations in a facility, unless required
by the facility.
B. POLICY
This policy is specific to an acute inpatient bed that provides post-acute Nursing Facility (NF) services.
The DHCFP reimburses post-acute/NF swing bed days when: a recipient receiving acute inpatient hospital
services for at least three consecutive calendar days (not including the day of discharge) requires post-
acute, skilled nursing services seven days a week and no NF placement is available or the recipient or
family refuses NF placement outside the rural area. The three-day qualifying acute inpatient stay does not
have to be from the same facility as the swing-bed admission. Placement in a swing bed must be on a
temporary (not long term) basis.
C. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Prior Authorization is required, except when a recipient is Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible and
Medicare benefits are not exhausted.
Authorization must be obtained on a retrospective basis when Medicaid eligibility is determined after
admission to or discharge from a swing bed.
Services not included in the per diem rate may require prior authorization. Reference the MSM Chapter
applicable to the service type regarding authorization requirements.
1. COVERED SERVICES
a. The DHCFP covers medically necessary, post-acute, nursing facility level of care services
provided on an inpatient basis and reimbursed at a per diem rate. The per diem rate includes
routine services and supplies, including a regular room, dietary services, nursing services,
social services, activities, medical supplies, oxygen and the use of equipment and facilities.
b. The following services are separately reimbursed when the service meets policy
requirements specific to that service:
g. Emergency transportation.
i. Physician services.
2. NON-COVERED SERVICES
a. Swing bed placement when nursing facility placement is available in the rural area where
the hospital is located or in another rural or urban area acceptable to the recipient or family.
E. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensure compliance with Provider Responsibility requirements specified in Chapter 200, Section
203.1B, federal and state swing bed requirements and the DHCFP coverage and authorization
requirements.
2. Utilize available NF beds prior to requesting swing bed placement, unless NF placement is outside
the rural area and there is documented evidence that a recipient or family objects to placement
outside the rural community.
4. Reference Chapter 500 for Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) and Nursing
Facility Level of Care (LOC) screening requirements prior to a recipient being transferred from a
swing bed to a NF bed within the hospital or at another facility.
F. DOCUMENTATION
1. Notify and submit required documentation to the QIO-like vendor to initiate admission and
concurrent review authorizations when a recipient is retro eligible.
2. Submit the following documentation to the QIO-like vendor with the initial authorization request:
a. a history and physical or acute inpatient discharge summary indicating the need for skilled
nursing services;
b. a physician acute hospital discharge order and swing bed admission order;
3. Submit the following documentation to the QIO-like vendor with a concurrent swing bed
authorization request no less frequently than monthly (when applicable):
a. ongoing NF placement efforts and either the reasons NF bed placement is not available or
recipient or family refusal of NF placement outside the rural area;
A. DESCRIPTION
Observation services are physician ordered, clinically appropriate, short term hospital outpatient services
including diagnostic assessment and treatments provided when a recipient’s medical needs do not meet
acute inpatient care guidelines. A recipient’s condition is further evaluated to determine if inpatient
admission is required or the recipient can be safely discharged. Observation services do not have to be
provided in a designated hospital observation unit. Observation services can be provided in any area of a
hospital, such as on an obstetric unit or an intermediate/progressive coronary care unit.
B. POLICY
Observation services are reimbursed when ordered by a physician or other clinician authorized by State
licensure law and hospital staff bylaws to order services and at an hourly basis up to 48 continuous hours.
Medically necessary ancillary services (e.g. laboratory, radiology and other diagnostics, therapy and
pharmacy services) that meet the coverage and authorization requirements of the MSM applicable to the
service are separately reimbursed.
Observation and ancillary services provided at the same facility and on the same calendar date as an
inpatient admission, as part of one continuous episode of care, are included in the first inpatient day, per
diem rate (a rollover admission). Observation hours (not exceeding the observation 48-hour limit) and
ancillary services rendered on the calendar date(s) preceding the rollover inpatient admission date are
separately reimbursed.
Medically necessary ancillary services may require prior authorization. Reference the MSM Chapter
applicable to the service type regarding authorization requirements.
1. COVERED SERVICES
a. Observation begins the date and time specified on the physician’s observation order, not
when the recipient is placed in an observation bed. Observation ends when the 48-hour
policy limit is reached or at the date and time the physician writes an order for either
inpatient admission, transfer to another healthcare facility or discharge.
c. A recipient is clinically unstable for discharge from an outpatient setting due to either:
e. clinical signs and symptoms above or below normal range requiring an extension of
monitoring and further evaluation;
h. a significant adverse reaction occurs subsequent to: a therapeutic service (e.g., blood or
chemotherapy administration, dialysis);
i. the medically necessary services provided meet observation criteria, a provider is notified
that inpatient admission is denied because it does not meet acute inpatient level of care
criteria, a physician writes an order for observation status and patient rights and utilization
review federal requirements are met pertaining to changing an inpatient admission to
outpatient observation status.
2. NON-COVERED SERVICES
b. Services rendered without a signed, dated physician order or documentation in the medical
record that specifies the date and time observation services were initiated and discontinued.
d. Observation status when either a recipient’s medical condition or treatment needs meet
acute inpatient guidelines/standards of care or the probably of a significant, rapid onset
complication is exceptionally high requiring prompt interventions available only in an
inpatient setting.
e. Services that can be safely and effectively provided in a less restrictive setting (e.g., a
physician’s office, emergency room, clinic, urgent care setting).
g. Services that are routine preparation prior to or monitoring after a diagnostic test, treatment,
procedure or outpatient same-day surgery.
i. Services provided solely for the convenience of a recipient, recipient’s family or physician.
E. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
1. A physician’s order, clearly indicating the dates and times that observation begins and ends.
2. Comprehensive documentation that supports medical necessity and describes, when applicable:
a. a significant complication or adverse reaction that requires services that would normally
be included in a recovery or post-procedure period; or
RADIOLOGY SERVICES
Page 1 of 1
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 300
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
300 INTRODUCTION
Diagnostic testing and radiologic services are federally mandated Division of Health Care
Financing and Policy (DHCFP) Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
benefits. This chapter presents policy diagnostic services provided in outpatient hospitals,
diagnostic centers or mobile units.
The DHCFP reimbursement is based on the need to establish a diagnosis and to prescribe
treatment. Reimbursement is also provided for progressive follow-up or staging. Diagnostic
studies are rendered according to the written orders of the Physician, Physician’s Assistant or an
Advanced Practitioner of Nursing (APN) and must be directly related to the presenting symptoms.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the four areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ
as documented in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY
301.1 The citation denoting the amount, duration and scope of services are found in 42 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), Part 435 and Sections 1902 (a) (10) (A) (I) (IV) and (VI), 1902 (a) (10) (A) (ii)
(XI), 1902 (a) (10) (E), 1902 (1) and (m), 1905 (p), (q) and (s), 1920, and 1925 of the Act. Title
XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA), 1862 (a) (1) (A), 411.15 et.seq. Title XVIII of the SSA,
1862 (a) (7), 405.1411-1416.
301.2 The State Legislature sets forth standards of practice for licensed professionals in the following
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS):
Chapter 639 – Pharmacists and Pharmacy (Sections 639.008, 639.0095, 639.0097, 639.0105,
639.0125 and 639.0143.)
301.3 Also cited, Title XXI State Plan Attachment 1.2-B, 101.9 E (Page 7) of Title XIX State Plan.
301.4 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) of
1992.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
302 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The DHCFP medical assistance programs will reimburse for those covered services that are
considered to be medically necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of a specific illness, symptom,
complaint or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body part without prior payment
authorization. The investigational use for any radiological test is not a Medicaid covered benefit
1. A licensed physician or other licensed persons working within the scope of their practice
must request radiology services (e.g., Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant,
Podiatrist, etc.).
2. Payment for X-rays and other radiological examinations will only be allowed for those
services that are considered to be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis and treatment
of a specific illness, symptom, complaint or injury or to improve the functioning of a
malformed body part.
4. Diagnostic and/or treatment mammography’s are not restricted to age or sex and do not
require prior authorization.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Always use other modalities or less expensive tests such as CT, ultrasound or standard X-
ray, etc., when they will achieve the required results. Use of approved modalities for
investigational/experimental reasons are not a Medicaid benefit. Prior authorization will not
be required for initial testing and tumor staging. Other repeated testing will require prior
authorization.
6. The DHCFP medical assistance programs cover certain types of X-rays and cover skeletal
films for arms, legs, pelvis, vertebral column, skull, chest and abdominal films that do not
involve the contrast material and electro cardiograms furnished by a portable x-ray supplier
in a residence used as a recipient’s home. These services must be performed under the
general supervision of a physician. All licensing conditions and health and safety conditions
must be met. Coverage of portable services are defined in 42 CFR 486.
7. Documentation must be available in the clinical record to support the reasonable and
necessary indications for all testing.
1. Verify program eligibility each month (e.g., Qualified Medicaid Beneficiary (QMB),
Managed Care Organization (MCO), etc.) and comply with the program requirements.
Example: A QMB only recipient never requires a Medicaid payment authorization.
2. The provider must allow, upon the request of proper representatives of the DHCFP, access
to all records which pertain to Medicaid or CHIP recipients for regular review, audit or
utilization review.
3. Evidence to support medical necessity for the procedures must be clearly documented in the
clinical record. Duplicative testing when previous results are still pertinent is not a covered
benefit.
4. The ordering physician is responsible for forwarding appropriate clinical data to the
diagnostic facility.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. notify providers immediately for any change in eligibility status, e.g. pending status to
eligible or Fee-for-Service to managed care.
Providers must submit the following documentation to substantiate a prior authorization request:
the date, place and results of previous diagnostic tests performed. Fax or mail all information to the
Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor.
The DHCFP pays for routine screening mammograms annually for women over age 40. For women
aged 35-39, a baseline mammogram is allowed once during this period of time. All facilities
providing mammography services are required to have a certificate issued by the FDA, assuring the
mammography provider meets national quality standards in accordance with the MQSA of 1992.
A doctor’s prescription or referral is not necessary for the procedure to be covered. It is required
that there be 365 days from the date of the last mammogram until the next mammogram.
a. ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG)
Routine EEG tests measure and record the electrical impulses from the cortex of the brain.
A diagnosis can only be made with correlating clinical findings.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Intensive EEG recording (24-hours) is a safe and clinically effective method of diagnosis,
classification and localization for seizure disorders and other factors precipitating individual
seizures. Results can indicate which category of medication may be the most successful.
EEG brain mapping is a term commonly used for several quantitative EEG techniques.
These include:
2. topographic display;
EEG testing is covered when supported by sufficient information that its use was medically
appropriate considering the patient’s symptoms and preliminary diagnosis.
24-hour EEG recordings and EEG mapping require prior payment authorization.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contractions.
2. NCS – Diagnostic nerve conduction studies include amplitude which differentiates nerve
conduction studies from screening studies performed with devices which only measure
latency.
3. F-wave studies are usually performed in conjunction with conventional motor nerve
conductions studies of the same nerve. F-wave studies assess motor nerve function along
the entire extent of each selected nerve.
4. Reflex Tests – H-reflex testing is unilateral and usually involves assessment of the tibial
motor nerve and the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle complex. They are not often performed
in conjunction with conventional nerve conduction studies of this nerve-muscle pair.
Typically, only one or two H-reflex studies are performed on a patient during a given
encounter.
COVERED DIAGNOSIS:
DESCRIPTION: EPs are time-locked responses of the nervous system to external stimuli.
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) are one type of EP, which are generated by stimulation of
afferent peripheral nerve fibers elicited by electrical, tactile or other stimuli. “Short-latency” SEP
(SSEP) refers to that portion of the waveform of an SEP normally occurring within a specific time
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
lapse variable after nerve stimulation. SEP abnormalities are not disease specific but can indicate
afferent conduction impairments associated with certain disorders.
1. The SEP study is separated into upper and lower limbs to recognize that switching from the
upper to lower limbs requires an increase in work because many stimulating and recording
electrodes must be moved and the patient must be stimulated many more times to perform
the additional testing.
2. SEP studies performed on the trunk or head are completely separate tests from the upper
and lower limb studies.
4. The auditory evoked potential procedure codes can be a clinical neurophysiologic study as
well as an audiology study.
COVERED DIAGNOSIS
SEP/SSEP: VER:
Spinal Cord Lesions Lesions of Optic Nerve/Optic Tracts
Stroke Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Extremity numbness and weakness
ABR:
Lesions in the Brain Stem including Tumor Cerebellopontine Angle Lesions
Evaluate Hearing in Infants, Children, Adults Infarctions
Evaluation for peripheral Hearing Loss MS
DESCRIPTION: MEG is a highly refined noninvasive technique that measures the magnetic fields
generated by active groups of nerve cells in the brain which would obviate the need for depth
electrodes in the precise localization of epileptogenic foci. MEG Non-invasive use of MEG and
MEG - EEG have been able to help focus subdural electrodes for a chronic intracranial presurgical
evaluation in recipients with medically intractable epilepsy and comparison of epileptic activity
with normal evoked responses may help localize epileptic zones.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
MEG – The procedure is limited to localization of the seizure zone in medically intractable partial
epilepsy for recipients being considered for surgical intervention.
1. COVERED DIAGNOSIS:
2. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Documentation supporting medical necessity for any of the above procedures must be
clearly documented in the recipient’s medical record and submitted when a prior
authorization is required.
1. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of
Health (NIH), sleep studies are tests that measure how well someone sleeps and how the
body responds to sleep problems. Sleep studies are necessary because untreated sleep
disorders can raise risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other medical
conditions. Sleep disorders have also been linked to an increased risk of injury, such as
falling in the elderly and automobile accidents.
a. The following sleep study tests are covered benefits: Polysomnography (PSG) is the
scientific evaluation of sleep that involves a physiologic recording of brain waves,
oxygen level in blood, heart rate and breathing and eye and leg movements.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is performed to measure daytime sleepiness.
Also known as a daytime nap study, the MSLT is the standard tool used to diagnose
narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
2. Sleep study services are performed with physician review, interpretation and report.
1. The PSG and MSLT sleep study tests are limited to two services in a 12-month period
without prior authorization. If the services exceed limitations, a prior authorization is
required.
2. Prior authorization for MSLT includes authorization for a PSG performed on the preceding
night to be valid.
3. Documentation supporting medical necessity for sleep study services must be clearly
documented in the recipient’s medical record and submitted when a prior authorization is
requested.
2. A licensed physician or other licensed professional working within the scope of their
practice must request the appropriate test.
3. The ordering provider is responsible for forwarding appropriate clinical data to the
diagnostic facility.
4. The need for diagnostic testing is confirmed by medical evidence, e.g. recipient history,
physician examination and other laboratory tests.
5. Reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 1300, Durable Medical Equipment,
for coverage and limitation guidelines for the positive airway pressure device services.
a. EEG;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
c. EMG.
a. EKG;
b. Airflow;
g. Penile tumescence;
h. Gastroesophageal reflux;
j. Snoring; and
1. Portable monitoring (PM) for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should be
performed only in conjunction with a comprehensive sleep evaluation.
3. PM may be used as an alternative to PSG for the diagnosis of OSA in recipients with a high
pretest probability to moderate to severe OSA.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. with significant comorbid medical conditions that may degrade the accuracy of PM,
including moderate to severe pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disorders, asthma,
stroke, severe hypertension or congestive heart failure.
b. suspect of having other sleep disorders, including central sleep apnea, periodic limb
movement disorder, insomnia, parasomnias, circadian rhythm disorders or
narcolepsy.
6. PM may be indicated for the diagnosis of OSA in recipients for whom in-laboratory PSG
is not possible by virtue of immobility, safety or critical illness.
7. At a minimum, the PM must record airflow, respiratory effort and blood oxygenation. The
type of biosensors used to monitor these parameters for in-laboratory PSG are
recommended for use in PM.
8. Unattended sleep studies are considered medically necessary using one of the following
diagnostic techniques for recipients with symptoms suggestive of OSA when the home
sleep study is used as part of a comprehensive sleep evaluation:
a. Sleep monitoring using a Type II device, minimum of seven channels (e.g. EEG,
EOG, EMG, ECG, airflow, respiratory effort, oxygen saturation);
b. Sleep monitoring using a Type III device, minimum of four monitored channels
including ventilation or airflow (at least two channels of respiratory movement or
airflow), heart rate or ECG and oxygen saturation; or
c. Sleep monitoring using a Type IV device, measuring at least three channels. Type
IV devices must allow channels that allow direct calculation of an apnea-hypopnea
index (AHI) or respiratory disturbance index (RDI) as the result of measuring
airflow or thoracoabdominal movement.
10. Due to the known rate of false negative PM tests, in-laboratory PSG should be performed
in cases where PM is technically inadequate or fails to establish the diagnosis of OSA in
recipients with a high pretest probability.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
11. If a PM test is technically inadequate or does not provide the expected result, in-laboratory
PSG should be performed. Documentation supporting medical necessity for the repeat
services must be clearly documented in the recipient’s medical record.
2. Repeat studies are not covered when documentation for a repeat study does not indicate
medical necessity (e.g. no new clinical documentation indicating the need for a repeat
study).
1. According to the FDA, radiopharmaceuticals and contrast agents are used in diagnostic
imaging procedures or for therapeutic purposes. Agents enhance the quality of MRI, MRA,
CT scans, PET, x-ray and other modalities. Agents are also used to monitor treatment effect.
Radiopharmaceuticals and contrast agents may be dispensed to the recipient in several
different ways, i.e. by mouth or injection or placed into the eye or bladder. They may also
be used for nuclear medicine.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
304 HEARINGS
Please reference MSM, Chapter 3100, for Hearings process and policy.
Page 2 of 2
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
TRANSMITTAL LETTER
Revisions to Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 400 - Mental Health and
Alcohol/Substance Abuse Services are being proposed to align with the intent of Senate Bill (SB)
162 from the 2017 Legislative Session that revises the provisions relating to psychological
assistants, psychological interns and psychological trainees. SB162 allows for assistants, interns
and trainees to render services under the supervision of a designated Licensed Psychological
Supervisor as identified in the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) and the Nevada Revised
Statute (NRS) 641. This will expand the provider qualifications and allow these three
qualifications to enroll independently.
Additionally, the proposed policy change will allow assistants, interns and trainees to enroll under
the Psychologist provider type (PT) - (PT 26) and will remove them from under the current
structure of the Behavioral Health Community Network (BHCN) - (PT 14). This will allow for
appropriate supervision as identified through the Board of Psychological Examiners.
Throughout the chapter, grammar, punctuation and capitalization changes were made, duplications
removed, acronyms used and standardized, and language reworded for clarity. Renumbering and
re-arranging of sections was necessary.
Entities Financially Affected: Hospital Inpatient - (PT 10), Hospital Outpatient - (PT 11 ),
Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital - (PT 13), Behavioral Health Outpatient Services - (PT 14),
Specialty Clinics - (PT 17), Psychologists - (PT 26).
Page I of2
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Section
403.2A(2) SUPERVISION Removed language for Psychological Assistants.
STANDARDS
Added clarifying language that Licensed Clinical Social
Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapists (LMFT), Clinical Professional Counselors
(CPC) may function as Clinical Supervisors.
Page 2 of2
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
Page 2 of 2
MTL 01/16
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 400
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
400 INTRODUCTION
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for community-based and inpatient mental health services to both
children and adults under a combination of mental health rehabilitation, medical/clinical and
institutional authority. The services must be recommended by a physician or other licensed
practitioner of the healing arts, within their scope of practice under State law for the maximum
reduction of a physical or mental disability and to restore the individual to the best possible
functioning level. The services are to be provided in the least restrictive, most normative setting
possible and may be delivered in a medical professional clinic/office, within a community
environment, while in transit and/or in the recipient’s home. All services must be documented as
medically necessary and appropriate and must be prescribed on an individualized Treatment Plan.
Mental health rehabilitation assists individuals to develop, enhance and/or retain psychiatric
stability, social integration skills, personal adjustment and/or independent living competencies in
order to experience success and satisfaction in environments of their choice and to function as
independently as possible. Interventions occur concurrently with clinical treatment and begin as
soon as clinically possible.
Alcohol and substance abuse treatment and services are aimed to achieve the mental and physical
restoration of alcohol and drug abusers. To be Medicaid reimbursable, while services may be
delivered in inpatient or outpatient settings (inpatient substance abuse hospital, general hospital
with a substance abuse unit, mental health clinic, or by an individual psychiatrist or psychologist),
they must constitute a medical-model service delivery system.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) except for those listed
in the Nevada Check Up (NCU) Chapter 1000, are the same for NCU. Medicaid Services Manual
(MSM) Chapter 400 specifically covers behavioral health services and for other Medicaid services
coverage, limitations and provider responsibilities, the specific MSM needs to be referenced.
Nevada Medicaid’s philosophy assumes that behavioral health services shall be person-centered
and/or family driven. All services shall be culturally competent, community supportive, and
strength based. The services shall address multiple domains, be in the least restrictive environment,
and involve family members, caregivers and informal supports when considered appropriate per
the recipient or legal guardian. Service providers shall collaborate and facilitate full participation
from team members including the individual and their family to address the quality and progress
of the individualized care plan and tailor services to meet the recipient’s needs. In the case of child
recipients, providers shall deliver youth guided effective/comprehensive, evidence-based
treatments and interventions, monitor child/family outcomes through utilization of Child & Family
Team meetings and continuously work to improve services in order to ensure overall fidelity of
recipient care. (Reference Addendum – MSM Definitions).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
401 AUTHORITY
In 1965, the 89th Congress added Title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA) authorizing varying
percentages of federal financial participation (FFP) for states that elected to offer medical
programs. States must offer the 11 basic required medical services. Two of these are inpatient
hospital services (42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 440.10) and outpatient hospital services
(42 CFR 440.20). All other mental health and substance abuse services provided in a setting other
than an inpatient or outpatient hospital are covered by Medicaid as optional services. Additionally,
state Medicaid programs are required to correct or ameliorate defects and physical and mental
illnesses and conditions discovered as the result of an Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and
Treatment (EPSDT) screening for children 21 years or younger, whether or not such services are
covered under the state plan (Section 1905(a)).
• Section 1902(a)(20) of the SSA (State Provisions for Mental Institution Patients 65 and
Older)
• Section 1905(h) of the SSA (Inpatient Psychiatric Services to Individuals Under Age 21)
• Section 1905(r)(5) of the SSA (Mental Health Services for Children as it relates to EPSDT)
• 42 CFR 441.150 to 441.156 (Inpatient Psychiatric Services for Individuals under age 21 in
Psychiatric Facilities or Programs)
• 42 CFR, Part 483 (Requirements for States and Long Term Care Facilities)
• 42 CFR, PART 435 (Eligibility In the States, District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana
Islands and American Samoa), 440.130 (Definitions relating to institutional status)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
• CMS 2261-P, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (Medicaid Program;
Coverage for Rehabilitative Services)
• CMS State Medicaid Manual, Chapter 4, Section 4390 (Requirements and Limits
applicable to Specific Services (IMD))
• NRS, Chapter 630 (Physicians, Physician Assistants and Practitioners of Respiratory Care)
• NRS 641.A (Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors)
• Nevada Medicaid Inpatient Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Policy, Procedures and
Requirements. The Joint Commission Restraint and Seclusion Standards for Behavioral
Health.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
402 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
403 POLICY
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for outpatient mental health and/or mental health rehabilitative
services under the following service delivery models:
Public or private entities that provides or contracts with an entity that provides:
BHCNs are a service delivery model and are not dependent on the physical structure of a
clinic. BHCNs can be reimbursed for all services covered in this chapter and may make
payment directly to the qualified provider of each service. BHCNs must coordinate care
with mental health rehabilitation providers.
C. Individual Rehabilitative Mental Health (RMH) providers must meet the provider
qualifications for the specific service. If they cannot independently provide Clinical and
Direct Supervision, they must arrange for Clinical and Direct Supervision through a
contractual agreement with a BHCN or qualified independent professional. These
providers may directly bill Nevada Medicaid or may contract with a BHCN.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. Adhere to the regulations prescribed in this chapter and all applicable Division
chapters;
3. Provide only those services within the scope of their practice and expertise;
5. Comply with recipient confidentiality laws and Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA);
9. Cooperate with the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy’s (DHCFP’s)
review process.
1. Have written policies and procedures to ensure the medical appropriateness of the
services provided;
2. Operate under medical supervision and ensure medical supervisors operate within
the scope of their license and expertise and have written policies and procedures to
document the prescribed process;
4. Utilize clinical supervision as prescribed in this chapter and have written policies
and procedures to document the process to ensure clinical supervision is performed
on a regular, routine basis at least monthly and the effectiveness of the mental health
treatment program is evaluated at least annually;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. A list of behavioral health services and evidence based practices that the
BHCN provides to recipients.
1. Identify the goals and objectives of the services and methods which
will be used to restore recipient’s highest level of functioning.
c. Document how clinical and supervisory trainings are conducted and how
they support standards to ensure compliance with regulations prescribed
within MSM Chapter 400. Provide a brief description of material covered,
date, frequency and duration of training, location, names of employees that
attended and the name of the instructor.
1. Effectiveness of care:
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3. Satisfaction of care:
1. Recipients or their legal guardians and their families (when applicable) must:
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2. Clinical Supervision – Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and
Family Therapists (LMFT), Clinical Professional Counselors (CPC) and Qualified Mental
Health Professionals (QMHPs), excluding Interns, operating within the scope of their
practice under state law, may function as Clinical Supervisors. Clinical Supervisors must
have the specific education, experience, training, credentials and licensure to coordinate
and oversee an array of mental and behavioral health services. Clinical Supervisors must
assure that the mental and/or behavioral health services provided are medically necessary
and clinically appropriate. Clinical Supervisors assume professional responsibility for the
mental and/or behavioral health services provided. Clinical Supervisors can supervise other
LCSW, LMFT, CPC, QMHPs, Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA) and Qualified
Behavioral Aides (QBA). Clinical Supervisors may also function as Direct Supervisors.
Individual RMH providers, who are LCSW, LMFT, CPC, and QMHPs, excluding Interns,
may function as Clinical Supervisors over RMH services. However, Independent RMH
providers, who are QMHPs, may not function as Clinical Supervisors over Outpatient
Mental Health assessments or therapies. Clinical Supervisors must assure the following:
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e. The recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors)
participate in all aspects of care planning, that the recipient and their family/legal
guardian (in the case of legal minors) sign the treatment and/or rehabilitation
plan(s) and that the recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal
minors) receive a copy of the treatment and/or rehabilitation plan(s);
f. The recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors)
acknowledge in writing that they understand their right to select a qualified provider
of their choosing;
g. Only qualified providers provide prescribed services within scope of their practice
under state law; and
h. Recipients receive mental and/or behavioral health services in a safe and efficient
manner.
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c. Assist the clinical supervisor with treatment and/or rehabilitation plan(s) reviews
and evaluations.
403.2B DOCUMENTATION
b. Each prescribed BH service within the Treatment Plan must meet medical necessity
criteria, be clinically appropriate and must utilize evidence-based practices.
c. The prescribed services within the plan must support the recipient’s restoration of
functioning consistent with the individualized goals and objectives.
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1. The recipient or the recipient’s legal representative (in the case of legal
minors and when appropriate for an adult);
b. All BH services requested must ensure that the goal of restoring a recipient’s
functional levels is consistent with the therapeutic design of the services to be
provided under the Treatment Plan.
c. All requested BH services must ensure that all involved health professionals
incorporate a coherent and cohesive developed treatment plan that best serves the
recipient’s needs.
d. Services should be developed with a goal that promotes collaboration between other
health providers of the recipient, community supports including, but not limited to,
community resources, friends, family or other supporters of the recipient and
recipient identified stakeholders to ensure the recipient can receive care
coordination and continuity of care.
e. The requested services are to be specific, measurable and relevant in meeting the
goals and objectives identified in the Treatment Plan. The QMHP must identify
within the Treatment Plan the scope of services to be delivered and are not
duplicative or redundant of other prescribed BH services.
a. Treatment Plans are required to include, but are not limited to, the following
information:
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6. The name and credentials of the provider who completed the determination.
c. Requested Services:
2. Scope of Services and Duration: Identify the daily amount, service duration
and therapeutic scope for each service to be provided;
5. Care Coordination: When multiple providers are involved, the plan must
identify and designate a primary care coordinator. The primary care
coordinator develops the care coordination plan between the identified BH
services and integration of other supportive services involved with a
recipient’s services;
d. Discharge Plan – A Treatment Plan must include a discharge plan that identifies:
2. Discharge criteria;
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3. Recommended aftercare services for goals that were both achieved and not
achieved during duration of the Treatment Plan;
a. Signatures, along with the identified credentials, are required on all treatment plans,
modifications to treatment plans and reevaluations of treatment plans include:
2. The recipient, recipient’s family or their legal representative (in the case of
legal minors and when appropriate for an adult);
3. The individual QMHP and their credentials responsible for developing and
prescribing the plan within the scope of their licensure.
5. Treatment Plan Reevaluation: A QMHP must evaluate and reevaluate the Treatment Plan
at a minimum of every 90 days or a shorter period as determined by the QMHP. Every
reevaluated Treatment Plan must include a brief analysis that addresses the services
recommended, the services actually provided pursuant to the recommendations, a
determination of whether the provided services met the developed goals and objectives of
those services and whether or not the recipient would continue to benefit from future
services and be signed by the QMHP.
c. The new treatment plan must adhere to what is identified in Sections 403.2B(1) and
403.2B(2) under Individualized Treatment Plan and Treatment Plan Development.
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6. Progress Notes: Progress notes for all BH services including RMH and OMH services are
the written documentation of treatment services, or services coordination provided to the
recipient pursuant to the Treatment Plan, which describes the progress, or lack of progress
towards the goals and objectives of the Treatment Plan.
a. All progress notes documented with the intent of submitting a billable Medicaid
behavioral health service claim must be documented in a manner that is sufficient
to support the claim and billing of the services provided and must further document
the amount, scope and duration of the service(s) provided as well as identify the
provider of the service(s).
b. A Progress Note is required for each day the service was delivered, must be legible
and must include the following information:
1. The name of the individual receiving the service(s). If the services are in a
group setting, it must be indicated;
4. The actual beginning and ending times the service was delivered;
8. The goals and objectives that were discussed and provided during the time
the services were provided; and
7. Discharge Summary: Written documentation of the last service contact with the recipient,
the diagnosis at admission and termination, and a summary statement describing the
effectiveness of the treatment modalities and progress, or lack of progress, toward
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treatment goals and objectives as documented in the Treatment Plan. The discharge
summary documentation must include the reason for discharge, current intensity of needs
level and recommendations for further treatment.
d. Coordinate treatment;
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4. Interns
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a. LCSW Interns meet the requirements under a program of internship and are
licensed as an intern pursuant to the State of Nevada, Board of Examiners
for Social Workers (Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 641B).
b. LMFT and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Interns who meet the
requirements under a program of internship and are licensed as an intern
pursuant to the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and
Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors.
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These services include assessment and diagnosis, testing, basic medical and therapeutic services,
crisis intervention, therapy, partial and intensive outpatient hospitalization, medication
management and case management services. For case management services, refer to MSM Chapter
2500 for Non-SED and Non-SMI definitions, service requirements, service limitations, provider
qualifications and documentation requirements.
A. Assessments are covered for problem identification (diagnosis) and to establish measurable
treatment goals and objectives by a QMHP or designated QMHA in the case of a Mental
Health Screen.
3. Psychiatric Diagnostic Interview – Covered once per calendar year without prior
authorization. If there is a substantial change in condition, subsequent assessments
may be requested through a prior-authorization from the QIO-like vendor for
Nevada Medicaid. A psychiatric diagnostic interview may consist of a clinical
interview, a medical and mental history, a mental status examination, behavioral
observations, medication evaluation and/or prescription by a licensed psychiatrist.
The psychiatric diagnostic interview is to conclude with a written report which
contains a current ICD diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
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Mental health therapy is covered for individual, group and/or family therapy with the
recipient present and for family therapy without the recipient present and described as
follows:
1. Family Therapy
2. Group Therapy
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4. Neurotherapy
b. Prior authorizations through the QIO-like vendor are required for all
neurotherapy services exceeding the below identified session limits for the
following covered ICD Codes:
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while under the direct and clinical supervision of a licensed clinician. Direct
supervision requires the licensed clinical supervisor to be onsite where
services are rendered.
1. Non-evidence-based models;
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by another mental health professional and the billing physician is managing the
psychotropic medication. The service includes prescribing, monitoring the effect of
the medication and adjusting the dosage. Any psychotherapy provided is minimal
and is usually supportive only. If the recipient received psychotherapy and drug
management at the same visit, the drug management is included as part of that
service by definition and medication management should not be billed in addition.
a. Service Limitations: Cannot exceed two units per month (30 minutes), per
recipient without a prior authorization.
5. Vital signs, which include pulse, blood pressure and respiration; and
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The assessed level of needs and the amount, scope and duration of RMH services required
to improve or retain a recipient’s level of functioning or prevent relapse. The determination
cannot be based upon the habilitative needs of the recipient. Intensity of needs
determination is completed by a trained QMHP or QMHA. Intensity of needs
determinations are based on several components consistent with person and family
centered treatment/rehabilitation planning. Intensity of Needs redeterminations must be
completed every 90 days or anytime there is a substantial change in the recipient’s clinical
status.
1. The intensity of needs grid is an approved Level of Care (LOC) utilization system,
which bases the intensity of services on the assessed needs of a recipient. The
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determined level on the grid guides the interdisciplinary team in planning treatment
to improve or retain a recipient’s level of functioning or prevent relapse. Each
Medicaid recipient must have an intensity of needs determination completed prior
to approval to transition to more intensive services (except in the case of a physician
or psychologist practicing as independent providers). The intensity of needs grid
was previously referred to as level of services grid.
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C. Utilization Management for outpatient mental health services is provided by the DHCFP
QIO-like vendor as follows:
1. For BHCN, all service limitations are based upon the Intensity of Needs Grid in the
definitions. The recipient must have an Intensity of Needs determination to
supplement clinical judgment and to determine the appropriate service utilization.
The provider must document in the case notes the level that is determined from the
Intensity of Needs grid;
2. Independent psychologists are not subject to the service limitations in the Intensity
of Needs Grid. The following service limitations are for psychologists:
3. Independent psychiatrists are not subject to the service limitations in the Intensity
of Needs grid. No prior authorization is required for this particular provider.
4. Medicaid Behavioral Health Intensity of Needs for Children and Adolescents.
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b. Sessions indicates billable codes for this service may include occurrence
based codes, time-based or a combination of both. Session = each time this
service occurs regardless of the duration of the service.
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b. Sessions indicates billable codes for this service may include occurrence
based codes, time-based or a combination of both. Session = each time this
service occurs regardless of the duration of the service.
The following services are not covered under the OMH program for Nevada Medicaid and
NCU:
1. Services under this chapter for a recipient who does not have a covered, current ICD
diagnosis;
2. Therapy for marital problems without a covered, current ICD diagnosis;
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7. More than one provider seeing the recipient in the same therapy session;
9. Respite.
RMH services may be provided by specific providers who meet the following qualifications for an
authorized service:
a. QBAs must also have experience and/or training in service provision to people
diagnosed with mental and/or behavioral health disorders and the ability to:
4. communicate effectively;
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b. Recipient's rights;
d. Communication skills;
a. Basic living and self-care skills: The ability to help recipients learn
how to manage their daily lives, recipients learn safe and appropriate
behaviors;
b. Social skills: The ability to help recipients learn how to identify and
comprehend the physical, emotional and interpersonal needs of
others – recipients learn how to interact with others;
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3. For QBAs whom will also function as peer-to-peer supporters, their quarterly
in-service training must also include, at a minimum, any combination (or
single competency) of the following competencies:
c. Applicants must have a FBI criminal background check before they can enroll with
Nevada Medicaid as QBAs. Applicants must submit the results of their criminal
background checks to the overseeing BHCN and/or the Individual RMH provider
(who must also be a Clinical Supervisor). The BHCN and/or the individual RMH
provider must maintain both the requests and the results with the applicant’s
personnel records. Upon request, the BHCN and/or the individual RMH provider
must make the criminal background request and results available to Nevada
Medicaid (DHCFP) for review.
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2. Any other offense determined by the DHCFP to be inconsistent with the best
interest of all recipients.
e. Have had tuberculosis (TB) tests with negative results documented or medical
clearance as outlined in NAC 441.A375 prior to the initiation of service delivery.
Documentation of TB testing and results must be maintained in the BHCN or
independent RMH provider personnel record. TB testing must be completed initially
and annually thereafter. Testing and surveillance shall be followed as outlined in
NAC 441A.375.3.
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1. Scope of Service: RMH services must be recommended by a QMHP within the scope of
their practice under state law. RMH services are goal oriented outpatient interventions that
target the maximum reduction of mental and/or behavioral health impairments and strive to
restore the recipient’s to their best possible mental and/or behavioral health functioning.
RMH services must be coordinated in a manner that is in the best interest of the recipient.
RMH services may be provided in a variety of community and/or professional settings. The
objective is to reduce the duration and scope of care to the least intrusive level of mental
and/or behavioral health care possible while sustaining the recipient’s overall health. All
RMH services must be directly and medically necessary. RMH services cannot be
reimbursed on the same day as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, refer to MSM
Chapter 1500.
b. progress notes must reflect the date and time of day that RMS services were
provided; the recipient’s progress toward functional improvement and the
attainment of established rehabilitation goals and objectives; the nature, content and
number of RMH service units provided; the name, credential(s) and signature of the
person who provided the RMH service(s). Progress notes must be completed after
each session and/or daily; progress notes are not required on days when RMH
services are not provided; a single progress note may include any/all the RMH
services provided during that day;
c. the recipients and their families/legal guardians (in the case of legal minors)
acknowledgement of their freedom to select a qualified Medicaid provider of their
choosing;
d. indications that the recipients and their families/legal guardians (in the case of legal
minors) were involved in all aspects care planning;
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e. indications that the recipients and their families/legal guardians (in the case of legal
minors) are aware of the scope, goals and objectives of the RMH services made
available; and
f. the recipients and their families/legal guardians (in the case of legal minors)
acknowledgement that RMH services are designed to reduce the duration and
intensity of care to the least intrusive level of care possible while sustaining the
recipient’s overall health.
2. Inclusive Services: RMH services include Basic Skills Training (BST), Program for
Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), Day Treatment, Peer-to-Peer Support,
Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) and Crisis Intervention (CI).
3. Provider Qualifications:
a. QMHP: QMHPs may provide BST, PACT, Day Treatment, Peer-to-Peer Support,
PSR and CI services.
b. QMHA: QMHAs may provide BST, PACT, Day Treatment, Peer-to-Peer Support,
PSR services under the Clinical Supervision of a QMHP.
c. QBA: QBAs may provide BST services under the Clinical Supervision of QMHP
and the Direct Supervision of a QMHP/QMHA. QBAs may provide Peer-to-Peer
Support services under the Clinical/Direct Supervision of a QMHP.
a. RMH services are not custodial care benefits for individuals with chronic conditions
but should result in a change in status;
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or supervising hygiene skills, age appropriate social and self-care training and/or
other intrinsic parenting and/or care giver responsibilities;
e. habilitative services;
k. room and board: Includes housing, food, non-medical transportation and other
miscellaneous expenses, as defined below:
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3. Transportation expenses include the net outlay on purchase of new and used
vehicles, gasoline and motor oil, maintenance and repairs and insurance;
m. services under this chapter for a recipient who does not have a covered, current ICD
diagnosis;
r. more than one provider seeing the recipient in the same RMH intervention with the
exception of CI services;
s. respite care;
u. personal care: Personal care services intrinsic to other social services and not related
to RMH goals and objectives; and/or
6. Service Limitations: All RMH services require prior authorization by Medicaid’s QIO-Like
vendor. RMH services may be prior authorized up to 90-days.
a. Intensity of Need Levels I & II: Recipients may receive BST and/or Peer-to-Peer
services provided:
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3. the overall combination does not exceed a maximum of two hours per day;
and
b. Intensity of Need Level III: Recipients may receive any combination of BST, PSR,
Day Treatment and/or Peer-to-Peer services provided:
4. the overall combination does not exceed a maximum of four hours per day;
and
c. Intensity of Need Level IV: Recipients may receive any combination of BST, PSR,
Day Treatment and/or Peer-to-Peer services provided:
4. the overall combination does not exceed a maximum of six hours per day;
and
d. Intensity of Need Levels V & VI: Recipients may receive any combination of BST,
PSR, day treatment and/or peer-to-peer services provided:
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4. the overall combination does not exceed a maximum of eight hours per day;
and
3. progress notes for RMH services provided over the most current two-week
period.
7. Each authorization is for an independent period of time as indicated by the start and end
date of the service period. If a provider believes it is medically necessary for services to be
rendered beyond the scope (units, time period or both), of the current authorization, the
provider is responsible for the submittal of a new prior authorization request. It is
recommended that the new request be submitted 15 days prior to the end date of the existing
service period, so an interruption in services may be avoided for the recipient. In order to
receive authorization for RMH services all of the following must be demonstrated in the
rehabilitation plan and progress notes (if applicable).
a. The recipient will reasonably benefit from the RMH service or services requested;
c. The recipient possesses the ability to achieve established treatment goals and
objectives;
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d. The recipient and/or their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors) desire
to continue the service;
e. The recipient’s condition and/or level of impairment does not require a more or less
intensive level of service;
f. The recipient does not require a level of structure, intensity and/or supervision
beyond the scope of the RMH service or services requested; and
g. The retention of the RMH service or services will reasonably help prevent the
discomposure of the recipient’s mental and/or behavioral health and overall well-
being.
8. Exclusion and Discharge Criteria: Prior authorization will not be given for RMH services if
any of the following apply:
a. The recipient will not reasonably benefit from the RMH service or services
requested;
b. The recipient does not continue to meet the specific RMH service admission criteria;
c. The recipient does not possess the ability to achieve established rehabilitation goals
and objectives;
e. The recipient and/or their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors) do not
desire to continue the service;
f. The recipient presents a clear and imminent threat of serious harm to self and/or
others (recipient presents the intent, capability and opportunity to harm themselves
and others); The recipient’s condition and/or level of impairment requires a more
intensive level of service; and
g. The retention of the RMH service or services will not reasonably help prevent the
discomposure of the recipient’s mental and/or behavioral health and overall
wellbeing.
1. Scope of Service: BST services are RMH interventions designed to reduce cognitive and
behavioral impairments and restore recipients to their highest level of functioning. BST
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services are provided to recipients with age and developmentally inappropriate cognitive
and behavioral skills. BST services help recipients acquire (relearn) constructive cognitive
and behavioral skills through positive reinforcement, modeling, operant conditioning and
other training techniques. BST services reteach recipients a variety of life skills. BST
services may include the following interventions:
a. Basic living and self-care skills: Recipients learn how to manage their daily lives,
recipients learn safe and appropriate behaviors;
b. Social skills: Recipients learn how to identify and comprehend the physical,
emotional and interpersonal needs of others-recipients learn how to interact with
others;
d. Parental training: Parental training teaches the recipient’s parent(s) and/or legal
guardian(s) BST techniques. The objective is to help parents continue the recipient’s
RMH care in home and community based settings. Parental training must target the
restoration of recipient’s cognitive and behavioral mental health impairment needs.
Parental training must be recipient centered;
e. Organization and time management skills: Recipients learn how to manage and
prioritize their daily activities; and/or
2. Provider Qualifications:
a. QMHP: QMHPs may provide BST services. QMHA: QMHAs may provide BST
services under the clinical supervision of a QMHP.
b. QBA: QBAs may provide BST services under the clinical supervision of QMHP and
the direct supervision of a QMHP or QMHA.
3. Service Limitations: All BST services must be prior authorized. Up to two hours of BST
services per day for the first 90 consecutive days, one hour per day for the next 90
consecutive days and anything exceeding current service limitations above 180 consecutive
days would require a prior authorization meeting medical necessity. Any service limitations
may be exceeded with a prior authorization demonstrating medical necessity. Services are
based on a calendar year. Prior authorizations may not exceed 90-day intervals.
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If a recipient has been receiving BST services for six consecutive months, the provider
must validate that continued services are reasonable and necessary. To be considered
reasonable and necessary, the following conditions must be met:
b. The amount, frequency and duration of BST must be reasonable under accepted
standards of practice.
c. If the rehabilitation plan goals have not been met, the re-evaluation of the
rehabilitation/treatment plan must reflect a change in the goal, objectives, services
and methods and reflect the incorporation of other medically appropriate services
such as outpatient mental health services.
Levels I, II, III, IV, V Maximum of two hours per day Maximum of two hours per day
for the first 90 days. This service for the first 90 days. This service
limitation may be exceeded with a limitation may be exceeded with a
prior authorization demonstrating prior authorization demonstrating
medical necessity. medical necessity.
Levels I, II, III, IV, V Maximum of one hour per day for Maximum of one hour per day for
the next 90 days. This service the next 90 days. This service
limitation may be exceeded with a limitation may be exceeded with a
prior authorization demonstrating prior authorization demonstrating
medical necessity. medical necessity.
Levels I, II, III, IV, V Service limits exceeding two 90- Service limits exceeding two 90-
day intervals may be overridden day intervals may be overridden
with a prior authorization meeting with a prior authorization meeting
medical necessity. medical necessity.
4. Admission Criteria: The recipient and at least one parent and/or legal guardian (in the case
of legal minors) with whom the recipient is living must be willing to participate in home
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and community based services; and assessment documentation must indicate that the
recipient has substantial impairments in any combination of the following areas:
a. Basic living and self-care skills: Recipients are experiencing age inappropriate
deficits in managing their daily lives and are engaging in unsafe and inappropriate
behaviors;
2. PACT is for individuals who have the most serious and intractable symptoms of a severe
mental illness and who, consequently, have the greatest difficulty with basic daily
activities, keeping themselves safe, caring for their basic physical needs or maintaining a
safe and affordable place to live and require interventions that have not been effectively
addressed by traditional, less intensive services.
3. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Team members may interact
with a person with acute needs multiple times a day. As the individual stabilizes, contacts
decrease. This team approach is facilitated by daily team meetings in which the team is
briefly updated on each individual. Activities for the day are organized and team members
are available to one another throughout the day to provide consultation or assistance. This
close monitoring allows the team to quickly adjust the nature and intensity of services in
response to individuals’ changing needs. PACT is reimbursed as unbundled services.
403.6E RESERVED
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1. Scope of Service: Peer-to-peer support services are RMH interventions designed to reduce
social and behavioral impairments and restore recipients to their highest level of
functioning. peer-to-peer supporters (e.g. peer supporters) help the recipient live, work,
learn and participate fully in their communities. Peer-to-peer services must be delivered
directly to recipients and must directly contribute to the restoration of recipient’s diagnosis
mental and/or behavioral health condition. Peer-to-peer services may include any
combination of the following:
b. Helping the recipient access community based mental and/or behavioral health
services;
Levels I to II Maximum of six hour per 90-day Maximum of six hour per 90-day
period period
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Level III Maximum of nine hour per 90-day Maximum of nine hours per 90-
period day period
Levels IV to VI Maximum of 12 hours per 90-day Maximum of 12 hours per 90-day
period period
4. Admission Criteria: Clinical documentation must demonstrate that the recipient meets all
of the following:
a. The recipient would benefit from the peer supporter’s understanding of the skills
needed to manage their mental and/or behavioral health symptoms and for
utilization of community resources;
c. The recipient requires peer modeling in order to take increased responsibilities for
his/her own recovery; and
d. Peer-to-peer support services would be in the best interest of the recipient and
would most likely improve recipient’s mental, behavioral and overall health.
1. Scope of Service: PSR services are RMH interventions designed to reduce psychosocial
dysfunction (i.e., interpersonal cognitive, behavioral development, etc.) and restore
recipients to their highest level of functioning. PSR services target psychological
functioning within a variety of social settings.
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h. Life goals: Recipients learn how to set and achieve observable specific, measurable,
achievable, realistic and time-limited life goals; and/or
2. Provider Qualifications:
b. QMHA: QMHAs may provide PSR services under the Clinical Supervision of a
QMHP.
3. Service Limitations: All PSR services require prior authorization by Medicaid’s QIO-like
vendor. Prior authorizations may not exceed 90-day intervals. PSR services are based on
the below daily maximums.
Level III Maximum of two hours per day Maximum of two hours per day
Levels IV & V Maximum of three hours per day Maximum of three hours per day
Level VI Maximum of four hours per day Maximum of four hours per day
4. Admission Criteria: At least one parent or a legal guardian (in the case of legal minors)
with whom the recipient is living must be willing to participate in home and community
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based services; and the recipient must have substantial deficiencies in any combination of
the following criteria:
d. Effective communication: Recipients need to learn how to listen to others and make
their needs known to others. They cannot effectively communicate their personal,
interpersonal, emotional and physical needs;
e. Moral reasoning: Recipients are experiencing severe deficits in culturally relevant
moral judgment;
f. Identity and emotional intimacy: Recipients are experiencing severe deficits with
personal and interpersonal acceptance. They avoid and/or lack the ability to become
emotionally and interpersonally intimate with other people;
h. Establishing realistic life goals: Recipients are experiencing severe deficits setting
and achieving realistic life goals; and/or
1. Scope of Services: CI services are RMH interventions that target urgent situations where
recipients are experiencing acute psychiatric and/or personal distress. The goal of CI
services is to assess and stabilize situations (through brief and intense interventions) and
provide appropriate mental and behavioral health service referrals. The objective of CI
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services is to reduce psychiatric and personal distress, restore recipients to their highest
level of functioning and help prevent acute hospital admissions. CI interventions may be
provided in a variety of settings, including but not limited to psychiatric emergency
departments, emergency rooms, homes, foster homes, schools, homeless shelters, while in
transit and telephonically. CI services do not include care coordination, case management,
or targeted case management services (see MSM Chapter 2500, Targeted Case
Management).
a. Immediate and intensive interventions designed to help stabilize the recipient and
prevent hospitalization;
3. Service Limitations: Recipients may receive a maximum of four hours per day over a three-
day period (one occurrence) without prior authorization. Recipients may receive a
maximum of three occurrences over a 90-day period without prior authorization.
Levels I to VI • Maximum of four hours per day • Maximum of four hours per day
over a three-day period (one over a three-day period (one
occurrence) occurrence)
• Maximum of three occurrences • Maximum of three occurrences
over a 90-day period over a 90-day period
4. Admission Criteria: Clinical documentation must demonstrate that the recipient meets any
combination of the following:
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d. Recipient will benefit from the stabilization, continuity of care and the referrals for
ongoing community mental and/or behavioral health services.
Outpatient substance abuse services may be provided by a QHMP within the scope of their practice
under state law and expertise.
c. Psychologist – Initial office and clinic visits for psychological evaluation and
testing require a signed referral from a physician, licensed QMHP or a signed
referral through a Healthy Kids (EPSDT) screening. All services (psychological
evaluation, testing and subsequent individual, group and family therapies) provided
by psychologists must be prior authorized using the PAR form. For children under
age 21 services beyond 26 sessions per calendar year may only be provided if:
d. APN – Office and clinic visits provided by an APN are a Medicaid benefit. There
are no limitations to services and prior authorization is not required.
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When requesting additional therapy the provider needs to submit a progress report
and include the number of attended sessions. It is the responsibility of the provider
to keep track of the sessions.
g. Family Therapy Services – Family therapy services require prior authorization and
are a benefit only when the recipient is present during the therapy. These sessions
are limited to a maximum of one hour and count against the 26 sessions per calendar
year unless there is a Healthy Kids (EPSDT) screening. Family therapy may be
requested with individual therapy but frequency must be included for each therapy.
If additional therapy is requested after the initial request and approval, the provider
needs to submit a progress report, number of attended sessions and plan of
treatment.
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Please consult Section 403.10 of this chapter for other covered services.
3. Non-Covered Services
Please consult Section 403.5B of this chapter for all non-covered services.
4. Billing
For enrollment, prior authorization and billing instructions, please refer to the billing
manual for Provider Types 11 and 13, located on the QIO-like vendor website.
1. Medicaid recipients are required to provide their Medicaid card to their service providers.
2. Medicaid recipients are expected to comply with the service provider’s treatment, care and
service plans, including making and keeping medical appointment.
Prior authorization for psychological services is secured through Medicaid's QIO-like vendor by
submitting a PA with substantiating documentation which must include the diagnosis, an
evaluation or problem summary denoting the severity of presenting problems or functional
disability. Specific, realistically attainable and measurable goals, and anticipated frequency and
duration of treatment must be documented. Authorizations may be granted for a period of 90 days
(i.e., once per week times 12 weeks). To continue the payment process necessitates a new payment
authorization request and approval, progress notes and number of sessions seen.
Psychiatrist/Psychologist led group therapy counts as an office visit and meets the same limitation
criteria. Reimbursement for individuals age 21 years and older are limited to 26 individual, group
and/or family sessions in a calendar year for psychiatrists and psychologists.
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All other specific authorization requirements are addressed earlier in this chapter in Section
403.5A, Coverage and Limitations.
A. RTC services are delivered in psychiatric, medical-model facilities, in- or out-of-state, that
are accredited by the Joint Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families
and Children (COA) and licensed as a RTC within their state. RTC services are for
recipients under age 21 and must be provided before the individual reaches age 21. If the
individual was receiving services in an RTC immediately before reaching age 21, these
must be provided before:
B. The objective of RTC services is to assist recipients who have behavioral, emotional,
psychiatric and/or psychological disorders, or conditions, who are no longer at or
appropriate for an acute level of care, or who cannot effectively receive services in a less
restrictive setting and who meet medical necessity and admission criteria for RTC services.
RTCs are part of the mental health continuum of care and are an integral part of Nevada
Medicaid’s behavioral health system of care. Recipients who respond well to treatment in
an RTC are anticipated to be discharged to a lower level of care, such as intensive home
and community-based services, or to the care of a psychiatrist, psychologist or other
QMHP.
All Medicaid policies and requirements for RTC’s (such as prior authorization, etc.) are
the same for NCU, except where noted in the NCU Manual, Chapter 1000.
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Psychiatric
Management
1. Nevada Medicaid’s all-inclusive RTC daily rate includes room and board, active treatment,
psychiatric services, psychological services, therapeutic and behavioral modification
services, individual, group, family, recreation and milieu therapies, nursing services, all
medications, quarterly RTC-sponsored family visits, psycho-educational services and
supervised work projects.
2. The all-inclusive daily rate does not include general physician (non-psychiatrist) services,
neuropsychological, dental, optometry, durable medical equipment, radiology, lab and
therapies (physical, speech and occupational) or formal educational services. Services that
are Medicaid benefits must be billed separately by the particular service provider and may
require prior authorization.
3. The QIO-like vendor may authorize all RTC stays, both Fee-for-Service and Health
Maintenance Organization (HMO) (see MSM Chapter 3600) Medicaid in three-month (or
less) increments. For Medicaid recipients to remain in RTCs longer than three months, the
RTC must, prior to the expiration of each authorization, submit a Continuing Stay Request
to the QIO-like vendor for authorization.
4. For recipients under the age of 21 in the custody of a public child welfare agency, Nevada
Medicaid will reimburse for prior authorized RTC services only when the public child
welfare agency has also approved the admission.
One or more of the following criteria must be met which prohibit the recipient from
benefiting rehabilitatively from RTC treatment or involve the RTC’s inability to provide a
necessary specialized service or program, clinical decisions will be made individually on a
case-by-case basis:
b. The following conditions which limits the recipient’s ability to fully participate in
RTC services and cannot be reasonably accommodated by the RTC;
1. Physical Disability;
2. Learning Capacity;
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c. Pregnancy, unless the RTC can appropriately meet the needs of the adolescent,
including obtaining prenatal care while in the facility. In the case of the birth of the
infant while the recipient is in the RTC, planning for the infant’s care is included
in the discharge plan. (In such an instance the infant would be covered individually
by Medicaid for medically necessary costs associated with medical care);
e. Medical illness which limits the recipient’s ability to fully participate in RTC
services and is beyond the RTC’s capacity for medical care;
RTC Therapeutic Home Passes are to be utilized to facilitate a recipient’s discharge back
to their home or less restrictive setting. RTC recipients are allowed to utilize Therapeutic
Home Passes based on individualized treatment planning needs and upon the
recommendations of the RTC clinical treatment team. A total of three Therapeutic Home
Passes are allowed per calendar year and Therapeutic Home Passes cannot be accumulated
beyond a calendar year period. Duration per pass is no greater than 72 hours unless there
is a documented medically necessary reason for a longer-term pass. The QIO-like vendor
must be notified by the RTC of all therapeutic home passes at least 14 days prior to the
pass being issued to the recipient. The notification form can be located on the QIO-like
vendor website. All passes which exceed 72 hours must be prior authorized by the QIO-
like vendor.
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2. A Therapeutic Home Pass will only occur within 90 days of the recipient’s
planned discharge and in coordination with their discharge plan. The
recipient must have demonstrated a series of successful incremental day
passes before the Therapeutic Home Pass occurs. The recipient must also
be in the final phase of treatment in the RTC program.
4. The RTC must track the number of Therapeutic Home Passes used as the
QIO-like vendor will not reimburse RTCs for pass days for any recipient
exceeding a total of three passes per calendar year.
6. In the event a recipient unexpectedly does not return to the RTC from a
Therapeutic Home Pass or family emergency, and such an absence has been
properly documented by the RTC, the RTC may utilize the day the recipient
was expected to return from leave as the discharge date as long as the period
does not exceed 72 hours. In the case of a family emergency or an extended
pass which has been approved by the QIO-like vendor, this period cannot
exceed 120 hours.
8. The three passes per calendar year Therapeutic Home Pass policy applies to
all RTC recipients, regardless of the recipient's custody status.
9. Therapeutic Home Passes include the day the pass begins and ends the day
before the recipient returns (prior to midnight).
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7. Transportation
Nevada Medicaid may reimburse the following RTC travel related services for an eligible
recipient and attendant when determined to be medically necessary for:
d. travel for transfer from one RTC to another RTC or Acute Inpatient Services.
1. All RTCs must comply with the regulations in this MSM chapter and all other applicable
MSM chapters.
a. The QIO-like vendor of any critical event or interaction involving any Nevada
Medicaid RTC recipient. Information which must be reported includes, but is not
limited to, deaths, injuries, assaults, suicide attempts, police or sheriff’s
investigations and physical, sexual or emotional abuse allegations.
c. Their local Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) office of the death
of any recipient, no later than the close of business the next business day after the
resident’s death per 42 CFR 483.374(c).
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The RTC must ensure on-going Joint Commission, COA or CARF accreditation and
comply with all accreditation requirements.
4. Letter of Attestation
The RTC must comply with 42 CFR Subpart G 483.374(a) and submit a Letter of
Attestation to Nevada State, by the individual having legal authority to do so (i.e., facility
director, CEO, or administrator), which confirms the facility is in compliance with CMS
standards governing the use of restraint and seclusion. The Letter of Attestation must be
submitted at the time of enrollment as a Medicaid provider and at any time there is a change
in the legal authority of the RTC. A copy of an example Letter of Attestation is available
upon request from Nevada Medicaid.
5. QA/Quality Improvement
The RTC must have a QA/Quality Improvement program in place at the time of enrollment
and a process to submit an annual QA report to the DHCFP upon request.
Quarterly family visits are based on clinical appropriateness and are utilized to support
person- and family- centered treatment planning. It is the responsibility of out-of-state and
in-state RTCs, as part of the all-inclusive daily rate, to bring up to two family members to
the facility on a quarterly basis when the family resides 200 miles or more from the RTC.
This includes the RTC providing travel, lodging and meals, to the family.
For Medicaid-eligible recipients in the custody of a public child welfare agency, prior to
arranging the visit, the RTC must consult with and obtain approval from the agency’s
clinical representative pertaining to the appropriateness of such a visit.
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7. Discharge Accompaniments
RTCs must ensure the following is provided to the legal representative upon discharge of a
Medicaid-eligible recipient:
c. All pertinent medical records and post discharge plans to ensure coordination of and
continuity of care.
8. Clinical Requirements
a. The RTC must have a Medical Director who has overall medical responsibility for
the RTC program. The Medical Director must be a board-certified/board eligible
psychiatrist with specific experience in child and adolescent psychiatry.
b. Psychiatric/Medical Services
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9. Patient Rights
RTCs must protect and promote patient’s rights in accordance with all applicable Federal
and State regulations.
RTCs must comply with all Federal and State Admission Requirements. Federal
regulations 42 CFR 441.151 to 441.156 address certification of need, individual plan of
care, active treatment and composition of the team developing the individual plan of care.
1. Admission Criteria
All RTC admissions must be prior authorized by the QIO-like vendor. RTCs must submit
the following documentation to the QIO-like vendor:
6. Current medications.
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2. The QIO-like vendor must verify the medical necessity for all RTC services and verify:
b. The ability for the recipient to benefit rehabilitatively from RTC services;
c. The treatment plan includes active participation by the recipient and their family
(when applicable); and
d. The discharge plan is viable and includes coordinated case management services.
3. All RTCs must notify the QIO-like vendor of the transfer of a recipient to an acute
psychiatric hospital or unit. If the transfer is not emergent, the hospital must receive prior
authorization for the transfer. For transfers to an acute psychiatric hospital or unit, the QIO-
like vendor must verify the medical necessity for acute inpatient psychiatric services and
verify:
b. The ability for the recipient to benefit rehabilitatively from acute inpatient
psychiatric services;
c. Effective care coordination is in place for pre- and post-transfer service; and
d. One of the following admission criteria has been met by the recipient:
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4. The RTC must request prior authorization from the QIO-like vendor to return a recipient
to the RTC from acute psychiatric services. The prior authorization request must include a
Discharge Summary of the acute psychiatric inpatient services.
5. Prior authorization is required prior to transferring a recipient from one RTC to another for
unanticipated specialized treatment services not available at the initial RTC placement.
6. RTCs may request a retro-eligibility authorization review from the QIO-like vendor for
reimbursement for an RTC patient who was not Medicaid-eligible at the time of admission
and later becomes eligible for Medicaid for the period RTC services were provided.
a. If a client becomes Medicaid eligible after admission to a RTC, the facility must
submit an initial Prior Authorization request and all required information to the
QIO-like vendor in accordance with MSM Chapter 100.
b. The QIO-like vendor will process initial prior authorization requests for retro-
eligible recipients in accordance with MSM Chapter 100.
a. The RTC must submit a Continuing Stay Request to the QIO-like vendor prior to
the expiration of the current authorization period.
b. The QIO-like vendor will process Continuing Stay Requests for RTC services
within 14 days of receipt of all required information.
c. The RTC must notify the QIO-like vendor of all Medicaid recipient discharges
within 24 hours of the discharge and provide a Discharge Summary within 30 days
for a planned discharge and within 45 days of an unplanned discharge. In the case
of a recipient’s transfer to another program, a verbal summary must be given at the
time of transition and followed with a written summary within seven calendar days
of the transfer.
d. Continued Stays Requests not authorized by the QIO-like vendor will not be
reimbursed by Medicaid. The RTC must submit a request for reconsideration to the
QIO-like vendor within the timelines as outlined in the QIO-like vendor’s billing
manual for RTC’s if the continuing stay request has been denied.
8. Discharge Criteria
The QIO-like vendor will issue a denial or partial denial for RTC services based on review
of medical necessity and admission or continuing stay criteria.
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c. Level 6 of Intensity of Needs is not met and services may be provided in a less
restrictive setting;
e. The legal guardian for the Medicaid recipient has requested the services be
withdrawn or terminated;
g. A change in federal or state law has occurred (the Medicaid recipient is not entitled
to a hearing in this case; see MSM Chapter 3100).
9. Reimbursement
RTC’s all-inclusive daily rates are negotiated by the provider through the DHCFP’s Rates
and Cost Containment Unit. Please see MSM Chapter 700 and the Nevada Medicaid State
Plan, Attachment 4.19-A, describing the methods and standards for reimbursement of
Residential Treatment Centers.
A. Inpatient mental health services are those services delivered in freestanding psychiatric
hospitals or general hospitals with a specialized psychiatric unit which include a secure,
structured environment, 24-hour observation and supervision by mental health
professionals and provide a multidisciplinary clinical approach to treatment.
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1. Admissions
a. Certification Requirement:
The admission date and time must be reflected on the certification as the date and
time the admission order was written prior to or during hospitalization. If the date
and time of the physician admission orders are not clear or available, the QIO-like
vendor applies the documentation most relevant to the admission determination
contingent upon provision of acute care services.
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For those instances in which a physician’s admission order was issued for a planned
admission and before the recipient arrives at the hospital, the order must be signed
by the physician and indicate the anticipated date of admission. A physician’s order
must also be issued for transfers from another acute care hospital.
Responsibilities:
a. Medical necessity;
d. Observation:
3. A new admissions order must be issued and signed by a physician when a recipient is
admitted to inpatient status post discharge from an observation stay. Nevada Medicaid
reimburses for admissions certified by the QIO-like vendor to a:
b. Psychiatric hospital (Institution for Mental Diseases) for recipients under age 21 or
65 or older.
For recipients under age 21 in the custody of the public child welfare agency, Nevada
Medicaid reimburses for inpatient mental health services only when:
a. The child welfare agency also approves the admission/placement (this does not
apply to placements at State-owned and operated facilities); and
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4. Reimbursement
a. Nevada Medicaid reimburses for services for recipients admitted with a mental
health or psychiatric condition to a general hospital without a psychiatric unit only
under one of the following conditions:
2. The recipient has been dually diagnosed as having both medical and mental
diagnoses which warrant inpatient general hospital services, as determined
by the QIO-like vendor.
b. Nevada Medicaid does not reimburse for services not authorized by the QIO-like
vendor.
c. If a recipient is initially admitted to a hospital for acute care and is then authorized
by the QIO-like vendor to receive mental health services, the acute care is paid at
the medical/surgical rate
.
d. Authorized substance abuse services are paid at the substance abuse service rate.
5. Absences
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6. Non-Covered Services
In the event authorization is not obtained, the admission will not be authorized and/or
certified by the QIO-like vendor for payment.
2. Medical Records
A medical record shall be maintained for each recipient and shall contain the following
items:
c. Dated progress notes are required for each treatment encounter to include the
amount of time services were rendered, the type of service rendered, the progress
of the recipient with respect to resolution of the presenting symptoms or problems,
any side effects or necessary changes in treatment and the interval to the next
treatment encounter.
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For inpatient and outpatient services, the provider is responsible to meet Healthy
Kids (EPSDT) and QIO-like vendor authorization guidelines, as discussed
previously in this chapter.
a. Provide written information to all adult (age 18 and older) patients upon admission
concerning:
1. The individual’s rights under state law to make decisions concerning their
medical care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical
treatment, and the right to formulate advance directives (declarations and
durable powers of attorney for health care decisions).
b. Document in the individual's medical record whether the individual has an advance
directive.
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advance directives requirements may be filed with the state survey and certification
agency (which in Nevada is the Nevada State Health Division, HCQC).
The purpose of medical care evaluation studies is to promote the most effective and
efficient use of available health facilities and services consistent with patient needs and
professionally recognized standards of care (42 CFR 456.141 to 456.145). As part of the
conditions of participation in the Medicaid Title XIX program, a minimum of one Medical
Care Evaluation Study must be in progress at any time. Additionally, one study must be
completed each year. The completed study must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor at
the end of each calendar year along with the study in progress topic. (A report summarizing
the study topics will be submitted to Nevada Medicaid, by the QIO-like vendor). Hospitals
may design and choose their own study topic, or at the request of Medicaid perform a topic
designated by Medicaid and forward a copy of the completed study to the QIO-like vendor
office within the specified time frames.
All hospitals are required to submit Form NMO-3058 to their local Welfare District Office
whenever a hospital admission, discharge or death occurs. Failure to submit this form could
result in payment delay or denial. To obtain copies of Form NMO-3058, please contact
Medicaid's fiscal agent.
6. Patient Rights
a. 42 CFR 482.13.
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b. NRS 449.730.
7. Non-Emergency Admissions
Hospitals are not permitted, after having an inpatient service denied by the QIO-like
vendor, to submit the claim to Medicaid's fiscal agent as an outpatient service. The only
exception to this is if an outpatient or non-inpatient related service was truly rendered prior
to the inpatient admission order by the physician but the inpatient stay was denied by the
QIO-like vendor (i.e., admit from ER or rollover from observation days).
Any hospital receiving authorization from the QIO-like vendor to admit and provide
services for a recipient is responsible for that recipient service and treatment needs. If a
hospital does not have the proper or functional medical equipment or services, and must
transfer a recipient temporarily to another hospital or other medical service provider
(generally for only a portion of that day) for testing/evaluation/treatment, etc., it is the
transferring hospital's responsibility, not Medicaid's, to fund the particular services and, if
necessary, transportation.
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The QIO-like vendor contracts with Medicaid to provide utilization and quality control review
(UR) of Medicaid inpatient psychiatric hospital admissions. Within the range of the QIO-like
vendors UR responsibilities are admission and length of stay criteria development, prior
authorization, concurrent and retrospective review, certification and reconsideration decisions.
The QIO-like vendor must approve both emergency and non-emergency inpatient psychiatric
inpatient admissions. Any hospital which alters, modifies or changes any QIO-like vendor
certification in any way, will be denied payment.
b. Active suicidal ideation within the past 30 days accompanied by physical evidence
(e.g. note) or means to carry out the suicide threat (e.g., gun, knife or other deadly
weapon); or
2. Concurrent Reviews
For non-emergency admissions, the prior authorization request form and CON must be
submitted at least one business day prior to admission. For emergency admissions, the prior
authorization request form and CON must be submitted no later than one business day
following admission. Prior authorization requests, if medically and clinically appropriate,
will be authorized up to seven days. If additional inpatient days are required a provider
must submit, a concurrent (continuing stay) authorization request prior to or by the last day
of the current/existing authorization period. The request and information submitted must
identify all pertinent written medical information that supports a continued inpatient stay.
The request and information submitted must be in the format and within the timeframes
required by the QIO-like vendor. Failure to provide all pertinent medical information as
required by the QIO-like vendor will result in authorization denial. Inpatient days not
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authorized by the QIO-like vendor are not covered. These concurrent review procedures
also apply to inpatient substance abuse detoxification and treatment services.
The psychiatric assessment, discharge plan and written treatment plan must be initiated,
with the attending physician's involvement, during the initial authorization period. In
addition, when a recipient remains hospitalized longer than seven days the attending
physician must document the medical necessity of each additional inpatient day.
3. Nevada Medicaid will reimburse for services for recipients admitted with a mental health
or psychiatric condition to a general hospital without a psychiatric unit only under one of
the following conditions:
b. The recipient has been dually diagnosed as having both medical and mental
conditions/diagnoses which warrant inpatient general hospital services, as
determined by the QIO-like vendor.
Also, if a recipient is initially admitted to a hospital for acute care and is then
authorized to receive mental health services, the acute care is paid at the
medical/surgical tiered rate. The substance abuse services are paid at the substance
abuse service rate. Hospitals are required to bill Medicaid separately for each of the
types of stays. The QIO-like vendor must certify the two types of stays separately.
4. Acute inpatient admissions authorized by the QIO-like vendor do not require an additional
authorization for physician ordered psychological evaluations and testing. The
psychologist must list the "Inpatient Authorization Number" on the claim form when
billing for services.
5. Prior Resources
Pursuant to federal law, Medicaid is payer of last resort whenever any other resources may
be responsible for payment. Prior resources include but are not limited to: Medicare, labor
unions, Worker's Compensation Insurance carriers, private/group insurance and
CHAMPUS. Exceptions to this regulation are Bureau of Family Health Services, Indian
Health Services (IHS), Ryan White Act and Victims of Crime, when Medicaid is primary.
Benefits available free of charge to recipients from other sources must be provided free of
charge to Nevada Medicaid recipients.
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6. Reimbursement
For claims involving Medicare crossover, Medicaid payment is the lower of the Medicare
deductible amount or the difference between the Medicare payment and the Medicaid per
diem prospective payment. (Medicare crossover claims involving recipient’s ages 21 to 64
in freestanding psychiatric hospitals are reimbursable only if the recipient is a QMB.) Also,
additional Medicaid reimbursement is not made when the Medicare payment exceeds the
Medicaid prospective rate. Service claims denied by Medicare are also denied by Medicaid.
Inpatient substance abuse services are those services delivered in freestanding substance abuse
treatment hospitals or general hospitals with a specialized substance abuse treatment unit which
includes a secure, structured environment, 24-hour observation and supervision by mental health
substance abuse professionals and a structured multidisciplinary clinical approach to treatment.
These hospitals provide medical detoxification and treatment services for individuals suffering
from acute alcohol and substance abuse conditions.
1. Hospital inpatient days may be considered a Medicaid benefit when detoxification and
treatment for acute alcohol and/or other substance abuse necessitates the constant
availability of physicians and/or medical services found in the acute hospital setting.
Medicaid reimburses for admissions to substance abuse units of general hospitals
(regardless of age), or freestanding psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals for recipients
age 65 and older, or those under age 21. The QIO-like vendor must prior authorize and
certify all hospital admissions for both detoxification and treatment services to verify
appropriateness of placement and justify treatment and length of stay.
Prior authorization is required for all Medicaid and pending Medicaid recipients, and
Medicaid recipients covered through primary insurance, except Medicare Part A. If this is
the case then authorization may need to be sent through Medicare.
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a. Detoxification
3. For recipients of all ages, results of a urine drug screen or blood alcohol test
must be provided at the time of the initial request for authorization.
b. Treatment
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c. Absences
2. Non-Covered Services.
1. The need for hospital alcohol/substance abuse detoxification and/or treatment services
must be prior authorized by the QIO-like vendor. The only exception is in the event of an
emergency, where a delay in treatment of more than 24 hours could result in severe pain,
loss of life, limb, eyesight or hearing, injury to self or bodily harm to others. In this instance,
the recipient may be admitted and the QIO-like vendor must be contacted for authorization
purpose within 24 hours or the first working day of the admission.
2. Please consult Section 403.9B.1-11, of this chapter for additional provider responsibilities.
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1. Medicaid recipients are required to provide a valid monthly Medicaid eligibility card to
their service providers.
2. Medicaid recipients are expected to comply with the service provider’s treatment, care and
service plans, including making and keeping medical appointments.
The QIO-like vendor must certify all inpatient substance abuse detoxification and treatment
admissions. Transfers to and from substance abuse detoxification/treatment services require prior
authorization by the QIO-like vendor.
1. For recipients under age 21 in the custody of the public agency, Nevada Medicaid
reimburses for alcohol/substance abuse detoxification and treatment services only when
the following criteria are met:
a. The Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) Regional Resource Council
(RRC), Utilization Review Team (URT) or Family Programs Office (FPO) (entities
responsible for reviewing, recommending and authorizing appropriate placement
and treatment services) approves the admission/placement (does not apply to
placements at Desert Willow Treatment Center).
b. The admission is prior authorized and certified by the QIO-like vendor. For
recipients under age 21 not in the custody of the public agency, only “b” applies.
2. Nevada Medicaid reimburses for services for recipients admitted with an alcohol/substance
abuse condition/diagnosis to a general hospital without a specialized alcohol/substance
abuse unit only under one of the following conditions:
a. The admission is an emergency and is certified by the QIO-like vendor (who must
be contacted, for authorization purposes, within 24 hours or the first working day
of the admission) and the hospital, as determined by the QIO-like vendor, makes
all efforts to stabilize the recipient's condition and discharge the recipient to a
substance abuse/psychiatric hospital or general hospital with a substance
abuse/psychiatric unit as expeditiously as possible; or
b. The recipient is dually diagnosed as having both medical and substance abuse
conditions which warrant inpatient general hospital services, as determined by the
QIO-like vendor; or
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c. The admission is certified by the QIO-like vendor for medical detoxification only.
Medicaid recipients between 21 and 64 years of age are covered for inpatient
alcohol/substance abuse detoxification and treatment services only in a general
hospital with a specialized alcohol/substance abuse unit. Those Medicaid recipients
age 20 and under and age 65 and older are covered for inpatient substance abuse
detoxification and treatment services in a freestanding psychiatric and/or
alcohol/substance abuse hospital, as well as a general hospital with a specialized
alcohol/substance abuse unit.
Also, if a recipient is initially admitted to a hospital for acute care and is then
authorized to receive alcohol/substance abuse services, the acute care is paid at the
appropriate medical/surgical tier rate. The alcohol/substance abuse services are
paid at the substance abuse service rate. Hospitals are required to bill Medicaid
separately for each of the types of stays. The QIO-like vendor must certify the two
types of stays separately.
3. Acute inpatient admissions authorized by the QIO-like vendor do not require an additional
PA for physician ordered psychological evaluations and testing. The psychologist must list
the QIO-like vendors “Inpatient’s authorization number" on the claim form when billing
for services.
4. Retrospective Reviews
The QIO-like vendor authorizes only Medicaid eligible clients, not pending eligible.
Should a client become Medicaid eligible while in the facility, a retrospective review must
be requested by the provider to the QIO-like vendor:
a. The medical record must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor within 30 days from
the date of the eligibility determination.
b. If the information submitted is not complete, a technical denial for service will be
issued.
c. The QIO-like vendor will complete the review and issue a final determination
within 30 days of receipt of all requested information.
a. Approvals
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. Denials
6. Reimbursement
7. Patient Liability
The primary purpose and function of administrative days is to assist hospitals, which, through no
fault of their own, cannot discharge a recipient who no longer requires acute level services, due to
lack of, or a delay in, an alternative appropriate setting, which includes the adequate and
comprehensive documentation of discharge planning efforts. Administrative Days are reimbursed
on a retrospective, not cost settlement, basis.
Administrative days are those inpatient days which have been certified for payment by the QIO-
like vendor, based on physician advisement, at the Skilled Nursing Level (SNL) or Intermediate
Care Level (ICL).
1. SNL is a unique payment benefit of the Nevada Medicaid program. These reimbursement
levels provide for ongoing hospital services for those recipients who do not require acute
care. Discharge to a nursing facility is not required. Issuance of this level is a reflection of
the hospital services required by and provided to the recipient.
SNL days may be authorized when one or more of the following apply, or as determined
by physician review:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Hospice, etc.
4. Family preparation.
5. Respite care.
c. Conditions which may prevent a non-acute recipient from leaving the hospital (e.g.,
recipient’s labs must be monitored, cultures taken for staph infection or any
treatment/work up that could not be safely and effectively accomplished in another
setting).
1. Partial hospitalization.
3. Day treatment.
e. Recipient has mental disabilities that prevent nursing facility placement (e.g., failed
PASRR screening), and the recipient will eventually go to an institution of mental
diseases.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. ICL is a unique payment benefit of the Nevada Medicaid program, which provides
reimbursement for ongoing hospital services, for those recipients who cannot be discharged
due to social reasons.
ICL days are authorized when one or more of the following apply, or as determined by
physician review:
a. Stable child awaiting adoption or discharge home when the mother is discharged.
1. Medicaid recipients are required to provide a valid monthly Medicaid eligibility card to
their service providers.
2. Medicaid recipients are expected to comply with the service provider’s treatment, care and
service plans, including making and keeping medical appointments.
If appropriate, the QIO-like vendor certifies administrative days at either an SNL or ICL level of
care.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Effective date March 1, 2004 ECT is a treatment for mental disorders, primarily depression, but
also acute psychotic episodes in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. A low voltage alternating
current is used to induce a generalized seizure that is monitored electrographically while under
general anesthesia and muscle relaxation.
Medicaid will reimburse medically necessary ECT treatments when administered by a Board
Certified Psychiatrist in a qualified acute care general hospital, contracted acute care psychiatric
hospital, or in a hospital outpatient surgery center/ambulatory surgery center. Recipients receiving
outpatient ECT do not require a global treatment program provided in the inpatient setting prior to
outpatient services.
ECT is generally used for treatment of affective disorders unresponsive to other forms of treatment.
It has also been used in schizophrenia, primarily for acute schizophrenic episodes.
2. Recipients (under 16) years of age must have all of the above indicators and:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
F30-F33.9 Affective psychoses and depressive type psychosis and other nonorganic
psychoses.
6. Coding Guidelines
b. If billing is received for ECT and a visit on the same day, the latter will be denied
if rendered by the physician administering ECT.
7. Documentation Requirements
Medical records should include recipient symptoms, physical findings and diagnosis to
document the medical necessity of performing ECT.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
404 HEARINGS
A. DESCRIPTION
Day treatment services are interventions performed in a therapeutic milieu designed to provide evidence-
based strategies to reduce emotional, cognitive, and behavioral problems. Day treatment services target
emotional, cognitive and behavioral functioning within a variety of actual and/or simulated social settings.
Day treatment services provide recipients the opportunity to implement and expand upon (trial and error)
what they previously learned/gained from other mental and/or behavioral health therapies and
interventions in a safe setting. The goal of day treatment services is to restore recipients to their highest
level of functioning while preparing them for reintegration back into home and community based settings.
B. POLICY
Day treatment coverage is limited to medically necessary services and is reimbursed at an hourly rate.
a. time specific;
b. measurable (observable);
c. achievable;
d. realistic;
e. time limited;
f. outcome driven;
g. individualized;
h. progressive; and
i. age/developmentally appropriate.
2. Provide for a process to involve the recipient, and family or other responsible individuals; and
2. A fluid combination of Outpatient Mental Health and Rehabilitative Mental Health (RMH)
services; and
1. COVERED SERVICES
Clinical documentation must demonstrate the recipient meets all of the following criteria to be
considered a covered benefit:
a. Early Childhood Service Intensity Instrument (ECSII) level II or Child and Adolescent
Service Intensity Instrument (CASII) score of III or higher;
d. Requires and will benefit from opportunities to test their acquired emotional, cognitive and
behavioral skills in settings that emulate their normal home and community based
environments;
e. Clinical evidence that the recipient’s condition requires a structured program with
treatment that cannot be provided in a less intensive outpatient setting;
f. Adequate social support system available to provide the stability necessary for maintenance
in the program; and
1. are incapacitating, interfering with daily activities or places others in danger to the
point that it causes anguish or suffering;
3. cannot be appropriately addressed in a day care or school setting, as the issues are
impacting their ability to function in those settings and/or are contributing to
expulsion or near expulsion from day care, head start, school and/ or home
placements.
h. Programs restricted or only provided to those recipients who reside at the same location.
E. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
To receive reimbursement day treatment programs must be separately enrolled with the DHCFP.
Program Criteria:
1. Services not to exceed three hours per day, five days per week;
7. Services must be provided by a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or Qualified Mental
Health Associates (QMHA) under the direct supervision of an onsite QMHP;
10. Policies and procedures specific to the day treatment program which at a minimum address the
following:
b. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and client’s rights;
For enrollment, prior authorization and billing instructions please refer to the QIO-like vendor website.
A. DESCRIPTION
Day treatment services are interventions performed in a therapeutic milieu designed to provide evidence-
based strategies to reduce emotional, cognitive and behavioral problems. Day treatment services target
emotional, cognitive and behavioral functioning within a variety of actual and/or simulated social settings.
Day treatment services provide recipients the opportunity to implement and expand upon (trial and error)
what they previously learned/gained from other mental and/or behavioral health therapies and
interventions in a safe setting. The goal of day treatment services is to restore recipients to their highest
level of functioning while preparing them for reintegration back into home and community based settings.
B. POLICY
Day treatment coverage is limited to medically necessary services and is reimbursed at an hourly rate.
a. time specific;
b. measurable (observable);
c. achievable;
d. realistic;
e. time limited;
f. outcome driven;
g. individualized;
h. progressive; and
i. age/developmentally appropriate.
2. Provide for a process to involve the recipient, and family or other responsible individuals; and
1. COVERED SERVICES
Clinical documentation must demonstrate the recipient meets all of the following criteria to be
considered a covered benefit:
c. Determined SED;
d. Requires and will benefit from opportunities to test their acquired emotional, cognitive and
behavioral skills in settings that emulate their normal home and community based
environments;
e. Clinical evidence that the recipient’s condition requires a structured program with
treatment that cannot be provided in a less intensive outpatient setting;
f. Adequate social support system available to provide the stability necessary for maintenance
in the program; and
1. are incapacitating, interfering with daily activities or places others in danger to the
point that it causes anguish or suffering;
3. cannot be appropriately addressed in a day care or school setting, as the issues are
impacting their ability to function in those settings and/or are contributing to
expulsion or near expulsion from day care, school and/ or home placements.
h. Programs restricted or only provided to those recipients who reside at the same location.
E. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
To receive reimbursement day treatment programs must be separately enrolled with the DHCFP.
1. Program Criteria:
a. Services not to exceed six hours per day, five days per week;
c. Ongoing participation in individual therapy (not reimbursed under day treatment model);
g. Services must be provided by a QMHP or QMHA under the direct and clinical supervision
of an onsite QMHP;
j. Policies and procedures specific to the day treatment program which at a minimum address
the following:
For enrollment, prior authorization and billing instructions please refer to the QIO-like vendor
website.
A. DESCRIPTION
Day treatment services are RMH interventions performed in a therapeutic milieu to provide evidence-
based strategies to restore and/or retain psychiatric stability, social integration skills and/or independent
living competencies to function as independently as possible. Services provide recipients the opportunity
to implement and expand upon what was previously learned from other mental or behavioral health
therapies and interventions in a safe setting. The goal of day treatment services is to prepare recipients for
reintegration back into home and community-based settings, prevent hospitalizations and ensure stability.
B. POLICY
Day treatment coverage and reimbursement is limited to medically necessary services and are covered at
an hourly rate.
a. time specific;
b. measurable (observable);
c. achievable;
d. realistic;
e. time limited;
f. outcome driven;
g. individualized;
h. progressive; and
i. age/developmentally appropriate.
2. Must involve the recipient and family or other individuals, as appropriate, and
1. COVERED SERVICES
Clinical documentation must demonstrate that the recipient meets all of the following criteria:
a. Must have Level of Care Utilization System for Adults (LOCUS) score of IV, V or VI;
d. Requires and benefits from opportunities to test their acquired emotional, cognitive and
behavioral skills in settings that emulate their normal home and community based
environments;
e. The recipient’s condition requires a structured program with treatment that cannot be
provided in a less intensive outpatient setting;
f. An adequate social support system is available to provide the stability necessary for
maintenance in the program; and
2. are incapacitating, interfere with daily activities or place others in danger to the
point that it causes anguish or suffering.
b. Facilities licensed as adult daycare may not provide day treatment services.
d. Services in a home based or home like settings, including campus/institutions that furnish
in single or multiple areas, food, shelter and some treatment/services to four or more
persons unrelated to the proprietor.
E. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
1. Program Criteria:
a. Day Treatment services must be provided by a QMHP or QMHA under the direct
supervision of an onsite QMHP;
b. Services not to exceed a maximum of six hours a day, five days a week;
c. Must involve the recipient and family or other individuals, as appropriate in the day
treatment program and family counseling/therapy;
i. Policies and procedures specific to the day treatment program which as a minimum address
the following:
Day treatment services will only be reimbursable to those programs which have been approved
and enrolled to serve as Day Treatment Program service providers
For enrollment, prior authorization and billing instructions please refer to the QIO-like vendor’s
Billing Manual and Guidelines.
A. DESCRIPTION/POLICY
The DHCFP covers services for prevention and treatment for recipients who have been diagnosed or at
risk of substance abuse disorders. The substance abuse policy is under the rehabilitative authority of the
State Plan for behavioral health services. Services must be recommended by a physician or other licensed
practitioner of the healing arts, within their scope of practice and prescribed on an individualized treatment
plan to achieve maximum reduction of a mental disability and restore the recipient to their optimal level
of functioning.
The below coverage policies are developed based upon the Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs),
developed by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), part of the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the DHHS and are best-practice guidelines for the
treatment of substance abuse disorders.
In addition, the DHCFP utilizes American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) patient placement
criteria to establish guidelines for level of care placements within the substance abuse continuum. For
mental health continuum the DHCFP utilizes the Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) for adults
and Child and Adolescent Screening Intensity Instrument (CASII) for children when assessing the mental
health level of care needs of recipients as described under Section 403.4(7).
The DHCFP encourages providers to utilize SAMHSA’s working definition, dimensions and guiding
principles of recovery from substance use disorders in their clinical decisions. The definition is continually
changing due to updates in the clinical field reference http://www.samhsa.gov/ for the latest best practices.
3. Purpose – Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking or
creative endeavors, and the independence, income and resources to participate in society; and
4. Community – Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendships, love and hope.
2. Recovery is person-driven;
4. Recovery is holistic;
9. Recovery involves individual, family and community strengths and responsibility; and
C. DEFINITIONS
1. Co-Occurring Capable (COC) programs – are those that “address co-occurring mental and
substance use disorders in their policies and procedures, assessment, treatment planning, program
content and discharge planning” (The ASAM Criteria 2013, P. 416).
2. Co-Occurring Enhanced (COE) programs – have a higher level of integration of substance abuse
and mental health treatment services. These programs are able to provide primary substance abuse
treatment to clients and “are designed to routinely (as opposed to occasionally) deal with patients
who have mental health or cognitive conditions that are more acute or associated with more serious
disabilities.”
(The ASAM Criteria, 2013, P. 29) Enhanced-level service “place their primary focus on the
integration of service for mental and substance use disorders in their staffing, services and program
content.” (The ASAM Criteria, 2013, P. 417).
3. Recovery - A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live
a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
4. Substance abuse – as defined in DSM-V (5th Edition, Text Revision; APA 2013) is a “cluster of
cognitive, behavioral and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using
the substance despite significant substance-related problems” (APA 2013, P. 483).
5. Substance dependence – is more serious than abuse. This maladaptive pattern of substance abuse
includes such features as increased tolerance for the substance, resulting in the need for ever greater
amounts of the substance to achieve the intended effect; an obsession with securing the substance
and with its use; or persistence in using the substance in the face of serious physical or mental
health problems.
c. Dual recovery groups (in which recovery skills for both disorders are discussed);
e. Group interventions for persons with the triple diagnosis of mental disorder, substance
abuse disorder and trauma, or which are designed to meet the needs of persons with co-
occurring disorder and another shared problem such as homelessness or criminality; and
Integrated interventions can be part of a single program or can be used in multiple program
settings.
7. Quadrant of Care Model as developed by the National Association of State Mental Health Program
Directors (NASMHPD) and National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors
(NASADAD):
This assessment assists the provider in integrating care, defining and guiding treatment options for
recipients with co-occurring disorders.
D. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
1. In order to be recognized and reimbursed as a Prevention and Early Intervention Level 0.5 by the
DHCFP, the providers must be:
a. Recognized health care clinicians and systems by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF) within their scope of practice; and
b. Certified providers under the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 458.103 scope of
practice.
2. In order to be recognized and reimbursed as a Substance Abuse Treatment Clinic for Levels I-III
by the DHCFP, the provider must:
a. Be certified and receiving funding from the Division of Public and Behavioral Health
(DPBH) as an alcohol and drug abuse program under NAC 458.103; and
b. A free standing psychiatric hospital (patients ages 22 – 64 in an IMD are not covered).
c. A licensed chemical dependency specialty hospital with acute care medical and nursing
staff (patients ages 22 – 64 in an IMD are not covered).
E. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
The DHCFP requires providers who are receiving funds from the DHCFP to be deemed compliant by the
DPBH, NRS and NAC. Qualification is based upon the DPBH’s Substance Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Agency (SAPTA) Certification tool. The certification tool reviews the program for areas such
as, but not limited to, compliance with federal and state regulations, quality improvement, applications of
policies and procedures, health and safety of the recipients, clinical documentation requirements, and
staff/training documentation. Non-compliance will result in the DHCFP provider termination and/or
suspension without cause depending on severity of infraction.
This does not apply to Level 4 providers or physicians providing Level 0.5 services. They are governed
by separate licensing boards.
F. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
All program levels require individualized progress notes in the recipient’s medical records that clearly
reflect implementation of the treatment plan and the recipient’s response to the therapeutic interventions
for all disorders treated, as well as subsequent amendments to the plan. Treatment plan reviews are
conducted at specified times as documented on the treatment plan.
1. Treatment Plan – A written individualized plan that is developed jointly with the recipient, their
family (in the case of legal minors) and/or their legal representative and licensed professional
within the scope of their practice under state law. The treatment plan is based on a comprehensive
assessment and includes:
a. The strengths and needs of the recipients and their families (in the case of legal minors and
when appropriate for an adult);
d. Specific treatment, services and/or interventions including amount, scope, duration and
anticipated provider(s) of the services;
2. The recipient, or their legal representative, must be fully involved in the treatment planning
process, choice of providers and indicate an understanding of the need for services and the
elements of the treatment plan. Recipient’s, family’s (when appropriate) and/or representative’s
participation in treatment planning must be documented on the treatment plan.
3. Temporary, but clinically necessary, services do not require an alteration of the treatment plan,
however, must be identified in a progress note. The note must indicate the necessity, amount scope,
duration and provider of the service.
a. Clinical supervisor;
b. Recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors); and
G. SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS
Clinical Supervisor – A licensed professional operating within the scope of their practice under state law
may function as clinical supervisor. Clinical supervisor must have the specific education, experience,
training, credentials, and licensure to coordinate and oversee an array of services for behavioral health.
The clinical supervisor will have administrative and clinical oversight of the program and must ensure
that services provided are medically necessary, clinically appropriate and follow an evidence based model
recognized by the Health Division. The designated supervisor must be approved by the program operator
of a SAPTA certified and funded network per NAC 458.103.
If the clinical supervisor will supervise interns, they are required to have the appropriate additional
licensure needed per the Board of Examiners in addition to their professional licensure. Supervision must
be within the scope of their practice and field.
The DHCFP reimburses for integrated interventions in a substance abuse medical treatment delivery
model provided by qualified Medicaid providers. Patients are assessed as meeting diagnostic criteria for
substance-related disorders (including substance use disorder or substance-induced disorders) and/or
mental health disorders as defined in the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
a. The following screens are covered within the DHCFP program. Screens must be a
nationally accepted screening instrument through SAMHSA/CSAT Treatment
Improvement Protocols or other Peer Supported Literature. Below is a list of recognized
tools:
4. Modified Mini
a. The DHCFP utilizes the ASAM Criteria, for individuals presenting with substance use
disorder(s) to determine appropriate placement in a level of care. In addition, the DHCFP
utilizes medical necessity as defined in MSM Chapter 100, Section 103.1. The process
considers assessment and documentation of the following six dimensions:
b. The DHCFP utilizes the Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) for adults and Child
and Adolescent Screening Intensity Instrument (CASII) for children when assessing the
mental health level of care needs of recipients.
c. Each authorization is for an independent period of time as indicated by the start and end
date of the service period. If a provider believes it is medically necessary for services to be
rendered beyond the scope (units, time period or both), of the current authorization, the
provider is responsible for the submittal of a new prior authorization request.
4. Treatment Services – The DHCFP covers the below levels based upon the ASAM patient
placement criteria. Reference Attachment C for the coverage and utilization management
requirements.
5. Pharmaceutical coverage – For coverage and limitations of Narcotic Withdrawal Therapy Agents
(Opioid Dependent Drugs) refer to Chapter 1200 of the MSM.
a. Provided in a Nevada licensed entity through SAPTA as an Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Program.
7. Non-Covered Services – the following services are not covered under the substance abuse services
program for the DHCFP:
f. More than one provider seeing the recipient in the same therapy session;
h. Respite;
k. Habilitative services;
n. Services provided by agencies not receiving funding by Nevada DPBH for Levels I-III
under NAC 458.103;
o. Services provided under Nevada State Certification Level 2WM – 3.7 Withdrawal
Management programs;
October 1, 2015 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Attachment C Page 1
ATTACHMENT C
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AGENCY MODEL LEVEL OF CARE GRID
Level of Care Covered Services Description of Treatment Level Utilization Management
Prevention
Level 0.5 Adolescents: Instruments developed for
Early primary care (Patient Health Questionnaire
Intervention/ for Adolescents [PHQ-A] and the Beck
Prevention Depression Inventory-Primary Care
(Continued) Version [BDI-PC]) have been used
successfully in adolescents. There are
limited data describing the accuracy of
using MDD screening instruments in
younger children (7-11 years of age).
B. ALCOHOL SCREENING
October 1, 2015 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Attachment C Page 2
ATTACHMENT C
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AGENCY MODEL LEVEL OF CARE GRID
Level of Care Covered Services Description of Treatment Level Utilization Management
Prevention
Level 0.5 AUDIT comprises 10 questions and requires
Early approximately two to five minutes to
Intervention/ administer. AUDIT-C comprises three
Prevention questions and takes one to two minutes to
(Continued) complete. Single-question screening also
has adequate sensitivity and specificity
across the alcohol-misuse spectrum and
requires less than one minute to administer.
C. TOBACCO
Pregnant Women
Various primary care clinicians may deliver
effective interventions. There is a dose-
response relationship between quit rates and
the intensity of counseling (that is, more or
longer sessions improve quit rates). Quit
rates seem to plateau after 90 minutes of
total counseling contact time. Helpful
components of counseling include problem-
solving guidance for smokers (to help them
develop a plan to quit and overcome
common barriers to quitting) and the
provision of social support as part of
treatment. Complementary practices that
improve cessation rates include
motivational interviewing, assessing
readiness to change, offering more intensive
counseling or referrals, and using telephone
"quit lines."
October 1, 2015 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Attachment C Page 3
ATTACHMENT C
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AGENCY MODEL LEVEL OF CARE GRID
October 1, 2015 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Attachment C Page 4
ATTACHMENT C
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AGENCY MODEL LEVEL OF CARE GRID
2.5 Partial 1. Outpatient hospital setting. Same as above, in addition psychiatric and Prior authorization is
Hospitalization 2. All Level 2.1 services in addition need the medical management. required on services,
direct access to psychiatric, medical except for: Behavioral
and/or laboratory services. Intensity of service required is higher than can Health/Substance Abuse
be provided in Intensive Outpatient Treatment. Screens and 24-hour crisis
intervention.
October 1, 2015 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Attachment C Page 5
ATTACHMENT C
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AGENCY MODEL LEVEL OF CARE GRID
October 1, 2015 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Attachment C Page 6
ATTACHMENT C
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AGENCY MODEL LEVEL OF CARE GRID
October 1, 2015 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES Attachment C Page 7
ATTACHMENT D
A. DESCRIPTION
Nevada Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) shall not reimburse for any services for individuals who are ages
22-64 years that are in an Institution for Mental Disease (IMD). An IMD is defined as a hospital, nursing
facility or other institution of more than 16 beds that is primarily engaged in providing diagnosis, treatment
or care of persons with mental diseases, and also provides for medical attention, nursing care and related
services.
1. Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion - In accordance with 42 CFR 435.1009(2), Federal
Financial Participation (FFP) is not available for institutionalized individuals who are individuals
under the age of 65 who are patients in an institution for mental diseases (IMD) unless they are
under age 22, and are receiving inpatient psychiatric services under 42 CFR 440.160, which is a
psychiatric hospital or a residential treatment center for recipients under the age of 21 years. See
(2e) for additional clarification.
a. All services are excluded from Medicaid payment while a recipient is admitted to an IMD,
whether the services are provided in or outside the facility.
2. In accordance with 42 CFR 435.1010: Definition of IMD means a hospital, nursing facility or other
institution of more than 16 beds that is primarily engaged in providing diagnosis, treatment or care
of persons with mental disease, and also provides for medical attention, nursing care and related
services. Whether an institution is an institution for mental diseases is determined by its overall
character being that of a facility established and maintained primarily for the care and treatment
of individuals with mental diseases, whether or not it is licensed as such.
a. Facilities licensed as acute care hospitals and/or nursing facilities with designated
psychiatric beds are reviewed based upon their aggregate bed counts.
b. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Manual for IMD states, alcohol
and other chemical dependency syndromes are classified as mental disorders, which
subject them to the IMD regulations. The manual gives further guidance that services
delivered by laypersons that do not constitute a medical or remedial model such as
Alcoholics Anonymous do not qualify for federal matching funds. The “major factor
differentiating these facilities from other chemical dependency treatment facilities are the
primary reliance on lay staff.” Chemically dependent patients admitted for CD treatment
are counted as mentally ill under the 50% guideline.
during this time period, these services may be covered because the patient is not considered
to be in an IMD. If a patient is transferred while in the IMD for the purpose of obtaining
medical treatment, it is not considered a conditional release and is not a covered service.
ii. Conditional release – when a patient is released from the institution on the condition
that the patient receives outpatient treatment or other comparable services.
3. Guidelines for Determining if a facility is an IMD: The CMS has deferred the completion of the
determination if a facility is an IMD to the DHCFP. The DHCFP utilizes the criteria as listed in
the CMS Medicaid Manual for this determination. The criteria include factors such as, but not
limited to:
b. The Chief Medical Officer is responsible for medical staff activities in all components;
c. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for administrative activities in all components;
h. The patient records; that provide evidence of psychiatric/psychological care and treatment;
and
i. The current need for institutionalization for more than 50% of all the patients in the facility
is resulting from mental disease, including but not limited to the bed count.
4. Medicaid may reimburse co pays and/or deductibles for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)
while in an IMD.
NURSING FACILITIES
ATTACHMENT A ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Page 2 of 2
MTL 09/15
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 500
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
NURSING FACILITIES
500 INTRODUCTION
Nursing Facility (NF) services for individuals age 21 and older is a mandatory Medicaid benefit.
NFs are institutions that provide a full range of nursing services from intermediate care at the lower
level up to and including skilled nursing services. NFs provide health related care and services on
a 24-hour basis to individuals who, due to medical disorders, injuries, developmental disabilities,
and/or related cognitive and behavioral impairments, exhibit the need for medical, nursing,
rehabilitative, and psychosocial management above the level of room and board. NF services
include services for people who cannot live on their own because they need assistance with certain
activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and transferring. NFs also
provide skilled nursing care and related services for individuals who require medical or nursing
care and/or rehabilitation services.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of those listed in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
501 AUTHORITY
In 1965, Congress authorized the Medicaid Program by adding Title XIX to the Social Security
Act. Title XIX of the Social Security Act requires that in order to receive Federal matching funds,
certain basic services including Nursing Facility (NF) services for individuals age 21 and older
must be offered to the categorically needy population in any State program. As an optional service,
Nevada Medicaid also provides NF services for individuals under the age of 21.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
502 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
503 POLICY
A Nursing Facility (NF) must comply with the following requirements in order to be eligible to
participate in the Nevada Medicaid program. All in-state NFs must:
a. Be licensed by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), Bureau of Health
Care Quality and Compliance (BHCQC) in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statute
(NRS) and the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC).
b. Be certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which assures that
the NF meets the federal requirements for participation in Medicaid and Medicare per 42
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 483.
d. Accept payment in full for covered services, the amounts paid in accordance with Medicaid
policy and not charge a Medicaid recipient for any services covered by Medicaid
reimbursement.
e. Assure that all claims submitted to Nevada Medicaid's fiscal agent for NF services are
accurate and timely.
f. Comply with all federal and state mandated staffing requirements in order to maintain
Medicare/Medicaid certification.
Nevada Medicaid will terminate an NF provider contract upon notice that the NF is no longer
licensed and/or certified to provide NF services.
Nevada Medicaid will honor, abide by and impose any and all State and Federal sanctions as
directed by BHCQC and/or CMS.
Nevada Medicaid staff will refer any possible non-compliance with state and/or federal regulations
to the BHCQC for investigation and follow-up.
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A. All Medicaid participating NFs must provide or arrange for services including nursing
services, social services, rehabilitative services, pharmacy services, dietary services,
activity programs, and emergency and routine dental services to the extent covered under
the State Plan. In accordance with the federal statutory and regulatory requirements under
42 CFR 483 and the state regulations under NRS 449 and NAC 449, NFs must also provide
treatment and services required by individuals with intellectual disabilities not otherwise
provided or arranged for by the State, and all other ancillary and supportive services
necessary to improve and/or maintain the overall health status of its residents.
B. The NF must ensure that each Medicaid recipient is admitted to the facility by a physician
and has the benefit of continuing health care under the supervision of a physician. The NF
is responsible to ensure that upon admission, the physician provides to the facility sufficient
information to validate the admission and develop a medical Plan of Care (POC). The POC
must include diet, medications, treatments, special procedures, activities and specialized
rehabilitative services, if applicable, the potential for discharge. Physician’s visits must be
conducted in accordance with federal requirements. Physician’s visits made outside the
requirements must be based upon medical necessity criteria.
C. The NF must maintain records on each recipient in accordance with accepted professional
standards and practices. Recipient records must be complete, accurately documented,
organized and readily available. At a minimum, the record must contain sufficient
information to identify the recipient, a record of the recipient’s assessments, the POC and
services ordered and provided the results of the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident
Review (PASRR) screenings, the results of the Level of Care (LOC) Assessment screening,
and progress notes. The record must also contain relevant documentation to support the
Minimum Data Set (MDS) coding. All entries must be signed and dated with the
professional title of the author.
D. Documentation of specialized services provided or arranged for, and the resident's response
to such services must remain in the active medical record as long as the resident is
recommended to receive specialized services. This documentation must be available for
state and federal reviewers.
E. The facility must report their census information by midnight on the fifth day of each
month. This will include the number of vacant beds in the facility which are available for
resident occupancy.
F. The facility is responsible for ensuring the census information is accurate, complete and
submitted timely.
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G. The facility must submit this report to Nevada Medicaid Central Office by the fifth day of
the month reported. For example, the January 1st census information must be reported to
the Nevada Medicaid Central Office by January 5th.
H. If the number of certified beds has changed, the facility must submit a copy of the
certification to Nevada Medicaid.
I. The provider must provide for the safekeeping of personal effects, funds, and other
property of the recipient. The provider must develop policies and procedures to minimize
the risk of theft or loss of the personal property of residents. Recipients and their legal
representatives must be notified of these policies and procedures. The NF must be
adequately covered against liabilities and purchase a surety bond or otherwise provide
assurance of the security of all personal funds deposited with the facility.
b. any form of identification necessary to utilize other health insurance coverage for any and
all services.
AUTHORITY
Authority to maintain a PASRR program comes from Public Law 100-203 (OBRA 87) in Subtitle
C - Nursing Home Reform Part 2 - Section 1919(b3)(F); Title 42, CFR section 483.100 – 483.138;
an Interagency Agreement between the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) -
Nevada Medicaid, the Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) and the Aging and
Disability Services Division (ADSD); the Nevada State Plan, Attachment 1.2-B, page 10; NAC
449.74425 and NRS 449.037.
The DHCFP, Nevada Medicaid, is responsible for development of policies and procedures and the
oversight of all operations related to the PASRR program. The DHCFP contracts with the Quality
Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor to conduct Level I Identification screenings and
PASRR Level II determinations. The DHCFP acts as the mental health/intellectual disabilities
authority for PASRR's through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DPBH, and ADSD.
The DPBH is designated to provide and/or follow up on all specialized services. The BHCQC
monitors and investigates compliance with PASRR through the survey process.
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Compliance with all state and federal PASRR regulations is required. Non-compliance with the
PASRR screening requirements may be referred to CMS and/or the BHCQC for investigation.
The provider must assure that every resident is screened in accordance with state and federal
PASRR regulations.
The provider must ensure that facility staff is knowledgeable regarding the PASRR process and
the implications of a facility's failure to comply with state and federal regulations. The provider
must ensure staff participates in state and federal sponsored PASRR-related training.
The provider must present to state and federal reviewers the active medical record containing the
applicable proof of Level I, and when indicated, Level II screenings completed prior to admission
and the most recent screenings if the individual experienced a significant change in his/her
physical/mental condition.
The provider must provide to state and federal reviewers, documentation supporting the provision
of any specialized services for any individual identified as needing specialized services. This may
include the DPBH or ADSD case manager documentation in the record.
a. DEFINITIONS
The Level I determination identifies that the individual either has or does not have
indicators of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or a related condition. If there are no
indicators of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or a related condition, the individual is
cleared through PASRR screening for admission to an NF. The QIO-like vendor will issue
a determination letter to the requestor.
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It is the responsibility of the discharging facility to request and obtain a Level I screening,
and when indicated, a PASRR Level II screening prior to discharging the individual to any
NF placement.
b. LEVEL II SCREENING
When an individual has been identified with possible indicators of mental illness,
intellectual disabilities or related condition, a PASRR Level II screening must be
completed to evaluate the individual and determine if NF services and/or specialized
services are needed and can be provided in the NF.
There are two types of PASRR Level II screenings. The Pre-Admission Screening (PAS)
refers to a PASRR Level II screening completed on an applicant for NF placement. The
Resident Review (RR) refers to a PASRR Level II screening completed on a current
resident of an NF who experiences a significant change in his/her physical or mental
condition, or had previously been exempted from or was time-limited under a prior PASRR
Level II screening. Within the Level II screening, there are two processes, a categorical
determination or an individual evaluation and determination.
When the PASRR Level II screening is completed, a Summary of Findings will be provided
by the QIO-like vendor to the requestor in the same manner it was requested. (i.e. If the
request was faxed in, it will be faxed back, if the request was submitted online, the requester
will be able to print the results when completed).
When the facility identifies a significant change in status, as defined in the Resident
Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual for either the mental or physical status of a
resident, a Resident Review (RR) must be requested, through the submission of a Level I
screening request. The QIO-like vendor will review the information and determine whether
an RR is necessary. If needed, the QIO-like vendor will proceed with the arrangements for
the PASRR Level II evaluation.
The provider must not admit the potential resident until the facility receives confirmation
from the QIO-like vendor of the completion of Level II screening.
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If the facility admitted a resident under the Exempted Hospital Discharge, for a less than
30 day stay, and the resident is later found to require more than 30 days of NF care, the
facility must request the PASRR Level II (RR) by submitting a completed Level I
identification screening to the QIO-like vendor by the 25th day of the admit date.
The provider must track limitation dates on Exempted Hospital Discharges and Categorical
Determinations. Before any PASRR limitation date, request the PASRR Level II (RR) by
submitting a completed Level I Identification to the QIO-like vendor in a time frame that
allows completion of the PASRR II prior to the limitation date.
The provider must assess all residents on an ongoing basis to identify if a resident (1)
develops mental illness, or (2) a resident who was not previously identified through the
Level I Identification screening as having indicators of MI, IID or RC and is now displaying
indicators, or (3) the facility has identified the need for a “Significant Change in Status
Assessment” (SCSA) MDS. Any of these may indicate the need for a PASRR Level II
screening (RR).
Within 14 days of the identification of a significant change in status, the facility must
complete and submit a Level I identification screening to the QIO-like vendor clinical
reviewers. The QIO-like vendor clinical reviewers will review the information to determine
if a PASRR Level II screening (RR) is indicated. The provider may accept verbal
determinations from the QIO-like vendor.
The provider must not admit an individual who has been determined to not need NF
services.
The provider must report all discharges directly related to a PASRR determination that an
individual is not appropriate for NF services to the Medicaid office on the Nursing Facility
Tracking Form.
The only exemption from a PASRR Level II screening is when the Level I Identification screening
showing indicators of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or related condition identifies the
individual meets all the following criteria for an exempted hospital discharge:
a. Is to be admitted to any NF directly from a hospital after receiving acute inpatient care at
the hospital (this does not include admissions from emergency rooms, observation beds, or
rehabilitation units);
b. Requires NF services for the condition for which he or she received care in the hospital;
and
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c. The attending physician has certified before admission to the NF that the individual is
likely to require less than 30 days of NF services.
This determination will be made only by the QIO-like vendor’s clinical reviewers. If a facility is
requesting to admit under the Exempted Hospital Discharge, supporting proof of the above three
requirements must be submitted with the Level I Identification screening form to the QIO-like
vendor clinical reviewers.
Before proceeding with a PASRR Level II Individual Evaluation, the QIO-like vendor’s
clinical reviewers will determine that an individual requires NF services, and meets any
one of the following criteria for an Advanced Group Categorical Determination:
b. Terminal Illness in which a physician has certified that life expectancy is six
months or less.
If it is determined the individual meets one of the above criteria, the QIO-like
vendor’s clinical reviewer will make a categorical determination. If the
determination is for an advanced group categorical determination, the
determination effective dates may be limited and will require an updated PASRR
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Level II (RR) if the individual’s stay is expected to exceed the limitation date (see
below).
The provider must provide or arrange for the provision of specialized services when an
individual has been recommended for such services through the Level II screening process.
The provider must ensure an interdisciplinary team (which includes a physician, qualified
mental health professionals (which may include DPBH and ADSD staff) and other
professionals) develops and supervises an individualized POC which addresses the
ongoing mental health needs of the resident and results in appropriate treatment.
The provider must notify the DPBH/ADSD upon receiving any Level II screening
determination that indicates an individual needs specialized services, to arrange for those
services.
The provider must cooperate with DPBH/ADSD PASRR coordination staff who are
providing or monitoring the provision of specialized services. DPBH/ADSD staff may
contact the facility to arrange for periodic on-site visits with the resident, participate in
interdisciplinary care conferences, document each on-site visit and care conference in the
active medical record (indicating progress or lack of progress with the specialized services
prescribed), and make recommendations for changes to the specialized services needed
based on progress or lack of progress.
It is the responsibility of the transferring state/facility to ensure the individual has had a Level I
screening and when indicated, a PASRR Level II screening completed in the state they are
transferring from, prior to sending the individual to a Nevada facility.
It is the receiving Nevada facility’s responsibility to obtain a copy and verify the completion of
the out-of-state screening. The receiving Nevada facility must also complete and submit a Level I
Identification Screening form to the QIO-like vendor to obtain a Nevada screening within one
business day of the admission.
The provider must forward copies of the most recent Level I and, when applicable, Level II
screening to the receiving facility upon discharge or transfer of a resident.
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The provider must notify the DPBH PASRR coordination staff of a discharge of any resident who
has been receiving specialized services and provide them with information about where the
individual is being discharged to.
503.7A REIMBURSEMENT
Federal regulation prohibits Medicaid reimbursement to NFs under certain circumstances, such as
but not limited to:
4. A provider fails to obtain an RR Level II individual evaluation prior to the limitation date
of a previously limited categorical determination. Medicaid reimbursement is not available
until the PASRR II evaluation is completed indication NF placement is appropriate.
5. A provider fails to request a Nevada screening with one business day of admission when a
resident is admitted to a Nevada NF from out-of-state. No Medicaid reimbursement is
available until the date the Nevada Level I and, when indicated, the Level II is completed.
6. For individuals who have been determined, through the PASRR process, to not need the
services of an NF.
In accordance with 42 CFR 483.204 Subpart E, an individual who has been adversely affected by
any PASRR determination made by the State in the context of either an PAS or an RR, has the
right to appeal that determination.
Please reference Nevada MSM Chapter 3100, for Medicaid recipient hearing policy.
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If the individual is Medicaid eligible, an LOC screening must be completed prior to NF admission.
This includes individuals utilizing other insurance as a primary pay source at the time of admission.
If the recipient becomes Medicaid eligible after NF admission, the LOC screening must be
completed prior to obtaining a billing authorization for Medicaid reimbursement.
If an individual becomes Medicaid eligible after death or discharge from an NF, the LOC screening
may be requested and determined retroactively.
The requestor must submit an LOC screening form with the required documentation to the QIO-
like vendor. An LOC determination must be completed by the QIO-like vendor. The NF must
receive a copy of the screening indicating the Medicaid eligible individual has a nursing facility
level of care prior to admission.
LOC determinations may be time-limited. Reasons for time limitations may include, but are not
limited to: total hip or knee replacement, compound fracture, pneumonia, or recent wound care.
These determinations may be limited to 90 days. The provider must monitor LOC determinations
that are time-limited and request an updated LOC determination prior to the expiration date.
It is the NF’s responsibility to verify an LOC determination has been made and the recipient meets
an NF LOC. The NF may contact the QIO-like vendor to obtain verification of the determination
and a copy of the determination letter.
The provider must request an updated LOC determination if a recipient’s condition changes
significantly. For example, if a recipient who was previously determined to meet an NF Standard
or Pediatric Specialty Care I later becomes ventilator dependent, the NF must request a new LOC
determination to establish Ventilator Dependent or Pediatric Specialty Care II. Conversely, if a
recipient’s condition improves and the recipient was previously determined to meet a Pediatric
Specialty Care II, the NF must request a new determination to establish the appropriate LOC.
If it is later discovered that the recipient’s condition warranted an updated screening and the facility
failed to obtain the determination, the fiscal agent may recoup funds paid to the facility
inappropriately.
In the event a recipient is discharged to a community based setting and is later readmitted to the
NF, the NF must contact the QIO-like vendor screening office to determine whether the LOC
determination is still valid (based on the recipient’s current condition), or if a new LOC
determination is needed.
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When a recipient does not meet a nursing facility LOC and an NF chooses to admit the recipient,
Medicaid reimbursement will not be authorized for that NF.
On initial and subsequent screenings, the QIO-like vendor determines whether the LOC provided
or to be provided should be approved based on medical necessity. There are four possible LOC
categories based on the care needs and nursing requirements for each individual as determined by
the LOC assessment. These include:
a. NF Standard;
b. NF Ventilator Dependent;
Each of these categories is associated with a provider specific rate for each free-standing NF.
After an LOC has been established, the NF may also request approval the Behaviorally Complex
Care Program; which also has associated rates.
NF Ventilator Dependent is limited to recipients who are dependent on mechanical ventilation for
a minimum of six out of the 24 hours per day and is an all-inclusive rate. NF and respiratory
therapists are not allowed to bill separately for ventilator management services, small volume
nebulizer treatments, tracheostomy changes, etc.
NF Ventilator Dependent Rate: a physician's order specifying the ventilator support must
accompany the screening request. Current medical records must verify that the ventilator support
is required for a minimum of six hours within a 24 hour period. The medical records must also
include the date the recipient was placed on the ventilator.
Pediatric Specialty Care I and II are limited to recipients who are children from birth to 21 years
of age who require specialized, intensive, licensed skilled nursing care beyond the scope of
services provided to the majority of NF recipients.
The QIO-like vendor must determine the recipient meets both an NF LOC as well as a Pediatric
Specialty Care LOC prior to authorization. Pediatric Specialty Care rates are approved for a
maximum of six months but may be extended with an updated LOC screening and supporting
documentation. If a new authorization is not obtained prior to expiration of the previous specialty
care authorization, the NF will be reimbursed at the NF standard rate until such time a new
pediatric specialty care LOC is determined.
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Documentation must be submitted with request to support all treatment and services listed above.
Time limited treatments may be authorized up to 90 days. Requests for extension may be granted
with supporting documentation.
The patient’s condition requires 24 hour access to nursing care by a Registered Nurse (RN) and
the recipient has one or more of the following items (a-c): (a) A tracheostomy that requires
suctioning, mist or oxygen and at least one treatment listed in the treatment procedures section
below; (b) dependence on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) or other Intravenous (IV) nutritional
support and at least one treatment listed in the treatment procedure section below; (c)
administration of at least two treatment procedures below. See Treatment Procedures below.
The patient’s condition requires 24 hour access to nursing care by an RN and the recipient has one
or more of the following items (a-c): (a) A tracheostomy that requires mechanical ventilation a
minimum of six hours out of 24 hours per day; (b) patient is on a ventilator weaning program
(approval will be time limited); (c) administration of at least three treatment procedures below.
1. Intermittent suctioning at least every eight hours and mist or oxygen as needed;
2. Daily respiratory care (60 minutes or more per day or continuous oxygen and saturation
monitoring or percussion therapy);
3. IV therapy involving:
b. Hydration; or
6. Complex wound care (including stage III or IV decubitous wound or recent surgical or
other recent wound) requiring extensive dressing or packing approval will be time limited).
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7. Seizure precautions.
11. Other special treatment(s) not listed above. The provider must describe in detail.
In addition to Medicaid contractual obligations and all other provider rules contained in MSM
Chapters 100 and 500, a free-standing NF must meet specified criteria to qualify for Pediatric
Specialty Care rates. An on-site visit by the DHCFP staff is made to verify the NF meets the
following criteria:
b. The accommodating beds include contiguous rooms, wing, floor, or building of the
NF.
a. The NF must employ an RN as the Pediatric Specialty Care Unit’s head nurse. The
head nurse must have specialized pediatric training and at least one year’s
experience in pediatric nursing.
b. The NF must ensure that an RN with pediatric training and experience is on duty
24 hours per day on the Pediatric Specialty Care Unit.
The Behaviorally Complex Care Program (BCCP) is for those Nevada Medicaid recipients with a
severe, medically-based behavior disorder. Medically-based disorders may include (not all
inclusive) traumatic/acquired brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer's, Huntington's Chorea, which
causes diminished capacity for judgment, or a resident, who meets the Medicaid criteria for nursing
facility level of care and who has a medically-based mental health disorder or diagnosis and
exhibits significant behaviors. Those facilities that request and are approved to administer the
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BCCP are reimbursed with a tiered rate established with the intention of providing in-state care
that addresses the recipient’s needs.
Nursing Facilities must demonstrate that the resident has a history of persistent disruptive behavior
that is not easily altered and requires an increase in resources from nursing facility staff as
documented by one or more of the following behaviors:
a. The resident engages in verbally abusive behavior where he threatens, screams or curses at
others;
b. The resident presents a threat of hitting, shoving, scratching, or sexually abusing other
residents.
c. The resident engages in socially inappropriate and disruptive behavior by doing of one of
the following:
d. The resident refuses assistance with medication administration or activities of daily living.
Facilities must demonstrate competency to adequately address the individual’s behavior. All
behavior intervention programs must:
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2. Apply a precisely planned systematic application of the methods and findings of behavioral
science with the intent to reduce observable negative behaviors;
3. Incorporate processes and methodologies that are the least restrictive alternatives available
for producing the desired outcomes;
1. Staff Training
2. Sensory Stimulation
3. Behavior Management
5. Environmental Modification
6. Clinically-Oriented Therapy
Documentation supporting the service need must be provided to the Facilities Unit in DHCFP
Long Term Support Services (LTSS) by a person professionally qualified in the field of psychiatric
mental health as defined in NRS 433.209 and clearly document the severe medically based
behavior disorder or other medical condition prompting the approval of the BCCP.
Tiered rates have been established to cover the broad milieu of accommodations to meet patient
needs. Behaviors and their frequency of occurrence will assist in establishing/requesting the
appropriate Tier Level. The following is a guide for requesting:
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The BCCP care level requires prior authorization. If approved, reauthorization will be required.
Reauthorization timeframes are based on the approved tier. Refer to the Billing Guidelines for
frequency of reauthorization. In addition, facilities are also required to report to the DHCFP, any
change in recipient condition or Tier.
The requested tier will be evaluated based on the frequency and degree of the behaviors exhibited
utilizing the Behaviorally Complex Care Program Evaluation Tool. The behaviors must be
categorized as follows:
Each response has a weighted value that must be supported by the medical evidence submitted.
Always = 3; Usually = 2; Usually Not = 1; Never = 0 Maximum weighted value =18
Tier I 3 to 7 points
Tier II 8 to 13 points
Tier III 14 to 18 points
Facilities may request the BCCP by submitting NMO-7079 and supporting documentation to the
DHCFP. Supporting documentation may include: the face sheet, medication administration
records (MAR), primary care provider progress notes, psychiatric notes and/or group therapy note,
nurses notes, behavioral plan, care plan, behavior monitor logs, interdisciplinary team notes,
behavior management team review, and sleep logs. Absence of the listed documentation does not
disqualify approval of the BCCP; the DHCFP staff in the LTSS Facilities Unit or the DHCFP QIO-
like vendor will review all materials submitted to determine whether there is sufficient medical
documentation and justification for the BCCP. After review, the facility and recipient will receive
a Notice of Decision (NOD). The NOD may indicate that:
Should the BCCP not be approved, the NF will receive the base rate for the applicable quarter.
The BCCP care level is determined independently of any NF LOC.
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Upon receipt of the BCCP NOD, facilities or recipients may ask the DHCFP to perform a re-review
of the original request. The re-review must be based on information and/or documentation not
submitted with the original request. Should the facility not agree with the re-review, a fair hearing
may be requested per MSM Chapter 3100.
Before an NF can receive reimbursement for services rendered for a Nevada Medicaid recipient,
the facility must submit a Nursing Facility Tracking Form in order to receive authorization to bill.
The purpose of this form is to notify the Medicaid Central Office of any admission, service level
change, discharge or death for all Medicaid eligible recipients and to initiate and/or update the
system with necessary information prior to billing.
A Nursing Facility Billing Authorization Letter that indicates specific billing days will be sent to
the Nursing Facility. Upon receipt of this letter, the facility may submit a billing claim form to the
fiscal agent for payment. If it is later discovered that the billing authorization was made in error,
the provider will be subject to recoupment for claims submitted and paid in error. Receipt of a
Billing Authorization Letter does not guarantee payment.
The facility must review all information on the Nursing Facility Billing Authorization Letter to
verify it contains the correct information. If discrepancies are noted, contact the Medicaid office
immediately to avoid delayed payment. If more than 30 days have elapsed since the tracking form
submission and the facility has not received a Nursing Facility Billing Authorization Letter or been
contacted by Medicaid staff, contact the Nevada Medicaid office.
The facility must submit the Nursing Facility Tracking Form to the Nevada Medicaid Central
Office upon each occurrence for Medicaid eligible individuals:
a. Any admission;
f. Discharge or death.
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If the resident becomes eligible after admission, the tracking form must be submitted upon
notification of the eligibility determination.
Failure of the facility to submit the tracking form may result in payment delays or denials. This
form may be accessed on the DHCFP website at http://www.dhcfp.nv.gov, which includes
completion and submission instructions. The facility should retain a copy for their records.
Billing authorizations become invalid immediately upon discharge from the facility, death, service
level change, enrollment to Hospice coverage, or if the recipient becomes ineligible for Medicaid.
Nevada Medicaid does not reimburse NFs for the date of discharge or date of death.
The facility must determine if the recipient has other resources including other insurance coverage
for any and all services and supplies.
It is the facility’s responsibility to verify the recipient’s eligibility status monthly by accessing the
Eligibility Verification System (EVS). Refer to MSM Chapter 100 regarding eligibility
information.
If eligibility is determined for prior months (for service dates prior to the existing billing
authorization), the facility must submit another tracking form indicating the eligibility has been
determined retroactively. This will initiate another billing authorization for those service dates.
NFs will be reimbursed their per diem rate for reserving beds for Medicaid recipients who are
absent from the facility on therapeutic leave up to a maximum of 24 days annually. For this
purpose, annually is defined as a calendar year beginning on January 1 and ending on December
31. Further, no portion of the unused leave days may be carried over into the next calendar year.
The facility must maintain accurate leave day records on the recipient’s chart, for review by
Medicaid staff.
A therapeutic leave must include therapeutic or rehabilitative home and community visits with
relatives and friends. Therapeutic leave also includes leave used in preparation for discharge to
community living. Therapeutic leave days are considered overnight stays. Therapeutic leave does
not apply when a recipient is out on pass for short periods of time for visits with family/friends, to
attend church services or other social activities. Therapeutic leave does not include hospital
emergency room visits or hospital stays.
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The absence of a Medicaid recipient from the facility for the purpose of therapeutic leave must be
authorized in writing by the recipient’s attending physician and included in the recipient’s plan of
care.
In those instances where a Medicaid recipient resides in more than one NF within a calendar year,
the receiving facility must determine the number of therapeutic leave days that have been
exhausted by the sending facility within the same calendar year. A record of any leave days must
be a part of the information provided to the receiving facility as part of the transfer documents.
Therapeutic leave days must be authorized by the physician for specific dates. If a recipient fails
to return to the facility within the specified timeframe, Medicaid reimbursement is not available
for dates beyond the physician’s order.
Each therapeutic leave of absence must be authorized by the attending physician’s order to ensure
the recipient is medically stable and capable of safely tolerating the absence.
3. Provide instructions for the family member/friend on how and when to administer the
medications.
A physician’s order such as “may go out on pass” is not acceptable for this purpose. The NF must
provide care instructions for the responsible person who will be accompanying the recipient during
their therapeutic leave of absence.
The NF must reserve and hold the same room and bed for the Medicaid recipient on a therapeutic
leave. The bed may not be occupied by another individual during the period of time in which the
Medicaid recipient is on such leave.
When billing for therapeutic leave of absence days, revenue code 183 is used on the billing claim
form. See Provider Billing Manual for specific instructions.
The recipient is responsible to abide by the physician’s order and to return to the facility by the
date authorized by the physician’s order. The recipient must contact the facility to advise them of
any change in the plan regarding therapeutic leave.
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Patient Liability (PL) is determined by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS).
The regulations at 42 CFR 435.725 require that the State (Nevada Medicaid) reduce its payment
to the NF by the amount of the PL. The established PL will be deducted from the Medicaid
reimbursement. If the PL does not exceed billed charges, Medicaid will reimburse the difference
between the established PL and the Medicaid maximum allowable. If the PL exceeds the billed
charges, no Medicaid reimbursement will be made. PL will also be applied to subsequent claims
submitted by providers entitled to PL until monthly obligations are fulfilled.
DWSS is responsible for determining the amount of PL the resident is responsible for.
When PL is established or changes, the recipient, facility and the fiscal agent are notified of the
amount and effective date. Collection of PL is the facility’s responsibility and should be done on
a monthly basis. If an NF receives a notice adjusting the amount of the PL and the facility has
billed and received reimbursement for services, the facility must send a corrected claim to the
fiscal agent to receive the appropriate adjustment within 60 days of the notice.
No PL is to be taken during the first 20 days of a Medicare covered stay. Medicaid reimbursement
will be reduced by the PL amount for all claims including Medicare co-insurance days 21-100 if
applicable. PL is also applied to all other Third Party Liability (TPL) co-insurance claims.
If a Medicaid recipient is transferred during a month from any provider entitled to collect PL, the
discharging provider collects the total PL amount up to billed charges. The balance of the
established PL must be transferred with the recipient at the time of transfer. The transferring and
receiving providers are responsible for negotiating the collection of PL.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
An NF resident has the right to manage his or her financial affairs. An NF may manage resident’s
funds upon written authorization from the resident.
NFs must have a system for managing residents’ funds that, at a minimum, fully complies with the
requirements established by Federal law and State regulations.
An NF may not require residents to deposit their personal funds with the NF. The facility must
obtain prior written authorization from the recipient prior to the facility assuming management
from the resident.
A recipient’s personal funds may not be commingled with the NF funds or with the funds of
another person. A recipient’s personal funds that do not exceed $50 may be maintained in a non-
interest bearing account, interest bearing account or petty cash fund. If a recipient has funds in
excess of $50, these monies must be maintained in an interest bearing account in a local bank
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Interest earned must be credited to
the recipient’s account. The NF must notify each recipient when the amount in the recipient's
personal fund account reaches $200 less than the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) resource
limit for one person.
A recipient’s personal needs money is for the exclusive use of the recipient, as desired. The
recipient’s personal funds must not be used to purchase items covered by Medicaid either directly
or indirectly as part of the facility’s daily rate including nursing services, dietary services,
room/bed maintenance, routine personal hygiene items (hair hygiene supplies, comb, brush, bath
soap, disinfecting soaps or specialized cleansing agents when indicated to treat special skin
problems or to fight infection, razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, denture adhesive,
denture cleaner, dental floss, moisturizing lotion, tissues, cotton balls, cotton swabs, deodorant,
incontinence care and supplies, sanitary napkins and related supplies, towels, washcloths, hospital
gowns, over the counter drugs, hair and nail hygiene services, bathing, and basic personal laundry)
or medically related services. However, should a resident request a certain brand or product type,
not otherwise supplied, the recipient’s personal needs money may be used to purchase those items.
Upon a recipient’s request, specialty items not covered by Medicaid may be purchased for the
recipient. Allowable expenditures are outlined in 42 CFR§ 483.10 but may include a personal
telephone, television, personal comfort items, personal clothing, reading material, gifts purchased
on behalf of the recipient, flowers and plants, and decorative items. The facility must not require
a recipient (or his or her representative) to request any item or service as a condition of admission
or continued stay. In addition, the facility must obtain written authorization from the recipient that
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
states what the charge will be. In the event the recipient is unable to sign, the NF must obtain two
signatures from NF staff and accurate accounting records must be kept accounting for each
purchase.
Statements regarding a recipient’s financial record must be available upon request to the recipient
or to the recipient’s legal representative.
Within 30 days of the death of a recipient, the NF must convey the recipient’s funds and a final
accounting of those funds to the individual or probate jurisdiction administering the recipient’s
estate.
The Division or its representative will periodically audit recipients’ personal trust funds to assure
federal and state laws, regulations and Medicaid polices are met.
If, as a result of an audit, discrepancies are identified and reported, the facility must submit a plan
of corrective action within 30 days of the report of findings to the auditing agency.
If discrepancies are found at audit, the NF must make restitution to the recipient’s funds improperly
handled, accounted for or dispersed.
A report of the audit findings may be sent to BHCQC and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
(MFCU), for follow-up regarding potential deficiencies related to state or federal regulations.
The recipient has the choice to either manage their own personal funds, or to request that the
facility manage their personal funds. If the recipient desires the facility to manage their personal
funds, the recipient must provide the facility with written authorization to do so.
Medicaid recipients may choose to spend their personal funds on items of personal care such as
professional beauty or barber services or specialty items not covered by Medicaid. In this instance,
the recipient must authorize payment for the specialty items in writing.
503.15 TRANSPORTATION
NFs are responsible for ensuring that all recipients receive appropriate medical care and related
services.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
When a recipient is being admitted to an out-of-state NF, the discharging facility must contact the
DHCFP Out-of-State Coordinator for authorization prior to the admission.
Routine services and supplies are included in per diem rates. Routine NF services include regular
room, dietary services, nursing services, social services, activities, medical supplies, oxygen, the
use of equipment and facilities, and other routine services. Examples of routine services and
supplies include, but are not limited to:
1. All general nursing services including: the administration of oxygen and related
medications; the collection of all laboratory specimens as ordered by a physician such as
blood and urine; injections; hand feeding; incontinency care; normal personal hygiene
which includes bathing, skin care, hair care or nail care (excluding professional barber and
beauty services), shaving, oral hygiene, enemas, etc.
2. Social work services and activity programs: NF staff will provide these services as
necessary in order to carry out the plan of care for the Medicaid recipients.
3. Maintenance therapy programs: facility staff will assist the Medicaid recipients as
necessary under the guidelines of the recipient’s restorative therapy program. Programs are
intended to maintain and/or restore specific function(s).
4. Items which are furnished routinely and relatively uniformly to all residents, such as
gowns, linens, water pitchers, basins, bedpans, etc.
5. Items stocked at nursing stations or on each floor in gross supply and distributed or used
individually such as alcohol, applicators, cotton balls, band aids, disposable gloves,
incontinency care products including disposable diapers, colostomy supplies, catheters,
irrigation equipment, tape, needles, syringes, IV equipment, T.E.D. (antiembolism)
stockings, hydrogen peroxide, over the counter enemas, tests (Clinitest, Testape, Ketostix,
Accu-chek), tongue depressors, hearing aid batteries, facial tissue, personal hygiene items
(includes soap, moisturizing lotion, powder, shampoo, deodorant, disinfecting soaps or
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
specialized cleansing agents, razor, shaving cream, denture adhesive, dental floss,
toothbrushes, toothpaste, denture cups and cleaner, mouthwash, peri-care products,
sanitary napkins and related supplies, etc).
6. Items which are used by individual residents but which are reusable and expected to be
available, such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, gerichairs, traction equipment,
alternating pressure pad and pump, Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB)
machine, electric nebulizers, other durable medical equipment, oxygen concentrators,
ventilators, etc.
All services, durable medical equipment and supplies necessary for the administration of the
treatment procedures listed in the patient care criteria including, but not limited to respiratory
services, tracheostomy and related services; developmental services, nutritional services,
ambulatory aids, support surfaces, and bathing/toiletry services.
Oxygen, and all related equipment and supplies necessary for administration including positive
and negative pressure apparatus.
This includes all oxygen therapy equipment, i.e., oxygen-conserving devices (oxymizer and
nebulizer (pulmoaide); respiratory equipment, supplies, and services; respiratory therapy;
tracheostomy and related services; ventilators, including humidifiers, in-line condensers, in-line
temperature measuring devices, and calibration and maintenance services.
1. Feeding pumps and equipment and services necessary for tube feedings.
4. Ambulatory assistance equipment, supplies and services, including but not limited to canes
and wheelchairs.
5. Support surfaces, equipment, supplies and services, i.e., alternating pressure pads,
wheelchair cushions, and gel pressure and air fluidized mattresses.
7. Developmental services.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The NF must provide routine services and supplies and not charge the Medicaid recipient or
Nevada Medicaid for these services.
The NF must not charge the Medicaid recipient for any item or service not requested by the
recipient.
The facility must inform the Medicaid recipient (or his/her representative) requesting an item or
service for which a charge will be made that there will be a charge for the item or service and the
amount of the charge.
Certain services and supplies are not considered part of the NF’s Medicaid per diem rate. Payment
for these services and supplies may be made to non-NF providers when the criteria for coverage
as outlined in the appropriate MSM is met. The provider of the service or supply may be required
to obtain prior authorization. Reference MSM Chapter 1200 for Pharmacy Services and MSM
Chapter 1300 for DME and Supplies.
5. Air fluidized bed units and low air loss bed units.
6. Emergency transportation.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
8. Physician services.
10. Repair of medical equipment and appliances which belong to the recipient.
1. Non-NF providers must reference the appropriate MSM for specific coverage and
limitation policies related to the services and supplies not included in the NF per diem.
Providers must abide by the associated rules and prior authorization guidelines before
providing an item or service to a recipient.
2. Provider must check for a valid Medicaid card and question the recipient/legal
representative about other insurance coverage.
1. Furnish providers with any forms of identification necessary to utilize other health
insurance coverage for any and all services and supplies.
2. Provide written authorization to the provider and NF if purchasing services and supplies
not covered in the per diem.
Refer to the appropriate chapter of the MSM for the authorization processes related to specific
services and supplies.
The NF must notify the Nevada Medicaid Central Office of a Medicaid recipient’s discharge or
death by sending the Nursing Facility Tracking form.
The NF must provide copies of the recipient’s medical record to those responsible for post-
discharge care including a copy of his or her Advance Directive (AD) (declaration/living will
and/or durable power of health care decision).
Facility to facility transfer: To transfer any Medicaid recipient from one facility to another, the
transferring facility must:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. Obtain written consent from the recipient, his/her family and/or guardian;
c. Notify the Medicaid Central Office of the transfer by sending the Nevada Medicaid
Nursing Facility Tracking form;
e. The discharging facility collects the total PL amount up to billed charges. The established
PL will be deducted from the Medicaid reimbursement. If the PL does not exceed billed
charges, Medicaid will reimburse the difference between the established PL and the
Medicaid maximum allowable. If the PL exceeds the billed charges, no Medicaid
reimbursement will be made and the balance of the collected PL must be transferred to the
receiving NF with the recipient at the time of transfer;
The admitting facility must submit the NF Tracking form to the Nevada Medicaid Central Office
upon admission.
If it is determined that a Medicaid recipient no longer meets a nursing facility LOC, the facility
will be notified and must facilitate discharge planning and promote appropriate placement. Should
the discharge planner need further assistance, a referral can be made to the FOCIS program.
Program staff can be reached through the DHCFP District Offices. If an NF intends to discharge a
resident, they must provide to the resident/legal representative with a 30 day written notice and
include the name and address of the person to whom the resident/legal representative may appeal
the discharge.
The MDS/Resource Utilization Groups (RUG), system is used to classify residents and objectively
determine a free-standing NF’s Case Mix Index (CMI). The RUG classification system was
developed by the CMS and is the basis for resident classification for the Medicare prospective
payment system and numerous other states’ Medicaid systems. Nevada uses the 34-group version
that collapses the special rehabilitation category into four groups. CMS recommends this version
for use with Medicaid NF resident populations. CMS has also developed standard CMI indices
which will be the basis for calculating the average CMI, or score, for each NF under Nevada’s
case-mix system.
Free-standing NFs are reimbursed according to a price-based system. Individual facility rates are
developed from prices established from three separate cost centers: operating, direct health care
and capital. The direct health care component utilizes each facility’s CMI which is calculated four
times per year for residents in the facility on the first day of each calendar quarter (called the
“picture date”).
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Refer to MSM Chapter 700, Rates, for detailed information regarding free-standing NF
reimbursement.
The provider must assure that each resident’s assessment data is complete and accurate in
accordance with federal regulations and the CMS Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Users’
Manual.
The provider must assure that the Occupancy Report is accurate and submitted within the specified
time limit every month.
503.20 FREE-STANDING NURSING FACILITY CASE MIX AND MDS VERIFICATION REVIEW
DESCRIPTION
Nevada Medicaid reimburses free-standing NFs based on the facility’s overall CMI identified from
the MDS. RUG items are identified on the MDS and used to establish each facility’s CMI. In order
to validate that Medicaid reimbursement to NFs is accurate and appropriate, a periodic review of
MDS coding and corresponding medical record documentation is conducted to verify the
information submitted on the MDS to the national repository accurately reflects the care required
by, and provided to residents.
RNs from Medicaid District Offices conduct Case Mix and MDS Verification reviews at every
free-standing Medicaid certified NF at least annually. The review consists of a comparison of
medical record documentation and the coding reported on the MDS, specifically the RUG items
coded with a positive response. On-site resident reviews may also be conducted to verify
documentation and/or information coded on the MDS.
Facilities may be reviewed more frequently when the facility’s error rate is greater than 40%, or
when any significant increase in errors is identified.
Prior to the review, a sampling of residents is determined using the most recently submitted MDS
data and resident listing information. The sampling is selected based on the RUG category of each
resident.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
NFs are contacted by the lead nurse approximately one week prior to a scheduled review. Upon
notification of an upcoming review, facilities are required to provide a current, accurate census of
all residents regardless of their payment source.
A brief entrance meeting is conducted upon the review team’s arrival at the facility. The
administrator or their designated representative, director of nurses and MDS staff are expected
participants in the entrance meeting. Other staff may participate as deemed appropriate by the
facility administrator and the lead nurse.
During the review, as questions arise, reviewers will work with facility staff (primarily the MDS
Coordinator) to obtain clarification and assistance in locating documentation which supports the
reported codes on the MDSs. At this time, review staff may also provide one-to-one training to
facility staff.
Upon completion of the record reviews, review staff will conduct a brief exit meeting to discuss
the findings of the team. A copy of the findings showing the percentage and types of errors
identified will be given to the administrator or their designated representative.
If it is identified that a facility coded an MDS inaccurately, which resulted in the provider being
paid more monies than a correctly-coded MDS would have allowed, Medicaid may require the
facility to submit a corrected MDS to the national repository. Additionally, Medicaid may recoup
monies paid inappropriately.
1. The provider must possess thorough knowledge of the RAI process including the MDS,
Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) and Care Plans.
2. The provider must maintain current knowledge of the federal MDS Utilization Guidelines.
3. The provider must maintain current knowledge of the Nevada Medicaid Documentation
Guidelines which may be obtained by accessing the DHCFP website at:
http://www.dhcfp.nv.gov.
4. The provider must promptly provide information requested by the review team.
5. The provider must make certain the appropriate staff attends the entrance and exit
meetings.
6. The provider must prepare in advance and provide to review staff at the beginning of the
entrance meeting:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. copies of the selected MDS’ (containing the attestation statement and completion
signatures of staff) which review staff will use during the review and keep as a
permanent part of the facility's review packet;
7. Facility staff responsible for the MDS must be available to Medicaid review staff during
the review process.
8. The provider must analyze the error reports with the appropriate facility staff responsible
for coding the MDS.
9. The provider must identify and make corrections to processes that contribute to inaccurate
MDS coding and maintain documentation supporting the current MDS in the active
medical record.
10. The provider must anticipate and prepare for more frequent reviews when the facility’s
error rate is 40% or higher, or when any significant increase in errors occurs.
All policies described in this chapter apply to hospital-based NFs with the exception of those
specifically identified for free-standing NFs.
Hospital-based NFs are paid under Medicare reasonable cost-based reimbursement principles
including the routine cost limitation, and the lesser of cost or charges. Payment will follow any
and all applicable Medicare upper payment limitation requirements such that payments will not
exceed the upper payment limitation. The routine cost limit is applied at the time of cost settlement.
Each facility will receive interim payments of the lower of 1) billed charges; or 2) an interim
payment percentage that is the ratio of costs to charges from the facilities most recently audited
cost report.
Refer to the MSM Chapter 700, Rates, for specific details related to hospital-based NF
reimbursement.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The hospital-based NF charges for services provided to Medicaid recipients should not exceed the
provider’s customary charges to the general public for these services. Hospital-based NFs may bill
for ancillary services in addition to room and board.
The provider must assure that each claim submitted to the Nevada Medicaid’s fiscal agent for NF
services is accurate and timely.
To request approval for out-of-state placement, the in-state provider, such as a hospital or nursing
facility, completes the questionnaire identified as Out-of-State Questionnaire and submits the
following documentation to Nevada Medicaid, Out-of-State Coordinator:
a. Documentation supporting that all the appropriate NFs in Nevada were contacted for in-
state placement and placement was denied. The documentation should include the reasons
Nevada NFs denied admission.
b. If the recipient was denied admission to in-state NFs due to severe behavior symptoms, a
current psychosocial narrative is required.
e. Written statement from the recipient (recipient’s family/guardian) concurring with out-of-
state placement, indication of who will be responsible for making health care decisions on
the recipient’s behalf, and that the recipient’s (recipient’s family/guardian) acknowledge
that Medicaid benefits end with death.
f. The written statement must also include the understanding that burial and funeral
arrangements must be made outside of Medicaid intervention. Documentation to show that
every effort was made to purchase/obtain a burial policy if the individual does not have
funeral or burial coverage.
a. Admission/Discharge:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. Eligibility:
The facility is not required to submit the Nursing Facility Tracking Form
until the eligibility determination is issued; however, the out-of-state
provider should contact the Nevada Medicaid Central Office, Out-of-State
Coordinator, when an individual is admitted with a pay source other than
Nevada Medicaid, but an application for Nevada Medicaid has been
submitted.
c. Reimbursement:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
d. Billing/Payment Process:
The recipient (recipient’s family/guardian) must concur with the out-of-state placement.
The recipient (recipient’s family/guardian) must provide any necessary documentation requested
by DWSS to maintain Medicaid eligibility and or utilize other health insurance coverage for any
and all services.
1. IN-STATE PROVIDER
To request approval for out-of-state NF placement, the in-state provider must complete the
Out-of-State Questionnaire and submit it with the necessary information to Nevada
Medicaid’s Central Office, Out-of-State Coordinator.
When the out-of-state placement is approved, verbal authorization will be given to the
requestor and written authorization will follow. After receiving the verbal approval, the
provider may contact the transportation vendor to arrange transportation.
2. OUT-OF-STATE PROVIDER
After a recipient is approved for an out-of-state placement, Medicaid staff will notify the
out-of-state provider by telephone. In addition, written approval will be sent to the
provider.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
504 HEARINGS
Please reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 3100 Hearings, for hearings
procedures.
D0500B, Column 2 -Clinically Complex If resident is unable or unwilling to be interviewed; refer to Staff Document As Evidenced By (AEB) example within the observation
Staff assessment Assessment of Mood (D0500A-J) period – must include frequency.
Feeling or appearing Example that demonstrates resident’s feeling or appearing
down, depressed, or down, depressed or hopeless.
hopeless
(14-day look back)
D0500C, Column 2 -Clinically Complex If resident is unable or unwilling to be interviewed; refer to Staff Document As Evidenced By (AEB) example within the observation
Staff assessment Assessment of Mood (D0500A-J). period – must include frequency.
Trouble falling or staying Example that demonstrates resident’s trouble falling or
asleep, or sleeping too staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
much
(14-day look back)
D0500D, Column 2 -Clinically Complex If resident is unable or unwilling to be interviewed; refer to Staff Document As Evidenced By (AEB) example within the observation
Staff assessment Assessment of Mood (D0500A-J). period – must include frequency.
Feeling tired or having Example that demonstrates resident’s feeling tired or having
little energy little energy.
(14-day look back)
D0500E, Column 2 -Clinically Complex If resident is unable or unwilling to be interviewed; refer to Staff Document As Evidenced By (AEB) example within the observation
Staff assessment Assessment of Mood (D0500A-J). period – must include frequency.
Poor appetite or Example that demonstrates resident’s poor appetite or
overeating overeating.
(14-day look back)
D0500F, Column 2 -Clinically Complex If resident is unable or unwilling to be interviewed; refer to Staff Document As Evidenced By (AEB) example within the observation
Staff assessment Assessment of Mood (D0500A-J). period – must include frequency.
Indicating that he/she Example that demonstrates resident’s indication that she/he
feels bad about self, or is feels bad about self, or is a failure, or has let self or family
a failure, or has let self or down.
family down
(14-day look back)
D0500G, Column 2 -Clinically Complex If resident is unable or unwilling to be interviewed; refer to Staff Document As Evidenced By (AEB) example within the observation
Staff assessment Assessment of Mood (D0500A-J). period – must include frequency.
Trouble concentrating on Example that demonstrates resident’s trouble concentrating
things, such as reading on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching TV.
the newspaper or
watching TV
(14-day look back)
D0500H, Column 2 -Clinically Complex If resident is unable or unwilling to be interviewed; refer to Staff Document As Evidenced By (AEB) example within the observation
Staff assessment Assessment of Mood (D0500A-J). period – must include frequency.
MDS 3.0 Location RUG-III Categories Minimum Documentation and Review Standards Required Nevada Specific Requirements
Field Description Impacted during the Specific Observation Period Denoted in Column
Observation Period One
I2000 -Special Care Inflammation of the lungs; most commonly of bacterial or viral Physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or clinical nurse
Pneumonia -Clinically Complex origin. specialist documentation of specific diagnosis of pneumonia
(Contributes to ES count) An active physician diagnosis must be present in the medical within the observation period is required.
record.
Does NOT include: Documentation of current (within 7-day look back period)
A hospital discharge note referencing pneumonia during treatment of diagnosis must be present in the medical record. X-
hospitalization. ray report signed by radiologist may be used to confirm
(60-7-day look back) diagnosis.
I2100 -Clinically Complex Morbid condition associated with bacterial growth in the blood. Physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or clinical nurse
Septicemia (Contributes to ES count) Septicemia can be indicated once a blood culture has been ordered specialist documentation of specific diagnosis of septicemia
and drawn. A physician’s working diagnosis of septicemia can be within the observation period is required.
accepted provided the physician has documented the septicemia
diagnosis in the resident’s clinical record. Urosepsis is not Documentation of current (within 7-day look back period)
considered for MDS review verification. treatment of diagnosis must be present in the medical record.
Does NOT include:
A hospital discharge note referencing septicemia during
(60-7-day look back) hospitalization.
I2900 -Clinically Complex An active physician documented diagnosis must be present in the Diagnosis can be accepted from the monthly order recap if the
Diabetes Mellitus (Contributes to ES count) medical record. recap is signed and dated by the healthcare practitioner within
the observation period and the diagnosis is being treated.
a) Any corrections made including but not limited to, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) grid must have an associated note
of explanation per correction within the observation period.
b) A quarterly, annual, or summary note will not substitute for documentation which is date specific to the observation period.
c) Improper or illegible corrections will not be accepted for the MDS case mix documentation review.
d) All documentation, including corrections, must be part of the original legal medical record.
e) Any and all MDS coding and interpretation questions shall be referred to the local State RAI Coordinator.
f) Late entry documentation more than 72 hours from the ARD will not be accepted.
a) Interview items (BIMS and PHQ-9) must be conducted during the observation periods stated in the RAI Manual and the
signature date entered at Z0400 must be prior to or on the ARD.
b) The signature date for these interview items entered at Z0400 must match the date the interview was actually conducted
in the medical records. If these dates do not match, facility will not receive credits for these interview items due to
conflicting documentation.
c) In the rare situation that interview items were collected (completed) by two people or by the same person but on different
dates, (e.g. half of the interview questions were conducted on the next day), each person must enter the signature date at
Z0400 and indicate specific interview questions conducted (e.g. D0200 2.A through D; D0200 2.E through I and D0300)
in “Sections.”
d) The definition of “date collected” and “date completed”: date information was collected and coding decision were made.
They are one, the same date. This is not the same as the data entry date.
a) The facility must grant access to requested medical records in a read-only or other secure format.
b) The facility is responsible for ensuring data backup and security measures are in place.
d) Medicaid recipients must have their PASRR and LOC in the active EHR.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 600
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
600 INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Medicaid Program is dependent upon the participation and cooperation of Nevada
physicians and other licensed professionals who provide health care to Medicaid recipients.
Licensed professionals providing services within the scope of their license are recognized by
Nevada as independently contracted Medicaid providers. The policy in this chapter is specific to
the following identified health care professionals:
C. Chiropractors (DC);
G. Podiatrists (DPM).
H. Registered Dietitians
To enroll as a physician or health care professional for the Division of Health Care Financing and
Policy (DHCFP) in the Nevada Medicaid Program, the above listed licensed professionals working
within their scope of practice must be authorized by the licensing authority of their profession to
practice in the state where the service is performed at the time the state services are provided.
Specific service exclusions will be noted in policy.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the four areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ
as documented in the NCU Services Manual, Chapter 1000.
The DHCFP encourages integrated interventions as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Please reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM)
Chapter 400 for specific policy.
Disclaimer: The term “Physician” used throughout this chapter is an all-inclusive description
relative to the above identified providers working within their respective scope of practice and
does not equate one professional to another. It serves only to make the document more reader-
friendly. A Primary Care Physician (PCP) is considered to be an M.D/D.O. with a specialty in
general practice, family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics or obstetrics/gynecology.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
601 AUTHORITY
B. Regulations for services furnished by supervising physicians in teaching settings are found
in 42 CFR Part 415; Subpart D. Key portion is defined in [Reg. 415.172(a)].
C. The State Legislature sets forth standards of practice for licensed professionals in the
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) for the following Specialists:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
602 RESERVED
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) reimburses for covered
medical services that are reasonable and medically necessary, ordered or performed by a
physician or under the supervision of a physician, and that are within the scope of practice
of their prognosis as defined by state law. The physician must:
b. Make a diagnosis;
d. Document these tasks in the appropriate medical records for the recipient before
submitting claims for services rendered. Documentation is subject to review by a
state authority or contracted entity.
a. The following are examples of services that are considered part of the billable visit
when it is provided under the direct and professional supervision of the physician:
1. An injection of medication;
b. Physicians or their designee may not bill Medicaid for services provided by, but
not limited to, the following:
1. Another Provider;
2. Psychologist;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
5. Counselor/Social Worker;
3. Teaching Physicians
Medicaid covers teaching physician services when they participate in the recipient’s care.
The teaching physician directs no more than four residents at any given time and is in such
proximity as to constitute immediate availability. The teaching physician’s documentation
must show that he or she either performed the service or was physically present while the
resident performed the key and critical portions of the service. Documentation must also
show participation of the teaching physician in the management of the recipient and
medical necessity for the service. When choosing the appropriate procedure code to bill,
consideration is based on the time and level of complexity of the teaching physician, not
the resident’s involvement or time.
The DHCFP follows Medicare coverage guidelines for Teaching Physicians, Interns, and
Residents including the exceptions as outlined by Medicare’s policy.
4. Out-of-State Physicians
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. When medical care is unavailable for Nevada recipients residing near state borders
(catchments areas) the contiguous out-of-state physician/clinic is considered the
Primary Care Physician (PCP). All in-state benefits and/or limitations apply.
c. All service physicians must enroll in the Nevada Medicaid program prior to billing
for any services provided to Nevada Medicaid recipients. (See MSM Chapter 100.)
The EPSDT program provides preventative health care to recipients (from birth through
age 20 years) eligible for medical assistance. The purpose of the EPSDT program is the
prevention of health problems through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The
required screening components for an EPSDT examination are to be completed according
to the time frames on a periodicity schedule that was adopted by the American Academy
of Pediatrics and the DHCFP. See MSM Chapter 1500, Healthy Kids.
Covered services are those medically necessary services when the physician either examines the
patient in person or is able to visualize some aspect of the recipient’s condition without the
interposition of a third person’s judgment. Direct visualization would be possible by means of X-
rays, electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) tapes, tissue samples, etc.
Telehealth services are also covered services under the DHCFP. See MSM Chapter 3400 for the
complete coverage and limitations for Telehealth.
A. Consultation Services
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1. When the same consultant sees the same patient during subsequent admissions, the
physician is expected to bill the lower level codes based on the medical records.
1. The following visits are used to report evaluation and management services
provided in the physician’s office or in an outpatient or other ambulatory facility:
a. Minimal to low level visits - Most patients should not require more than
nine office or other outpatient visits at this level by the same physician or
by physicians of the same or similar specialties in a three-month period. No
prior authorization is required.
b. Moderate visits - Generally, most patients should not require more than 12
office or other outpatient visits at this level by the same physician or by
physicians of the same or similar specialties in a 12-month calendar year.
No prior authorization is required.
c. High severity visits - Generally, most patients should not require more than
two office or other outpatient visits at this level by the same physician or by
physicians of the same or similar specialties in a 12-month period. Any
exception to the limit requires prior authorization.
2. Documentation in the patient’s medical record must support the level of service
and/or the medical acuity which requires more frequent visits and the resultant
coding. Documentation must be submitted to Medicaid upon request. A review of
requested reports may result in payment denial and a further review by Medicaid’s
Surveillance and Utilization Review (SUR) subsystem.
3. Medicaid does not reimburse physicians for telephone calls between physicians and
patients (including those in which the physician gives advice or instructions to or
on behalf of a patient) except documented psychiatric treatment in crisis
intervention (e.g. threatened suicide).
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4. New patient procedure codes are not payable for services previously provided by
the same physician or another physician of the same group practice, within the past
three years.
If the physician bills for physical therapy, the physician, not the PT, must have
provided the service.
A physician may bill an office visit in addition to physical therapy, on the same day
in the following circumstances:
Reference MSM Chapter 1700 for physical therapy coverage and limitations.
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A. Referrals
When a prior authorization is required for either in-state or out-of-state services, the
referring physicians are responsible for obtaining a prior authorization from the QIO-like
vendor. If out-of-state services are medically necessary, the recipient must go to the nearest
out-of-state provider for services not provided in-state. It is also the responsibility of the
referring physician to obtain the authorization for a recipient to be transferred from one
facility to another, either in-state or out-of-state.
B. Hospice
Physicians are responsible for obtaining prior authorization for all services not related to
the morbidity that qualifies the recipient for Hospice. Physicians should contact Hospice
to verify qualifying diagnosis and treatment. Reference MSM Chapter 3200 for coverage
and limitations.
HHA services provide periodic nursing care along with skilled and non-skilled services
under the direction of a qualified physician. The physician is responsible for writing the
orders and participating in the development of the plan of care. Reference MSM Chapter
1400 for coverage and limitations.
D. Laboratory
Reference MSM Chapter 800 for coverage and limitations for laboratory services.
E. Diagnostic Testing
Reference MSM Chapter 300 for coverage and limitations for diagnostic services.
Certain physician services require prior authorization. There is no prior authorization requirement
for allergy testing, allergy injections or for medically necessary minor office procedures unless
specifically noted in this chapter. Contact the QIO-like vendor for prior authorization information.
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State and federal regulations grant the right for eligible Medicaid recipients of either sex of child-
bearing age to receive family planning services provided by any participating clinics, physician,
PA, APRN, CNM, or pharmacy.
Females, who are enrolled for pregnancy-related services only, are covered for all forms of family
planning, including tubal ligation and birth control implantation up to 60 days post-partum
including the month in which the 60th day falls.
Abortions (surgical or medical) and/or hysterectomies are not included in Family Planning
Services. These procedures are a Medicaid benefit for certain therapeutic medical diagnoses.
Family Planning Services and supplies are for the primary purpose to prevent and/or space
pregnancies.
1. Physician services.
2. Physical examination.
4. Birth control devices which include but are not limited to the following:
c. Diaphragm;
e. Condoms;
Note: When a woman has an implanted device inserted, she may no longer
be eligible for Medicaid when it is time to remove the implant. There
is no process for Medicaid reimbursement when the recipient is not
Medicaid-eligible.
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1. Vaginal suppositories;
E. Family Planning Services are not covered for those recipients, regardless of eligibility,
whose age or physical condition precludes reproduction.
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Maternity Care is a program benefit which includes antepartum care, delivery, and postpartum
care provided by a physician and/or a nurse midwife. For women who are eligible for pregnancy-
related services only, their eligibility begins with enrollment and extends up to 60 days postpartum
including the month in which the 60th day falls. She is eligible for pregnancy related services only
which are prenatal care and postpartum services, including family planning education and services.
Recipients under age 21, and eligible for pregnancy only, are not entitled to EPSDT services.
For those females enrolled in a managed care program, the Managed Care Organization (MCO)
physicians are responsible for making referrals for early intervention and case management
activities on behalf of those women. Communication and coordination between the physicians,
service physicians, and MCO staff is critical to promoting optimal birth outcomes.
1. Antepartum care includes the initial and subsequent history, physical examinations,
recording of weight, blood pressures, fetal heart tones, routine chemical urinalysis,
and monthly visits up to 28 weeks gestation, biweekly visits to 36 weeks gestation,
and weekly visits until delivery totaling approximately 13 routine visits. Any other
visits or services within this time period for non-routine maternity care should be
coded separately. Antepartum care is not a covered benefit for illegal non-U.S.
citizens.
2. Delivery services include admission to the hospital, the admission history and
physical examination, management of uncomplicated labor, vaginal delivery (with
or without an episiotomy/forceps), or cesarean delivery. Medical problems
complicating labor and delivery management may require additional resources and
should be identified by utilizing the codes in the CPT Medicine and Evaluation and
Management Services section in addition to codes for maternity care.
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3. Postpartum care includes hospital and office visits following vaginal or cesarean
section delivery. Women, who are eligible for Medicaid on the last day of their
pregnancy, remain eligible for all pregnancy related and postpartum medical
assistance including family planning education and services for 60 days
immediately following the last day of pregnancy. Pregnancy related only eligible
women are not covered for any Medicaid benefits not directly related to their
pregnancy.
1. Fetal Non-Stress testing (NST) is the primary means of fetal surveillance for most
conditions that place the fetus at high risk for placental insufficiency. The test is
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classified as reactive if, during a 20- minute period, at least two accelerations of the
fetal heart rate are present, each at least 15 beats above the baseline rate and lasting
at least 15 seconds. The test is non-reactive if fewer than two such accelerations are
present in a 45-minute period.
b. date of service;
c. gestational age;
d. diagnosis;
f. interpretation;
h. periodic changes;
j. provider signature
3. Medicaid recognizes the following NST schedule (presuming fetal viability has
been reached):
Diagnosis Testing interval
Prior stillbirth Weekly (starting at 32-35 weeks)
Maternal medical conditions: Weekly at 32-35 weeks (earlier if indicated), then twice
Insulin-dependent diabetes weekly
Hypertension Weekly (starting at 32-35 weeks or when indicated)
Renal disease Weekly (starting at 32-35 weeks or when indicated)
Collagen vascular disease Weekly (starting at 32-35 weeks or when indicated)
Obstetric complications:
Premature rupture of membranes At admission to hospital
Preeclampsia Twice weekly if stable
Discordant twins Twice weekly
Intrauterine growth retardation Twice weekly
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4. Home uterine activity monitoring service may be ordered for a recipient who has a
current diagnosis of pre-term labor and a history of pre-term labor/delivery with
previous pregnancies. Reference Nevada Medicaid’s Durable Medical Equipment
(DME) Coverage and Limitation Guidelines (MSM Chapter 1300).
A first trimester ultrasound may be covered to confirm viability of the pregnancy, to rule
out multiple births and better define the Estimated Date of Confinement (EDC).
It is policy to perform ultrasound with detailed fetal anatomic study only on those
pregnancies identified as being at risk for structural defects (e.g. advanced maternal age,
prior anomalous fetus, medication exposure, diabetes, etc.).
The use of a second ultrasound in the third trimester for screening purposes is not covered.
Subsequent ultrasounds, including biophysical profiles should clearly identify the findings
from the previous abnormal scan and explain the high-risk situation which makes repeated
scans medically necessary. The patient’s record must clearly identify all high risk factors
and ultrasound findings.
For a list of maternal/fetal diagnostic codes, please refer to the billing manual.
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e. Polyhydramnios;
f. Oligohydramnios;
g. Placenta previa;
h. Abruptio placenta; or
i. Vaginal bleeding.
c. Significant difference between the size of the uterus and the expected size
based on EDC (> 3 cm);
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h. Suspected macrosomia; or
3. Confirmation of the EDC when clinical history and exam are uncertain. In general,
a single ultrasound performed between 14 and 24 weeks is sufficient for this
purpose.
B. Noncoverage - Ultrasound is not covered when it fails to meet the medical necessity criteria
listed above or for the reasons listed below:
When the initial screening ultrasound (regardless of trimester) is within normal limits or
without a significant second diagnosis.
When used solely to determine the sex of the neonate, or to provide the mother with a
picture of the baby.
1. Documentation of the indication for the study (abnormality or high risk factors);
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7. Placental location;
a. Oligohydramnios; or
b. Polyhydramnios.
A. Abortion/Termination of pregnancy
1. Reimbursement is available for an induced abortion to save the life of the mother,
only when a physician has attached a signed certification to the claim that on the
basis of his/her professional judgment, and supported by adequate documentation,
the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. (See
the DHCFP website at http://dhcfp.nv.gov/ under Forms and the HPES provider
portal at: http://www.medicaid.nv.gov/providers/forms/forms.aspx or substitute
any form that includes the required information.)
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all recipients under the age of 18 and physicians are still required to report the
incident to Child Protective Services (CPS) through the Division of Child and
Family Services (DCFS) or, in some localities, through County Child Welfare
Services.
C. Hysterectomy
3. Emergency – The physician who performs the hysterectomy certifies in writing that
the hysterectomy was performed under a life-threatening emergency situation in
which the physician determined prior acknowledgment was not possible. The
completed Physician Statement must be attached to each claim form related to the
hysterectomy (e.g., surgeon, hospital, and anesthesiologist). The physician must
include a description of the nature of the emergency and this certification must be
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dated after the emergency. The recipient does not have to sign this form. An
example of this situation would be when the recipient is admitted to the hospital
through the emergency room for immediate medical care and the recipient is unable
to understand and respond to information pertaining to the acknowledgment of
receipt of hysterectomy information due to the emergency nature of the admission.
4. Sterility – The physician who performs the hysterectomy certifies in writing that
the recipient was already sterile at the time of the hysterectomy and needs to include
a statement regarding the cause of the sterility. The completed Physician Statement
must be attached to each claim form related to the hysterectomy. The recipient does
not have to sign the form. (For example, this form would be used when the sterility
was postmenopausal or the result of a previous surgical procedure.)
a. He or she informed the woman before the operation the procedure would
make her sterile. In this case, the recipient and the physician must sign the
written statement; or,
Nevada Medicaid reimburses providers for annual preventative gynecological examinations, along
with the collection of a Pap smear, for women who are or have been sexually active or are age 18
or older. The examinations include breast exam, pelvic exam and tissue collection (also known as
Pap smear).
Medicaid will pay for a chiropractic manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation if
the subluxation has resulted in a neuro-musculoskeletal condition for which manipulation is the
appropriate treatment.
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Services are limited to Medicaid eligible children under 21 years of age and Qualified Medicare
Beneficiaries (QMB’s).
1. Four or less chiropractic office visits (emergent or non-emergent) for children under
21 years of age in a rolling 365 days. The visits must be as a direct result of an
EPSDT screening examination, diagnosing acute spinal subluxation.
Chiropractic visits for children under 21 years of age whose treatment exceeds the four
visits. The physician must contact the Nevada Medicaid QIO-like vendor for prior
authorization.
603.7 PODIATRY
Podiatry services are rendered by a medical specialist who has received the degree of Doctor of
Podiatry Medicine (D.P.M.) from an accredited school of podiatry, has passed the examination
given by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners and is licensed through the Nevada
State Board of Podiatry (in accordance to NRS 635.050). Podiatrists are medical specialists who
diagnose, treat and care for: injury, disease or other medical conditions affecting the foot, ankle
and structure of the leg. Podiatrists perform surgical procedures and prescribe corrective devices,
medications and physical therapy.
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3. Radiology Service
4. Laboratory Services
5. Prescription of Drugs
6. Telehealth Services
B. Covered Services
b. Office visits, home visits, hospital visits, emergency room visits, nursing
home visits.
2. Surgical Procedures
a. Multiple surgeries.
b. Mycotic procedures.
c. Casting/strapping/taping.
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C. Non-Covered Services
1. Preventive care including the cleaning and soaking of feet and the application of
creams to insure skin tone.
2. Routine foot care in the absence of infection or inflammation. Routine foot care
includes the trimming of nails, cutting or removal of corns and calluses
This all-inclusive rate includes any one or more of the following services and
medical professionals:
a. Physician (MD/DO);
b. Dentist;
g. Psychologist;
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j. Podiatrist (DPM);
k. Radiology;
l. Optometrist (OD);
n. Clinical Laboratory.
2. Encounter codes are used for primary care services provided by the RHCs in the
following areas:
3. Colorectal screenings.
b. Home visits; or
1. Up to two times a calendar year the RHC may bill for additional
reimbursement along with the encounter rate.
3. For billing instructions for RHC, please refer to Billing Manual for Provider Type
17.
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603.9 ANESTHESIA
Medicaid payments for anesthesiology services provided by physicians and CRNAs are based on
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) base units.
A. Each service is assigned a base unit which reflects the complexity of the service and
includes work provided before and after reportable anesthesia time. The base units also
cover usual preoperative and post-operative visits, administering fluids and blood that are
part of the anesthesia care, and monitoring procedures.
B. Time for anesthesia procedures begins when the anesthesiologist begins to prepare the
recipient for the induction of anesthesia and ends when the anesthesiologist/CRNA is no
longer in personal attendance, and the recipient is placed under postoperative supervision.
C. All anesthesia services are reported by use of the anesthesia five-digit procedure codes.
Nevada Medicaid does not reimburse separately for physical status modifiers or qualifying
circumstances.
D. Using the CPT/ASA codes, providers must indicate on the claim the following:
1. Type of surgery;
2. Length of time;
3. Diagnosis;
A. Outpatient hospital based clinic services include non-emergency care provided in the
emergency room, outpatient therapy department/burn center, observation area, and any
established outpatient clinic sites. Visits should be coded using the appropriate
Evaluation/Management (E/M) CPT code (e.g. office visit/observation/etc.) on a CMS-
1500 billing form. Do not use emergency visit codes.
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The DHCFP uses the prudent layperson standard as defined in the Balanced Budget Act of
1997 (BBA). Accordingly, emergency services are defined as “a medical condition
manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such
that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine,
could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in placing the
health of the recipient (or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or
her unborn child) in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious
function of any bodily organ or part.” The threat to life or health of the recipient
necessitates the use of the most accessible hospital or facility available that is equipped to
furnish the services. The requirement of non-scheduled medical treatment for the
stabilization of an injury or condition will support an emergency.
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5. Services deemed non-emergency and not reimbursable at the emergency room level
of payment are:
c. The recipient had previously been treated for the same condition without
worsening signs or symptoms of the condition;
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Occupational, Physical, Respiratory and Speech Therapy services provided in the hospital
outpatient setting are subject to the same prior authorization and therapy limitations found
in the MSM, Chapter 1700 – Therapy.
4. If observation status reaches 48 hours, the physician must make a decision to:
b. Obtain authorization from the QIO-like vendor to admit into the acute
hospital; or
c. Keep the recipient on observation status with the understanding neither the
physician nor the hospital will be reimbursed for any services beyond the
48 hours.
5. The physician must write an order for observation status, and/or an observation stay
that will rollover to an inpatient admission status.
See MSM Chapter 200 for policy specific to the facility’s responsibility for a
recipient in “observation status.”
E. End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Outpatient Hospital/Free-Standing Facilities. The term
“end-stage renal disease” means the stage of kidney impairment that appears irreversible
and permanent and requires a regular course of dialysis or kidney transplantation to
maintain life.
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cases when the recipient is not eligible for Medicare benefits. In those cases, private
insurance and/or Medicaid is the primary coverage
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m. Organ transplantation and associated fees are a limited benefit for Nevada
Medicaid recipients.
4. The following organ transplants, when deemed the principal form of treatment are
covered:
c. Corneal – allograft/homograft;
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e. Liver – transplantation for children (under age 21) with extrahepatic biliary
atresia or for children or adults with any other form of end-stage liver
disease. Coverage is not provided with a malignancy extending beyond the
margins of the liver or those with persistent viremia.
5. Prior authorization is required for bone marrow, kidney, and liver transplants from
Medicaid’s contracted QIO-like vendor.
A. Admissions to acute care hospitals both in and out of state are limited to those authorized
by Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor as medically necessary and meeting Medicaid benefit
criteria.
B. Physicians may admit without prior approval only in the following situations:
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C. All other hospital admissions both in-state and out-of-state must be prior authorized by the
QIO-like vendor. Payment will not be made to the facility or to the admitting physician,
attending physician, consulting physician, anesthesiologist, or assisting surgeons denied by
the QIO-like vendor admissions.
D. Attending physicians are responsible for ordering and obtaining prior authorization for all
transfers from the acute hospital to all other facilities.
E. Physicians may admit recipients to psychiatric and/or substance abuse units of general
hospitals (regardless of age), or freestanding psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals for
recipients 65 and older or those under the age of 21. All admissions must be prior
authorized by the QIO-like vendor with the exception of a psychiatric emergency. Refer to
MSM Chapter 400 for coverage and limitations.
1. Routine Inpatient Hospital Care is limited to reimbursement for one visit per day
(same physician or physicians in the same group practice) except when extra care
is documented as necessary for an emergency situation (e.g., a sudden serious
deterioration of the recipient’s condition).
2. The global surgical package includes the following when provided by the physician
who performs the surgery, whether in the office setting, out-patient or in-patient:
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5. Payment may be made for services by the surgeons that are unrelated to the
diagnosis for which the surgery was performed during the post-operative period.
Supportive documentation may be requested. Services provided by the surgeon for
treating the underlying condition and for a subsequent course of treatment that is
not part of the normal recovery from the surgery are also paid separately. Full
payment for the procedure is allowed for situations when distinctly separate but
related procedures are performed during the global period of another surgery in
which the recipient is admitted to the hospital for treatment, discharged, and then
readmitted for further treatment.
7. For information on payment for assistant surgeons, please refer to the billing
manual.
9. For some dermatology services, the CPT descriptors contain language, such as
“additional lesion”, to indicate that multiple surgical procedures have been
performed. The multiple procedure rules do not apply because the RVU’s for these
codes have been adjusted to reflect the multiple nature of the procedure. These
services are paid according to the unit. If dermatologic procedures are billed with
other procedures, the multiple surgery rules apply. For further information, please
refer to the billing manual.
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Critical Care, the direct delivery of medical care by a physician or physicians for a
critically ill or critically injured recipient to treat a single or multiple vital organ
system failure and/or to prevent further life threatening deterioration of the
recipient’s conditions, is reimbursed by Medicaid. Reimbursement without
documentation is limited to a critical illness or injury which acutely impairs one or
more vital organ systems such that there is a high probability of imminent or life
threatening deterioration in the recipient’s condition. Critical care involves high
complexity decision making to assess, manipulate, and support vital system
functions. Examples of vital organ system failure include, but are not limited to:
central nervous system failure, circulatory failure, shock, renal, hepatic, metabolic,
and/or respiratory failure. Although critical care typically requires interpretation of
multiple physiologic parameters and/or application of advanced technology, critical
care may be provided in life threatening situations when these elements are not
present.
a. Critical care may be provided on multiple days, even if no changes are made
in the treatment rendered to the recipient, provided that the recipient’s
condition continues to require the level of physician attention described
above. Providing medical care to a critically ill, injured, or post-operative
recipient qualifies as a critical care service only if both the illness or injury
and the treatment being provided meet the above requirements.
b. Critical care is usually, but not always, given in a critical care area, such as
the coronary care unit, intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit,
respiratory care unit, or the emergency care facility.
c. Services for a recipient who is not critically ill but happen to be in a critical
care unit, are reported using other appropriate evaluation/management
(E/M) codes.
e. Time spent in activities that occur outside of the unit or off the floor (e.g.,
telephone calls, whether taken at home, in the office, or elsewhere in the
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hospital) may not be reported as critical care since the physician is not
immediately available to the patient.
a. Neonatal and Pediatric Critical Care CPT codes are used to report services
provided by a single physician directing the care of a critically ill
neonate/infant. The same definitions for critical care services apply for the
adult, child and neonate. The neonatal and pediatric critical care codes are
global 24-hour codes (billed once per day) and are not reported as hourly
services consistent with CPT coding instructions.
b. Neonatal critical care codes are used for neonates (28 days of age or less)
and pediatric critical care codes are used for the critically ill infant or young
child age 29 days through 71 months of age, admitted to an intensive or
critical care unit. These codes will be applicable as long as the child
qualifies for critical care services during the hospital stay.
d. Care rendered under the pediatric critical care codes includes management,
monitoring, and treatment of the recipient including respiratory, enteral and
parenteral nutritional maintenance, metabolic and hematologic
maintenance, pharmacologic control of the circulatory system,
parent/family counseling, case management services, and personal direct
supervision of the health care team in the performance of cognitive and
procedural activities.
e. In addition to critical services for adults, the pediatric and neonatal critical
care codes also include the following procedures:
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6. vascular punctures;
9. ventilator management;
Any services performed which are not listed above, may be reported
separately.
f. Initial and Continuing Intensive Care Services are reported for the child who
is not critically ill, but requires intensive observation, frequent interventions
and other intensive care services, or for services provided by a physician
directing the continuing intensive care of the Low Birth Weight (LBW)
(1500-2500 grams) present body weight infant, or normal (2501-5000
grams) present body weight newborn who does not meet the definition of
critically ill, but continues to require intensive observation, frequent
interventions, and other intensive care services.
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A. Physician services provided in a Nursing Facility (NF) are a covered benefit when the
service is medically necessary. Physician visits must be conducted in accordance with
federal requirements for licensed facilities. Reference MSM Chapter 500 for coverage and
limitations.
B. When the recipient is admitted to the NF in the course of an encounter in another site of
service (e.g., hospital ER, physician’s office), all E/M services provided by that physician
in conjunction with that admission are considered part of the initial nursing facility care
when performed on the same date as the admission or readmission. Admission
documentation and the admitting orders/plan of care should include the services related to
the admission he/she provided in the other service sites.
A physician must certify the need for ICF/MR care prior to or on the day of admission (or
if the applicant becomes eligible for Medicaid while in the ICF/MR, before the Nevada
Medicaid Office authorizes payment.) The certification must refer to the need for the
ICF/MR level of care, be signed and dated by the physician and be incorporated into the
resident’s record as the first order in the physician’s orders.
Recertification by a physician or an APRN for the continuing need for ICF/MR care is
required within 365 days of the last certification. In no instance is recertification acceptable
after the expiration of the previous certification. For further information regarding ICF/MR
refer to MSM Chapter 1600.
Physician services, except psychiatrist are not included in the all-inclusive facility rate for
RTCs. Please reference MSM Chapter 400.
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The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) reimburses for medically necessary
community paramedicine services which are designed to provide health care services to the
medically underserved. Community Paramedicine services fill patient care gaps in a local health
care system and prevent duplication of services while improving the healthcare experience for the
recipient. Prevention of unnecessary ambulance responses, emergency room visits, and hospital
admissions and readmissions can result in cost reductions for the DHCFP.
3. Paramedic; or
4. Community Paramedic.
B. Required endorsement:
D. Must possess a scope of service agreement, based upon the provider’s skills, with the
Medical Director of the EMS agency under which they are employed.
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(MD/DO), an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or physician’s assistant (PA) following
an appropriate assessment. The PCP must consult with the EMS agency service’s medical director
to coordinate the care plan with all local community health providers and the local public health
agencies, including home health and waiver services, to avoid duplication of services to the
recipient. If a fee-for-service recipient requires more than five visits in the home during a three-
month period, they will be referred to the Care Management Organization (CMO) by the EMS
agency.
A. The following services can be provided within a community paramedicine provider’s scope
of practice as part of a community paramedicine visit when requested in a primary care
provider’s care plan:
1. Evaluation/health assessment;
3. Medication compliance;
7. Minor medical procedures and treatments within their scope of practice as approved
by the EMS agency’s medical director;
B. Non-covered services:
1. Travel time;
2. Mileage;
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C. For a list of covered procedure and diagnosis codes, please refer to the billing manual.
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Preventive medicine/health refers to health care that focuses on disease (or injury) prevention.
Preventive health also assists the provider in identifying a patient’s current or possible future health
care risks through assessments, lab work and other diagnostic studies.
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for preventive medicine services for men as recommended by the
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) A and B Recommendations.
A. The following preventive health services are covered by Nevada Medicaid for women:
Topic Description
Abnormal blood glucose and Type 2 The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose as
diabetes mellitus: screening part of cardiovascular risk assessment in adults aged 40 to 70 years
who are overweight or obese. Clinicians should offer or refer patients
with abnormal blood glucose to intensive behavioral counseling
interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity.
Alcohol misuse counseling* The USPSTF recommends clinicians screen adults age 18 years or
older, including pregnant women, for alcohol misuse and provide
persons engaged in risky or hazardous drinking with brief behavioral
counseling interventions to reduce alcohol misuse.
Anemia screening: pregnant women The USPSTF recommends routine screening for iron deficiency
anemia in asymptomatic pregnant women.
Aspirin to prevent CVD: women The USPSTF recommends the use of aspirin for women age 55 to 79
years when the potential benefit of a reduction in ischemic strokes
outweighs the potential harm of an increase in gastrointestinal
hemorrhage.
Bacteriuria screening: pregnant women The USPSTF recommends screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria
with urine culture for pregnant women at 12 to 16 weeks' gestation or
at the first prenatal visit, if later.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
BRCA risk assessment and genetic The USPSTF recommends that primary care providers screen women
counseling/testing* who have family members with breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal
cancer with one of several screening tools designed to identify a
family history that may be associated with an increased risk for
potentially harmful mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes
(BRCA1 or BRCA2). Women with positive screening results should
receive genetic counseling and, if indicated after counseling, BRCA
testing.
Breast cancer preventive medication The USPSTF recommends that clinicians discuss chemoprevention
with women at high risk for breast cancer and at low risk for adverse
effects of chemoprevention. Clinicians should inform patients of the
potential benefits and harms of chemoprevention.
Breast cancer screening The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for
women aged 50-74.
Breastfeeding counseling* The USPSTF recommends interventions during pregnancy and after
birth to promote and support breastfeeding.
Cervical cancer screening The USPSTF strongly recommends screening for cervical cancer in
women who have been sexually active and have a cervix.
Chlamydial infection screening: non- The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydial infection for all
pregnant women sexually active non-pregnant young women aged 24 and younger and
for older non-pregnant women who are at increased risk.
Chlamydial infection screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydial infection for all
pregnant women pregnant women aged 24 and younger and for older pregnant women
who are at increased risk.
Cholesterol abnormalities screening: The USPSTF strongly recommends screening women aged 45 and
women 45 and older older for lipid disorders if they are at increased risk for coronary heart
disease.
Cholesterol abnormalities screening: The USPSTF recommends screening women aged 20 to 45 for lipid
women younger than 45 disorders if they are at increased risk for coronary heart disease.
Colorectal cancer screening The USPSTF recommends screening for colorectal cancer using fecal
occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, in adults,
beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years. The risks
and benefits of these screening methods vary.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
Depression screening: adults* The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in the general
adult population, including pregnant and postpartum women.
Screening should be implemented with adequate systems in place to
assure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate
follow-up.
Diabetes screening The USPSTF recommends screening abnormal blood glucose as part
of cardiovascular risk assessment in adults aged 40 to 70 years who
are overweight or obese. Clinicians should offer or refer patients with
abnormal blood glucose to intensive behavioral counseling
interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity.
Folic acid supplementation The USPSTF recommends that all women planning or capable of
pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to
800 µg) of folic acid.
Gestational diabetes mellitus screening The USPSTF recommends screening for gestational diabetes mellitus
in asymptomatic pregnant woman after 24 weeks’ gestation.
Gonorrhea screening: women The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all sexually active
women, including those who are pregnant, for gonorrhea infection if
they are at increased risk for infection (that is, if they are young or
have other individual or population risk factors).
Healthy diet counseling* The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral dietary counseling
for adult patients with hyperlipidemia and other known risk factors
for cardiovascular and diet-related chronic disease. Intensive
counseling can be delivered by primary care clinicians or by referral
to other specialists, such as nutritionists or dietitians.
Hepatitis B screening: pregnant women The USPSTF strongly recommends screening for hepatitis B virus
infection in pregnant women at their first prenatal visit.
Hepatitis B screening: non-pregnant The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis B virus infection in
adolescents and adults persons at high risk for infection.
Hepatitis C virus infection screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV)
adults infection in persons at high risk for infection. The USPSTF also
recommends offering one-time screening for HCV infection to adults
born between 1945 and 1965.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
High blood pressure in adults: The USPSTF recommends screening for high blood pressure in adults
screening* aged 18 years or older. The USPSTF recommends obtaining
measurements outside of the clinical setting for diagnostic
confirmation before starting treatment.
HIV screening: pregnant women The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant
women for HIV including those who present in labor who are
untested and whose HIV status is unknown.
HIV screening: non-pregnant The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen for HIV infection in
adolescents and adults adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65 years. Younger adolescents and
older adults who are at increased risk should also be screened.
Intimate partner violence screening: The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen women of
women of childbearing age* childbearing age for intimate partner violence, such as domestic
violence, and provide or refer women who screen positive to
intervention services. This recommendation applies to women who
do not have signs or symptoms of abuse.
Obesity screening and counseling: The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all adult patients for
adults* obesity and offer intensive counseling and behavioral interventions to
promote sustained weight loss for obese adults.
Osteoporosis screening: women The USPSTF recommends that women aged 65 and older be screened
routinely for osteoporosis. The USPSTF recommends that routine
screening begin at age 60 for women at increased risk for osteoporotic
fractures.
Preeclampsia prevention: aspirin* The USPSTF recommends the use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg/d) as
preventive medication after 12 weeks of gestation in women who are
at high risk for preeclampsia
Rh incompatibility screening: first The USPSTF strongly recommends Rh (D) blood typing and antibody
pregnancy visit testing for all pregnant women during their first visit for pregnancy-
related care.
Rh incompatibility screening: 24-28 The USPSTF recommends repeated Rh (D) antibody testing for all
weeks’ gestation unsensitized Rh (D)-negative women at 24-28 weeks’ gestation,
unless the biological father is known to be Rh (D)-negative.
Skin cancer behavioral counseling* The USPSTF recommends counseling children, adolescents, and
young adults ages 10 to 24 years who have fair skin about minimizing
their exposure to ultraviolet radiation to reduce risk for skin cancer
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
STIs counseling* The USPSTF recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling to
prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all sexually active
adolescents and for adults at increased risk for STIs.
Tobacco use counseling and The USPSTF recommends that clinicians ask all adults about tobacco
interventions: non-pregnant adults* use, and advise them to stop using tobacco, and provide behavioral
interventions U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
pharmacotherapy for cessation to adults who use tobacco.
Tobacco use counseling: pregnant The USPSTF recommends that clinicians ask all pregnant women
women about tobacco use, and advise them to stop using tobacco, and provide
behavioral interventions for cessation to pregnant women who use
tobacco.
Syphilis screening: non-pregnant The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen persons at
persons increased risk for syphilis infection.
Syphilis screening: pregnant women The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women
for syphilis infection.
B. The following preventive health services are covered by Nevada Medicaid for men:
Topic Description
Abnormal blood glucose and type 2 The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose as
diabetes mellitus: screening part of cardiovascular risk assessment in adults aged 40 to 70 years
who are overweight or obese. Clinicians should offer or refer patients
with abnormal blood glucose to intensive behavioral counseling
interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: The USPSTF recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic
men aneurysm by ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 who have ever
smoked.
Alcohol misuse: screening and The USPSTF recommends clinicians screen adults age 18 years or
counseling* older for alcohol misuse and provide persons engaged in risky or
hazardous drinking with brief behavioral counseling interventions to
reduce alcohol misuse.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
Aspirin to prevent CVD: men The USPSTF recommends the use of aspirin for men age 45 to 79
years when the potential benefit due to a reduction in myocardial
infarctions outweighs the potential harm due to an increase in
gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Cholesterol abnormalities screening: The USPSTF strongly recommends screening men aged 35 and older
men 35 and older for lipid disorders.
Cholesterol abnormalities screening: The USPSTF recommends screening men aged 20 to 35 for lipid
men younger than 35 disorders if they are at increased risk for coronary heart disease.
Colorectal cancer screening The USPSTF recommends screening for colorectal cancer using fecal
occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, in adults,
beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years. The risks
and benefits of these screening methods vary.
Depression screening: adults* The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in the general
adult population. Screening should be implemented with adequate
systems in place to assure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and
appropriate follow-up.
Diabetes screening The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose as
part of cardiovascular risk assessment in adults aged 40 to 70 years
who are overweight or obese. Clinicians should offer or refer patients
with abnormal blood glucose to intensive behavioral counseling
interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity.
Healthy diet counseling* The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral dietary counseling
for adult patients with hyperlipidemia and other known risk factors
for cardiovascular and diet-related chronic disease. Intensive
counseling can be delivered by primary care clinicians or by referral
to other specialists, such as nutritionists or dietitians.
Hepatitis B screening: adolescents and The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis B virus infection in
adults* persons at high risk for infection.
Hepatitis C virus infection screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV)
adults infection in persons at high risk for infection. The USPSTF also
recommends offering one-time screening for HCV infection to adults
born between 1945 and 1965.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
High blood pressure in adults: The USPSTF recommends screening for high blood pressure in
screening* adults aged 18 years or older. The USPSTF recommends obtaining
measurements outside of the clinical setting for diagnostic
confirmation before starting treatment.
HIV screening: adolescents and adults The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen for HIV
infection in adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65 years. Young
adolescents and older adults who are at increased risk should also be
screened.
Obesity screening and counseling: The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all adult patients for
adults* obesity and offer intensive counseling and behavioral interventions
to promote sustained weight loss for obese adults.
Skin cancer behavioral counseling* The USPSTF recommends counseling children, adolescents, and
young adults ages 10 to 24 years who have fair skin about minimizing
their exposure to ultraviolet radiation to reduce risk for skin cancer.
STIs counseling* The USPSTF recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling to
prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all sexually active
adolescents and for adults at increased risk for STIs.
Tobacco use counseling and The USPSTF recommends that clinicians ask all adults about tobacco
interventions: non-pregnant adults* use, advise them to stop using tobacco, and provide behavioral
interventions and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-
approved pharmacotherapy for cessation to adults who use tobacco.
Syphilis screening: non-pregnant The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen persons at
persons increased risk for syphilis infection.
C. The following preventive health services are for children as is age appropriate:
Topic Description
Dental caries prevention: infants and The USPSTF recommends the application of fluoride varnish to the
children up to age 5 years primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary
tooth eruption in primary care practices. The USPSTF also recommends
that primary care clinicians prescribe oral fluoride supplementation at
currently recommended doses to preschool children older than 6 months
of age whose primary water source is deficient in fluoride.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
Depression screening: adolescents The USPSTF recommends screening of adolescents (12-18 years of age)
for major depressive disorder (MDD). Screening should be implemented
with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective
therapy and appropriate follow-up.
Gonorrhea prophylactic medication: The USPSTF strongly recommends prophylactic ocular topical
newborns* medication for all newborns against gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum.
Hearing loss screening: newborns* The USPSTF recommends screening for hearing loss in all newborn
infants.
Hemoglobinopathies screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for sickle cell disease in newborns.
newborns*
HIV screening: adolescents The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen for HIV
infection in adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65 years. Younger
adolescents and older adults who are at increased risk should also be
screened.
Hypothyroidism screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for congenital hypothyroidism in
newborns* newborns.
Iron supplementation in children The USPSTF recommends routine iron supplementation for
asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months who are at increased risk for
iron deficiency anemia.
Obesity screening and counseling: The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen children aged 6 years
children* and older for obesity and offer them or refer them to comprehensive,
intensive behavioral interventions to promote improvement in weight
status.
PKU / metabolic screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for phenylketonuria (PKU) in
newborns* newborns.
Skin cancer behavioral counseling* The USPSTF recommends counseling children, adolescents, and young
adults ages 10 to 24 years who have fair skin about minimizing their
exposure to ultraviolet radiation to reduce risk for skin cancer.
STIs counseling* The USPSTF recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling to
prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all sexually active
adolescents and for adults at increased risk for STIs.
Syphilis screening: non-pregnant The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen persons at
persons increased risk for syphilis infection.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Topic Description
Tobacco use interventions: children The USPSTF recommends that clinicians provide interventions,
and adolescents* including education or brief counseling, to prevent initiation of tobacco
use in school-aged children and adolescents.
Visual acuity screening in children* The USPSTF recommends vision screening for all children at least once
between the ages of 3 and 5 years, to detect the presence of amblyopia
or its risk factors.
* These screening tests may be performed as part of an office visit, hospital visit or global fee and may not be
billed separately.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Transgender Services include treatment for gender dysphoria (GD), formerly known as gender
identity disorder (GID). Treatment of GD is a DHCFP covered benefit, including both hormonal
and surgical modalities, and psychotherapy, based on medical necessity. Genital reconstruction
surgery (GRS) describes a number of surgical procedure options for the treatment of GD.
According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the
organization that promotes the standards of health care for transsexual, transgender and gender
nonconforming individuals, through the articulation of Standards of Care (SOC), gender dysphoria
is defined as discomfort or distress caused by a discrepancy between a person’s gender identity
and that person’s sex assigned at birth (and the associated gender role and/or primary and
secondary sex characteristics).
A. Hormone Therapy
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
D. Non-Covered Services
1. Payment will not be made for the following services and procedures:
iv. electrolysis;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
xi. liposuction;
E. Documentation Requirements
b. capacity to make a fully informed decision and give consent for treatment.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA) Journal of Ethics,
in health care, informed consent refers to the process whereby the patient
and the health care practitioner engage in a dialogue about a proposed
medical treatment’s nature, consequences, harms, benefits, risks and
alternatives. Informed consent is a fundamental principle of health care.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
iv. When a recipient has previously had one or more initial surgical
procedures outlined in this chapter, the recipient is not required to
provide referral letters to continue additional surgical procedures, at
discretion of the surgeon. The surgeon must ensure this is clearly
documented in the recipient’s medical record.
2. Documentation supporting medical necessity for any of the above procedures must
be clearly documented in the recipient’s medical record and submitted when a prior
authorization (PA) is required.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is nutritional diagnostic, therapy and counseling services for
the purpose of management of nutrition related chronic disease states. MNT involves the
assessment of an individual’s overall nutritional status followed by an individualized course of
nutritional intervention treatment to prevent or treat medical illness. MNT is provided by a licensed
and Registered Dietitian (RD) working in a coordinated, multidisciplinary team effort with the
Physician, Physician’s Assistant (PA) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and takes
into account a person’s food intake, physical activity, and course of any medical therapy including
medication and other treatments, individual preferences, and other factors. This level of instruction
includes individualized dietary assessment that is above basic nutrition counseling.
The DHCFP considers medical nutrition therapy medically necessary for diabetes, obesity, heart
disease and hypertension where dietary adjustment has a therapeutic role, when it is prescribed by
a Physician, PA or APRN and furnished by a RD. The only providers that should submit claims
for medical nutrition therapy are registered dietitians. Other qualified health care professionals
may provide medical nutrition therapy; however, they must submit a claim for evaluation and
management services.
608.1 POLICY
Medicaid will reimburse for MNT services rendered to Medicaid eligible individuals in accordance
with the Nevada Medicaid coverage authority. MNT services must be medically necessary to
address nutrition related behaviors that contribute to diabetes, obesity, heart disease and
hypertension. Services must be rendered according the written orders of the Physician, PA or an
APRN. The treatment regimen must be designed and approved by a registered dietitian.
1. MNT is initiated from a referral from a primary care physician, PA or APRN and includes
information on labs, medications and other diagnoses. MNT includes:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
ii. Additional hours beyond the maximum four hours in the first year require
prior authorization.
v. There should be specific goals, evaluations and outcome measures for each
session documented within the patient’s records.
g. Services may be provided in a group setting. The same service limitations apply in
the group setting.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. See MSM Chapter 600, Attachment A, Policy #6-10 for DSMT coverage.
4. MNT is only covered for the management of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and
hypertension-related conditions.
5. MNT may be provided through Telehealth services. See MSM Chapter 3400 for the
Telehealth policy.
Prior authorization is required when recipients require additional or repeat training sessions
beyond the permitted maximum number of hours of treatment. This can occur if there is a change
of diagnosis, medical condition or treatment regimen related to a nutritionally-related disease state.
In order to be recognized and reimbursed as an MNT provider, the provider must meet the
following requirements:
1. Licensed and Registered Dietitian under the qualifications of NRS 640E.150. A Registered
Dietitian is an individual who has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher education from an
accredited college or university in human nutrition, nutrition education or equivalent
education, has completed training and holds a license from the Nevada State Board of
Health.
1. The provider will allow, upon request of proper representatives of the DHCFP, access to
all records which pertain to Medicaid recipients for regular review, audit or utilization
review.
2. The provider will ensure services are consistent with applicable professional standards and
guidelines relating to the practice of MNT as well as state Medicaid laws and regulations
and state licensure laws and regulations.
3. The provider will ensure caseload size is within the professional standards and guidelines
related to the practice of MNT.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
609 HEARINGS
Please reference Nevada Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) - 3100 for hearings procedures.
A. DESCRIPTION
A wound is defined as impaired tissue integrity that may involve the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous
tissue, and may extend down to the underlying fascia and supporting structures. The wound may be aseptic
or infected.
B. POLICY
Wound care is a Nevada Medicaid covered benefit for recipients who have a viable healing process.
1. The patient’s medical record must include a comprehensive wound history that includes date of
onset, location, depth and dimension, exudate characteristics, circulatory, neuropathy, and
nutritional assessments, current management and previous treatment regime. The provider must
culture all infected wounds prior to initiating systemic antibiotics, per Center for Disease Control
guidelines. Photographs are necessary to establish a baseline and to document the progress of the
wound, as are weekly measurements. Physicians are expected to educate recipients about the
disease process, how to manage their own wound care, and the importance of complying with the
treatment plan. This education should be documented in the recipient’s medical record.
2. The use of supplies during wound care treatment is considered part of the treatment. Do not bill
separately.
3. Burn Care
a. Burn care provided in the outpatient hospital setting will follow wound care guidelines
with the exception of requiring a prior authorization.
For a list of covered procedure and diagnosis codes, please refer to the billing manual.
A. DESCRIPTION
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is therapy in which a recipient breathes 100% oxygen intermittently
while the pressure of the treatment chamber is increased to a point higher than sea level pressure (i.e.,>1
atm abs.). Breathing 100% oxygen at 1 atm of pressure or exposing isolated parts of the body does not
constitute HBOT; the recipient must receive the oxygen by inhalation within a pressurized chamber.
B. POLICY
1. This Nevada Medicaid benefit is covered in an outpatient hospital, with limitations, for chronic
conditions. Payment will be made where HBOT is clinically practical. HBOT is not to be a
replacement for other standard successful therapeutic measures. Treatment of acute conditions,
e.g., acute carbon monoxide intoxication, decompression illnesses, cyanide poisoning, and air or
gas embolism may be provided in an outpatient hospital.
3. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION IS NOT REQUIRED for acute conditions (see billing manual)
4. Documentation supporting the reasonableness and necessity of the procedure must be in the
recipient’s medical record including recipient’s risk factors and submitted with the PA when
required.
1. Wound Therapy
Approval will be restricted to requests documenting that the wound has not responded to
conventional treatments as outlined in the WOUND MANAGEMENT POLICY (6-02), and
initiated by a physician. Attach a copy of the physician’s order to the request for treatment.
Maximum numbers of treatments authorized on consecutive days are 45. Therapy is conducted
once or twice daily for a maximum of two hours each treatment.
2. HBOT must be provided and attended by an HBOT physician. Reimbursement will be limited to
therapy provided in a chamber (including the one-person unit). No payment will be made for
topical HBOT, or for other than the covered diagnosis.
3. Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities in patients who meet the following three criteria:
a. Patient has Type I or Type II diabetes and has a lower extremity wound that is due to
diabetes;
For a list of covered procedure and diagnosis codes, please refer to the billing manual.
A. DESCRIPTION/POLICY
FDA approved Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Therapy is a Nevada Medicaid covered benefit for recipients
with severe spasticity of spinal cord origin, [(e.g. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)], or
spasticity of cerebral origin, [e.g., Cerebral Palsy (CP), and Brain Injury (BI)], who are unresponsive to
oral Baclofen therapy or who have Intolerable Central Nervous System (CNS) side effects.
a. Spasticity due to spinal cord origin or spasticity of cerebral origin. If spasticity is result of
BI, the injury must have occurred over one year prior to be considered for ITB therapy;
b. Severe spasticity (as defined by a score of three or more on the Ashworth Scale) in the
extremities for a duration of six months or longer;
c. Recipients with increased tone that significantly interferes with movement and/or care;
d. Spasm score of two or more; documentation to include pre and post testing of strength,
degree of muscle tone, and frequency of spasm (Spasm Scale not applicable to CP
recipients as spasms are not a frequent symptom in these recipients);
e. Recipient is four years or older and has sufficient body mass to support the infusion pump;
f. Documented six-weeks or more of failed oral antispasmodic drug therapy at the maximum
dose. Recipient is refractory to oral Baclofen, or has intolerable side effects;
j. Recipient, family, and physicians should agree on treatment goals. Recipient, family and
caregivers should be motivated to achieve the treatment goals and be committed to meet
the follow-up care requirements;
k. Recipient must be free of systemic infection and/or infection at the implantation site at the
time of surgery;
l. Benefit coverage includes up to three trial doses of ITB, surgical implantation of the device,
and follow-up physician office visits for dose adjustments and pump refills.
2. Documentation in the recipient’s medical record should include what the expected functional
outcomes and improvements in quality of life are for the recipient post procedure, e.g., increased
independence, ease of caretaking activities, decreased pain, increased ADL’s, and improved
communication. Also, document why the recipient is not a candidate for Botox injections.
3. Reimbursement for recipients with low muscle tone (often described as floppy muscles), chorea
(uncontrollable, small jerky types of movements of toes and fingers), or athetosis (involuntary
movements of face, arms or trunk) are not a Nevada Medicaid benefit.
D. COVERED CODES
For a list of covered procedure and diagnostic codes, please see the billing manual.
A. DESCRIPTION
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a method for treating recipients with refractory epilepsy who are not
candidates for intracranial surgery and/or continue to be refractory following epilepsy surgery. The
programmable NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis (NCP) is surgically implanted in the upper left chest with the
leads tunneled to the vagus nerve in the left neck. An external magnet is provided to activate the generator
and deliver additional impulses when needed. The external magnet may also be used to inhibit the NCP
generator in the event of a malfunction.
B. POLICY
The Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) is a covered Nevada Medicaid benefit. The benefit includes diagnostic
EEG, surgical procedure, device and medically necessary follow-up office visits for analysis and
reprogramming.
Documentation supporting the medical necessity of the procedure must be in the recipient’s medical record
and submitted with the PA when required.
b. Failed antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy tried for two to four months. The medical record
should indicate changes/alterations in medications prescribed for the treatment of the
recipient’s condition. Documentation to include maintaining a constant therapeutic dose of
AED as evidenced by laboratory results per manufacturer’s recommendations;
d. Have no other independent diagnosis that could explain why seizures are failing to respond
to treatment;
g. The VNS will be managed by a physician familiar with the settings and protocols for use
of the device;
h. Recipients from three to six years of age must have all of the above indicators;
i. Be the result of a Healthy Kids Screening (EPSDT) referral for treatment; and
3. Reasons for non-coverage include, but are not limited to the following diagnoses/conditions: status
epilepticus, progressive or unstable neurologic or systemic disorders, severe mental retardation,
drug abuse, gastritis, gastric/duodenal ulcers, status post bilateral or left cervical vagotomy,
unstable medical condition, pregnancy, use of investigational AED’s, bradycardia, hypersecretion
of gastric acid and/or a seizure disorder etiology more appropriately treated by other means (i.e.,
operation).
E. COVERED CODES
For a list of covered procedure and diagnosis codes, please see the billing manual.
A. DESCRIPTION/POLICY
1. Bariatric Surgery is a covered Nevada Medicaid benefit reserved for recipients with severe and
resistant morbid obesity in whom efforts at medically supervised weight reduction therapy have
failed and who are disabled from the complications of obesity. Morbid obesity is defined by
Nevada Medicaid as those recipients whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35 or greater, and who
have significant disabling comorbidity conditions which are the result of the obesity or are
aggravated by the obesity. Assessment of obesity includes BMI, waist circumference, and recipient
risk factors, including family history.
2. This benefit includes the initial work-up, the surgical procedure and routine post-surgical follow-
up care. The surgical procedure is indicated for recipients between the ages of 21 and 55 years
with morbid obesity. (Potential candidates older than age 55 will be reviewed on a case by case
basis.)
Documentation supporting the reasonableness and necessity of bariatric surgery must be in the recipient’s
record and submitted with the PA.
a. BMI of 35 or greater;
b. Waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men, and more than 35 inches in women;
2. Documentation supporting the reasonableness and necessity of the surgery must be in the medical
record, and should include evidence of participation in a medically supervised weight loss program
for a minimum of three months prior to the surgery. There must also be documentation of weight
loss therapy participation including recipient efforts at dietary therapy, physical activity, behavior
therapy, pharmacotherapy, combined therapy or any other medically supervised therapy.
3. No coverage will be provided for pregnant women, women less than six months postpartum, or
women who plan to conceive in a time frame less than 18 to 24 months post gastric bypass surgery.
D. COVERED CODES
For a list of covered procedure codes, please see the billing manual.
E. REFERENCES:
1. http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-
NetworkMLN/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/mm5013.pdf
2. http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-
andGuidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/ncd103c1_part2.pdf
A. DESCRIPTION
Hyalgan and Synvisc are injectable drugs that are used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. These solutions
act like an “oil” to cushion and lubricate the knee joint. Hyalgan is injected directly into the osteoarthritic
knee for a single course of treatment. Injections are administered one week apart for a total of five
injections. Synvisc is administered as a total of three intra-articular injections into the knee joint during a
three-week period. Each course of treatment must be performed by a qualified physician.
B. POLICY
1. Hyalgan and Synvisc injectables are a covered Nevada Medicaid benefit for the treatment of pain
due to osteoarthritis of the knee. Diagnosis must be supported by radiological evidence.
2. Repeat treatment is not reimbursable, as it is not medically indicated, if the first course of treatment
is not beneficial to the recipient.
1. Hyalgan and Synvisc are indicated for recipients who do not obtain adequate relief from simple
pain medication and/or from exercise and physical therapy.
2. An Evaluation & Management (E&M) service will not be covered during subsequent visits for
injections unless there is a separately identifiable problem.
A. DESCRIPTION
Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN) and Intraperitoneal Nutrition (IPN) are a covered service for
hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) recipients who meet all of the
requirements for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition coverage. The recipient must have a permanently
inoperative internal body organ or function. Documentation must indicate that the impairment will be of
long and indefinite duration.
1. A physician’s service furnished to dialysis recipients who are treated as outpatients, are divided
into two major categories: direct recipient care and administrative.
2. Physician’s evaluation and management-type services, “unrelated” to the dialysis procedure (not
provided during a dialysis treatment) may be billed in addition to the dialysis procedure.
3. Physicians providing evaluation and management-type services “related” to the dialysis procedure
same day dialysis is performed, or during a dialysis treatment) are billed as included in the dialysis
procedure. Service units’ equal number of treatments. (Fee schedule paid to physician.)
f. A dietary history of reduced food intake (protein <0.8 g/kg/day; calories <25 cal/kg/day).
e. A dietary history of increased food intake (protein 1.0 g/kg/day; calories 30 cal/kg/day).
6. No coverage will be provided for situations involving temporary impairments (less than 90 days).
No coverage will be provided if recipients are noncompliant with the plan of treatment.
A. DESCRIPTION
2. Reimbursement will follow Medicare guidelines for initial recipient and group training sessions.
For information regarding blood glucose monitors and diabetic supplies see Chapter 1300.
3. Services must be furnished by certified programs which meet the National Diabetes Advisory
Board (NDAB) standards, and hold an Education Recognition Program (ERP) certificate from the
American Diabetes Association and/or the American Association of Diabetic Educators. Program
instructors should include at least a nurse educator and dietician with recent didactic and training
in diabetes clinical and educational issues. Certification as a diabetes educator by the National
Board of Diabetes Educators is required.
When recipients require additional or repeat training sessions that exceed ten hours of training.
1. The physician managing the recipient’s diabetic condition certifies the comprehensive plan of care
to provide the recipient with the necessary skills and knowledge in the management of their
condition, and to ensure therapy compliance. The program must be capable of offering, based on
target population need, instruction in the following content areas:
a. Diabetes review;
d. Medications;
f. Relationships between nutrition, exercise and activity, medication, and glucose levels;
g. Prevention, detection, and treatment of both acute and chronic diabetic complications,
including instruction related to care of feet, skin, and teeth;
h. Behavioral change strategies, goal setting, risk factor reduction, and problem solving;
2. Indications for repeat training Prior Authorization (PA) is required for recipients whose diabetes
is poorly controlled include:
3. No coverage will be provided for initial training which exceeds ten hours, or for repeat training,
without a prior authorization.
D. COVERED CODES
For a list of covered procedure and diagnosis codes, please refer to the billing manual.
A. DESCRIPTION
2. The botulinum toxin products are not interchangeable with one another. The potency (in units) of
one botulinum toxin product is specific to the preparation and assay method utilized by the
manufacturer and units of biological activity of one product cannot be compared to or converted
into units of any other botulinum toxin products assessed with any other specific assay method.
All botulinum toxin products include a boxed warning in their labeling regarding the risk of
botulinum toxin spreading beyond the site of injection, resulting in adverse events and death in
some cases. Follow CPT guidelines for chemodenervation. Bill using the National Drug Code
(NDC) for agents administered. See billing guide for billing instructions.
Non-Proprietary
FDA-Approved Indication(s)
Name (Trade Name)
AbobotulinumtoxinA • Treatment of adults with cervical dystonia to reduce the severity of abnormal head
(DYSPORT®) position and neck pain in both toxin-naïve and previously treated patients.
IncobotulinumtoxinA • Treatment of adults with cervical dystonia to decrease the severity of abnormal head
(XEOMIN®) position and neck pain in both botulinum toxin-naïve and previously treated
patients; and
• Treatment of adults with blepharospasm who were previously treated with
onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox).
RimabotulinumtoxinB • Treatment of adults with cervical dystonia to reduce the severity of abnormal head
(MYOBLOC®) position and neck pain associated with cervical dystonia.
B. POLICY
Botulinum Toxin injections are a Nevada Medicaid covered benefit for certain spastic conditions
including, but not limited to cerebral palsy, stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and multiple
sclerosis. The injections may also reduce spasticity or excessive muscular contractions to relieve pain, to
assist in posturing and ambulation, to allow better range of motion, to permit better physical therapy, and
provide adequate perineal hygiene.
1. For a complete list of covered indications, please refer to the “Provider Type 20, 24 and 77 Billing
Guide,” applicable to botulinum toxins. It is expected that physicians will be familiar with and
experienced in the use of the botulinum toxin product(s), and utilize FDA-approved product
labeling, compendia, and peer-reviewed scientific literature to select the appropriate drug and dose
regimen for each patient condition.
2. Before consideration of coverage can be made, it must be established that the patient has been
unresponsive to conventional methods of treatment such as medication, physical therapy and other
appropriate methods used to control and/or treat spastic conditions.
3. Coverage is limited to certain conditions listed in the covered diagnosis code section of the billing
manual.
4. In order to determine the proper injection(s) site, electromyography (EMG) guidance may be
required.
5. The patient who has a spastic or excessive muscular contraction condition is usually started with
a low dose of Botulinum Toxin with increases as required. Some spastic or muscular contraction
conditions, e.g., eye muscle disorders, (e.g., blepharospasm) may require lesser amounts. For
larger muscle groups, it is generally agreed that once a maximum dose per site has been reached,
and there is no response, the treatment is discontinued. Treatments may be resumed at a later date
if indicated. If a response is positive, the effect of the injections generally continues for three
months, at which time the patient may need to repeat the injections for continued control. It is
seldom medically necessary to repeat injections more frequently than every 90 days, unless
acceptable justification is documented for more frequent use in the initial therapy.
6. Medicaid will allow payment for one injection per site, regardless of the number of injections made
into the site. A site is defined as including muscles of a single contiguous body part, such as a
single limb, eyelid, face, neck, etc.
7. Coverage will not be provided for injections given for cosmetic or for investigational purposes.
8. Anesthesia for Botulinum injections is usually provided as a local anesthetic (e.g., for
blepharospasm), or conscious sedation, although some patients, such as pediatric, may require
more than conscious sedation. (See appropriate anesthesia CPT codes listed below).
A. DESCRIPTION
Preventive medicine/health refers to health care that focuses on disease (or injury) prevention. Preventive
health also assists the provider in identifying a patient’s current or possible future health care risks through
assessments, lab work and other diagnostic studies.
B. POLICY
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for preventive medicine services for family planning as recommended by
the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) A and B Recommendations.
The following preventive health services are covered by Nevada Medicaid for Family Planning purposes:
Topic Description
Cervical cancer screening The USPSTF strongly recommends screening for cervical cancer in
women who have been sexually active and have a cervix.
Chlamydial infection screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydial infection for all
non-pregnant women sexually active non-pregnant young women aged 24 and younger and for
older non-pregnant women who are at increased risk.
Chlamydial infection screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydial infection for all
pregnant women pregnant women aged 24 and younger and for older pregnant women who
are at increased risk.
Gonorrhea screening: women The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all sexually active
women, including those who are pregnant, for gonorrhea infection if they
are at increased risk for infection (that is, if they are young or have other
individual or population risk factors).
HIV screening The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen for human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) all adolescents and adults at increased risk
for HIV infection.
STIs counseling* The USPSTF recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling to
prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all sexually active
adolescents and for adults at increased risk for STIs.
Syphilis screening: non-pregnant The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen persons at
persons increased risk for syphilis infection.
Syphilis screening: pregnant The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women for
women syphilis infection.
* These screening tests may be performed as part of an office visit, hospital visit or global fee and may not
be billed separately.
A. DESCRIPTION
School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) provide primary and preventive medical services to Medicaid and
Nevada Check Up recipients. SBHCs are health centers located on or near a school facility of a school
district, independent school, or board of an Indian tribe or tribal organization. An SBHC operates as a
separate delivery model from School Based Child Health Services (SBCHS) provided through an
Individual Education Plan (IEP).
B. POLICY
1. The center(s) will, through providers of healthcare operating within the scope of their practice
under state law, be used exclusively to provide primary and preventive health services to children
and adolescents in accordance with recommended guidelines. Each center will be organized
through the school, community, and health care provider agreements, and will be administered by
a sponsoring agency.
2. Staffing and providers include but are not limited to: Support Staff, Site Director, Immunization
Coordinator, Medical Doctor, Osteopathic Doctor, APRN, Ph.D. of Nursing, PA/PA-C, and
Qualified Mental Health Professionals. The DHCFP reimburses for services that are medically
necessary and performed by a qualified provider within the scope of practice as defined by state
law.
C. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Medical services provided by SBHCs must follow prior authorization policy for each service provided
under corresponding prior authorization rules throughout the Medicaid Services Manuals (MSMs).
1. All services that are provided must be medically necessary (see MSM Chapter 100) to be
considered covered SBHC services. Medically necessary services provided by a qualified provider
practicing within their scope of work may include but are not be limited to:
d. Care and consultation, as well as referral and follow-up for pregnancy, chronic diseases
and disorders, and emotional and behavioral problems;
e. Referral, preventive services, and care for high risk behaviors and conditions such as drug
and alcohol abuse, violence, injuries, and sexually transmitted diseases;
g. Immunizations;
i. Laboratory testing.
2. NON-COVERED SERVICES
b. Services that require prior authorization and one has not been obtained or approved; and
Note: An IEP is identified with SBCHS and are not covered under the SBHC.
E. PARENTAL CONSENT
1. A parent or guardian must sign a written consent form for a student to receive SBHC services.
Once the parent signs the written consent form and the center-specific forms, the Health Center
will provide or refer the student for any of the services that the child needs. Parents may indicate
if they do not want the child to receive a specific service by writing the name of the service in the
appropriate space on the center-specific form.
2. Although the Health Center will attempt to keep parents informed of the services their child
receives, signing the Uniform Consent gives the Health Center permission to provide medical and
behavioral health services to the child without contacting the parent each time the child visits the
Center. Except in an emergency situation, no child is treated, counseled or referred without a
consent form signed by a parent.
3. In emergencies, the Health Center will call the parent, but the Health Center is required by law to
treat the child even when the parent cannot be reached.
Physicians practicing in SBHCs are governed by and must abide by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS)
Minor’s Consent for examination and treatment.
SBHCs must follow TPL and other health care coverage guidelines as set forth in the MSM Chapter 100
(Medicaid Program). There are no regulatory exceptions regarding TPL for SBHCs. SBHCs must bill the
appropriate TPL and other health care coverage prior to submitting reimbursement claims to the Quality
Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vender contracted with the DHCFP.
H. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The provider must be certified by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health as an SBHC.
2. Enroll with the QIO-like vendor for Nevada Medicaid, meeting all provider qualifications as an
SBHC.
3. Ensure the billing number and servicing number are the same.
5. Provider must work within the scope of services for each professional providing services.
704(G)(10) Adding 10. to the list that reads: “That the basis for relief
is fiscally acceptable under current and/or future budget
authority.”
Page 2 of 3
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Page 3 of 3
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
Page 1 of 1
MTL 10/19
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 700
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
700 INTRODUCTION
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) establishes the methods and standards
for provider reimbursements for Medicaid services in accordance with the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), Title 42, Part 447 and in consultation with providers and a public hearings
process. The methods and standards for rate determinations are described in Nevada’s approved
State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (i.e. the Medicaid State Plan).
Providers should consult the Medicaid State Plan, Section 4.19 – Payment for Services, for
methods and standards for reimbursement. The following is a brief summary of the detail
attachments to Section 4.19:
A. Attachment 4.19-A describes methods and standards for reimbursing inpatient hospitals,
residential treatment centers, Indian Health Service and Tribal 638 Health Facilities.
B. Attachment 4.19-B describes the methods and standards for reimbursing medical services
provided by licensed professionals in various settings and those items ancillary to licensed
medical services, such as laboratory and x-ray, pharmaceuticals, dentures, prosthetic
devices, eyeglasses, medical supplies, appliances and equipment and transportation.
C. Attachment 4.19-C describes the methods and standards for reimbursing reserved beds in
various institutions excluding acute care facilities.
D. Attachment 4.19-D describes the methods and standards for long-term care facilities
including hospital-based and freestanding nursing facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities
for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) and swing beds in hospitals.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORIZATION
701 AUTHORITY
CFR, Title 42, Part 413-Principles of Reasonable Cost Reimbursement, Section 413.24
A. Title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA), Medicaid State Plan, Attachment 4.19-D, Page
6, Section C.
The authority for provider rate(s) appeals exists under the CFR (CFR, Title 42, Chapter IV, Part
447 – Payments for Services, Section 447.253(e) – Other requirements). This section states, “The
Medicaid agency must provide an appeals or exception procedure that allows individual providers
an opportunity to submit additional evidence and receive prompt administrative review, with
respect to such issues as the agency determines appropriate, of payment rates.”
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ELIGIBILITY RULES FOR
SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT
PROGRAMS
702.1 RULES OF PARTICIPATION FOR INPATIENT UPPER PAYMENT LIMIT (UPL) FOR
PRIVATE HOSPITAL SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT PROGRAM
Attachment 4.19-A, Section XV, Part B of the Medicaid State Plan authorizes Medicaid
supplemental payments to certain private hospitals affiliated with Nevada units of government
through a Low Income and Needy Care Collaboration Agreement. Participation in the program
must be consistent with federal approval of the State Plan.
In order to be eligible to provide the non-federal share of these Medicaid supplemental payments,
a unit of government must execute a certification that it will comply with the program limitations
adopted by the DHCFP in its Nevada Medicaid Supplemental Payment Program Conditions of
Participation (CoP). Each unit of government must execute this certification on a form
promulgated by the DHCFP. Each unit of government’s participation must be consistent with
federal approval of the State Plan.
In order to be eligible to receive Medicaid supplemental payments under this section of the
Medicaid State Plan, a hospital must execute a certification that it will comply with the program
limitations adopted by the DHCFP in its Nevada Medicaid Supplemental Payment Program CoP.
Each hospital must execute this certification on a form promulgated by the DHCFP. Each private
hospital’s participation must be consistent with federal approval of the State Plan.
The State Plan, CoP, certification forms and other participation requirements are available to the
public at the DHCFP’s office and on the website at: https://dhcfp.nv.gov/hcfpdata.htm.
In order to be consistent with CFR Title 42, Chapter IV, Part 447, Subpart C, Section 447.272, the
DHCFP:
A. Prohibits any cash or in-kind transfers from the private hospitals to the governmental entity
that have a direct or indirect relationship to Medicaid payments;
B. Does not allow a governmental entity to condition the amount it funds the Medicaid
program on a specified or required minimum amount of low income and needy care;
C. Does not allow a governmental entity to assign any of its contractual or statutory
obligations to a private hospital receiving payments under State Plan Amendment (SPA)
10-002C;
D. Does not allow the governmental entity to recoup funds from a hospital that has not
adequately performed under the Low Income and Needy Care Collaboration Agreement;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ELIGIBILITY RULES FOR
SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT
PROGRAMS
E. Prohibits each private hospital from returning any of the supplemental payments it receives
under SPA 10-002C to the governmental entity that provides the non-federal share of the
payments; and
F. Prohibits each governmental entity from receiving any portion of the supplemental
Medicaid payments made to the private hospitals under SPA 10-002.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
703 POLICY
Inpatient hospital services, which have been authorized for payment at the acute level by a Quality
Improvement Organization (QIO-like vendor), as specified in the contract between the QIO-like
vendor and the DHCFP, are reimbursed by all-inclusive, prospective per diem rates by type of
admission/service. The all-inclusive prospective rates cover routine and ancillary services
furnished by the hospital, including direct patient care for professional services furnished to
inpatients by hospital-staffed physicians and practitioners. For specific rate methods and standards
for inpatient hospital services, refer to the State Plan, Section 4.19, Attachment A.
The DHCFP established the following policy to assess and collect fees to increase the quality of
nursing care. NRS 422.3775 states: “Each nursing facility that is licensed in this State shall pay a
fee assessed by the Division to increase the quality of nursing care in this State.”
A. Reporting Requirements:
Each nursing facility shall file with the DHCFP each month a report setting forth the total
number of days of care it provided to all patients during the preceding month listed by the
type of insurance coverage for each patient day, the total gross revenue it earned as
compensation for services provided to patients during the preceding month, and any other
information required by the Division.
B. Payment of Fee:
1. The DHCFP shall annually establish a rate per non-Medicare patient day that is
equivalent to 6.0%, or a percentage not to exceed any limitation provided under
federal law or regulation, of the total annual accrual basis gross revenue for services
provided to patients of all nursing facilities licensed in this state.
2. The DHCFP shall calculate the fee owed by each nursing facility by multiplying
the total number of days of care provided to non-Medicare patients by the rate in
703.2(B)(1).
3. The monthly report and fee assessed pursuant to this section are due 30 days after
the end of the month for which the fee was assessed. The January report is due not
later than the last day of February.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. The DHCFP may assess a penalty of one percent of the fee for each day a fee is
past due up to 10 days. The DHCFP may assess interest at the rate of 1.5% of the
fee per month or fraction thereof for any past due fee. In the event a facility has not
submitted the required monthly report, the DHCFP may estimate the fee due for
purposes of assessing penalties and interest.
2. The DHCFP may withhold past due fees, penalties and interest from a facility’s
Medicaid claims payments until such past due amounts are paid in full.
The DHCFP established the following policy to collect Medicare/Medicaid cost reports. (A
Medicare/Medicaid Cost Report is the standard Medicare Cost Report with the required Medicaid
sections completed.)
The DHCFP adopts Medicare deadlines for the Medicare/Medicaid cost reports. These
requirements are found in the CFR (CFR, Title 42, Part 413 – Principles of Reasonable Cost
Reimbursement, Section 413.24). This section states, “Due dates for cost reports. (i) Cost reports
are due on or before the last day of the fifth month following the close of the period covered by the
report. For cost reports ending on a day other than the last day of the month, cost reports are due
150 days after the last day of the cost reporting period.”
The authority to collect Medicaid Cost Reports exists under Title XIX of the SSA, Medicaid State
Plan, Attachment 4.19. Cost and other statistical information within the cost report must be
reported in compliance with allowable and non-allowable cost definitions contained in the
Medicare/Medicaid provider reimbursement manual (commonly referred to as Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Publication 15).
1. Free-standing nursing facilities and ICF/IID must complete and file an annual
Medicare/Medicaid cost report with the DHCFP.
2. Cost reports are to be received by the DHCFP by the last day of the third month
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
following a facility’s fiscal year end. If the facility is unable to complete their cost
report within this time frame, a request for a 30-day extension can be requested
from the DHCFP prior to the original cost report due date. Reasonable extension
requests will be granted.
3. Minimum Direct Care Staffing Requirement: In the event that a nursing facility
does not incur direct care cost at least equal to 94% of the direct care median, the
DHCFP will have the option to recoup, from future payments to that provider, an
amount equal to 100% of the difference between the provider’s direct care rate and
the actual cost the provider incurred. This provision is intended to encourage
adequate direct care staffing. Any penalties collected shall accrue to the State
General Fund and shall be used to offset Medicaid expenses.
2. The DHCFP may withhold any amounts due under 703.3(A) (above) from a
facility’s Medicaid claims payments until such amounts are paid in full.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL APPEALS
The following appeal procedure applies to reimbursement rates paid to providers for providing
services under the Medicaid State Plan to Medicaid recipients enrolled in the Fee-for-Service
Medicaid program. Rate appeals are limited to individual providers requesting review of a
provider-specific rate. For example, a provider who is reimbursed under a negotiated rate or by
cost pursuant to the State Plan may seek review through the process outlined in Medicaid Services
Manual (MSM) Chapter 704.
The rate appeal process may not be used to request a rate increase for general rates. General rates
are determined by methodologies set forth in the State Plan and are not eligible for review through
the process outlined in MSM Chapter 704.
B. Providers who are reimbursed under the Prospective Payment System (PPS) established by
cost-based reporting as required by the SSA §1902(a)(15) (42 United States Code (USC)
§1396a(a)(15)) and S.S.A. §1902(bb) (42 USC §1396a(bb));
C. Indian Health Services who are reimbursed in accordance with the most recent Federal
Register Notice; and
E. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the address below and clearly marked as a Rate
appeal.
To ensure receipt of the appeal, certified mail or other commonly accepted delivery
methods which clearly show the date of receipt are encouraged.
Appeal address: Administrator DHCFP, 1100 E. William Street, Suite 101, Carson City,
Nevada 89701.
1. The name, address and telephone number of the person who has authority to act on
behalf of the provider/appellant;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
3. The basis upon which the provider believes relief should be granted including
supporting documentation:
b. The documentation should show that payments received from Medicaid for
the appealed rate fail to compensate for costs attributable to providing
services to Medicaid patients as well as for the rates in aggregate for the
provider.
4. The relief requested, including the methodology used to develop the relief
requested.
Actual costs from the most recent prior year(s), or costs from part of the current
year, may be used in developing the methodology for the relief request, so long as
it is not a cost reimbursement methodology; and
G. The Administrator, or their designee, may consider the following factors in deciding
whether to grant rate relief:
1. Whether there are circumstances related to the appellant when compared to other
providers that cause the appellant to have higher Medicaid costs in the rate category
reviewed;
2. Whether the circumstances relating to the provider are adequately considered in the
rate-setting methodology set forth in the State Plan;
3. The extent to which comparable health care services are available and accessible
for all people in the geographic area served by the appellant/provider;
4. Whether Medicaid payments are sufficient to meet Medicaid costs in the appealed
rate(s);
July 14, 2009 RATES AND COST CONTAINMENT Section 704 Page 2
MTL 10/19
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 704
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL APPEALS
5. The total Medicaid payments to the provider and all Medicaid payments for the
appealed rate(s): In the case of hospitals, this includes total Medicaid costs to the
hospital for inpatient care and the hospital’s Medicaid costs for the appealed rate(s);
9. That the basis for relief results in uncompensated Medicaid costs to the provider,
both in the appealed rate(s) and in aggregate Medicaid payments under the State
Plan; and
10. That the basis for relief is fiscally acceptable under current and/or future budget
authority.
H. The Administrator, or their designee, shall review the appeal and supporting documentation
and issue a written decision within 90 calendar days of receipt of a properly submitted
appeal. The Administrator, or their designee, may request any additional information from
the provider, including independent verification by an unrelated third party of the
provider’s claims. If the Administrator, or their designee, requests additional information
or verification, the period in which the Administrator, or their designee, must issue a
decision is extended to 90 calendar days from the receipt of the requested information.
I. The DHCFP will contact the person designated in 704(F)(1) to provide an explanation of
the decision and allow an opportunity to reconcile the dispute.
J. The decision will be sent in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person
designated in 704(F)(1).
Pursuant to the conditions and limitations prescribed in the Medicaid State Plan, the DHCFP may
negotiate reimbursement rates for out-of-state providers to serve Nevada Medicaid recipients. The
services of these providers are often necessary to ensure access to services for Medicaid and Nevada
Check Up recipients that may not otherwise be available from in-state providers or in those
instances where a recipient is in need of emergency care while outside of the State of Nevada.
The following procedure will be used for all out-of-state providers requesting a provider-specific
rate. These procedures do not apply to external professional services billed outside of an inpatient
or outpatient facility setting.
These procedures are applicable primarily to out-of-state inpatient and outpatient acute, psychiatric
and specialty hospital services and other services associated with such treatment, including
transportation and physician services.
The Rate Analysis and Development (RAD) unit of the DHCFP is responsible for administering
the provision of this section. All agreements under this section are not final until they are fully
executed by the Division’s Administration.
705.2 PROCEDURES
A. Before an agreement under this section can be finalized, a provider must be enrolled as a
current Nevada Medicaid provider. The provider must submit a list of their current active
Nevada Medicaid provider numbers for which the agreement will apply.
B. If the service requires a prior authorization (PA), providers must present the PA number
when requesting a Letter of Agreement (LOA). Information regarding PAs may be found
in the MSM Chapter 100 – Medicaid Program.
C. The RAD unit will negotiate a provider-specific reimbursement agreement within the
constraints of the Medicaid State Plan and the MSM. A percentage of usual and customary
billed charges is the most common methodology, but other methods may be acceptable.
D. Agreements may be for a single recipient or an individual provider. They are for all services
rendered by the out-of-state provider. Methodologies may vary by type of service.
E. All agreements must have a reimbursement effective and expiration date. This allows for
periodic review and updates of the methodology. In the event an agreement expires without
renewal, the provider will be reimbursed on the same basis as in-state providers for the
same service(s).
1. If a PA is not required, the effective date for the LOA is the time of the request. If
a PA is required, the effective date for the LOA will be the authorized effective date
on the PA issued by the fiscal intermediary for Nevada Medicaid. A retroactive
LOA will only be provided if the service occurred over a weekend, or for
emergencies, and must be approved by the DHCFP Administrator.
F. All agreements must be consistent with the capabilities of the Medicaid Management
Information System (MMIS), which is used for processing billing claims.
G. The LOA template, as approved by the DHCFP, will be used to confirm the reimbursement
agreement with the provider. The LOA may only be executed using the template approved
by the DHCFP. Reproduced templates will not be accepted.
H. Copies of the fully executed agreement will be sent to the provider, the fiscal intermediary
and the appropriate DHCFP Chiefs.
I. When submitting claims, the provider must include a copy of the LOA to ensure
reimbursement will be at the provider-specific rate.
Agreements may be reviewed by the DHCFP as necessary to ensure compliance with Nevada
Medicaid policy.
At any time, the out-of-state provider may request a review of the provider-specific rate for the
LOA.
LABORATORY SERVICES
ATTACHMENT A
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Medicaid Laboratory Services program is designed to provide laboratory services
under a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA) certified provider. These
services include microbiology, serology, immunohematology, cytology, histology, chemical,
hematology, biophysical, toxicology or other methods of “in-vitro” examination of tissues,
secretions, excretions or other human body parts. Clinical laboratory services are furnished
primarily in three distinct settings: independent clinical laboratories, physician office laboratories
and hospital-based laboratories. Such services shall maintain a high standard of quality and shall
be provided within the limitations and exclusions specified within this chapter.
All providers participating in the Medicaid Program must deliver services in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Medicaid Program.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of those listed in the NCU Manual, Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
801 AUTHORITY
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate that necessary and essential
laboratory services be available for all Nevada Medicaid recipients. Laboratory services for
children are provided under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT)
program per the Social Security Act of 1905 (a)(3)(1)(B)(iv)(r)(5). The Nevada EPSDT program
provides children with services additional to those available to adult recipients.
Laboratory services are available through the Medicaid Program according to the:
Other authorities regarding laboratory services available through the Medicaid Program include:
NRS:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
802 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
803 POLICY
803.1 Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check Up (NCU) reimburse for medically necessary, diagnosis
related, covered laboratory services provided to all eligible recipients.
Nevada Medicaid and NCU provide outpatient clinical laboratory services through one or more
independent clinical laboratories, physician office laboratories, clinics and hospital-based
laboratories.
1. Covered Services:
a. Except for specific laboratory tests identified under non-covered services, the
Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) reimburses organ or disease
oriented panels, therapeutic drug assays, evocative/suppression testing, clinical
pathology consultations, urinalysis, chemistry, hematology and coagulation,
immunology, tissue typing, transfusion medicine, microbiology, cytopathology,
cytogenic, surgical pathology, total transcutaneous bilirubin, and tests specified
under, “Other Procedures” in the most recent version of Current Procedural
Terminology (CPT). Reference the Nevada Medicaid and NCU billing guidelines
for Provider Type 43, Laboratory, Pathology/Clinical, for covered CPT codes.
b. Follow-up testing performed by either the discharging hospital laboratory and/or the
newborn’s physician for newborns discharged with a hyperbilirubinemia diagnosis.
d. An arterial blood drawing fee for Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) performed by
physicians and/or respiratory therapists.
e. Specialized or unique testing which cannot be performed within the State and
catchment area laboratories referred to a reference laboratory. Reference Section
803.1C.2 regarding prior authorization requirements.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
g. One venipuncture specimen collection fee per patient, per date of service,
specifically when the specimen is sent directly from a physician’s office laboratory
or clinic to an independent clinical laboratory for testing.
h. Laboratory tests associated with the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and
Treatment (EPSDT) (Healthy Kids Program) screening examination referenced in
Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 1500. The associated costs of the
hematocrit and urine “dip stick” with the exception of metabolic screening (e.g.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)) and sickle cell screening fees, are included as part of the
fee for EPSDT.
i. Metabolic screening (e.g. PKU) tests are referred to the Nevada State Public Health
Laboratory.
k. Serological or rapid-test HIV testing during the first and/or third trimester of
pregnancy or during childbirth performed in accordance with Nevada Revised
Statute (NRS) 442.600 – 442.660.
l. An HIV rapid test for newborns (including infants in foster care) when the mother
has not been tested for HIV prior to or during the delivery or if the mother’s HIV
status is unknown postpartum.
m. Serologic testing for syphilis in the first and third trimester of pregnancy in
accordance with NRS 442.010.
n. Semen analysis, motility and count following a vasectomy procedure, not including
Huhner test, is limited to the CPT code is specified in the DHCFP’s/Quality
Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor billing manual.
2. Non-Covered Services
Laboratory tests listed in the most recent, annually updated CPT publication which are not
benefits include:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
d. Medicaid and NCU Managed Care recipients (laboratory tests are the sole
responsibility of the managed care provider).
f. All unlisted laboratory codes except for the unlisted microbiology code used to bill
phenotype assay tropism testing only.
h. Collection of a capillary blood specimen (e.g. finger, heel, or ear stick) when it is
part of or integral to the test procedure (e.g. a bleeding or clotting time).
i. Physician services related to deviation from standard blood banking procedures (e.g.
use of outdated blood or Rh incompatible units).
l. Routine use (e.g. serial testing) of genotype and/or phenotype testing in individuals
without virologic failure or suboptimal viral response or with viral loads maintained
at an undetectable level on a current medication regime.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. Women with a personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer with a personal
history of breast cancer as defined in Policy Attachment #08-01 or as otherwise
defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical
Practice Guidelines; or
Providers must:
2. Have appropriate state licensure or registration from the state where the laboratory is
located, as applicable.
4. Except in the case of provision of emergency laboratory services, have a valid Provider
Contract with the Nevada DHCFP and Nevada Medicaid enrollment number or be an
affiliate of an in-state laboratory that has a valid Medicaid enrollment number.
5. Be in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laboratory requirements.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
7. Be in compliance with claim and billing requirements specified in MSM Chapter 100, the
QIO-like vendor/Medicaid and NCU billing manual, and the most recent version of the
Current Procedural Terminology and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
manuals.
8. Include on all claims the highest level of code specificity in accordance with the most
current International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification manual related to
the laboratory test performed. If a diagnosis or narrative diagnosis is not submitted by the
prescribing practitioner, a laboratory must request this information from the physician/
practitioner who ordered the service.
9. Specify the current CLIA number of the laboratory performing the test on all claims, except
when billing for CLIA exempt tests.
10. Only bill for laboratory services that the laboratory is currently licensed/registered and
certified to perform.
11. Ensure each recipient’s laboratory record contains the following information:
b. Name or any other means of confidentially identifying the person from whom the
specimen was taken;
c. Name of the prescriber and, if applicable, the referring laboratory that submitted
the specimen;
g. Test performed;
j. Name and address of the laboratory where any specimen is referred, if applicable.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
12. Ensure that there is a written report on file for laboratory and pathology services that have
a professional component requiring physician interpretation, whether or not "with
interpretation and report" is stated in the code description of the service provided.
13. Maintain a quality-control program and make results of proficiency testing programs
available to Nevada Medicaid or the QIO-like vendor upon request.
The ordering physician must obtain prior authorization for the following services, except for
Medicare/Medicaid dual eligible recipients who are still eligible for Medicare benefits:
1. Genotype and phenotype assay testing for recipients with chronic HIV infection prior to
initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
804 HEARINGS
Reference Nevada Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapters 100 and 3100 for the Medicaid
Hearings and Grievance process.
DESCRIPTION
Breast Cancer gene 1, (BRCA1) and Breast Cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) are human genes that belong to a class of
genes known as tumor suppressors. Mutation of these genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian
cancer. A woman's risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a deleterious
BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Men with these mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer.
POLICY
BRCA1/BRCA2 testing services for individuals without a personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer should
be provided to high risk individuals as defined below, or as otherwise defined by the US Preventive Services Task
Force (USPSTF).
BRCA1/BRCA2 testing services for women with a personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and for men
with a personal history of breast cancer should be provided as defined below, or as otherwise defined by the
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines.
If the mutation in the family is known, only the test for that mutation is covered. For example, if a mutation for
BRCA1 has been identified in a family, a single site mutation analysis for that mutation is covered, while a full
sequence BRCA1 and BRCA2 analyses is not. An exception to this can be considered if a Certified Genetic
Counselor presents sufficient justifiable need.
If the individual is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, test the three common mutations first. Then if negative, consider
comprehensive ("Reflex") testing based on assessment of individual and family history as if the individual is of
non-Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
BRCA1/BRCA2 gene analysis is covered for individuals meeting the following criteria:
a. Two first-degree relatives with breast cancer, one of whom was diagnosed at age 50 years or
younger;
b. A combination of three or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer regardless of
age at diagnosis;
c. A combination of both breast and ovarian cancer among first- or second-degree relatives;
e. A combination of two or more first- or second-degree relatives with ovarian cancer, regardless of
age at diagnosis;
f. A first or second-degree relative with both breast and ovarian cancer at any age;
h. For women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, any first-degree relative (or two second-degree relatives
on the same side of the family) with breast or ovarian cancer.
2. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer that includes a relative with a known deleterious BRCA
mutation; or
b. Diagnosed at age ≤ 50 years with ≥ 1 close blood relative with breast cancer diagnosed at any age
or with a limited family history;
c. Two breast primaries when first breast cancer occurred at age ≤ 50 years;
f. Diagnosed at any age, with ≥ 1 close blood relative with breast cancer diagnosed ≤ 50 years;
g. Diagnosed at any age with ≥ 2 close blood relatives with breast cancer at any age;
h. Diagnosed at any age with ≥ 1 close blood relative with epithelial ovarian cancer;
i. Diagnosed at any age with ≥ 2 close blood relatives with pancreatic cancer or aggressive prostate
cancer (Gleason Score ≥ 7) at any age;
k. For an individual of ethnicity associated with higher mutation frequency (e.g. Ashkenazi Jewish)
no additional family history may be required.
6. Personal history of pancreatic cancer or aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason Score ≥ 7) at any age with ≥
2 close blood relatives with breast and/or ovarian and/or pancreatic cancer or aggressive prostate cancer
(Gleason Score ≥ 7) at any age.
REFERENCES:
1. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
Breast Cancer (Version 3.2013). 2013 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. Available
at:
http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp.
Accessed August 20, 2013.
2. US Preventive Services Task Force. Genetic risk assessment and BRCA mutation testing for breast
and ovarian cancer susceptibility recommendation statement. Available at:
http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/brca-related-
cancer-risk-assessment-genetic-counseling-and-genetic-testing.
Accessed August 10, 2016.
DESCRIPTION
Oncotype DXTM predicts the 10-year risk of distant recurrence and the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit in
women with ER-positive, HER2-negative, early stage invasive breast cancer. The application of gene expression
profiling using Oncotype DX TM is employed to identify patients who are predicted to obtain the most therapeutic
benefit from adjuvant Tamoxifen and may not require adjuvant chemotherapy. The Oncotype DX TM uses reverse
transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine the expression of a panel of 21 genes isolated
from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (FPET).
POLICY
The Oncotype DXTM is considered medically necessary for eligible participants with diagnosed breast cancer as a
prognostic assay to identify who is most likely to respond to systemic chemotherapy. The assay aids in identifying
patients who are predicted to obtain the most therapeutic benefit from adjuvant Tamoxifen and may not require
adjuvant chemotherapy.
Oncotype DX TM breast cancer assay is covered for individuals meeting the following criteria:
1. Patient has new diagnosed early stage (stage 1 or stage 2) breast cancer; and
c. Node-negative (isolated tumor cells and/or micrometastases [less than or equal to 2mm in size] i.e.
pNO(i+) and/or pN1(mi), are not considered positive for the purpose of this guideline) or has 1-3
involved ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes; and
3. The Gene expression profile is ordered by the physician who will administer the hormonal and
chemotherapy, usually the oncologist, or the test is ordered by the treating surgeon after discussing the
patient’s clinical situation with the oncologist.
5. The results will be used to aid in making the decision regarding chemotherapy:
a. The recipient must be a candidate for chemotherapy or be treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy,
e.g. Tamoxifen.
1. May be billed more than once for the same recipient if the provider can prove that the recipient has a new
secondary primary breast cancer that meets the criteria listed.
REFERENCES
CMS local coverage determination (LCD) Gene expression profiling panel for use in the management of breast
cancer treatment available at:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-
details.aspx?LCDId=33586&ver=6&CoverageSelection=Both&ArticleType=All&PolicyType=Final&s=All&C
ptHcpcsCode=81519&bc=gAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
901 AUTHORITY Added new language “any setting where normal life
activities occur.” to align with federal requirements.
903.1 POLICY STATEMENT Clarified language for PDN program. Added language
to define “continuous,” “complex” and “substantial.”
Added new language, PDN is not intended for 24-
hour care.
Page 2 of 5
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Section
903.1B PROVIDER Language added to state provider compliance with all
RESPONSIBILITIES Chapter 900 language, MSM Chapter 100 and any and
all state and federal regulations. Added Social Security
Act reference. Added new language “any setting
where normal life activities occur.” to align with
federal requirements. “Termination of Services”
section updated for clarity and readability regarding
“Immediate Termination” and “Advanced
Termination” of services. Throughout the section
“patient” is replaced with “recipient” where
appropriate and language was updated or reworded for
clarity.
Page 3 of 5
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Section
Ongoing authorization language clarified. Language
added to authorization process and ongoing
authorizations PDN acuity grid must be completed.
PDN acuity grid is used to determine if PDN services
are medically necessary and to authorize the number
of hours required. For ongoing authorization of hours
for recipients with a new tracheostomy or ventilator,
clinical documentation must be submitted.
903.3 CONCURRENT CARE “Multiple” replaced with “up to three” for more
concise definition.
Page 4 of 5
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Section
903.5A COVERAGE AND Section renamed to “CRISIS OVERRIDE
LIMITATIONS COVERAGE AND LIMITATIONS” for clarity.
Page 5 of 5
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
Private duty nursing (PDN) is an optional benefit offered under the Nevada Medicaid State Plan.
PDN provides more individual and continuous care than is available from a visiting nurse for
recipients who meet specified criteria and require more than four continuous hours of skilled
nursing (SN) care per day. The intent of private duty nursing is to assist recipients with complex
direct skilled nursing care, to develop caregiver competencies through training and education and
to optimize recipient health status and outcomes. PDN may be authorized for recipients needing
both a medical device to compensate for the loss of a vital body function and substantial, complex
and continuous SN care to prevent institutionalization.
PDN services may be provided, within program limitations, to a recipient in his/her home or in
settings outside the home wherever normal life activities take place. Services are authorized based
on medical necessity, program criteria, utilization control measures and the availability of the state
resources to meet recipient needs.
All Medicaid policies and requirements are the same for Nevada Check Up, except for areas where
Medicaid and Nevada Check Up policies differ as documented in Medicaid Services Manual
(MSM) Chapter 3700.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
901 AUTHORITY
PDN services mean nursing services for recipients who require more individual and continuous
care than is available from a visiting nurse or routinely provided by the nursing staff of the hospital
or skilled nursing facility. These services are provided:
1. In the recipient’s home or any setting where normal life activities occur;
2. A hospital; or
3. A nursing facility
Nevada Medicaid has opted to provide PDN in the recipient’s home or any setting where normal
life activities take place.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
902 DEFINITIONS
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
903 POLICY
The PDN benefit reimburses medically necessary and appropriate hourly nursing services by a
registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) under the supervision of an RN. PDN
services are not intended to provide 24-hour care. PDN may be authorized for recipients needing
both a medical device to compensate for the loss of a vital body function and substantial, complex
and continuous skilled nursing care to prevent institutionalization.
For purposes of the chapter, “Continuous” means nursing assessments requiring skilled
interventions to be performed at least every two to three hours during the Medicaid-covered PDN
shift. The recipient’s medical condition(s) and necessary skilled interventions must justify a shift
of at least four continuous hours. “Complex” means multifaceted needs requiring SN interventions.
Observation in the event an intervention is required is not considered complex skilled nursing and
shall not be covered as medically necessary PDN services. “Substantial” means there is a need for
interrelated nursing assessments and interventions. Interventions that do not require assessment or
judgment by a licensed nurse are not considered substantial.
Service hours are determined based on medical necessity and are not related to diagnoses of mental
illness (MI) or intellectual disability (ID).
b. The services have been determined to meet the medical criteria for private duty
nursing; and
c. The service can be safely provided in the home or setting where normal life
activities take place.
2. COVERED SERVICES
a. PDN service may be authorized for recipients who need more continuous SN care
than can be provided in an intermittent skilled nurse visit through a home health
agency and whose care exceeds the scope of service that can be provided by a home
health aide or personal care attendant (PCA).
b. PDN services may be approved for up to 84 hours per week for new tracheostomy
recipients for the initial eight-week authorization the period immediately following
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
c. PDN services may be approved for up to 112 hours per week for new ventilator
dependent recipients for the initial eight-week authorization period immediately
following discharge from the hospital.
d. PDN services may be approved for recipients who are chronically ill who require
extensive SN care to prevent institutionalization.
3. MEDICAL NECESSITY
PDN is considered medically necessary when a recipient requires the services of a licensed
RN or an LPN under the supervision of an RN to perform SN interventions to maintain or
improve the recipient’s health status. SN refers to assessments, judgments, intervention
and evaluation of interventions which require the education, training and experience of a
licensed nurse to complete. Services must be based on an assessment and supporting
documentation that describes the complexity and intensity of the recipient’s care and the
frequency of SN interventions. Services must be provided under the direction of a
physician and according to a signed plan of care.
Different SN intervention refers to distinct tasks that affect different body systems and
require separate SN knowledge. For example, care for a tracheostomy and care for total
parenteral nutrition (TPN) would be considered two different SN tasks. Related SN
interventions are tasks that are an intrinsic component of the SN task. For example,
suctioning is an integral part of tracheostomy care and would be considered one SN task.
a. Some examples of typical “SN interventions” include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. Ventilator care.
4. TPN.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
5. Peritoneal dialysis.
9. Multiple sterile complex dressing change required at least twice per day.
The dressing change must be separate from other SN interventions such as
changing a tracheostomy site dressing when associated with tracheostomy
care.
4. NON-COVERED SERVICES
The following services are not covered benefits under the PDN program and are therefore
not reimbursable:
While a PDN may perform such tasks, there must be an additional need for
interventions that do require the assessment and/or judgment of a licensed nurse.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
k. Respite care.
m. Homemaker services.
o. Duplicative services, such as personal care services (PCS) that are provided during
private duty nursing hours.
The provider shall furnish qualified RNs and/or LPNs, under the supervision of a registered nurse
to assist eligible Medicaid recipients with complex skilled nursing tasks as identified in the
physician’s written POC. Services are to be provided as specified in this Chapter and must meet
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
the conditions of participation as stated in MSM Chapter 100. The provider must comply with all
local, state and federal regulations, and applicable statutes, including but not limited to Federal
Law Section 1905(a)(8) of the SSA.
1. PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS
The provider must be enrolled as a Medicare certified Home Health Agency (HHA),
licensed and authorized by State and Federal Laws to provide health care in the home.
2. MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY
The provider must verify, each month, continued Medicaid eligibility for each recipient.
This can be accomplished by viewing the recipient’s Medicaid Identification card,
contacting the eligibility staff at the welfare office hot line or utilizing the electronic
verification system (EVS). Verification of Medicaid eligibility is the sole responsibility of
the provider agency.
The provider must provide PDN services initiated by a physician’s order and designated in
the POC which is documented on a CMS 485. The POC is a written set of medical orders
signed by the physician which certify the specific HHA services that will be provided, the
frequency of the services and the projected time frame necessary to provide such services.
The POC is reviewed by the physician every 60 days. A new POC is required when there
is a change in the recipient’s condition, change in orders following hospitalization and/or
change in the ordering physician.
4. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
The provider must obtain prior authorization for all PDN services prior to the start of care.
Refer to the authorization process 903.1D.
The provider must determine, on admission, the primary payor source. If Medicaid is not
the primary payor, the provider must bill the third-party payor before billing Medicaid. The
provider must also inform the recipient orally and in writing of the following:
a. The extent to which payment may be expected from third-party payors; and
b. The charges for services that will not be covered by third-party payors; and
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. PLACE OF SERVICE
The provider must provide PDN service in the recipient’s place of residence or in any
setting where normal life activities take place. School sites are excluded as a matter of
special education law (IDEA 34 CFR§300.24).
7. CASE INITIATION
A referral from physicians, discharge planners or recipient triggers the process for PDN
hours.
The provider should make an initial visit to the recipient’s home or to the hospital to
complete an evaluation to determine if the recipient is appropriate for PDN hours and if
they can accept the case. During this visit the provider must:
b. Complete a Nevada Medicaid PDN prior authorization (PA) form and physician’s
POC using the CMS 485 Form; and
If the provider determines the recipient is not appropriate for PDN services or they cannot
accept the case, the provider must contact the Nevada Medicaid District Office Care
Coordinator and inform them of the reason the service cannot be delivered.
If the provider is able to initiate service, all required documents should be submitted to the
Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
The provider must ensure the confidentiality of recipient records and other information,
such as the health, social, domestic and financial circumstances learned in providing
services to recipients.
The provider shall not release information related to recipients without written consent
from the recipient or the recipient’s legal representative, except as required by law.
Providers meeting the definition of a “covered entity” as defined in the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Regulations (45 CFR 160) must
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
comply with the applicable Privacy Regulations contained in 45 CFR 160, 162 and 164 for
recipient health information.
The Division expects that all Medicaid providers are in compliance with all laws relating
to incidences of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
a. CHILD ABUSE
State law requires that certain persons employed in certain capacities must make a
report to a child protective services agency or law enforcement agency
immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours after there is reason to suspect a
child has been abused or neglected.
For minors under the age of 18, the Division of Child and Family Services or the
appropriate county agency accepts reports of suspected abuse.
Refer to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 432B regarding child abuse or neglect.
b. ELDER ABUSE
For adults aged 60 and over, the Aging and Disability Service Division accepts
reports of suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect, exploitation or isolation.
For all other individuals, contact social services and/or law enforcement agencies.
The governing body of the provider agency has an obligation to protect and promote the
exercise of the recipient rights. A recipient has the right to exercise his/her rights as a
recipient of the provider. A recipient’s family or guardian may exercise a recipient’s rights
when a recipient has been judged incompetent. The recipient has the right to be notified in
writing of his rights and obligations before treatment is begun. HHAs must provide each
recipient and family with a written copy of the bill of rights. A signed, dated copy of the
recipient’s bill of rights will be included in the patient’s medical record. Refer to recipient
rights later in this chapter.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The provider must provide the recipient or parent/legal guardian with information
regarding their rights to make decisions about their health care, including the right to
execute a living will or grant a power of attorney to another individual, per 42 CFR
489.102, Patient Self Determination Act (Advance Directives).
c. Document in the individual’s medical record whether or not the individual has
executed an Advance Directive.
e. Provide (individually or with others) education to staff and the community on issues
concerning Advance Directives.
12. NON-DISCRIMINATION
The provider must act in accordance with federal rules and regulations and may not
discriminate unlawfully against recipients based on race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, age, disability or handicap (including AIDS or AIDS-related conditions).
The provider must respond to all complaints in a reasonable and prompt manner. The
provider must perform recipient/provider problem solving and complaint resolution.
a. The provider must maintain records that identify the complaint, the date received
and the outcome.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. IMMEDIATE TERMINATION
The provider may terminate PDN services immediately for the following reasons:
1. The recipient or other persons in the household subjects the skilled nurse to
physical or verbal abuse, sexual harassment and/or exposure to the use of
illegal substances, illegal situations or threats of physical harm.
4. The place of service is considered unsafe for the provision of PDN services;
The provider must provide at least five calendar days advance written notice to
recipients when PDN services are terminated for the following reasons:
4. The recipient refuses service of a skilled nurse based solely or partly on the
race, religion, sex, marital status, color, age, disability or national origin.
Note: A provider’s inability to provide services for a specific recipient does not
constitute termination or denial from Nevada Medicaid’s PDN program. The
recipient may choose another provider.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Note: The nurse provider must comply with Nevada Administrative Code (NAC)
632 (the Nurse Practice Act) regarding patient abandonment.
c. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The provider must notify the recipient and all other appropriate individuals and
agencies when services are to be terminated. The QIO-like vendor should be
notified by telephone within two working days. The provider should submit written
documentation within five working days.
The provider will send a written notice which advises the QIO-like vendor of an
effective date of the action of the termination of service, the basis for the action and
intervention/resolution attempted prior to terminating services.
15. RECORDS
The provider must maintain medical records which fully disclose the extent and nature of
the service provided to the recipient and which supports fees or payments made. Medical
and financial records and all other records provided must be maintained for an interval of
not less than six years. Following HIPAA Privacy Regulations contained in 45 CFR 160
and 164, the provider must make records available upon request to the Division.
1. Provide the HHA with a valid Medicaid card at the start of service and each month
thereafter.
2. Provide the HHA with accurate and current medical information, including diagnosis,
attending physician, medication regime, etc.
3. Notify the HHA of all third-party insurance information, including the name of other third-
party insurance, such as Medicare, TRICARE, Workman’s Compensation or any changes
in insurance coverage.
4. Inform the HHA of any other home care benefit that he/she is receiving through state plan
services, such as PCS, intermittent HHA skilled nursing or therapy services. Services
provided through another agency or program such as respite, case management or
participation in a Waiver program should also be identified.
5. Have a primary LRI, who accepts responsibility for the individual’s health, safety and
welfare. The LRI must be responsible for the majority of daily care in a 24-hour interval.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. Have an identified alternate LRI or a backup plan to be utilized if the primary LRI and/or
the provider are unable to provide services. The PDN nurse provider is not an alternate
caregiver with legal authority.
7. Have written emergency plans in place. The caregiver/parent should inform the provider
of an alternate caregiver and/or with a plan that indicates his/her wishes if the responsible
caregiver became ill or disabled and is unavailable to provide care for any other.
9. Have necessary backup utilities and communication systems available for technology
dependent recipients.
11. Sign the PDN visit forms to document the hours and the services that were provided.
12. Notify the provider when scheduled visits cannot be kept or services are no longer required.
13. Notify the provider of unusual occurrences of complaints regarding the delivery of services
and of dissatisfaction with specific staff.
15. Not request the provider agency staff to work more hours than authorized or to change the
days/hours approved.
16. Not request the provider agency staff to provide care to non-recipients or to provide service
not on the POC (babysitting, housekeeping tasks, etc.).
17. Not subject the provider or Division staff to physical and/or verbal abuse, sexual
harassment, exposure to the use of illegal substances, illegal situations or threats of physical
harm.
18. Not refuse service of a provider based solely or partly on the provider’s race, religion, sex,
marital status, color, age, disability and/or national origin.
RECIPIENT RIGHTS
Every Medicaid recipient, their LRI, legal guardian or authorized representative is entitled to
receive a statement of “Recipient Rights” from their provider. The recipient should review and
sign this document. The recipient’s rights should include the following:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. A recipient has the right to courteous and respectful treatment, privacy and freedom from
abuse and neglect.
2. A recipient has the right to be free from discrimination because of race, religion, sex,
marital status, color, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation and/or diagnosis.
3. A recipient has the right to have his property treated with respect.
4. A recipient has the right to confidentiality regarding information about his/her health,
social and financial circumstances and about what takes place in his home.
5. A recipient has the right to access information in his own record upon written request.
6. A recipient has the right to voice grievances regarding treatment or care that is or fails to
be furnished, or regarding the lack of respect for property by anyone who is furnishing
services on behalf of the HHA and must not be subjected to discrimination or reprisal for
doing so.
7. The recipient has the right to be informed of the provider’s right to refuse admission to, or
discharge any recipient whose environment, refusal of treatment or other factors prevent
the HHA from providing safe care.
8. The recipient has the right to be informed of all services offered by the agency prior to or
upon admission to the agency.
9. The recipient has the right to be informed of his condition in order to make decisions
regarding his home health care.
10. The recipient has the right to be advised, in advance, of the services that will be provided
and frequency of such services.
11. The recipient has the right to be advised, in advance, of any change in the plan of care
before the change is made.
12. The recipient has the right to participate in the development of the plan of care, treatment
and discharge planning.
14. The recipient has the right to request a Fair Hearing when disagreeing with Nevada
Medicaid’s action to deny, terminate, reduce or suspend service.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
PDN services must be prior authorized by the Nevada Medicaid QIO-like vendor, except
for mileage and initial assessments. The provider must submit all required PDN PA forms
to the QIO-like vendor.
The QIO-like vendor will review the request and supporting documentation for medical
necessity. The PDN PA form and supporting documentation will be used to determine
medical necessity and to qualify and quantify the appropriate number of PDN hours. Hours
authorized will be the number of hours that are medically necessary to support the skilled
interventions required. The QIO-like vendor will issue an authorization number for the
approved PDN service hours. Service hours cannot be initiated until the QIO-like vendor
has issued an authorization number. Hours authorized will be the number of hours that are
medically necessary to support the skilled interventions required. The PDN acuity grid is
used to determine if PDN services are medically necessary and to authorize the number of
hours required. The PDN acuity grid must be completed in its entirety, including all
signatures. Incomplete or unsigned forms will result in PA denial. All forms and
documentation must be submitted together. Failure to complete all sections of PDN acuity
grid or failure to provide all medical documentation to support the prior authorization
request may result in the number of PDN hours not being appropriately authorized.
New tracheostomy recipients may receive up to 84 hours per week, for the initial eight-
week authorization period immediately following discharge from the hospital.
New ventilator dependent recipients up to 112 hours per week, for the initial eight-week
authorization period immediately following discharge from the hospital.
A Medicaid recipient under 21 years of age may be eligible for additional authorized PDN
hours under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT). Refer to
MSM Chapter 1500 Healthy Kids Program for EPSDT authorization process.
If a recipient does not meet medical necessity criteria for PDN, the PA will be denied. If
the request is for more hours than can be authorized according to program criteria, a Notice
of Decision (NOD) will be issued by the QIO-like vendor.
PDN services requested for a recipient enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO)
must be prior authorized by the MCO. The MCO has sole responsibility for all decisions
related to the PDN service for MCO recipients.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The initial evaluation visit does not require a PA from Nevada Medicaid or their
QIO-like vendor. During the visit the skilled nurse evaluator must complete a
nursing assessment using an OASIS or age appropriate tool. The nurse must
complete a Nevada Medicaid PDN PA form.
Disposable medical supplies require a PA request at the time of request for HHA
services and are to be listed on the Home Health Prior Authorization Form. Wound
care supplies will be authorized for the HHA for an initial ten-day period only.
Supplies will be authorized only for the specific procedure or treatment requested.
Refer to MSM Chapter 1300 regarding Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics,
Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) policy and the provider billing guide.
c. MILEAGE
Actual mileage is reimbursed one way from the HHA/PDN office to the recipient’s
residence. Actual mileage should be listed on the PA request form to establish a
baseline for reimbursement.
2. ONGOING AUTHORIZATIONS
Requests for continuing PDN services must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor at a
minimum of 10 working days but no more than 30 days prior to the expiration date of the
existing authorization. The completed request must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor
along with a current nurse assessment and PDN assessment form. The QIO-like vendor
will review for appropriate number of hours based on program criteria and program
limitations. Hours authorized will be the number of hours that are medically necessary to
support the skilled interventions required. Hours may be reduced after the initial
authorization period based on a comprehensive review of the clinical documentation. The
PDN acuity grid is used to determine if PDN services are medically necessary and to
authorize the number of hours required. The PDN acuity grid must be completed in its
entirety, including all signatures. Incomplete or unsigned forms will result in prior
authorization denial. All forms and documentation must be submitted together. Failure to
complete all sections of PDN acuity grid or failure to provide all medical documentation
to support the PA request may result in the number of PDN hours not being appropriately
authorized.
An ongoing authorization request for 84 hours per week, after the initial eight-week
authorization period immediately following discharge from the hospital for a new
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
tracheostomy, must include clinical documentation to support the continued need for 84
hours. If such clinical documentation is not included in the request, hours may be reduced.
An ongoing authorization request for 112 hours per week, after the initial eight-week
authorization period immediately following discharge from the hospital for a new
ventilator, must include clinical documentation to support the continued need for 112
hours. If such clinical documentation is not included in the request, hours may be reduced.
If a recipient does not meet medical necessity criteria for PDN, the PA will be denied. If
the request is for more hours than can be authorized according to program criteria, a Notice
of Decision (NOD) will be issued by the QIO-like vendor.
3. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATIONS
a. School Break
During “planned breaks” of at least five consecutive school days (e.g. track break,
summer vacation), additional hours may be authorized within program limitations.
A separate authorization request should be submitted for the specific number of
hours requested beyond those already authorized.
b. Change in Condition/Situation
A new authorization must be requested when the recipient has a change of condition
or situation that requires either a reduction in PDN hours or an increase in PDN
hours. A completed prior authorization request (PAR) must be submitted to the
QIO-like vendor along with documentation supporting medical necessity and
program criteria.
4. RETRO AUTHORIZATIONS
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
In the event an LRI is absent due to a medical need of the LRI, parent/guardian or authorized
representative, a Medicaid recipient under 21 years of age may be eligible to receive 24-hour care
at home through an EPSDT referral. Twenty-four-hour care must be prior authorized.
1. The provider is responsible for requesting documentation that the primary caregiver or
family member is absent due to a medical need.
2. The provider must submit an EPSDT screening by a physician provider that the 24-hour
care is medically necessary and placement in a facility is detrimental to the recipient’s
health.
3. The provider needs to secure an authorization for disclosure from the LRI, parent/guardian
or authorized representative to provide documentation of absence due to a medical need.
Such information will be released to Nevada Medicaid or their designee for determination
of eligibility for this benefit.
All other policies found in Section 903.1B, Provider Responsibilities, of this chapter shall apply.
1. The LRI must provide supporting documentation of the absence of the primary caregiver
due to medical need.
2. The LRI must pursue the availability of alternate caregivers to provide care during the
interval before requesting 24-hour care.
3. All other policies found in Section 903.1C, Recipient Responsibilities, of this chapter shall
apply.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. The provider may request a verbal authorization of the QIO-like vendor if the need for such
service was unanticipated. A written request, along with supporting information should be
submitted as soon as possible thereafter, but no later than three working days after the
verbal request.
2. The provider agency must submit a PAR along with the EPSDT screening referral and
supporting documentation of the absence of a primary caregiver to the QIO-like vendor
prior to the provision of 24-hour coverage, if the need for such service was anticipated.
Concurrent care allows for the provision of PDN service by a single nurse to more than one
recipient simultaneously. A single nurse may provide care for up to three recipients if care can be
provided safely. Concurrent care allows for authorized nursing hours to be collectively used for
the multiple recipients. Concurrent care allows for optimum utilization of limited skilled nurse
resources while providing safe skilled nursing care to Nevada Medicaid recipients. Concurrent
care must be prior authorized.
1. The provider shall evaluate and determine the safety of settings for the provision of
concurrent care.
2. The provider shall adjust requests for PDN hours when concurrent care is provided.
PDN services are allowed out-of-state for Medicaid recipients absent from the state per (42 CFR
431.52). A PA is required for out-of-state services by the QIO-like vendor. Payment for services
furnished in another state are reimbursed to the same extent that Nevada would pay for service
provided within Nevada’s boundaries. Out-of-state PDN services are reimbursed at the rural rate.
In addition to the policies described in Section 903.1A of this chapter, the following apply for out-
of-state. The authorization timeframe for out-of-state services is limited to no more than a 30-day
interval. For ongoing authorizations after the initial 30-day period the out-of-state provider must
contact the QIO-like vendor.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. There is a medical emergency and the recipient’s health would be endangered if he were
required to return to the State of Nevada to obtain medical services;
2. The recipient travels to another state because the Division finds the required medical
services are not available in Nevada;
3. The Division determines that it is general practice for recipients in a particular locality to
use medical services in another state (e.g., Nevada counties that border other State lines);
a. Nevada residents living near state lines or borders may be geographically closer to
out-of-state providers than in-state providers for both primary and specialty care.
In such cases, covered medically necessary services may be routinely provided by
out-of-state providers in what the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy
(DHCFP) refers to as the “primary catchment areas.” Such services are treated the
same as those provided within the state borders for purposes of authorization and
transportation. Refer to the MSM 100 billing manual for catchment areas.
b. The same services that are covered within the state of Nevada are available for
payment for any qualified provider, in the catchment area, who is or will be enrolled
with the plan.
c. Nevada Medicaid does not pay for medical services rendered by health care
providers outside the United States.
4. The recipient is on personal business. Nevada Medicaid may reimburse for these services;
however, they will be limited to service hours currently authorized.
1. The out-of-state provider must contact provider enrollment at the Nevada Medicaid Central
Office (NMCO) to become enrolled as a Nevada Medicaid HHA provider.
2. The out-of-state provider must comply with all provisions identified in Section 903.1B.
1. The recipient or their personal representative should contact HHA providers in the
geographic out-of-state region in which they wish service to be provided, to determine the
availability of Nevada Medicaid PDN service providers.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. The recipient should notify the out-of-state provider who is not a Nevada Medicaid
provider who is interested in becoming a provider to contact provider enrollment at
NMCO.
The recipient must comply with all the provisions identified in Section 903.1C of this chapter.
The PDN benefit allows, in rare circumstances, a short-term increase of nursing hours beyond
standard limits in a crisis. A crisis is one that is generally unpredictable and puts the patient at risk
of institutionalization without the provision of additional hours.
2. Additional services are limited to one, 60-day interval in a three-year period (calendar
years).
The provider must contact the QIO-like vendor with information regarding the crisis situation and
need for additional hours.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RATES AND REIMBURSEMENT
Refer to the provider billing guide for instructions and the reimbursement code table for specific
billing codes.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
905 HEARINGS
Please reference Nevada MSM Chapter 3100 for the Medicaid Hearing process.
1003.8.A.5 Orthodontics – New Section. Defines the provider type and specialty
Coverage and type allowed for orthodontic services.
Limitations
Page 2 of 5
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Page 3 of 5
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Page 4 of 5
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Page 5 of 5
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
DENTAL
1002 RESERVED.....................................................................................................................................1
1
MTL 02/17
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1000
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1000 DENTAL
INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Medicaid Dental Services Program is designed to provide dental care under the
supervision of a licensed provider. Dental services provided shall maintain a high standard of
quality and shall be provided within the coverage and limitation guidelines outlined in this Chapter
and the Quality Improvement Organization-Like (QIO-Like) Vendor’s Billing Guide. All
Medicaid policies and requirements, (such as prior authorization, etc.) except for those listed in
the Nevada Check Up (NCU) Manual Chapter 1000 are the same for NCU.
Dentists participating in Nevada Medicaid shall provide services in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Nevada Medicaid program. Dental care provided in the Nevada Medicaid
program must meet prevailing professional standards for the community-at-large. Any dental
provider, who undertakes dental treatment, as covered by Nevada Medicaid, must be qualified by
training and experience in accordance with the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners rules and
regulations.
All materials and therapeutic agents used or prescribed must meet the minimum specifications of
the American Dental Association (ADA). All dental services, including without limitation,
examinations, radiographs, restorative and surgical treatment, as well as record keeping are to be
provided in accordance with current ADA guidelines and the ADA Code of Ethics, and are to be
coded according to the definitions and descriptions in the current ADA Code on Dental Procedures
and Nomenclature (CDT Code) manual. All dental services must conform to the statutes,
regulations and rules governing the practice of dentistry in the state in which the treatment takes
place.
Nevada Medicaid provides dental services for most Medicaid-eligible individuals under the age of
21 as a mandated service, a required component of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis
and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. For Medicaid-eligible adults age 21 years and older, dental
services are an optional service as identified in this chapter and the Billing Guide documents
located at www.medicaid.nv.gov in Provider Type (PT) 22 Dentist.
Through the EPSDT benefits, individuals under the age of 21 receive comprehensive dental care
such as periodic and routine dental services needed for restoration of teeth, prevention of oral
disease and maintenance of dental health. The EPSDT program assures children receive the full
range of necessary dental services, including orthodontia when medically necessary and pre-
approved by the Nevada Medicaid QIO-like vendor. The EPSDT screening provider may refer
children for dental services. However, such a referral is not necessary if the parent otherwise elects
to contact a Medicaid dental provider. The local Medicaid District Office can direct the
parent/guardian to local dental providers.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
Dental services for Medicaid-eligible adults who qualify for full Medicaid benefits receive
emergency extractions, palliative care and may also be eligible to receive prosthetic care
(dentures/partials) under certain guidelines and limitations.
Nevada Medicaid offers expanded dental services in addition to the adult dental services for
Medicaid-eligible pregnant women. These expanded pregnancy related services require prior
authorization. Medical providers and/or Managed Care Organization should provide a dental
referral when it is discovered that a recipient is pregnant. Dental providers should attach a copy of
the referral or provide a statement of pregnancy in the comment section of the ADA claim form to
any Prior Authorization (PA) requests for pregnancy related dental services. Pregnancy related
dental services are discontinued on the date of delivery. Except for services that were authorized
but not completed prior to the end of the pregnancy.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1001 AUTHORITY
The State Plan of Nevada describes the amount, duration and scope of dental care and services
provided to the categorically needy in Attachments 3.1-A 10 and 3.1-A 12b.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) state that necessary and essential dental
services are mandatory for all eligible Medicaid children under the Early and Periodic Screening,
Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) under the Social Security Act (SSA) 1905(r)(3). The Nevada
EPSDT program provides children with services that are in addition to those available to adult
recipients as cited in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 42 Section 441.56.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
1002 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Reference the Coverage, Limitations and Prior Authorization Requirements document located in
the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov in PT 22 Dentist Billing Guide for a
list of CDT codes detailing prior authorization requirements and service limitations.
The branch of dentistry used to identify and prevent dental disorders and disease.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent, volunteer panel
of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. Nevada Medicaid lists these
recommendations in the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 600, Attachment A.
The USPSTF recommends application of fluoride varnish to primary teeth of all infants, children,
starting at the age of primary tooth eruption, and oral fluoride supplementation starting at six
months of age for children whose water supply is fluoride deficient.
Nevada Medicaid promotes oral health by providing coverage for routine, periodic oral
examinations and preventive treatment, fluoride treatment and sealant application for children, in
accordance with the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) for the prevention of tooth decay and the
promotion of good oral health. Medicaid’s coverage for preventive services, for children, is guided
by the recommendations of the ADA and AAPD. Periodic dental examinations and routine
preventive treatment should begin with eruption of the first tooth and before the first birthday, and
should continue every six months or as recommended by the dentist. The examination includes
assessment of pathology and injuries, growth and development and caries risk assessment.
Anticipatory guidance/counseling should be an integral part of each dental visit. Counseling on
oral hygiene, nutrition/dietary practices, injury prevention and non-nutritive oral habits should be
included.
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment of diagnostic and preventive dental services for qualified
recipients.
Coverage is limited to EPSDT for persons less than 21 years of age. Coverage for persons
over 21 years of age is limited to diagnostic services needed for emergency extractions or
palliative care.
B. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The branch of dentistry used to restore the integrity of the teeth through the use of fillings or
crowns.
Restorative services are limited to EPSDT, for persons less than 21 years of age.
For recipients age 21 years and older, with a PA, Nevada Medicaid reimburses for certain
fillings and crowns on teeth that are an abutment (anchor) tooth for that partial denture.
The ADA defines an abutment tooth as “a tooth used as a support for a prosthesis” (i.e.
partial denture). Nevada Medicaid also reimburses for palliative treatment for persons 21
years of age and older. Pregnancy related services as defined in the MSM Addendum for
persons 21 years of age and older are listed in the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at
www.medicaid.nv.gov in the Provider Type 22 Dentist Billing Guide.
Tooth preparation, acid etching, all adhesives (including bonding agents) liners and bases,
polishing and curing and occlusal adjustment of either the restored tooth or the opposing
tooth, is part of the amalgam restoration and must be included in the fee for the restoration.
If pins are used, they should be reported under the appropriate code.
Tooth colored restorations refers to a broad category of materials including, but not limited
to, self-curing composite, light-cured composite and glass ionomers. Tooth preparation,
acid etching, adhesives, bonding agents, liners, bases and curing are included as part of the
resin based composite restoration. If pins are used, they should be reported under the
appropriate code.
The ADA defines an Indirect Pulp Cap as a nearly exposed pulp that is covered with a
protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing. If the
pulp is exposed and the provider attempts to cover it in the hopes of avoiding further injury
to the nerve, that would be a Direct Pulp Cap (D3110). Placing a protective covering under
a deep filling to help avoid sensitivity or pulpal irritation is not a billable service and is
included in the restoration as a “liner.”
Reference the Coverage, Limitations and Prior Authorization Requirements document located in
the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov in PT 22 - Dentist Billing Guide.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
B. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
The branch of dentistry specializing in disease or injury that affects the root tips or nerves in the
teeth through the use of root canals.
B. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Reference the Coverage, Limitations and Prior Authorization Requirements document located in
the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov in PT 22 - Dentist Billing Guide.
The branch of dentistry used to treat and prevent disease affecting supporting bones, ligaments and
gums of the teeth.
1. Coverage is limited to EPSDT, for persons less than 21 years of age. Periodontal
services for persons less than 21 years of age are limited to either four quadrants of
scaling and root planing every two years with a maximum of four periodontal
maintenance treatments annually or a maximum of two dental prophylaxis
treatments annually.
2. Medicaid carefully monitors for the appropriate use of Codes D4341 and D4342.
These codes are generally limited to recipients who are at least 14 years old.
Providers' in-office records must verify x-rays, periodontal charting and diagnoses
documenting the need for these procedures.
3. Periodontal scaling and root planing for pregnant recipients is a covered service.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Due to the risk of pregnancy gingivitis, Medicaid will cover a second cleaning
during pregnancy as well as 100% coverage of the treatment of inflamed gums
around wisdom teeth during pregnancy. Medical providers and/or Managed Care
Organizations should provide a dental referral when a recipient becomes pregnant.
Dental providers should attach a copy of the referral or provide a statement of
pregnancy in the comment section of the ADA claim form to any PA requests for
pregnancy related dental services. Pregnancy related dental services are
discontinued on the date of delivery, except for services that were authorized but
not completed prior to the end of the pregnancy.
4. Palliative treatment (CDT Codes D4355 and D4999) are covered for persons 21
years of age and older.
Additionally, Medicaid also monitors for the appropriate use of Code D4355 – Full Mouth
Debridement. This code is typically reserved for severe cases in which the licensed dental
provider is unable to complete a comprehensive oral evaluation because the tooth surfaces
are covered by thick deposits of plaque and calculus. The full mouth debridement involves
gross removal of the prominent plaque and calculus deposits making it possible for a
licensed dental provider to inspect the oral cavity for signs of decay, infection or gum
disease. CDT Code D4355 is a preliminary treatment that should be completed before the
comprehensive exam and should not occur on the same day.
B. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
2. Some codes require a PA for pregnancy related services for persons age 21 and
older.
Reference the Coverage, Limitations and Prior Authorization Requirements document located in
the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov in PT 22 Dentist Billing Guide.
The branch of dentistry used to replace missing teeth or restore oral structure through the use of
partials, dentures, etc.
Nevada Medicaid provides payment benefits of certain prosthodontics for qualified recipients.
Emergency prosthetic repair refers to dental prosthetics that are rendered completely
unserviceable. Loose dentures or dentures with broken/missing teeth do not meet the intent of the
definition unless irritation is present and sufficiently documented. The dentist's in-office records
must substantiate the emergency for the purposes of Medicaid post-payment utilization review and
control.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. Partial dentures and full dentures may be provided when medically necessary to
prevent the progression of weight loss and promote adequate mastication. Medicaid
limits reimbursement of services to one new full or partial denture per five years.
Given reasonable care and maintenance, prostheses should last five years.
Education given by the dentist on the proper care of the prostheses is expected and
included in the purchase of any prosthetic service.
2. Medicaid will pay for necessary emergency x-rays required to diagnose Medicaid
covered removable prostheses. No PA is necessary for the initial emergency
examination and x-rays. The dentist's office records must substantiate the
recipient's medical necessity (e.g., x-ray evidence, reported significant loss of
weight, sore and bleeding gums, painful mastication, etc.). Payment for the
examination and x-rays may be withdrawn if post-payment reviews of in-office
records do not substantiate the medical necessity. Payment for dentures or partials
includes any adjustments or relines necessary for six months after the date of
delivery.
3. A person qualifies for a partial denture with four or more missing teeth, if anterior
to the second molar in the same arch, or the four or more missing teeth are
unilaterally (on one side only) in sequence as in, “2, 3, 4 & 5.” Medicaid does not
allow unilateral partials except in the immediately preceding and following
examples. In the following examples the person would be eligible for a partial
because four teeth would be missing and the person would be expected to have
difficulty with mastication: missing 18, 19, 20 and 28 or 29; or 18, 19, 20 and 21
(four teeth in a row). However, a person would not be eligible for a partial if missing
19, 20, and 31 or 32 because there are not enough teeth missing for significant
difficulty with mastication.
4. Third molars are not replaceable as missing teeth nor are they considered in the
qualification for payment of partial dentures. Second molars are replaceable as
missing teeth with missing posteriors in the same quadrant as explained in the above
examples. A flipper may be used as a temporary replacement for employment
purposes when an anterior tooth is extracted. For healing purposes, a flipper may
be used temporarily when the partial for an anterior tooth will not be available for
greater than three months.
5. A person may also qualify for a partial when missing any one of the six upper or
lower anterior teeth (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27) when necessary for
employment. A supportive written Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
(DWSS), New Employees of Nevada (NEON) report meets the employment
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. Requests to override the 5-year limitation on full and partial dentures will require a
PA and will only be considered for the following exceptional circumstances:
a. Dentures were stolen (requires a copy of the police report). Also, under
consideration is if the theft is a repeatedly occurring event. The recipient
must exercise reasonable care in maintaining the denture.
b. Dentures were lost in a house fire (requires a copy of the fire report or other
notification documenting the fire such as a newspaper article).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
7. Medicaid will pay for a maximum of one emergency denture reline and/or
maximum of six adjustments done not more often than every six months, beginning
six months after the date of partial/denture purchase. No prior approval is required
for relines. The provider’s in-office records must substantially document the
medical emergency need. Denture/partial relines and adjustments required within
the first six months are considered prepaid with Medicaid’s payment for the
prosthetic. Dentists should call or write to the fiscal agent to insure the reline is not
being done within six months of the date of the last reline or new denture purchase.
A claim submitted for a reline or adjustment sooner than six months since the last
payment for a reline or adjustment will deny for payment. Post payment review will
be done to assure that medical necessity of the service has been substantially
documented.
8. If the recipient is unable to wear the denture, the recipient must schedule an
appointment with the issuing dentist to have the denture/partial made functional.
Factors which would cause the denture to not be functional would include improper
fit, sore or bleeding gums and painful mastication. If the issuing dentist is unable
to make the denture functional, resulting in the recipient requiring services from
another dentist, a full or partial recoupment of payment may occur less the cost of
the laboratory services. When the issuing dentist receives a recoupment notice the
dentist must provide a copy of the invoice detailing the laboratory charges so that
it may be deducted from the recoupment amount. The requirements in Section
1003.6 are applicable if a dentist requests a new denture within a five year period.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
1. New dentures or partials (or their replacements every five years) must be evaluated
for medical necessity. Medicaid will not pay for routine examinations (Code
D0150) in connection with new dentures or denture replacements. For new
dentures, dentists may bill Code D0140 for the initial dental emergency and another
Code D0140 for the evaluation/provision of the dentures. Dentists may bill one
examination charge at the time of the first visit. They may bill the other examination
on the same service date used to bill the denture or partial. For replacement of full
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
dentures, the provider may not bill Code D0140 a second time with the date of
service used to bill the denture(s).
2. Keep diagnosable, panoramic or full mouth x-rays as part of the dentist’s record for
all removable prosthetics. The x-rays and dentists office notes must substantiate all
missing teeth.
3. The recipient must sign and date a delivery receipt to verify that the
dentures/partials were received and are accepted and/or acceptable. The date of the
signature on the delivery receipt must be the date the dentures/partials were
received by the recipient. The delivery receipt must include the recipient’s name,
quantity, detailed description of the time(s) delivered and the date and time of
delivery, and be maintained in the recipient’s dental record.
C. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
1. PA is required for partials and/or full dentures for all recipients residing in Nursing
Facilities or receiving Hospice services. There are additional codes for denture
repairs that also require a PA. Refer to the Coverage, Limitations and Prior
Authorization Requirements document located in the QIO-like vendor’s web portal
at www.medicaid.nv.gov in PT 22 – Dentist Billing Guide.
2. Requests for partials and/or full dentures for all recipients residing in Nursing
facilities or receiving Hospice services must explain the significance of all of the
following qualifications of medical need:
a. The recipient’s medical need for the service in considering his/her total
medical condition. Requires one letter each from the recipient’s primary
care physician and dentist documenting the supporting medical condition.
c. Mental status relating to the recipients ability to understand the use and care
of the partials and/or full dentures.
3. No PA is required for partials and/or full dentures for all other recipients. Post
payment review will be completed at the discretion of the fiscal agent with
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recoupment of payment for any partials or full dentures not meeting the above
policy for qualification of coverage.
Nevada Medicaid provides payment of denture identification embedding for qualified recipients.
Any removable prosthetic appliance paid for by the Nevada Medicaid program must have
permanent identification labeling embedded in it as defined in NRS 631.375.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
Medicaid requires embedding of the recipient’s first initial, last name or the last four digits
of the social security number for complete dentures, partial dentures with acrylic saddles
and when relining unmarked appliances. In cases of insufficient room, you may reduce the
person’s name and identifiers to the first and second initials or the last four digits of the
social security number.
Code D5899 and descriptor “ID Embedding” must be completed by delivery unless the
prosthetics already show such markings and the provider so states.
C. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Coverage is limited to EPSDT, for persons less than 21 years of age, pregnant
persons 21 years of age and older, and as palliative treatment for persons 21 years
of age and older.
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B. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
No PA is necessary under EPSDT and for some pregnancy related services, or for persons
21 years of age and older, if the service is considered an emergency extraction or palliative
care.
Reference the Coverage, Limitations and Prior Authorization Requirements document located in
the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov in PT 22 Dentist Billing Guide.
The branch of dentistry used to correct malocclusions (the "bite") of the mouth and restore it to
proper alignment and function.
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment for orthodontics for qualified recipients under 21 years of
age.
The Diagnostic Codes D0330, D0350 and D0470 are considered to be “Orthodontia” services only
when required for Orthodontia treatment prior authorization.
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Note: For conditions not listed above, providers may request orthodontic treatment
under the EPSDT “Healthy Kids Exception” by demonstrating “Medical Need.”
When a recipient is unable to attend dental appointments for any reason, the
treatment plan could be jeopardized, or could cause the treatment plan to extend
beyond the anticipated time to complete the treatment, for which the Orthodontist
is not reimbursed.
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D8090). If treatment is discontinued for any reason, including the recipient’s non-
compliance, Medicaid will not authorize a second orthodontia treatment.
5. Medicaid reimburses for orthodontia services only to those providers enrolled with
Nevada Medicaid with the orthodontia specialty (PT 22 with Specialty Code 079).
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
1. Only Dentists with a specialty of Orthodontia: PT 22 with the Specialty Code 079
will be reimbursed for orthodontic services.
2. A copy of the Client Treatment History form must be completed by the recipient’s
treating general or pediatric dentist and is to be in the orthodontic PA request. The
treating orthodontist must complete a new Client Treatment History form when
requesting a PA for a second phase of orthodontic treatment.
3. Medicaid shall deny any orthodontic prior authorization requests when the attached
Client Treatment History form report does not show the recipient has a good history
of keeping dental appointments, which is defined as: missing no more than 30
percent of scheduled appointments for any reason within a 24 month period or not
complying with dental care treatment plans, as evidenced by active carious lesions,
acute gingivitis, acute periodontitis, poor oral hygiene or other unresolved dental
factors that could result in poor orthodontic case success.
When a recipient is unable to attend dental appointments for any reason, the
treatment plan could be jeopardized, or could cause the treatment plan to extend
beyond the anticipated time to complete the treatment, for which the Orthodontist
is not reimbursed.
5. Coordination with Ancillary Dentists: The orthodontist and any ancillary dentists
must coordinate with each other to assure Medicaid will pay for the ancillary dental
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
services. For example, the orthodontist’s proposed treatment plan should show
he/she will be referring the child for extractions or other services. The ancillary
dentist need not obtain separate approval for his/her services.
6. A recipient may select a new Orthodontist if the recipient becomes dissatisfied with
the original Orthodontist or must geographically move before completion of the
treatment plan. When a recipient changes providers during active treatment, the
provider must comply with the following:
b. The originating provider must not release Medicaid funds to anyone other
than another Medicaid orthodontic provider who agrees to use the funds to
complete the approved treatment plan. No additional funds will be allocated
or approved to the new Orthodontist for the completion of the treatment.
Without such an agreement, the originating provider must return the unused
fund (see Section 8 below) to the Medicaid fiscal agent at the address listed
in Section 1005.1 of this chapter.
c. Medicaid holds the Orthodontist responsible for removing any banding and
providing retainers at no additional cost to the recipient. The Orthodontist
accepts this responsibility as part of providing Medicaid services.
a. Due to the recipients’ poor oral hygiene compliance, when identified and
documented by the Orthodontist;
c. When the recipient has not kept at least one appointment within a six-month
period.
8. When treatment is discontinued due to any of the reasons listed above, the provider
must refund any unused portion of the reimbursement to the Medicaid Fiscal Agent
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(address listed in Section 1005.1 of this chapter). The provider must contact the
Fiscal Agent to request a balance of the remaining funds which should be refunded.
It will be based on the approved treatment plan, the services already rendered and
the residual amount that will be refunded to the Fiscal Agent. Any refunded unused
funds are not available to be used for further or future orthodontic treatment for that
recipient.
9. The Orthodontist may not assess the recipient or bill Medicaid for additional
charges on broken bands, or other necessary services, even if the recipient’s poor
compliance or carelessness caused the need for additional services.
10. Providers must maintain a detailed, comprehensive, legible dental record of all
orthodontia treatment and care. Legible electronic dental records are acceptable.
C. RECIPIENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES
2. The recipient is responsible for maintaining good oral hygiene on a regular basis,
as instructed by the Orthodontist, to maintain the orthodontia treatment plan or
orthodontic appliances received.
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D. AUTHORIZATION PROCESS
1. Request for orthodontic treatment must be Prior Authorized. The PA request must
include a completed Orthodontic Medical Necessity (OMN) form. To qualify for
authorization, the form must explain the significance of at least one of the following
Medically Necessary Orthodontic Automatic Qualifying Conditions, in the OMN
form (form found at www.medicaid.nv.gov) or Medical Necessity under EPSDT
“Healthy Kids” exception. Clinical documentation must be submitted that
substantiates and validates the condition(s) with diagnostic panoramic radiographs,
diagnostic photos or photographs of diagnostic models with the automatic
qualifying condition.
Note: For conditions not listed above, providers may request orthodontic treatment
under the EPSDT “Healthy Kids Exception” by demonstrating “Medical Need.”
2. Requests for orthodontia must explain the significance of one or more of the
following considerations of “medical need.”
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c. The recipient's overall medical need for the service in light of his/her total
medical condition. For example, an orthodontia need which might be slight
in an otherwise healthy child may become quite severe for a child suffering
from complicating ailments such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy.
The following documents are required to be attached with the prior authorization
request to the QIO-like vendor:
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2. Prognosis.
The Orthodontic Medical Necessity Form and the Client Treatment History Form
are located on the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov.
4. Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor will accept PA requests ONLY from those providers
with a specialty in Orthodontia (PT 22 with Specialty Code 079).
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5. The QIO-like vendor inputs the disposition for the requested orthodontic service
directly in to the current system. No forms are submitted for signature for indication
of approved reimbursement amount. The fiscal agent does not return denied
orthodontic requests to providers.
6. When the provider completes the initial banding, he/she must enter the date of
service and the usual and customary charges amount on the claim form, and return
it to the fiscal agent. The fiscal agent will make payment for the total specified on
the approved treatment plan.
The branch of dentistry for unclassified treatment including palliative care and anesthesia.
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment of adjunctive general services for qualified recipients under
21 years of age and for palliative care and anesthesia for persons 21 years of age and older.
Coverage is limited to EPSDT, for persons less than 21 years of age, and for palliative care
for persons 21 years of age and older.
For dental codes related to General or IV anesthesia, the provider must show the actual
beginning and end times in the recipient’s dental record. Anesthesia time begins when the
provider physically prepares the recipient for the induction of anesthesia in the operating
area, and ends when the provider is no longer in constant attendance (i.e., when the
recipient can be safely placed under postoperative supervision).
B. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
No PA is necessary under EPSDT. Persons 21 years of age and older require PA unless the
service is for emergency extractions or palliative care.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Reference the Coverage, Limitations and Prior Authorization Requirements document located in
the QIO-like vendor’s web portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov in Provider Type 22 Dentist Billing
Guide.
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment for qualified persons 21 years of age and older for partials,
dentures, emergency extractions and palliative care only.
Reference Nevada Medicaid Fee Schedule, Coverage and Limitations and Prior
Authorization document for PT 22, can be found on the QIO-like vendor's web portal at
www.medicaid.nv.gov.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
1. Providers must keep all substantiating x-rays on file for a minimum of six years
following the date of service. Providers must keep the x-rays, related charting and
other case documentation easily available to Medicaid reviewers during this period.
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C. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
3. Crowns are not allowed for persons 21 years of age and older, except where
required on an anchor or abutment tooth for a partial denture. Gold crowns are not
a covered benefit for any age.
4. For persons 21 years of age and older, Temporal Mandibular Disease (TMD)
services are not covered by Nevada Medicaid except for adult emergency services.
Fluoride supplements are covered only for recipients less than 21 years old.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
Supplements need no PA when ordered by a dentist. The dentist should write, “Result of
Healthy Kids” or “Result of EPSDT” on the prescription. The recipient must present the
prescription with a Nevada Medicaid card to a Medicaid participating pharmacy provider.
Providers must verify eligibility prior to service.
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C. AUTHORIZATION PROCESS
These guidelines do not change any Medicaid policy regarding non-covered medications
or medications which always require PA.
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment for services provided in an ICF/IID to full Medicaid-eligible
recipients.
All dental services provided to recipients in an ICF/IID are administered under the same policy
coverage and limitations provided throughout this dental chapter.
2. Periodic examination and diagnosis done at least annually for each recipient.
3. Comprehensive dental treatment including dental care needed for relief of pain and
infections, restoration of teeth and maintenance of dental health. Necessary access
to the services, excluding sealants, orthodontia, pharmacy services, fluoride
treatments and fluoride treatments with prophylaxis.
For dental services beyond the Medicaid coverage benefit the facility must provide or make
arrangements for each client from qualified personnel, including licensed dentists and
dental hygienists to establish a relationship with the ICF/IID.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
For dental services beyond the Medicaid coverage benefit, the dentist must establish a
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relationship with the ICF/IID facility staff to assure verification of the recipient’s ICF/IID
residency, and payment source for dental services prior to service.
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment for out-of-state providers under Medicaid guidelines.
Out-of-state providers are subject to the coverage and limitations of dental services under
Nevada Medicaid.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
C. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Out-of-state providers must use the same PA process as in-state dental providers.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
Dental providers must inform the recipient of his/her financial responsibility before
rendering any uncovered service. Consider this done when the recipient or a responsible
designee signs a written document acknowledging acceptance of financial responsibility
for each specific itemized service. The signed document must state, “I understand Medicaid
will not cover the above itemized service cost(s). I agree to pay for the services.”
If Medicaid covers a procedure, the provider cannot charge the recipient for the balance
after Medicaid’s payment. Also, providers cannot charge Medicaid for one covered service
and provide a different service. For example, since Medicaid does not cover restorations
or prosthetics made of gold, Medicaid’s payment on a covered restoration or prosthesis
cannot be used to offset one made of gold. The recipient would need to pay the complete
charge for the gold restoration or prosthesis, or the recipient must accept the Medicaid
benefit service only.
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C. RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITY
Services exceeding program limitations are not considered Medicaid benefits. These
services are the financial responsibility of the recipient.
D. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment for services provided in nursing facilities to qualified
recipients eligible with full Medicaid benefits.
All dental services provided to recipients in a nursing facility are administered under the
same policy coverage and limitations provided throughout this Dental Chapter.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
Medicaid advises dentists to confirm the recipient’s eligibility through the Eligibility
Verification System (EVS) for the month the service will be provided and retain a copy
prior to service. Medicaid advises dentists to develop procedures with nursing facility staff
to screen for ineligible recipients. Medicaid recommends dentists become users of EVS by
making arrangements with Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor.
D. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: If the recipient is covered under Managed Care and has been an in-patient over 45
days, the recipient is then covered by Fee-for-Service from the 46th day forward.
PA is required for partials and/or full dentures for all recipients residing in nursing facilities
or receiving Hospice services.
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Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment for certain dental services in hospital or surgical
centers for qualified recipients with PA unless it is an emergency.
B. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
2. Procedures done as outpatient services for recipients less than 21 years of age in a
hospital or surgical center must be identified. The provider must write, “Outpatient
Facility Services” at the top of the Examination and Treatment Plan box of the
claim form.
c. In situations where the dentist believes his treatment plan to have weak
support from x-rays, intra-oral photographs, etc., the dentist should submit
the evidence with a request for PA. Without PA, Medicaid will reclaim
payment for the services if post service review findings do not support the
dentist’s treatment plan and medical necessity.
d. All outpatient facility services for Medicaid recipients 21 years of age and
older must be prior authorized.
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e. Medicaid does not reimburse providers for travel and hospital call related
costs for services done in an outpatient surgical center.
Nevada Medicaid authorizes payment for maxillofacial surgery and other physician services for
qualified recipients.
Coverage for the medical management of TMD related disease for recipients, age 20 years
and younger will be limited to appropriate current TMD related diagnosis codes.
The following CPT codes are covered for TMD services for recipient’s age 20 years and
younger:
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
Program utilization control requires that each type of provider (dentist, physician,
pharmacist, etc.) be delineated with the use of a specific PT number. For example, dentists
are a PT 22 while physicians are a PT 20. All dental related services must be
billed/requested with the most appropriate dental code found on the QIO-like vendor's web
portal at www.medicaid.nv.gov. When the list of accepted dental codes provides only a
“By Report” code, the provider must use the most appropriate “By Report” code. When an
appropriate dental code is not available, a CPT Code from range 10000 through 69999 and
99241 through 99245 may be used. A dentist, PT 22, who is a dually boarded Maxillofacial
Surgeon, may bill the following CPT Codes in addition to those previously listed: 00190,
21085, 70250, 70300, 70328, 70330, 70350, 70355, 70380 and 99281 through 99285.
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Fluoride varnish application which can be administered by PT 17, 20, 24 and 77 should be
billed on a CMS 1500 form using the most appropriate and available ICD diagnosis code.
C. AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
All dental providers must have a current license issued by the Nevada State Board of Dental
Examiners to practice dentistry. Dental specialists must be dental specialties that are recognized
and approved by the American Dental Association and the Nevada State Board of Dental
Examiners, or dental hygiene which has been issued by the Nevada State Board of Dental
Examiners and be enrolled as a Nevada Medicaid provider. Out of state dentists must meet the
licensing requirements of the state in which they practice and be enrolled as a Nevada Medicaid
provider.
Dental services may also be performed in a clinic setting as long as the care is furnished by or
under the direction of a dentist. The clinic must have a dental administrator and all professional
staff, dentists, hygienists, etc. must have a current Nevada license and/or certification from the
appropriate state licensing board.
Provider must bill only for the dates when services were actually provided, in accordance with this
MSM Chapter and the PT 22 Billing Guide.
Any provider found by the State or its agent(s) to have engaged in improper billing practices,
without limitations, may be subject to sanctions including recoupment, denial or termination from
participation in Nevada Medicaid.
The findings and conclusions of any investigation or audit by the DHCFP shall not be construed
as prohibiting any criminal or civil investigations, actions or other claims for relief that may be
available to any party under applicable federal, state or local laws.
Improper billing practices may include but are not limited to:
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E. Submitting claims for unnecessary procedures or treatments that are in excess of amount,
scope and duration necessary to reasonably achieve its purpose.
Any Dental provider who improperly bills the DHCFP for services rendered is subject to all
administrative and corrective sanctions and recoupment in the MSM Chapter 3300. All Medicaid
overpayments are subject to recoupment.
Any such action taken against a dental provider by the DHCFP has no bearing on any criminal
liability of the provider.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1004 HEARINGS
Please reference Nevada MSM Chapter 3100 for Medicaid Hearing process.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES AND CROSS
REFERENCES/FORMS
Other sources which may impact the provision of Dental services include, but are not limited to
the following:
1005.1 CONTACTS
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES AND CROSS
REFERENCES/FORMS
D. Mail all paper claims (CMS 1500, UB-92, ADA, and Medicare Crossover) to the following
address:
1005.2 FORMS
A. The ADA 2012 version is required for all prior authorization requests, claims, adjustments
and voids.
OCULAR SERVICES
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1100 INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Medicaid Ocular program reimburses for medically necessary ocular services to
eligible Medicaid recipients under the care of the prescribing practitioner. Such services shall
maintain a high standard of quality and shall be provided within the limitations and exclusions
described in this chapter.
All providers participating in the Medicaid program must offer services in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Medicaid program. Conditions of participation are available from
Provider Support Services at Nevada Medicaid.
Ocular services are an optional benefit within the Nevada Medicaid Program.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorizations, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ. For further
clarification, please refer to the NCU Manual, Chapter 1000.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1101 AUTHORITY
The citation denoting the amount, duration and scope of services are found in 42 Code of Federal
Regulation (CFR) Part 440.200, and Sections 1902(a), 1902(e), 1905(a), 1905(p), 1915, 1920 and
1925 of the Social Security Act (SSA). CFR 440.225 and 441.30. Nevada State Plan Section 3.1,
Pages 19, 216 and 27.
The State Legislature sets forth standards of practice for licensed professionals in the Nevada
Revised Statutes (NRS) for the following Specialists:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
1102 RESERVED
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1103 POLICY
b. Glasses may be provided at any interval without prior authorization for Early and
Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) recipients, as long as there is
a change in refractive status from the most recent exam, or for broken or lost glasses.
Physician records must reflect this change and the records must be available for
review for the time mandated by the federal government. Recipients enrolled in a
Managed Care plan are mandated to access Healthy Kids EPSDT ocular services
through their Managed Care provider.
2. EXAMINATIONS
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3. LENSES
Lenses are covered for recipients of all ages. No prior authorization is needed for recipients
under 21. For recipients over 21, a prior authorization is required if the 12-month limitation
is exceeded.
a. COVERED
The following are covered for Nevada Medicaid recipients of all ages as noted:
5. Safety lenses when the recipient has vision in only one eye;
9. Filters: PLS 40 filters when prescribed for patients with the following
diagnoses: macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, rod/cone dystrophy or
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
achromastopia. In all these cases, the best uncorrected vision must test better
than 20/200;
11. Bifocals and trifocals are reimbursable for a combination of any of the
conditions at near or far point, including but not limited to: estropia,
esophoria, cataracts, glaucoma, accommodative dysfunctions, nystogmus,
stigmatism, myopia, presbyopia;
12. Double segment lenses required for employment which must be prior
authorized;
15. Low vision aides such as telescopic lenses, magnifying glasses, bioptic
systems and special inserts in regular lenses which must be prior authorized;
16. Scratch-proof coatings for plastic lenses are covered for EPSDT recipients.
b. NON-COVERED
c. The necessary means for avoiding very heavy glasses which would
hurt the bridge of the nose (e.g., where the correction is 9+ diopters
in each eye). The necessary means for avoiding severe imbalance
of the weight of glasses is where one eye is corrected to 9+ diopters
and the other eye is 3+; or
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5. Faceted lenses.
4. FRAMES
a. COVERED
b. NON-COVERED
a. Ocular prosthesis is covered when medically necessary, allowing one per eye, per 60
months (five years).
c. A physician or optometrist must submit a referral for an ocular prosthesis, and the
referral must be maintained in the recipient’s medical record.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
e. For replacement of a prosthetic eye or sclera cover shell, one of the following
justifications must be included:
3. when prior prosthesis was lost or destroyed due to circumstances beyond the
recipient’s control; or
g. If there is one paid claim historically for the same eye, right or left, medical
necessity for a second claim within the 60-month period must include one of the
following conditions:
2. lagophthalmos;
3. ptosis;
5. entropion;
6. ectropion;
7. implant exposure; or
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i. The recipient is responsible for general care and maintenance of the eye socket and
prosthesis, as directed by the provider.
6. VISION THERAPY
Vision therapy is a covered Medicaid benefit and must be prior authorized by the QIO-like
vendor.
1. Providers must confirm the recipient’s eligibility by reviewing the current Medicaid card
before providing services, or access eligibility via the Electronic Verification of Eligibility
(EVE) system.
2. It is the provider’s responsibility to ask the recipient if there is additional visual coverage
through third party payers.
Services requested by the recipient but for which Medicaid makes no payment are the responsibility
of, and may be billed to, the recipient. Nevada Medicaid recipients are only responsible for payment
of services not covered by Medicaid, such as eyeglass extras. Prior to service, the recipient must be
informed in writing and agree in writing he/she will be responsible for payment.
1. The recipient is responsible for presenting a valid Medicaid card to the examiner and/or
optician.
2. The recipient is responsible for presenting any form or identification necessary to utilize
other health insurance coverage.
3. If the recipient selects a frame with a wholesale cost greater than the Medicaid allowable,
they will be responsible for the additional amount. The recipient’s agreement to make
payment must be in writing. A copy of the agreement must be retained in the recipient’s
chart. The Nevada Medicaid Surveillance and Utilization Review Unit (SUR) conducts a
regular review of claims history to monitor this.
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4. If the recipient selects a lens option not covered by Medicaid, he/she is then responsible for
payment only of the non-covered options. Medicaid pays the lens cost minus the cost of
options. Non-covered options must be listed separately on the invoice. Claims will be
returned to providers for correction.
5. If the recipient chooses an ERR warranty which is not covered by Medicaid's payment,
he/she is responsible for warranty payment.
6. The recipient is responsible for making and keeping appointments with the doctor.
7. The recipient is responsible for contacting the provider of the eyeglasses (if different from
the examiner) for fitting and delivery.
8. The recipient is responsible for picking up the eyeglasses and returning for any necessary
adjustments within the time allotted for such adjustments. (Medicaid will not pay for office
visits for adjustments. The provider is expected to make reasonable adjustments and repair,
without charge).
9. UNCLAIMED EYEGLASSES
The recipient has 15 days to claim eyeglasses reimbursed by Nevada Medicaid. If after 15
days, the item is still held by the provider:
b. The caseworker attempts to contact the recipient and make arrangements to claim the
eyeglasses.
If the caseworker is unable to contact the recipient or the recipient refuses to claim
the eyeglasses, the worker advises the Nevada Medicaid Office (NMO) and notifies
the provider the item will not be picked up, NMO then notifies Utilization Control
for a possible restriction of the recipient's medical services.
c. Following notification the item will remain unclaimed, provider may submit a bill in
the normal fashion to the Nevada Medicaid fiscal agent.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1104 HEARINGS
Please reference MSM Chapter 3100, for Medicaid Recipient Hearings process.
Page 2 of 3
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Appendix A, Compounded Updated Last Reviewed by the DUR Board date to read
Section XXX Medications “January 24, 2019.”
1(a) and (f)
Removed language, “Compounded medications at or
above $200 will require a prior authorization.”
Appendix A, Oral Oncology Addition of new PA criteria for Oral Oncology Agents.
Section ZZZ Agents
Page 3 of 3
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
PRESCRIBED DRUGS
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
Page 1
MTL 26/15
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1200
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1200 INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Medicaid Pharmacy Services program pays for medically necessary prescription
services for eligible Medicaid recipients under the care of the prescribing practitioner. Such
services shall maintain a high standard of quality and shall be provided within the limitations and
exclusions hereinafter specified.
All providers participating in the Medicaid program must furnish services in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Medicaid program. Conditions of participation are available from
Provider Services.
This Chapter describes covered services, service limitations and general reimbursement
methodology.
This manual obsoletes all previous policy and procedure manuals, bulletins and policy news.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorizations, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the four areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ
as documented in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1201 AUTHORITY
A. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 42, Public Health, Chapter IV, Center for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Subchapter C Medical Assistance Programs,
Parts 430 through 456, states prescription drug coverage is an optional service under Title
XIX.
B. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1989 mandates additional preventive
health care services for infants, children and young adults (newborn through age 20)
eligible for Medicaid. These mandates provide that children and adolescents under age 21
receive follow-up services for a medically necessary condition discovered in a screening
examination Early Preventative Screening and Diagnostic Testing (EPSDT), see Medicaid
Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 1500; this includes prescription services.
C. CFR Title 42 and Section 1927 of the Social Security Act, require states to provide for a
Drug Utilization Review (DUR) program for covered outpatient drugs in order to assure
that prescriptions are appropriate, medically necessary and not likely to result in adverse
medical results (Social Security Administration (SSA), Title 19, (g)(1)(A)).
D. Section 1927 of the Social Security Act allows a state to require a prior authorization on
any covered outpatient drug, providing the prior authorization program complies with the
requirements outlined in the act.
The Social Security Act requires the establishment of a DUR board to monitor therapeutic
appropriateness, use of generic products, overutilization and underutilization of drugs and
quality of care consistent with protecting the health of program beneficiaries.
E. Chapter 422 of Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) amended by AB 384 to require the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to:
2. manage prescription drug use through the use of prior authorization and step
therapy; and
F. U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran’s Health Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability
Appropriations Act 2007, Section 7002(b) of the act requires Medicaid outpatient drugs
(defined in Section 1927(k)(2) of the Social Security Act) will be reimbursable only if non-
electronic written prescriptions are executed on a tamper-resistant prescription pad.
G. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requires Fee-for-Service (FFS) State Medicaid
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programs to capture and report National Drug Codes (NDC) for outpatient drugs in order
for the state to receive federal financial participation.
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1202 RESERVED
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1203 POLICY
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP), Nevada Medicaid, reimburses
pharmacies and practitioners for legend (prescription) and non-legend (over the counter)
pharmaceuticals dispensed or administered to Medicaid recipients. All prescribers must have a
license as a healthcare practitioner, such as a physician, podiatrist, osteopath, dentist, Advanced
Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), physician’s assistant, etc., keeping within the scope of their
practice. The DHCFP requires that pharmaceuticals are written, dispensed and prescribed in
accordance with the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy regulations and enforcement.
A. Covered drugs are subject to prior authorization and/or quantity limits and the following:
4. The Preferred Drug List (PDL) is a list of preferred outpatient drugs established by
the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee. Reference Medicaid Operations
Manual (MOM) Chapter 200 for the P&T bylaws. Pharmaceuticals not on the
preferred drug list, but within drug classes reviewed by the P&T Committee, require
prior authorization, unless exempt under NRS or federal law or excluded through
recommendations of the P&T Committee or excluded by the DHCFP.
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a. New pharmaceutical products not within reviewed PDL drug classes and
not excluded under the state plan or by NRS are covered without a Standard
Preferred Drug List Exception prior authorization until or if the P&T
Committee adds the drug class to the PDL and reviews the product or
evidence.
e. Due to the 76th Special Session and in accordance with Senate Bill (SB) 4,
every therapeutic prescription drug that is classified as an anticonvulsant
medication or antidiabetic medication that was covered by the Medicaid
program on June 30, 2010 must be included on the PDL as a preferred drug.
If a therapeutic prescription drug that is included on the list of preferred
prescription drugs is prescribed for a clinical indication other than the
indication for which it was approved as of June 30, 2010, the Committee
shall review the new clinical indication for that drug in accordance with
Section 1203 of this chapter.
f. Due to the 76th Special Session and in accordance with SB 4, the P&T
Committee must prefer atypical and typical antipsychotic medications that
are prescribed for the treatment of a mental illness, anticonvulsant
medications and antidiabetic medications for a patient who is receiving
services pursuant to Medicaid if the patient:
1. was prescribed the prescription drug on or before June 30, 2010, and
takes the prescription drug continuously, as prescribed, on and after
that date; and
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Reference Appendix A for coverage and limitations of medications with special criteria.
Drugs that have a “non-preferred” status are a covered benefit for recipients if they meet
the coverage criteria.
e. If there are not two preferred medications within the same class, therapeutic
failure only needs to occur on the one preferred medication;
C. Excluded
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4. Yohimbine.
5. Drug Efficacy Study Implementation (DESI) list “Less than Effective Drugs”: In
accordance with current policy, federal financial participation is not allowed for
any drug on the Federal Upper Limit (FUL) listing for which the FDA has issued a
notice of an opportunity for a hearing as a result of the DESI program which has
been found to be a less than effective or is identical, related or similar to the DESI
drug. The DESI drug is identified by the FDA or reported by the drug manufacturer
for purposes of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. This listing is available on the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at:
http://www.cms.gov/MedicaidDrugRebateProgram/12_LTEIRSDrugs.asp
D. Refills
1. Authorized refills are valid only from the pharmaceutical provider dispensing the
original prescription, pursuant to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 639.
2. Refill intervals must be consistent with the dosage schedule indicated on the
original prescription. If a prescription is for a 34-day supply, a consistent refill
would be filled in 30 days; an inconsistent refill date would be filled in 20 days
from the original fill. Lost medications: Nevada Medicaid does not pay for
replacement of lost, stolen or otherwise destroyed medications even if a physician
writes a new prescription for the medication. It is the responsibility of the recipient
to replace these medications. Prior authorization may be granted in life-threatening
situations and for maintenance medications only. See Maintenance Medications in
this section for more information on maintenance medications.
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E. Early Refills
2. In the instance that a recipient will be out of town when a refill is due, the
pharmacist may enter the appropriate override code to allow an early refill. This
override will be monitored by Nevada Medicaid for misuse/abuse by the recipient
and/or provider.
3. Medicaid will not pay for an early prescription refill when gross negligence or
failure to follow prescriber’s prescription instructions has been displayed by the
recipient.
F. Maintenance Medications
3. A one-time initial fill of less than three months will be allowed for the first fill to
assure tolerability and compliance.
4. Prescription quantities may be reviewed; in those cases where less than a 30-day
supply of maintenance drug is dispensed without reasonable medical justification,
the dispensing fee may be disallowed.
5. The following drug categories are considered maintenance medications and are
required to be filled in three-month (100-day) supplies:
a. Antianginals;
b. Antiarrhythmics;
c. Antidiabetics;
d. Antihypertensives;
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e. Cardiac Glycosides;
f. Diuretics;
g. Estrogens; and
h. Progesterone.
9. In long-term care facilities, if the prescriber fails to indicate the duration of therapy
for a maintenance drug, the pharmacy must estimate and provide at least a 30-day
supply. Exceptions may be based on reasonable stop orders. (For oral liquid
medications only, a 16 fluid ounce quantity will be considered sufficient to fulfill
the 30-day supply requirement.)
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3. The physician must indicate the diagnosis on the prescription (preferably with an
International Classification of Disease (ICD) code) to support the use of the
emergency policy.
All coverage and limitation policies and rules, including any prior authorization
requirements, outlined in this chapter apply to NCU recipients as well as Nevada Medicaid
Fee-for-Service (FFS) recipients. There are NO exceptions.
I. Immunizations
Nevada Medicaid recognizes the importance of preventative health care through vaccines
and immunizations. Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, immunizations are covered
without prior authorization. Reference Appendix A of this chapter.
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through 18 years. Please refer to MSM Chapter 1500 for more information on the
VFC program.
d. If the pharmacist administers the immunization, the dispensing fee will not
be reimbursed. An administration fee is paid instead.
K. Dispensing Practitioners:
1. Must have a current Certificate of Registration through the Nevada State Board of
Pharmacy. Refer to NRS 639.070 and NAC 639.390; and
6. All claims must be submitted in the National Council for Prescription Drug
Programs (NCPDP) format through Medicaid’s Point of Sale (POS) system; and
7. All dispensing practitioners must be compliant with all applicable BOP statutes and
regulations.
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1. The pharmaceutical provider will maintain records for all prescriptions dispensed to
eligible recipients as may be required.
a. The provider will allow, upon request of proper representative, access to all records
that pertain to Medicaid recipients for fiscal review, audit or utilization review.
b. All fiscal records are to be maintained for a period of six years or as specified in
federal regulation.
2. Utilization Control
2. Long Term Care (LTC) claims are subject to all Pro-DUR edits that apply
to retail.
4. No long term override codes are issued, codes must be entered each time
errors occur. Reference the Nevada Medicaid and NCU Pharmacy Manual
(Pharmacy Manual) for more information on the current Pro-DUR edits and
override procedures.
5. All drugs are subject to quantity limitations. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid
and NCU Pharmacy Manual for established quantity limits.
Both recipient and provider profiles (i.e. claim payments) are reviewed to identify
patterns of excess. Verification of receipt of services is ongoing on a sample basis.
Providers may be audited on site.
Nevada Medicaid policy and federal law allows the state appointed DUR Board to
conduct review of the information compiled about individual clients and providers
and allows the DUR Board to educate Medicaid providers about the changes in
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d. Eligibility
Please refer to MSM Chapter 100 for information on Medicaid eligibility, eligibility
verification and the Eligibility Verification System (EVS).
e. Lock-in Program
a. The recipient has utilized more than one pharmacy in the past 60-
day period; or
b. The recipient has utilized more than three physicians in the past 60-
day period; or
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2. The POS system will not allow another pharmacy to bill for controlled
substance prescriptions, and a message will be given at the time of service
to notify the pharmacy that the recipient is locked-in. Any non-controlled
substance prescriptions can be filled at any pharmacy.
4. Pharmacies may call the Technical Call Center for an override to the locked-
in pharmacy if:
3. Generic Substitution
Per NRS Chapter 639, if the practitioner has not indicated that generic substitution is
prohibited, the pharmacy provider must dispense, in substitution, another drug which is
available to him if the other drug:
c. has the same active ingredient or ingredient of the same strength, quantity and form
of dosage as the drug prescribed by brand name; and
d. is of the same generic type as the drug prescribed by brand name the least expensive
of the drugs that are available to him for substitution.
The pharmacy provider shall substitute the least expensive of the drugs available to him/her
for substitution.
Upper Limit cost limitations specified in this Chapter will not apply when a prescriber
certifies that a specific brand of medication is medically necessary for a particular patient.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The physician should document in the patient’s medical record the need for the brand name
product in place of the generic form. The procedure for certification must comply with the
following:
c. The phrase “Dispense as written” is required on the face of the prescription. For
electronically transmitted prescriptions “Dispense as written” must be noted. Not
acceptable: A printed box on the prescription blank checked by the prescriber to
indicate “brand necessary” or a handwritten statement transferred to a rubber stamp
and then stamped on the prescription.
f. A fax copy/verbal order may be taken by the pharmacist from the physician but the
pharmacy must obtain an original printed copy and keep on file.
For the rate and reimbursement methodology see MSM Chapter 700, Rates. For POS claims refer
to the Pharmacy Manual, and for Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) claims refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and NCU Billing Manual (Billing Manual).
1. Institutional settings
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3. Hospice services in NFs, all drugs related to the documented terminal illness
and palliative, symptom relief are to be covered by the hospice and will not
be reimbursed by the DHCFP. Refer to MSM Chapter 3200, Hospice, for
more information.
2. Outpatient Pharmaceuticals
a. COD(s) are billed utilizing the appropriate NDC and NDC quantity
(billed through MMIS).
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6. Emergency Rooms.
a. COD(s) are billed utilizing the appropriate NDC and NDC quantity
(billed through MMIS).
b. CODs are not reimbursed separately, in the following settings, in accordance with
1927(k)(2) of the SSA.
Please refer to MSM Chapter 1300, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), for instructions
on billing and any applicable limitations for these items.
Nevada Medicaid provides reimbursement incentives for LTC providers who repackage
non-unit dose pharmaceuticals; An additional $0.43 per claim is given on pharmaceuticals
that are repackaged for unit dose dispensing. Pharmaceuticals that First Data Bank
classifies as unit dose products are not covered for this policy.
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This incentive is available only to pharmacies supplying long-term care inpatients. The
pharmacy provider must apply to the QIO-like Vendor Pharmacy Department to enroll in
this incentive program.
In accordance with the CMS, State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL) 06-005, repackaging
of pharmaceuticals must be in compliance with the Nevada State BOP. In addition, NFs
must properly credit the Medicaid program for the return of unused prescription medicines
upon discontinuance of the prescription or transfer, discharge or death of a Medicaid
beneficiary. This is to assure there is no double billing of the medication.
On-line COB (cost avoidance) is part of the Nevada Medicaid POS system.
a. If Nevada Medicaid is the recipient’s secondary carrier, claims for COB will be
accepted.
d. If the recipient shows other coverage, the claim will be denied. The POS system
will return a unique client-identified carrier code identifying the other carrier, the
recipient’s policy number and the carrier name in the additional message filed. It is
possible that a recipient may have more than one active other carrier; in that case,
the returned code will be from the first carrier, subsequent codes will be returned
until fully exhausted. Providers will be required to submit this code OTHER
PAYER ID (#340-7C) field as part of the override process.
e. Even if “no other insurance” is indicated on the eligibility file, the claim will be
processed as a Third Party Liability (TPL) claim if the pharmacy submits.
f. If other insurance is indicated on the eligibility file, the claim will be processed as
a TPL regardless of what TPL codes the pharmacy submits.
g. In all cases, the Nevada Medicaid “allowed amount” will be used when calculating
payment. In some cases, this may result in a “0” payment, when the insurance
carrier pays more than the Medicaid “allowable amount.”
h. In order to facilitate the TPL/COB process, Nevada Medicaid will allow providers
to override “days supply limits” and/or “Drug Requires PA” conditions by entering
a value of “5” (exemption from prescription limits) in the PA/MC CODE field
(NCPCP #416DG) if there are no prior authorization requirements on these drugs
from the primary insurer.
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PLEASE NOTE:
PLEASE NOTE:
Inhalers and Aerosols: must be billed as either grams or ml, as specified by the
manufacturer on the labeling. For example a 90mcg(microgram)/inh Albuterol
Inhaler has a total of 17gm in the canister. If one of these is dispensed, 17 will be
quantity entered.
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1 ounce = 30ml
1 ounce = 30g
Powdered Injectables (vials): must be billed by “each” vial given per dose. For
example if the recipient receives Ampicillin 1g every six hours for one week, the
quantity entered will be 1, as only one vial is used per dose (assuming a 1gm vial
is used), and the # of doses entered will be 28 (four per day x seven days).
PLEASE NOTE: If the product is supplied with a diluent, the quantity entered is
only the number of powdered vials dispensed, the diluent is not factored in.
Blood Derived Products: products may vary in potency from batch to batch.
Anithemophilic products must be billed as the number of antihemophilic units
dispensed (each). Prolastin must similarly be billed as the number of milligrams
dispensed (each).
Kits: defined as products with a least two different or discreet items (excluding
diluents, applicators and activation devices) in the same package, intended for
dispensing as a unit. Kits carry only a single NDC. Kits are intended to be dispensed
as a unit and should be billed as a unit of each kit dispensed (each).
For further information, refer to the NCPDP Billing Unit Standard Format Official
Release.
b. Provider Numbers
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2. The DHCFP or QIO-like vendor will perform monthly updates of the drugs
subject to the SMAC.
3. All drugs subject to the SMAC and updates will be posted on the following
website:
http://www.medicaid.nv.gov/providers/rx/MACinfo.aspx
b. Providers may appeal the current SMAC for a pharmaceutical product if a provider
determines that a particular multi-source drug is not available at the current SMAC
reimbursement.
1. The pharmacy must contact the QIO-like vendor technical call center to
initiate the appeal.
3. Inquiries not resolved by the technical call center are forwarded to the QIO-
like vendor’s SMAC Coordinator for investigation and resolution.
a. adjust SMAC pricing for the particular claim being appealed; and
1. PA requests may be done via phone, fax or via the internet. A facsimile signature stamp is
acceptable on faxed PA requests.
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4. The QIO-like vendor will process the PA request within 24 hours of receipt.
b. For PA requests in which the QIO-like vendor has pended the request for further
information, the prior authorization will deny if the practitioner does not respond
to a request for further information within three working days.
5. An approved PA will be entered in the POS system prior to the dispensing of the
medication. There may be situations in which an authorization request is considered after
the fact (e.g. retroactive eligibility).
6. The Nevada Medicaid QIO-like vendor will send all Notice of Decision denial of service
letters. Reference MSM Chapter 3100 for the information on hearings.
7. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Billing Manual for more
information.
For specific instructions related to billing via the POS system, refer to the Nevada Medicaid Check-
Up Pharmacy Billing Manual.
A. Billing Guidelines
IV therapy is billed through the pharmacy POS system using the multi-ingredient
functionality. Drug coverage edits and prior authorization edits will be processed at the
individual ingredient level.
1. For recipients in LTC, a daily dispensing fee of $10.17 will be applied to IV therapy
claims. This dispensing fee will be multiplied by the number of days the therapy
was provided
a. Non-Billable Items
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b. Billable Items
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1204 HEARINGS
1204.1 Please reference MSM Chapter 3100 for the Medicaid Hearings process.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on
the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Prior Authorization is not required for once per day treatment if the following
criteria is met:
b. Requests for PPIs exceeding once per day must meet one of the following:
B. Bevyxxa® (betrixaban)
Bevyxxa® (betrixaban) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial request:
C. Agents used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)
Agents for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) are subject to prior authorization and quantity limits based on the Application
of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval for medications will be given if the following criteria is met and documented:
2. An initial evaluation or regular examination has been done within the past
12 months with the treating prescriber and medical notes documenting all
of the following:
a. A physical evaluation;
b. A developmental history;
2. All of the following must be met and documented in the recipient’s medical
record:
2. Exception Criteria
1. The recipient is at least six years of age for short acting stimulants or at least
six years of age for long-acting stimulants, long acting alpha agonists,
atomoxetine);
D. Growth Hormone
Growth Hormones are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA Act and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
1. Children (up to age 21, with open epiphyses and with remaining growth
potential) must meet all of the following:
b. The recipient has had an evaluation ruling out all other causes for
short stature; and
below the third percentile for the recipient’s age and gender;
or
2. Adults (age 21 years and older, with closed epiphyses, and no remaining
growth potential) must meet all of the following:
3. Continued authorization will be given for recipients (up to age 21, with
remaining growth potential) who meet all of the following:
b. Serostim® (somatropin)
2. The medication is indicated to increase lean body mass, body weight and
physical endurance; and
c. Zorbtive® (somatropin)
b. Prior authorization approval will be six months for initial authorization (for all
somatropin products except for Serostim®).
c. Prior authorization approval will be one year for continuing treatment (for all
somatropin products except Serostim®).
E. Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations
based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR
Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Any more than two prescription requests for medications within the same therapeutic class
will require prior authorization.
A Prior Authorization form must be submitted to the Nevada QIO-like vendor. The QIO-
like vendor will request further information needed on a case by case basis to determine
the necessity of the medication for the recipient.
F. Transdermal Fentanyl
Transdermal fentanyl, a narcotic agonist analgesic, is indicated in the management of chronic pain
in patients requiring continuous opioid analgesia for pain that cannot be managed by lesser means
such as acetaminophen-opioid combinations, non-steroidal analgesics or PRN dosing with short-
acting opioids. Transdermal fentanyl is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based
on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
d. If transitioning from another opioid, daily morphine equivalent doses are used to
calculate the appropriate fentanyl patch dose.
10. Morphine 855-944 mg/day PO; initial Transdermal Fentanyl dose 250
mcg/hr.
11. Morphine 945-1034 mg/day PO; initial Transdermal Fentanyl dose 275
mcg/hr.
12. Morphine 1035-1124 mg/day PO; initial Transdermal Fentanyl dose 300
mcg/hr.
Immediate-Release Fentanyl Products are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations
based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR
Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
1. The recipient is > 18 years of age or > 16 years of age if requesting fentanyl
citrate transmucosal lozenge (Actiq®); and
H. Hematopoietic/Hematinic Agents
This policy applies in all settings with the exception of inpatient facilities. Hematopoietics and
Hematinics are subject to prior authorizations and quantity limitations based on the Application of
Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
a Achieve and maintain hemoglobin levels within the range of 10 to 12 gm/dl in one
of the following conditions:
b Epoetin alfa (Epogen®) is indicated to reduce the need for allogenic transfusions
in surgery patients when a significant blood loss is anticipated. It may be used to
achieve and maintain hemoglobin levels within the range of 10 to 13 gm/dl.
Darbepoetin Alfa (Aranesp®) does not have this indication.
2. Non-Covered Indications
a. Any anemia in cancer or cancer treatment patients due to folate deficiency, B-12
deficiency, iron deficiency, hemolysis, bleeding or bone marrow fibrosis.
b. Anemia associated with the treatment of acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias
(CML, AML) or erythroid cancers.
Prior approval will be given for a one month period. Recent laboratory results are required
for prior authorization, i.e. serum hemoglobin within seven days of prior authorization
request.
I. Anti-Fungal Onychomycosis
Anti-Fungal Onychomycosis Agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations
based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR
Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. The agent is U.S. FDA approved for the treatment of onychomycosis (tinea
unguium).
c. And the requested length of therapy is appropriate, based on the agent and infection
location.
2. Itraconazole: The recipient does not have a diagnosis of heart failure and
there is no evidence of ventricular dysfunction.
3. Oral granules dosage form: clinical rationale documenting why the recipient
cannot or should not use terbinafine tablets or itraconazole capsules.
a. The extent of prior authorization approvals will be based on the appropriate use for
the individual agents.
J. Benlysta® (belimumab)
Benlysta® (belimumab) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial request:
b. Recertification Request (the recipient must meet all the following criteria):
1. Authorization for continued use shall be reviewed at least every six months
when the following criteria are met:
K. Regranex®
Regranex® is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the Application of
Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
L. Immunomodulator Drugs
Immunomodulator Drugs are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
3. The approval will not be given for the use of more than one biologic at a
time (combination therapy); and
3. The recipient has had a rheumatology consultation, including the date of the
visit; and one of the following:
a. The recipient has had RA for < six months (early RA) and has high
disease activity; and an inadequate or adverse reaction to a disease
modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) (methotrexate,
b. The recipient has had RA for > six months (intermediate or long-
term disease duration) and has moderate disease activity and has an
inadequate response to a DMARD (methotrexate,
hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, minocycline or sulfasalazine); or
c. The recipient has had RA for > six months (intermediate or long-
term disease duration) and has high disease activity.
c. Psoriatic Arthritis:
3. The recipient has had a rheumatology consultation including the date of the
visit or a dermatology consultation including the date of the visit; and
d. Ankylosing Spondylitis:
4. The recipient has had an inadequate response to any one of the DMARDs
(methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalzine, leflunomide,
minocycline).
4. The recipient has three or more joints with limitation of motion and pain,
tenderness or both; and
f. Plaque Psoriasis:
5. The recipient has failed to adequately respond to at least one oral treatment.
g. Crohn’s Disease:
h. Ulcerative Colitis:
3. And the recipient has failed to adequately respond to one or more of the
following standard therapies:
a. Corticosteroids;
c. Immunosuppresants; and/or
d. Thiopurines.
M. Topical Immunomodulators
Topical Immunomodulators drugs are a subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations and
quantity limitations based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or
approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for
specific quantity limits.
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Patient must have a therapeutic failure with the use of a topical steroid.
d. Elidel® is not recommended for use on patients with Netherton’s syndrome due to
the potential for systemic absorption.
e. The recipient must have had therapeutic failure with the trial of a topical steroid of
at least 14 days within the last six months for approval of Eucrisa®.
Psychotropic medications for children and adolescents are subject to prior authorization based on
the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for billing information.
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented.
The DHCFP requires prior authorization approval for children and adolescents for the
psychotropic therapeutic classes below and medication combinations considered to be
poly-pharmacy. The DHCFP has adopted the following practice standards to strengthen
treatment outcomes for our children and adolescents.
1. Antipsychotics
2. Antidepressants
4. Sedative hypnotics
5. Antianxiety agents
b. For all children under 18 years of age, the following must be documented in the
medical record for authorization.
a. For recipients who are in initial treatment (have not received any
doses previously) or are continuing therapy but are considered
unstable (has had a dose change in the last three months), medical
documentation must support a monthly or more frequent visit with
the physician and/or precsriber. If the recipient was discharged from
an institution on the medication, the follow-up visit(s) can be with
their treating physician and/or prescriber.
5. The recipient must have a trial of each individual medication alone. The
reasons for an inadequate response must be documented in the medical
record.
d. For children under six years of age, in addition to the Coverage and Limitation
requirements, all psychotropic medications require a prior authorization approval
and must be utilized for a medically accepted indication as established by the FDA
and/or peer-reviewed literature.
1. For recipients under 18 years of age, who have been discharged from an
institutional facility, they will be allowed to remain on their discharge
medication regimen for up to six months to allow the recipient time to
establish outpatient mental health services. The initial prior authorization
after discharge must document the name of the discharge institution and the
date of discharge.
2. For all other recipients under the age of 18, a six month prior authorization
will be granted to cover current medication(s) when it is documented that
the recipient has been started and stabilized. This will allow the recipient
time to establish services if necessary and to transition to medication(s) per
Nevada Medicaid policy.
a. Treatment for seizure disorders with anticonvulsants are not subject to this policy.
The ICD Codes for Epilepsy and/or Convulsions will bypass the prior authorization
requirement at the pharmacy POS if the correct ICD Code is written on the
prescription and transmitted on the claim. Or the prior authorization requirement
will be overridden for anticonvulsant medications when the prescriber has a
provider Specialty Code of 126, neurology or 135, pediatric neurology, in the POS
system.
O. Lidoderm 5% Patches®
Topical Lidoderm Patches® are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations
based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the
DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific
quantity limits.
Authorization will be given if one of the following criteria are met and documented:
Xolair® (Omalizumab) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
A. Xolair® (Omalizumab)
1. The recipient will not use the requested antiasthmatic monoclonal antibody
in combination with other antiasthmatic monoclonal antibodies.
2. All of the following criteria must be met and documented for a diagnosis of
moderate to severe persistent asthma:
3. All the following criteria must be met and documented for diagnosis of
chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU):
C. Fasenra® (benralizumab)
1. Pulmonologist; or
2. Allergy/Immunology specialist.
1. Pulmonologist; or
2. Allergy/Immunology specialist.
Q. Long-Acting Narcotics
Long-Acting Narcotics are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
The current criteria for the use of fentanyl transdermal patches (Appendix A, (F.)) or
oxycodone/acetaminophen ER tablets (Appendix A, (XX.)) is to be met.
For all other long-acting narcotics requests that exceed the quantity limit, the following
criteria must be met and documented:
2. The requested agent will be used for the management of pain severe enough
to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment; and
The pharmaceutical Toradal® is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on
the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Ketorolac is indicated for the short-term (up to five days) management of moderately
severe acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level. It is not indicated for minor or
chronic painful conditions. The following criteria must be met:
The prior authorization must be initiated by the prescriber. The approved prior
authorization must be available if requested.
S. Anti-Migraine Medications
Serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists commonly referred to as “triptans” and CGRP Receptor
Inhibitor medications or anti-migraine medications are subject to prior authorization and quantity
limitations based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by
the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific
quantity limits.
An approved prior authorization is required for any prescription exceeding the quantity
limits. Approval for additional medication beyond these limits will be considered only
under the following circumstances:
b. The medical provider is aware of and understands the implications of daily use
and/or overuse of triptans and agrees to counsel the patient on this issue in an effort
to taper the quantity of triptan medication required monthly.
Approval for exceeding the quantity limits on tripitans will be given for a two month time
period.
The prior authorization must be initiated by the prescriber. The approved prior
authorization must be available if requested.
a. Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
Episodic Migraines
1. Initial request:
c. The recipient must have four to 14 migraine days per month, but no
more than 14 headache days per month; and
Chronic Migraines
2. Initial request:
2. Recertification Request:
a. The recipient must have documented positive clinical response to CGRP therapy;
and
b. The use of acute migraine medications (e.g., NSAIDs, triptans) has decreased since
the start of CGRP therapy.
Smoking cessation products, including patches, gums, lozenges and inhalers (based on the
recipients’ route of choice), are subject to quantity limitations based on the Application of
Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
U. Short-Acting Bronchodilators
Short-Acting Bronchodilators are subject to PA and quantity limitations based on the Application
of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
1. This criteria applies to, but is not limited to, the following list:
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
1. Quantity Limits:
2. In order to exceed the quantity limit, a recipient must meet all of the
following:
b. The recipient has been assessed for causes of asthma and external
triggers have been removed or reduced where possible.
3. For recipients 18 years of age or younger the following criteria must be met:
2. Xopenex®
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
See Section N of this Appendix for criteria for Sedatives and Hypnotics when prescribed for a
psychotropic indication.
Sedatives Hypnotics are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented.
Therapeutic Class:
Last Reviewed by the DUR Board:
Inhaled anticholinergic agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on
the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
1. General Criteria
X. Antiemetics
Antiemetics are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the Application of
Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
An approved prior authorization is required for any prescription exceeding the quantity limits.
Approval for additional medication beyond these limits will be considered only under the
following circumstances:
b. The recipient is receiving chemotherapy treatments more often than once a week;
or
d. The recipient has a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum and has failed at least one
other antiemetic therapy or all other available therapies are medically
contraindicated.
A prior authorization to override the quantity limits to allow for a 30-day fill for these drugs
may be effective for up to six months.
Cannabinoid Antiemetics
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Nabilone
4. The prescriber is aware of the potential for mental status changes associated
with the use of this agent and will closely monitor the recipient.
b. Dronabinol
Y. Synagis® (palivizumaub)
Synagis® (palivizumab) injections are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based
on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
For consideration outside these guidelines, a prior authorization may also be submitted with
supporting medical necessity documentation.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Recipients younger than 12 months of age at the start of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
(RSV) season, must meet one of the following criteria:
b. Recipients younger than two years of age at the start of RSV season must meet one
of the following criteria:
a. Prior authorization approval will be up to five doses per RSV season for recipients
meeting criteria.
Therapeutic Class: Opioids, Last reviewed by the DUR Board: July 26, 2018
Opioid Containing Cough Preparations Last reviewed by the DUR Board: July 26, 2018
Opoids Prescribed to Under Age 18: Last Reviewed by the DUR Board: October 18, 2018
Opioids, Opioid Containing Cough Preparations and Opioids Prescribed to Under Age 18 are
subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the Application of Standards in
Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and
Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Opioids
b. Recipients currently on chronic opioid medications will not be subject to the seven-
day requirement for an opioid(s) they have been receiving in the past 45 days.
3. CDC Guidance:
a. http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prescribing/guideline.html.
d. For references purposes, codeine and tramadol for children prior authorization
criteria can also be found within this chapter in Section TTT.
b. Recipients currently on chronic opioid medications will not be subject to the three-
day requirement for an opioid(s) they have been receiving in the past 45 days.
d. Exceptions:
f. Prescribing Guidance:
1. CDC Guidance:
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prescribing/guideline.html
1. Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia:
BB. Buprenorphine/Naloxone
a. To initiate therapy:
b. To re-initiate therapy:
1. Approval will be given if all of the following criteria are met and
documented:
d. Requests that exceed the quantity limit must meet all of the following:
Ampyra® (dalfampridine) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval for Ampyra® (dalfampridine) will be given if all of the following criteria are met
and documented:
a. Ampyra® (dalfampridine)
2. The medication is being used to improve the recipient’s walking speed; and
4. The recipient is ambulatory and has an EDSS score between 2.5 and 6.5;
and
5. The recipient does not have moderate to severe renal dysfunction (CrCL
>50 ml/min); and
a. Recipient is a male;
c. The patient has two morning pre-treatment testosterone levels below the lower limit
of the normal testosterone reference range of the individual laboratory used;
d. The patient does not have breast or prostate cancer, a palpable prostate nodule or
induration, prostate-specific antigen greater than 4 ng/ml or severe lower urinary
symptoms with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) > 19;
f. The patient does not have untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea; and
g. The patient does not have uncontrolled or poorly controlled heart failure.
Colchicine (Colcrys®) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Colchicine Tablets
1. The recipient has a diagnosis of acute gout (does not require prophylaxis)
and the recipient must meet all of the following:
a. The recipient is 16 years of age or older and must meet one of the
following:
b. Colchicine Capsules
a. The recipient is 18 years of age or older and the recipient must meet
one of the following:
Thrombin Inhibitors are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA Act and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
Antihemophilia Agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
5. The use is supported by clinical research in two articles from major peer
reviewed medical journals that present data supporting the proposed off-
label use or uses as generally safe and effective unless there is clear and
convincing contradictory evidence presented in a major peer-reviewed
medical journal; and
a. AHFS Compendium;
c. The dispensing provider will monitor the amount of product a recipient has left to
avoid over-stock; and
e. A new prior authorization will be required for any dose adjustment in excess of 5%
(increase or decrease).
Anti-Hepatitis Agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA Act and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
4. The recipient has not failed a prior HCV NS5A-containing regimen (e.g.,
Daklinza); and
a. Hepatologist
b. Gastroenterologist
1. Hepatologist
2. Gastroenterologist
c. Harvoni® (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
1. Hepatologist
2. Gastroenterologist
d. Mavyret® (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir)
1. Hepatologist
2. Gastroenterologist
e. Olysio® (simeprevir)
2. The recipient has not experienced failure with a previous treatment regimen
that includes Olysio® or other HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors (e.g.,
Incivek® (telaprevir), Victrelis® (boceprevir)); and
a. Hepatologist
b. Gastroenterologist
f. Sovaldi® (sofosbuvir)
1. Hepatologist
2. Gastroenterologist
7. Genotype 1
8. Genotype 3
5. The recipient does not have moderate to severe hepatic impairment (e.g.,
Child-Pugh class B or C); and
a. Hepatologist
b. Gastroenterologist
1. The following is required for all Viekira Pak®, Viekira XR® treatment:
1. Hepatologist
2. Gastroenterologist
i. Vosevi® (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir)
1. Hepatologist
2. Gastroenterologist
j. Zepatier® (elbasvir/grazoprevir)
1. Hepatologist
2. Gastroenterologist
polymorphisms
b. The recipient has had prior failure to peginterferon alfa plus Ribavirin;
and
Daliresp® (roflumilast) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
Hereditary angioedema agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on
the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
b. Prior authorization requests for continuation therapy will be approved for one year.
Incretin Mimetics are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
a. An ICD code for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is documented on the prescription and
transmitted on the claim; or
Kalydeco® (ivacaftor) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
c. There is documentation that the recipient has had an FDA-approved cystic fibrosis
mutation test confirming the presence of one of the gene mutations listed in the
FDA-approved package insert; and
2. Recertification Request (the recipient must meet all the following criteria)
a. Authorization for continued use shall be reviewed at least every 12 months when
the following criteria are met:
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
Brilinta® (ticagrelor) and Effient® (prasugrel) are subject to prior authorization and quantity
limitations based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by
the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific
quantity limits.
Authorization will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Brilinta® (ticagrelor)
4. The recipient has been started and stabilized on the requested medication;
or
b. Effient® (prasugrel)
5. The recipient has been started and stabilized on the requested medication;
or
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
3. The recipient is not receiving any second line or third line osteoporosis
therapy concurrently; and
b. Male Osteoporosis
3. The recipient is not receiving any second line or third line osteoporosis
therapy concurrently; and
3. The recipient is not receiving any second line or third line osteoporosis
therapy concurrently; and
d. Breast Cancer
3. The recipient is not receiving any second line or third line osteoporosis
therapy concurrently; and
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
c. The recipient has a history of osteoporotic fracture or has multiple risk factors for
fracture;
e. The recipient is not receiving any second line or third line osteoporosis therapy
concurrently; and
f. The total duration of treatment with this agent has not exceeded two years.
QQ. RESERVED
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
d. Other causes for anemia have been evaluated and ruled out (e.g., iron, vitamin B12
or folate deficiencies);
e. The recipient’s hemoglobin level is <10 g/dL, (laboratory values from the previous
14 days must accompany the request); and
Colony Stimulating Factors are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
b. The requests for a diagnosis of nonmyeloid malignancy must meet one of the
following criteria:
2. The recipient is at high risk for complications from neutropenia (e.g., sepsis
syndrome, current infection, age > 65 years, absolute neutrophil count
(ANC) < 100 cells/μL or the expected duration of neutropenia is > 10 days);
or
3. The recipient has experienced a prior episode of febrile neutropenia and the
requested drug will be used as secondary prophylaxis.
Auvi-Q® (Epinephrine Injection Device) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations
based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR
Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
UU. RESERVED
Acne agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the Application of
Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
b. The recipient has a diagnosis of moderate to severe acne (Grade III or higher).
Irritable-Bowel Syndrome Agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limits based on
the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
a. Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. More than two fills of a quantity of 60 each, within six months requires an approved
Prior authorization documenting the reason to exceed the prescribing limit.
GnRH Analogs are subject to prior authorization and quantity limits based on the Application of
Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
a. This prior authorization criteria only applies to recipients who are under 18 years
of age. Approval of Lupron® (leuprolide) will be given if all the following criteria,
per individual diagnosis, are met and documented:
1. CPP: One year, or until the member reaches the age of 11 years (female) or
12 years (male).
Vivitrol® (naltrexone) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
Xyrem® (sodium oxybate), Provigil® (modafinil), Nuvigil® (armodafinil) are subject to prior
authorizations and quantity limitations based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of
the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up
Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
b. The recipient’s medical records documents one of the following risk factors for
developing a NSAID-related ulcer:
4. The recipient has had gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass);
and
d. The recipient has experienced an NSAID-associated ulcer in the past while taking
a single-entity proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or prostaglandin agent concomitantly
with an NSAID or the recipient is intolerant to both PPIs and prostaglandin agents;
and
Approval will be given if all of the following criteria are met and documented:
a. The requested drug is being used for a FDA approved indication; and
Corlanor® (ivabradine) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. The extent of prior authorization approvals will be based on the appropriate use for
the individual agents.
Anti-lipidemic Agents – PCSK9 Inhibitors are subject to prior authorization and quantity
limitation based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by
the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific
quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial Request:
5. And the recipient must meet one of the following (a, b, c, or d):
3. The LDL-C after therapy for at least the past three months
was > 100 mg/dL (HeFH) for > 70 mg/dL (clinical
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease); and
a. atorvastatin 10 to 20 mg; or
b. rosuvastatin 5 to 10 mg; or
e. lovastatin 40 mg; or
f. fluvastatin XL 80 mg; or
h. pitavastatin > 2 mg
4. The LDL-C after therapy for at least the past three months
was > 100 mg/dL (HeFH) or > 70 mg/dL (clinical
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease); and
a. The recipient has been adherent with PCSK-9 inhibitor therapy; and
b. The recipient has been adherent with statin therapy or the recipient has a labeled
contraindication to statin therapy; and
Invega Trinza® (paliperidone palmitate) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations
based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR
Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented.
Medications for recipients on hospice are subject to prior authorization and quantity limits based
on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
1. The prescriber has verified the recipient is enrolled in the hospice program;
and
3. The requested medication is not being used for palliative care; and
4. Medically necessary curative medications for this age group are covered
by the DHCFP pursuant to Sections 1905(o)(1) and 2110(a)(23) of the
SSA.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
c. The recipient is homozygous for the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene; and
e. The requested dose is one tablet every 12 hours in the presence of severe hepatic
impairment.
Hetlioz® (tasimelteon) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limits based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all following criteria are met and documented:
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. The recipient has a diagnosis of chronic heart failure NYHA Class II to IV; and
b. The recipient has reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); and
h. Entresto® will be given twice daily with a maximum dose of 97/103 mg.
Neurokinin-1 antagonists and combinations are subject to prior authorization and quantity limits
based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR
Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
For requests to exceed the quantity limits approval will be given if all the following criteria
are met and documented:
d. And, it is medical necessity for the recipient to exceed the quantity limit (e.g.,
duration of chemotherapy cycle).
Opioid-induced constipation agents are subject to prior authorization and quantity limits based on
the Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board.
Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
b. The requested medication is being used for an FDA approved indication; and
b. Osmotic laxatives;
c. Saline laxatives;
d. Stimulant laxatives
d. And, requests for methylnaltrexone bromide that exceed the quantity limit must
meet all of the following criteria:
Exondys 51® (eteplirsen) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all of the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial request:
4. The prescribed dose does not exceed 30 milligrams per kilogram of body
weight once weekly.
b. Recertification Request (the recipient must meet all the following criteria).
1. The recipient has been on therapy for less than 12 months; and
4. The prescribed dose will not exceed 30 milligrams per kilogram of body
weight once weekly; and
Spinraza® (nusinersen) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial request:
b. Recertification Request (the recipient must meet all the following criteria):
1. The recipient has been on therapy for less than 12 months; and
1. Coverage and Limitations for Diagnosis of Chorea Associated with Huntington’s Disease
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial request:
4. Prior authorization will not be approved for recipients who are suicidal or
have untreated/inadequately treated depression, or hepatic impairment, or
are currently utilizing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), reserpine
or tetrabenazine.
b. Recertification request (the recipient must meet all of the following criteria):
2. Recertification will not be approved for recipients who are suicidal or have
untreated/inadequately treated depression, or hepatic impairment, or are
currently utilizing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), reserpine or
tetrabenazine.
Approval will be given if all of the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial Request:
b. Recertification request (the recipient must meet all the following criteria):
Brineura® (cerliponase alfa) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial request:
5. The drug must be administered by, or under the direction of, a physician
knowledgeable in intraventricular administration; and
b. Recertification request (the recipient must meet all of the following criteria):
Ingrezza® (valbenazine) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
A. Initial request:
4. The recipient must not be a candidate for a trial of dose reduction, tapering
or discontinuation of the offending medication.
B. Recertification request (the recipient must meet all of the following criteria):
Emflaza® (deflazacort) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
A. Initial request:
3. The recipient must have received genetic testing for a mutation of the
dystrophin gene, and one of the following:
5. The recipient has had at least a three month trial and failure of prednisone
(prednisolone or equivalent dose) or a documented intolerance to
prednisone (prednisolone or equivalent dose) given at a dose of 0.75
mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/week; and
6. The dose will not exceed 0.9 milligrams per kilogram of body weight once
daily.
B. Recertification request (the recipient must meet all of the following criteria):
b. The dose will not exceed 0.9 milligrams per kilogram of body
weight once daily.
Xadago® (safinamide) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if all the following criteria are met and documented:
A. Initial request:
4. Recipient reports greater than 1.5 hours per day of “off” episodes (“off”
episodes refer to “end-of-dose wearing off” and unpredictable “on/off”
episodes); and
5. Recipient must not also be taking any of the following drugs: other MAOIs,
or other drugs that are potent inhibitors of MAOI (e.g., linezolid), opioid
drugs (e.g., tramadol, meperidine and related derivatives), selective
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tri- or tetra-cyclic or
triazolopyridine antidepressants (TCAs), cyclobenzaprine,
methylphenidate, amphetamine and their derivatives, St. John’s wort or
dextromethorphan; and
6. The recipient must not have severe hepatic impairment (e.g., Child-Pugh
C).
B. Recertification request (the recipient must meet all of the following criteria):
treatments.
Codeine, codeine with acetaminophen and tramadol, tramadol with acetaminophen are subject to
prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the Application of Standards in Section 1927
of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up
Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
b. The lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time is being
requested; and
c. The recipient must not be obese (BMI > 30 kg/m²), have obstructive
sleep apnea, or severe lung disease; and
d. The recipient is not being prescribed the drug for post-surgical pain
following a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
b. The lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time is being
requested; and
c. The recipient must not be obese (BMI > 30 kg/m²), have obstructive
sleep apnea, or severe lung disease; and
d. The recipient is not being prescribed the drug for post-surgical pain
following a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy; and
e. The prescribed dose does not exceed 200mg/day and does not
exceed a five day supply.
2. Tramadol Extended Release (ER) will not be approved for children under
A High Dollar Claim is defined as a single point-of-sale claim that exceeds $10,000. A High Dollar
Claim is subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the Application of
Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada
Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits. If other prior authorization
criteria exists, it will supersede this criteria.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
5. The use is supported by clinical research in two articles from major peer-
reviewed medical journals that present data supporting the proposed off-
label use or uses as generally safe and effective unless there is clear and
c. Excluded:
Symdeko® (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) is subject to prior authorization and quantity limits based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Initial Request:
a. Pulmonologist
b. The recipient has one of the FDA approved package insert listed
mutations on at least one allele in the CF transmembrane
conductance regulator (CFTR) gene as detected by FDA cleared
cystic fibrosis mutation test or CLIA approved facility.
Botulinum toxins are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
1. Policy
Botulinum toxin injections are a Nevada Medicaid covered benefit for certain spastic
conditions including, but not limited to cerebral palsy, stroke, head trauma, spinal cord
injuries and multiple sclerosis. The injections may reduce spasticity or excessive muscular
contractions to relieve pain, to assist in posturing and ambulation, to allow improved range
of motion, to permit better physical therapy and provide adequate perineal hygiene.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
e. Coverage will be approved for one injection per site. A site is defined as including
muscles of a single contiguous body part, such as a single limb, eyelid, face or neck.
f. Coverage will not be provided for injections given for cosmetic or for
investigational purposes.
3. Recertification Request (the recipient must meet all the following criteria):
a. Authorization for continued use shall be reviewed at least every 12 months when
the following criteria are met:
Compounded medications are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
c. If any prescription ingredients require prior authorization and/or step therapy, all
drug specific criteria must also be met; and
d. The compounded medication must not be used for cosmetic purpose; and
e. The compounded medication must not include any ingredient that has been
withdrawn or removed from the market due to safety reasons (drugs withdrawn
from the market due to safety or effectiveness); and
f. The recipient has tried and failed therapy or had an intolerance to at least two FDA-
approved, commercially available prescription therapeutic alternatives, one of
which is the same route of administration as the requested compound, unless one
of the following criteria are met:
a. Prior authorization approval will be for six months unless the provider requests for
a shorter length of therapy.
YYY. Antibiotics
Antibiotic medications are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
If applicable, reference current Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) (or equivalent
organization) guidelines to support the use of the following:
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. Sivextro® (tedizolid)
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
b. Zyvox® (linezolid)
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
1. Acute Care
5. References
c. IDSA Guidelines:
https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guidelines/#/score/DESC/0/+/
Oral oncology agents are subject to prior authorization based on the Application of Standards in
Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid and
Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
1. Coverage and Limitations (this criteria only applies if other product-specific criteria is not
available in MSM Chapter 1200 – Prescribed Drugs)
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
a. The recipient has a diagnosis that is indicated in the FDA approved package insert
or listed in nationally recognized compendia, for the determination of medically
accepted indications; and
b. If the oral oncology medication is not indicated as a first line agent, either in the
FDA approved package insert or nationally recognized compendia, then
documentation of previous therapies tried and failed is required; and
d. The recipient does not have any contraindications to the requested oral oncology
medication; and
e. The requested quantity and dosing regimen falls within the manufacturer’s
published dosing guidelines or nationally recognized compendia and is appropriate
for the recipient’s age; and
2. Recertification Request
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) agents are subject to prior authorization based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
b. The recipient has one of the following ICD-10 diagnosis codes submitted on the
pharmacy claim:
ICD-10 Description
127.20 Pulmonary Hypertension, Unspecified
127.21 Secondary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
127.22 Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease
127.23 Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Lung Diseases and Hypoxia
127.9 Pulmonary Heart Disease, Unspecified
BBBB. Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are subject to prior authorization and quantity limitations based on the
Application of Standards in Section 1927 of the SSA and/or approved by the DUR Board. Refer
to the Nevada Medicaid and Check Up Pharmacy Manual for specific quantity limits.
Cannabinoid
Epidiolex® (cannabidiol)
Approval will be given if the following criteria are met and documented:
c. A recent serum transaminase (ALT and AST) and total bilirubin level has been
obtained and is within normal limits; and
e. The total dose does not exceed 20 mg/kg/day (10mg/kg twice daily); and
f. The medication will be used as adjunctive therapy (the recipient has been taking
one or more antiepileptic drugs and has chart notes confirming the presence of at
least four convulsive seizures per month).
2. Recertification Request
b. Serum transaminase (ALT and AST) and total bilirubin level has been re-checked
per package insert.
4. For anticonvulsant criteria for children and adolescents, refer to Section N, titled
Psychotropic Medications for Children and Adolescents.
A. Prenatal Vitamins
B. Oral/Topical Contraceptives
C. Gender Edits
1. Hormones
A diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder will bypass the gender edit if the appropriate
ICD code is documented on the prescription and transmitted on the claim.
3. ANTIRETROVIRALS
Antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV/AIDS are a covered benefit for Nevada Medicaid recipients. FDA
approved antiretrovirals whose manufacturers participate in the federal Drug Rebate Program and are not
DESI drugs, are covered.
Nevada Medicaid and NCU participate in a Diabetic Supply Procurement Program. This program allows
for the State to receive additional rebates for diabetic monitors and test strips. Effective March 1, 2009,
diabetic monitors and test strips are covered for Nevada Medicaid and NCU from preferred manufacturers.
Preferred manufacturers are listed in the pharmacy billing manual. This policy does not negatively impact
freedom of choice for recipients. The providers billing for the service will continue to be all willing
enrolled pharmacies.
Blood glucose monitors and testing supplies for home use require a prescription and are subject to quantity
limitations. A recipient or their caregiver must specifically request refills of glucose supplies before they
are dispensed. The provider must not automatically dispense a quantity of supplies on a predetermined
regular basis, even if a recipient has “authorized” in advance.
For all items in excess of the limitations, a prior authorization must be obtained from the Nevada Medicaid
QIO-like vendor.
Blood Glucose monitors with special features (e.g. voice synthesizers) require a prior authorization. For
special blood glucose monitors, a diagnosis and a statement from the physician documenting the
impairment, and manufacturers’ invoice of cost is required with a prior authorization.
ICD codes for Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes, gestational (in pregnancy) are only required for newly
diagnosed diabetics who are receiving diabetic prescription medication, a glucometer or test strips for the
first time, or for recipients who are new to Medicaid or transitioning from an MCO. For recipients with
an ongoing diagnosis of diabetes and a history of Nevada Medicaid paid claims for diabetic prescriptions
no ICD code is required.
Blood glucose monitors and related supplies are billed on the NCPDP Universal Claim Form (UCF) or
on-line through the POS system with the correct NDC number, complete description, including brand
name and package size. Reimbursement is Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) plus 8% and handling and
dispensing fee of $1.54 per prescription.
40 NARCOTIC ANALGESICS
41 NON-NARCOTIC ANALGESICS
42 ANTIARTHRITICS
43 ANESTHETICS GEN INHALANT
44 ANESTHETICS GEN INJECT
45 ANESTHETIC LOCAL TOPICAL
46 SEDATIVE BARBITURATE
47 SEDATIVE NON-BARBITURATE
48 ANTICONVULSANTS
49 ANTINAUSEANTS
50 CORTICOTROPINS
51 GLUCOCORTICOIDS
52 MINERALOCORTICOIDS
53 ALDOSTERONE ANTAGONISTS
54 ANTIDOTES
55 THYROID PREPS
56 ANTITHYROID PREPS
57 IODINE THERAPY
58 DIABETIC THERAPY
59 ANABOLICS
60 ANDROGENS
61 ESTROGENS
62 PROGESTERONE
63 SYSTEMIC CONTRACEPTIVES
64 OTHER HORMONES
65 LIPOTROPICS
66 CHOLESTEROL REDUCERS
67 DIGESTANTS
68 PROTEIN LYSATES
69 ENZYMES
70 RAUWOLFIAS
71 OTHER HYPOTENSIVES
72 VASODILATORS CORONARY
73 VASODILATORS PERIPHERAL
74 DIGITALIS PREPARATIONS
75 XANTHINE DERIVATIVES
76 OTHER CARDIOVASCULAR PREPS
77 ANTICOAGULANTS
78 HEMOSTATICS
79 DIURETICS
80 FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS
81 WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS
82 MULTIVITAMINS
83 FOLIC ACID PREPARATIONS
1303.1.C.6 Recipient Verbiage “or shortens lifetime of the item” added for
Responsibility clarity.
1303.2.A.1.a Documentation Added “through 60” for days allowing script timeframes.
Requirements
Page 2 of 3
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Appendix A.1 Non-Covered Clarified adding verbiage regarding FDA and removed
Services list of non-covered items.
Appendix A.2.c Non-Covered Added verbiage regarding reviewing for “coverage under
Services other programs.”
Appendix B.2 Introduction and Added paragraph reiterating appropriate need for
General DMEPOS.
Information
Page 3 of 3
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1300
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1300 INTRODUCTION
Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Disposable Medical Supplies (DMEPOS)
are a covered benefit for Nevada Medicaid recipients. All items are subject to program criteria and
reimbursement restrictions as outlined throughout this chapter. Nevada Medicaid covers standard
medical equipment that meets the basic medical need of the recipient. Items classified as
educational or rehabilitative by nature are not covered by Provider Type 33. Administrative
authorization for additional services may be made by the Division of Health Care Financing and
Policy (DHCFP) in collaboration with the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor
for exceptional cases where medical need is adequately documented.
Products must have received approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
be consistent with the approved use. Products or usage considered experimental or investigational
are not covered services. Consideration may be made on a case-by-case basis for items approved
by the FDA as a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) under the Safe Medical Device Act of
1990 and as defined by the FDA. That is, a device that is intended to benefit patients by treating
or diagnosing a disease or condition that affects fewer than 4,000 individuals in the United States
per year.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), except as indicated in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000. Reference Medicaid
Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 100 – Medicaid Program, Addendums Chapter and MSM
Definitions for further information.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1301
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1301 AUTHORITY
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) covers Durable Medical Equipment,
Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) as a mandatory program under Title XIX of the
Social Security Act (SSA).
The citations denoting the amount, duration and scope of services can be found in 42 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 440, Sections 70 and 230, Section 1902 (a)(10)(d) of Title XIX
of the Social Security Act, 42 United States Code (USC) Chapter 7, Section 1396a and 1397jj.
Reference Title XIX State Plan Attachment 3.1-A Page 2h and 3c, Attachment 4.19-B page 1b and
page 2.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1302
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
1302 DEFINITIONS
ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES
Ankle-foot orthoses extend well above the ankle (usually to near the top of the calf) and are
fastened around the lower leg above the ankle. These features distinguish them from foot orthotics,
which are shoe inserts that do not extend above the ankle.
A custom fabricated orthosis is one which is individually made for a specific patient starting with
basic materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, leather or cloth in the form of sheets,
parts, etc. It involves substantial work such as cutting, bending, molding, sewing, etc. It may
involve the incorporation of some prefabricated components. It involves more than trimming,
bending or making other modifications to a substantially prefabricated item.
Disposable medical supplies are those health care items which are not reusable, and are primarily
and customarily used to serve a medical purpose, and generally are not useful to a person in the
absence of an individual disability, illness or injury.
DME is defined as equipment which can withstand repeated use, and is primarily and customarily
used to serve a medical purpose, and generally is not useful to a person in the absence of disability,
illness or injury and is appropriate for use in the home.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) utilize four insurance companies to
process durable medical equipment, prosthetic, orthotic and disposable medical supply claims for
Medicare in four distinct jurisdictions. Nevada is in Jurisdiction D. This was formerly referred to
as Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier (DMERC).
Aggregate term used under the Medicare program and by some Medicaid programs, which
incorporates all durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and disposable medical supplies.
The acronym is pronounced “demipose.”
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1302
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
For the purposes of obtaining DMEPOS through Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check Up (NCU),
medical documentation used to support medical necessity is part of a medical record which is
completed, signed and dated by a licensed medical professional. Clinical reports or assessments
required to support medical necessity must be from a licensed/certified professional performing
within their scope of practice. Information used as medical documentation cannot be compiled or
composed by the recipient, their relatives or representatives.
MISUSE
To use in a manner in which an item is not intended, excessive use or to use incorrectly.
ORTHOSIS
An orthosis (brace) is a rigid or semi-rigid device which is used for the purpose of supporting a
weak or deformed body member or restricting or eliminating motion in a diseased or injured part
of the body. An orthosis can be either prefabricated or custom-fabricated.
PREFABRICATED ORTHOSIS
PROSTHETIC DEVICES
Prosthetic devices are replacement, corrective or supportive devices prescribed by a physician (or
other licensed practitioner of the healing arts within the scope of his practice as defined by state
law) to:
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Section:
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Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
c. Support a weak or deformed portion of the body (as defined by 42 CFR § 440.120(c)).
For Nevada Medicaid’s DMEPOS program purposes, dentures and eyeglasses are not included as
a prosthetic device.
SGDs, also commonly known as “Augmentative and Alternative Communication” (AAC) devices
are electronic aids, devices or systems that correct expressive communication disabilities that
preclude an individual from meaningfully participating in activities of daily living. SGDs are
covered as DME. Requests for SGDs must provide the information required in Appendix B to this
Chapter of the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM).
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1303
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1303 POLICY
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. DMEPOS Program coverage areas include parenteral and enteral nutrition (PEN),
medical foods, and oxygen and oxygen equipment, all of which must meet the
definition of durable medical equipment, a prosthetic device, an orthotic device or
disposable medical supply.
3. Disposable medical supplies are covered by the DHCFP and NCU for eligible
recipients only if they are necessary for the treatment of a medical condition and
would not generally be useful to a person in the absence of an illness, disability or
injury.
4. All DMEPOS products and services must be medically necessary, safe and
appropriate for the course and severity of the condition, using the least costly and
equally effective alternative to meet the recipient’s medical needs.
7. Refer to Appendix A of this Chapter for non-covered services, and for special
coverage considerations that are based on medical necessity outside of the
DMEPOS Program or that is considered under the Early and Periodic Screening,
Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) Healthy Kids Program.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1303
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
9. Refer to the Provider Type 33 DMEPOS Fee Schedule for specific item coverage
under the DMEPOS program.
Access http://dhcfp.nv.gov/Resources/Rates/RatesCostContainmentMain.
10. The DHCFP does not reimburse for items that are the same or similar to items that
the recipient has already acquired or has access to such as, but not limited to, back-
up equipment, unless allowed in the specific policy for that item. Duplicate items
intended to be used within the same span of time are not considered medically
necessary.
11. Individuals deemed eligible for Nevada Medicaid or NCU and who have ownership
of existing equipment from any prior resource must continue using that equipment.
Existing equipment, regardless of who purchased it, must be identified, including
the estimated date of purchase or age of equipment and medical documentation
showing evidence of need for replacement. All documentation must be submitted
with a prior authorization request.
12. Some items not covered under the DMEPOS Program may be covered under other
Medicaid programs such as Pharmacy, Audiology or Ocular programs. Additional
resources may be available through other agencies or through waiver programs for
items not covered under the DMEPOS Program or by the Medicaid State Plan.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
1. All DMEPOS providers must be licensed through the Nevada State Board of
Pharmacy (BOP) as a Medical Device, Equipment and Gases (MDEG) supplier,
with the exception of a pharmacy that has a Nevada State Board of Pharmacy
license and provides DMEPOS. Once licensed, providers must maintain
compliance with all Nevada BOP licensing requirements. Reference Medicaid
Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 100 – Medicaid Program for further information
on enrollment and provider responsibilities. Also refer to the Enrollment Checklist
posted on the following website at: https://www.medicaid.nv.gov.
2. Suppliers of products covered under the Medicare Part B program are required to
be enrolled in the Medicare Part B program in order to provide those services to
Medicare and Medicaid dually eligible recipients. This includes obtaining and
maintaining the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required
accreditation and surety bond.
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Section:
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Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Potential providers who are not enrolled with the Medicare Part B program and who
will not be supplying products covered under the Medicare Part B program to
individuals eligible for Medicare are required to provide a statement on/with their
application that requests a waiver of the requirements for Medicare Part B
enrollment. This statement must indicate that they do not service Medicare-eligible
individuals and include a listing of the products they plan to supply.
4. A DMEPOS provider must adhere to all Federal Rules and Regulations applicable
to their provider type including, but not limited to, 42 CFR Part 440 for enrollment.
i.e. not limited to: storefront, background checks, etc.
6. The provider is responsible for ensuring the equipment is appropriate for the
recipient and the recipient’s location of normal life activities prior to billing the
DHCFP.
C. RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITY
The eligible Nevada Medicaid or NCU recipient and/or their authorized representative will:
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5. Maintain the equipment provided by routinely cleaning and caring for the devices
according to user information and supplier’s guidance. Provide safe, secure storage
for item(s) when not in use to protect item(s) from loss or theft;
6. Not misuse, abuse or neglect purchased or rented item(s) in a way that renders the
item(s) unsafe, non-usable or shortens the lifetime of the item;
7. Return all rented equipment to the DMEPOS provider when no longer being used,
or upon the DME provider’s request. Failure to return rented equipment could result
in a recipient’s financial responsibility for the retail price of the rented equipment,
even if the equipment is lost/stolen, the recipient has moved or they are no longer
eligible for Nevada Medicaid/NCU.
8. Comply with additional requirements as specified throughout this Chapter and its
Appendices and MSM Chapter 100.
A. Supplier/provider records must substantiate the medical necessity for all DMEPOS items
dispensed to recipients. The following describes the requirements for specific types of
documentation associated with DMEPOS.
1. ORDERS/PRESCRIPTIONS
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Subject:
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b. Verbal Orders:
c. Written Orders:
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b. If the written order is for an item such as, but not limited to,
enteral formula, oxygen, etc., the order must specify the
name of the product, concentration (if applicable), dosage,
frequency and route of administration and duration of
infusion (if applicable).
4. There are additional specifications for orders for certain items, such
as, but not limited to, Power Mobility Devices (PMDs). Refer to
Appendix B for details.
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Section:
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Subject:
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The detailed product description must contain the Healthcare Common Procedure
Coding System (HCPCS) code, manufacturer, make and model and the
provider’s/supplier’s invoice of cost for each item supplied. The warranty
information must also be included. This may be completed by the provider/supplier
but can also be documented by the physician.
NOTE: Item(s) ordered must be delivered within 120 days of the date of the order.
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Section:
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Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
When Medicare is the primary payer, for all items requiring an ADMC (refer online
to the DME MAC Jurisdiction D, Supplier Manual, Chapter 9). The ADMC
determination must be submitted to the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-
like vendor at the same time the prior authorization is submitted.
B. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
2. The provider must maintain records at the physical location of their business for
each item billed to, and paid by, the DHCFP for at least six years from the
Remittance Advice (RA) date. At a minimum, this includes the original signed
order/prescription, all supporting medical documentation, and proof of delivery.
3. The provider must maintain records in a readily accessible location and, for audit
and investigation purposes, to make available upon request by Medicaid staff or its
contractors, all supporting information related to prior authorizations, dispensed
items and/or paid clams for DMEPOS items.
Items identified in the DMEPOS Fee Schedule with an RR modifier for rental and an NU modifier
for purchase option may require prior authorization to determine if the recipient’s needs justify
rental or purchase based on the item prescribed, the individual’s anticipated length of need and
prognosis (as determined by the prescriber) and cost effectiveness to the DHCFP and NCU. If a
Nevada Medicaid rate has not been assigned, an MSRP invoice is required to be submitted with
the prior authorization (PA) request or claim, if a PA is not already required for that item.
A. RENTAL
1. In addition to all other requirements and qualifications for specific products, if the
DMEPOS Fee Schedule allows a rental option, a device may be rented when:
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c. the item is only available as a rental per the DMEPOS Fee Schedule; or
2. During a rental period, rental rates include all supplies and accessories necessary to
render the equipment useable and safe, delivery and set up services, education and
training for recipient and family, routine maintenance and servicing (such as
testing, cleaning, regulating and checking equipment), repairs, non-routine
maintenance and servicing (such as breaking down sealed components and
performing tests which require specialized equipment and skills of a technician)
and replacement of items. These services are the responsibility of the owner, the
DMEPOS supplier.
4. Rent-to-Purchase Option:
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payments will be made for the remaining reasonable useful lifetime of the
device (usually not less than five years (60 months)). The provider’s records
must include the date the title was transferred to the recipient.
d. When an item was new at the time of issuance, and it is later determined the
recipient will need the item long term, rental payments will be applied
toward the total purchase rate (the Medicaid allowable or if no Medicaid
rate exists, the MSRP invoice). Refer to “Purchase Used Equipment
Option” in Section 1303.
e. Equipment that was not new at the time of issuance, such as items from the
provider/supplier rental fleet, supplied as a temporary short term rental item
must be replaced with new equipment as soon as it is identified the recipient
will need the device long term (no later than in the sixth month of rental).
Payments made on rental fleet-type items will not be applied to the purchase
price of a new item. Purchase or transfer of titles to recipients when the used
equipment is from a rental fleet is not allowed.
b. For this option, the DMEPOS supplier retains ownership of the equipment,
regardless of the length of rental. As the owner, the DMEPOS supplier is
responsible to ensure the equipment remains in safe working condition for
the reasonable useful lifetime of the device. The rental rates include all
supplies and accessories, repairs including routine and non-routine
maintenance and servicing, and replacement of items when needed.
B. PURCHASE
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only be used by that recipient. These will be considered for purchase when,
in addition to all other requirements and qualifications for a specific
item/device:
b. The DHCFP will only purchase equipment when, in addition to all other
requirements and qualifications for the item:
2. the item was new when placed in the recipient’s use and has been
used for less than three months; and
3. the item is currently being used by the same recipient during a trial
period and it has been determined the length of need will now be
indefinite.
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of service and compliance with the DHCFP’s policy, prior to delivery of service. Reference
MSM Chapter 100 and the general Billing Manual for detailed information on prior
authorizations and Medicaid eligibility for all providers at:
http://www.medicaid.nv.gov/providers/BillingInfo.aspx.
1. Submission:
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2. Review Consideration:
b. The recipient must have a medical need for and the requested item must be
suitable for use for locations in which normal life activities take place.
Consideration will also be based on the recipient’s additional use of the item
for the conditions in each of the environments the recipient is likely to
encounter in their daily routines, such as, but not limited to: attending
school, work and shopping. This information must be included in the
supportive documentation submitted with the prior authorization.
3. Prior Authorization Requirements for Third Party Liability (TPL) and Medicare
Crossovers:
a. Refer to MSM Chapter 100, for more information on TPL, and Medicare
Crossovers and the requirements for securing prior authorizations.
4. Prior Authorization Emergency Situations:
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b. The provider/supplier must submit the prior authorization the next business
day with all required supportive documentation. The documentation must
include proof of the date and time the order was received by the supplier
and documentation to support both 1303.4(a)(1) and (2).
All forms must be completed and submitted by a current Medicaid provider. Forms
used must be the most current version.
a. Specific DME prior authorization forms are found on the QIO-like vendor’s
website: https://www.medicaid.nv.gov/providers/forms/forms.aspx. All
DMEPOS items that require prior authorization must be requested on these
forms and submitted electronically, by fax or by mail to the QIO-like vendor
for approval.
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time limits and an explanation of each, refer to the general Billing Manual
for all providers at:
https://www.medicaid.nv.gov/providers/billinginfo.aspx.
1. Coverage and limitations are explained throughout this Chapter, including its
appendices. Appendix B details coverage qualifications, prior authorization
documentation requirements, and limitations for specific items.
2. Refer to the Nevada Medicaid Provider Type 33 – DME Fee Schedule posted at:
http://dhcfp.nv.gov/Resources/Rates/FeeSchedules/ for covered services. The Fee
Schedule identifies covered services/items (listed in alpha-numeric order according
to HCPCS code), and rates. Codes are updated yearly. Codes not included in the
fee schedule after the yearly update are considered non-covered.
C. PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
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D. RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITY
1. The recipient and/or their representative must accurately represent their needs in
relationship to obtaining medical equipment.
2. The recipient must attend appointments with Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational
Therapy (OT) and/or physician/ practitioners for the purpose of evaluation for
DMEPOS, and with DME providers for adjustments and servicing of equipment.
4. The recipient and/or their authorized representative must present proof of identity
and provide documentation of Medicaid coverage and any form of identification
necessary to utilize other health insurance coverage.
A. Dispensing/Duration of Orders
Medical supply orders must be dispensed at a monthly interval. DMEPOS is dispensed
according to the physician’s orders, subject to coverage limitations. The physician’s order
for medical supplies is valid up to one year. Suppliers may not ship items on a regular,
monthly basis without documentation from the recipient, family member or authorized
representative that the supply is needed. Documentation of this need must be kept on file.
It is acceptable for the supplier to contact the recipient to verify a re-order.
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B. Delivery of DMEPOS
a. The delivery receipt must include the signature and the signature date which
must match the date the DMEPOS item was received by the recipient or
their authorized representative to verify the DMEPOS item was received.
b. The delivery receipt must include the recipient’s name, quantity, a detailed
description of the item(s) delivered, brand name, make and model, serial
number (if applicable) and date and time of delivery.
c. The date of service on the claim must be the date the DMEPOS item was
received by the recipient or their authorized representative. An exception to
this would be when an item must be billed using a date span and the quantity
dispensed crosses over into the next month.
b. The supplier’s BOL must include the recipient’s name, quantity, detailed
description of the item(s) delivered, brand name, make and model, serial
number (if applicable), date and time of delivery/shipment and delivery
service package identification number associated with recipient’s
package(s).
c. The POD must reference the recipient’s package(s), delivery address and
the corresponding package identification number given by the delivery
service.
d. Without the POD that identifies each individual package with a unique
identification number and delivery address, the item will be denied and any
overpayment will be recouped.
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A. REPAIR
5. Repair HCPCS codes are not to be used for: routine serving, cleaning, installation,
delivery, set-up, travel necessary to make a repair or for services covered by
warranty as these costs are included in the cost of the item.
B. REPLACEMENT
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C. WARRANTY
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2. The requesting provider must obtain verification that any repairs or replacement
items being requested are not covered under the existing warranty. This
documentation must be submitted with the prior authorization.
A. The DHCFP’s hospital and nursing facility rates for an inpatient stay are all inclusive and
cover all items needed by the patient during the length of stay. Refer to MSM Chapter 500
Nursing Facilities for information on nursing facility policy. This includes all:
1. Disposable supplies;
3. Urological supplies;
4. Respiratory supplies;
6. Endocrine supplies;
8. Dental supplies;
10. Supplements.
Prosthetics and Orthotics: Are included in the all-inclusive per-diem if provided to a patient
during an inpatient hospital prior to discharge and the patient uses item for medically
necessary inpatient treatment or rehabilitation. (e.g. after spinal surgery).
C. DME that cannot be utilized by another recipient due to its unique custom features (e.g.
seating system), are not part of the institution’s inclusive rate.
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1. All DME must be prior authorized for exception to inclusive facility rates.
A. Pre-Service
The coverage, limitations and exclusions outlined in this chapter constitute pre-service
controls on over-utilization.
B. Pre-Payment
The QIO-like vendor will screen each claim for existence and/or application of prior
resources, correct coding of services and appropriate authorization form. In addition, each
claim will be screened for accuracy in computation and compliance with published
procedures.
C. Post-Payment
All providers offering services to Medicaid recipients are subject to post-payment review.
The Medicaid Program Integrity Section is responsible for review of any improper, abusive
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or fraudulent practices. Definition of abuse and the sanctions to be imposed are delineated
in the Nevada MSM Chapter 100.
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1304 HEARINGS
Please reference the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) Medicaid Services
Manual (MSM) Chapter 3100 for the Medicaid Hearings process
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APPENDIX A
NON-COVERED SERVICES
1. The DHCFP’s DMEPOS program does not cover items if they either do not meet the definition of durable
medical equipment, prosthetic, orthotic or disposable medical supplies; or are not considered primarily
medical in nature; or are not FDA approved or the approved use by the FDA is not applicable.
2. The DHCFP has the authority to establish reasonable standards, consistent with the objectives of the
Medicaid statute, for determining the extent of such coverage (42 U.S.C. § 1396(a)) based on such criteria
as medical necessity or utilization control (42 CFR 440.230 (d)). The DHCFP has an approved list of
covered DMEPOS items. The Provider Type 33 – DMEPOS Fee Schedule is available on the DHCFP
website at: http://dhcfp.nv.gov/Resources/Rates/FeeSchedules/.
a. The DHCFP is required to have a process and criteria for seeking modifications or exceptions to
established coverage policies. This process is available to recipients on a case-by-case basis for
DMEPOS items excluded from the DMEPOS Fee Schedule. Because a provider prescribes, orders
and/or recommends a service or supply does not, of itself, make it an eligible benefit.
1. The item must meet the definition of durable medical equipment, prosthetic, orthotic or
disposable medical supply as defined in Section 1302 – the Addendum Medicaid Services
Manual (MSM) Definitions;
3. The prescribing physician/practitioner must document that other items have been used and
were found ineffective. The requested item(s) must be the most cost-effective alternative,
medically necessary service, provided at the most appropriate level to meet the medical
needs of the recipient, that it is reasonable and accessible to the recipient.
c. Review chapter and fee schedule for coverage. If not located under this provider type but possibly
might be covered under other programs i.e.: EPSDT, nursing home, etc. please review the coverage
criteria and fee schedule for that specific provider type.
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Semi-Electric Hospital Recipient meets the criteria for a Fixed Height Bed
Bed and requires frequent changes in body position
and/or has an immediate need for a change in body
position.
Heavy Duty Extra Wide Recipient meets the criteria for a Fixed Height
Hospital Bed Hospital Bed and the recipient's weight is more
than 350 pounds, but does not exceed 600 pounds.
Extra Heavy Duty Recipient meets the criteria for a hospital bed and
Hospital Bed the recipient’s weight exceeds 600 pounds.
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Lifts and Lift Slings 1. Medical evidence/documentation showing the 1. Prescription and/or MD signed Prior
recipient requires more than one person in Authorization Form.
assisting in transfers from bed/bath, 2. Medical documentation supporting qualifying
bed/commode or bed/chair. factors.
2. Must have an environment able to 3. An MSRP Invoice if there is no rate established
accommodate equipment. by the DHCFP.
3. Capable caregiver to assist with transfers.
Group 1 Support Recipient must meet the following criteria: 1. Prescription and/or MD signed PA Form. Product needs to be adequate enough to
Surfaces 1. Completely immobile (recipient cannot make 2. Medical documentation supporting qualifying prevent the recipient from bottoming out.
changes in body position without assistance); factors.
2. Limited mobility (recipient cannot
independently make changes in body position
significant enough to alleviate pressure); or
3. Any stage pressure ulcer on the trunk or
pelvis; and
a) At least one of the following:
i) Impaired nutritional status;
ii) Fecal or urinary incontinence;
iii) Altered sensory perception;
iv) Compromised circulatory status.
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Speech Generating 1. A dedicated speech generating device (SGD) 1. Physician’s/Practitioner’s Order/Prescription. 1. For all items, documentation must support
Device (SGD) may be covered when it is medically 2. Prior Authorization. all criteria in the Qualifications section.
(also known as necessary to restore the function of speech to 3. Detailed Product Description. 2. Providers must submit prior authorization
Augmentative an individual with a functional disability 4. Additional Miscellaneous Medical Records and claim using the most appropriate
Communication Device caused by a long term (lasting more than one (if needed); and: available HCPCS code and may not
(ACD) or Augmentative year) and severe speech impairment; and 5. Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)’s unbundle items included in the HCPCS
and Alternative 2. When all of the following are met: formal written evaluation which includes, at a code description.
Communication (AAC) a. The recipient has had a formal written minimum, all of the following: 3. Codes E2500 – E2510 perform the same
Device evaluation of their cognitive and a. Current communication impairment, essential function - speech generation and
(E2500 – E2510) communication abilities by a speech- including the type, severity, language may not be issued in conjunction with
language pathologist (SLP) which skills, cognitive ability and anticipated E2511.
Digitized Speech contains all of the items specified in the course of the impairment; 4. Code E2511 – SGD software program for
Devices: Forms/Documentation column; b. An assessment of whether the recipient's Personal Computers (PC) or Personal
(E2500, E2502, E2504, b. The recipient's medical condition is one daily communication needs could be met Digital Assistant (PDA) may not be issued
E2506) resulting in a long term (lasting more than using other natural modes of in conjunction with E2500 – E2510.
one year) and severe expressive speech communication or with low-technology 5. Computer-based and PDA-based AAC
Synthesized Speech impairment; devices; devices/speech generating devices are
Devices: c. The recipient's speaking needs cannot be c. A description of the functional covered when they have been modified to
(E2508, E2510) met using natural communication communication goals expected to be run only AAC software and will not be
methods; achieved and treatment options; reimbursed in conjunction with another
d. Other forms of treatment have been d. Rationale for selection of a specific SGD. Laptop computers, desktop
considered and ruled out; device and any accessories; computers, personal digital assistants
e. The recipient's speech impairment will e. Demonstration that the recipient (PDAs), tablets or other devices that are
benefit from the device ordered; and possesses a treatment plan that includes a not dedicated SGDs do not meet the
f. A copy of the SLP's written evaluation training schedule for the selected device; definition of durable medical equipment
and recommendation was forwarded to f. The cognitive and physical abilities to (DME).
the recipient's treating physician/ effectively use the selected device and 6. Expected lifespan of SGD E2500-E2510
practitioner and the prescribing any accessories to communicate; and or E2511 is considered 60 months and are
physician/ practitioner agreed with, and g. An attestation statement from the SLP limited accordingly. Replacement
ordered the specific device and performing the recipient evaluation equipment may be authorized prior to the
accessories as recommended. and/or recommending the product(s) 60 months based on medical necessity.
indicating they are not an employee of,
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MAE General The qualifications identified in this “general The forms and specifications as described in this Refer to the main body of MSM Chapter 1300
Information information” section must all be met for any items “general information” section pertain to all MAE for general DMEPOS policies. The
(pertains to all items in included in this policy section. Each specific item items. Refer to the Documentation section and/or the comments/policy statements identified in this
this policy section) may also have additional qualifications listed Prior Authorization section in Chapter 1300 for “general information” section pertain to all
further in this appendix that must be met. Items detailed requirements for each type of form. MAE items.
may be covered if all of the following Additional completion requirements are found in the Note: Special attention to MSM Section
qualifications are met: Form Release Memorandums/Instructions for the 1303.6 Repair, Replacement and Warranty of
1. The recipient has a mobility limitation that Division’s forms on the following website: Equipment section of chapter.
significantly impairs his/her ability to https://www.medicaid.nv.gov/providers/forms/form 1. For all MAE items, documentation must
participate in one or more Mobility-Related s.aspx support all criteria in the Qualifications
Activities of Daily Living (MRADL) Each specific item may also have additional form section, as specified in each category.
performed in the home and in each of the requirements and specifications listed further that a. All rented mobility devices are to be
environments the recipient is likely to must be met. considered purchased by the DHCFP
encounter in their daily routines, such as but 1. Physician’s/Practitioner’s Order/Prescription. once the purchase price is reached.
not limited to: attending school, work and 2. Prior authorization forms found on the QIO- b. Providers must submit prior
shopping. The MRADLs to be considered in like vendor’s website (when indicated) refer to authorization and claim with the
this and all other statements in this policy are: the DMEPOS Fee Schedule to determine need most appropriate HCPCS code and
toileting, grooming, bathing, dressing, eating for a prior authorization for each item. may not unbundle items included in
and transferring. Note: For items that require prior authorization the HCPCS code description.
Note: A mobility limitation is one that: and have a Nevada Medicaid assigned rate of c. Inclusion of a HCPCS code in this
a. Prevents the recipient from less than $500.00, use the DME Prior policy section is not an indication of
accomplishing the MRADL entirely; Authorization, Form FA-1; for items with a coverage. Refer to the DMEPOS Fee
b. Places the recipient at reasonably Nevada Medicaid assigned rate of $500.00 or Schedule.
determined heightened risk of morbidity more, the Mobility Assessment and Prior d. The recipient must have a medical
or mortality secondary to the attempts to Authorization Form, FA-1B is required. need within the locations of normal
perform an MRADL; or 3. An MSPR Invoice if there is no rate established life activities for the requested item.
c. Prevents the recipient from completing by the DHCFP. In addition, consideration will
the mobility-related Activities of Daily 4. Detailed Product Description. include:
Living (ADL) within a reasonable time 5. Proof of Delivery. 1. recipient’s medical needs;
frame. 6. Additional Miscellaneous Medical Records. 2. use of the item; and
2. All required assessments, evaluations and 3. the conditions in each of the
physician/practitioner’s orders as indicated environments the recipient is
likely to encounter in their daily
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Power Wheelchairs (PWCs) are categorized into Groups based on their performance and the following specifications table:
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Non-Standard Seat
Width and/or Depth
for a Manual
Wheelchair (E2201-
E2204)
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Sockets:
1. Test (diagnostic) sockets for immediate
prostheses (L5400-L5460) are not medically
necessary.
2. No more than two test (diagnostic) sockets for
an individual prosthesis are medically necessary
without additional documentation.
3. No more than two of the same socket inserts
(L5654-L5665) are allowed per individual
prosthesis at the same time.
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Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL COVERAGE AND LIMITATIONS POLICIES
Osteogenesis Device may be covered if: 1. Prescription and/or MD signed Prior 1. Rental for 20-week intervals, additional
Stimulator 1. Failed spinal fusion where a minimum of nine Authorization Form. authorization will be considered with
(Spinal Noninvasive months have elapsed since the last surgery; 2. Medical documentation supporting qualifying medical justification.
Electrical) 2. Following a multilevel spinal fusion surgery factors. 2. Electric Implantable Osteogenic
involving three or more vertebrae; or Stimulators are included in the surgical
3. Following spinal fusion surgery where there is a service thus are non-covered under this
history of a previously failed spinal fusion. chapter.
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Replacement
Items:
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Suction Pumps 1. Recipients who have difficulty raising and 1. Prescription and/or MD signed Prior 1. Reference DMEPOS PT 33 Fee
clearing secretions due to: Authorization Form. Schedule for quantity limits.
a. Cancer or surgery of the throat or mouth; 2. Medical documentation supporting qualifying
b. Dysfunction of the swallowing muscles; factors.
c. Unconsciousness or obtunded state; or
d. Tracheostomy (V44.0).
Ventilators 1. Medical evidence/documentation supporting a 1. Prescription and/or MD signed Prior 1. Medical Supplier must keep back up
related diagnosis for equipment (e.g., Authorization Form. inventory available for rented
tracheostomy). 2. Medical documentation supporting qualifying equipment in emergent situations.
factors. Reimbursement for a backup ventilator
3. MSRP Invoice is required when no rate is provided in the recipient’s home will
established by the DHCFP. only be allowed if it is medically
prohibitive for a provider to respond in
an emergent situation such as a recipient
being on 24-hour ventilation support.
June 27, 2018 DME, DISPOSABLE SUPPLIES AND SUPPLEMENTS Appendix B Page 68
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL
TRANSMITTAL LETTER
November 8, 20 II
TO:
Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 1400, Home Health Agency, has been revised to
remove the Definitions and References/Cross References sections. The Definitions were moved
to the MSM Addendum and the References/Cross References to MSM Chapter 100.
Page 1 of I
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1400
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1400 INTRODUCTION
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) Home Health Agency (HHA)
Program is a mandated home health care benefit provided to recipients in his/her residence. HHA
services are a component in the continuum of care which allows recipients to remain in his/her
home. HHA services may be provided to eligible recipients, based on medical necessity, program
criteria, utilization control measures and the availability of the state’ resources to meet recipient
needs. HHA services are provided on an intermittent basis, certified by a physician and provided
under a physician approved Plan of Care (POC). The Home Health Agency (HHA) service benefit
provides Skilled Nursing (SN) services, and other therapeutic services such as Physical Therapy
(PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST), and Home Health Aides or Certified
Nursing Aides (CNAs). Respiratory Therapists (RT) and Registered Dieticians (RD) are also a
benefit with limitations. Services are generally provided on a short-term basis as opposed to long-
term custodial services.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up, with the exception of the four areas where Medicaid and Nevada Check Up policies
differ as documented in Chapter 3700.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1401 AUTHORITY
A. The Home Health Agency (HHA) program is a mandatory benefit under 1905(1)(18) of
the Social Security Act.
B. The citation, which explains and interprets the federal regulations governing Home Health
services, is found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 42, Part 440.70 and
441.15.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
1402 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1403 POLICY
The home health care benefit reimburses for medically necessary and appropriate home visits by
skilled nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, respiratory
therapists, dieticians and home health aides to Medicaid recipients. A home health agency
provides skilled services and non-skilled services to recipients on an intermittent and periodic
basis.
a. The recipient must be program eligible for Title XIX (Medicaid) or Title XXI
(Nevada Check Up) services;
d. Services must be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of the
recipient’s illness or injury within the context of the recipients’ unique medical
condition and the standard of practice within the community.
e. Services must be sufficient in amount, duration and scope to reasonably achieve its
purpose;
f. Services must be provided under a Plan of Care (POC) signed by the physician;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
k. Home care services may be appropriate when one or more of the following
situations exist:
2. A hardship would occur if service were provided outside the home, i.e., a
recipient just out of the hospital following major surgery;
4. The service outside the home would interfere with the effectiveness of the
service, i.e., traveling an extreme distance or a recipient whose frequent
service need, such as IV therapy three times per day, cannot reasonably be
accommodated outside the home;
2. COVERED SERVICES
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
g. Home Health Aide services provided by a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) under the
supervision of a registered nurse and in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act.
e. Services rendered at school sites which provide “school based health service”
pursuant to IDEA 300.24;
i. Services provided by the HHA that were not noted on the initial physician or
subsequent medical orders, or Plan of Care (POC);
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
m. Homemaker services;
o. Companion care that is intended to provide friendly or social time with a recipient;
p. Sitter or services that are intended for individuals to watch or supervise a recipient
in the absence of a legally responsible adult or primary caregiver and that provide
no skilled care;
q. Respite care;
r. Duplication of services;
w. Skilled nursing visits to children for the administration of Synagis outside the
guidelines of Nevada Medicaid policy;
x. Routine supplies customarily used during the course of HHA visits. These supplies
are included in the staff’s supplies and are not designated for a specific recipient.
Routine supplies may include but are not limited to non-sterile gloves and
thermometer covers. These supplies are included in the cost-per-visit of HHA
service;
y. Routine personal hygiene supplies may include, but are not limited to such items
as shampoos, soaps, lotions or powders, toothpaste, combs, etc.;
aa. Personal comfort items which do not contribute to the treatment of an illness or
injury or the functioning of a malformed body part. Personal comfort items may
include but are not limited to items such as air conditioner, radios, etc.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The provider shall furnish skilled nursing services and other therapeutic services such as physical
therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, home health aides or certified nursing aides,
respiratory therapists and registered dieticians to eligible recipients as identified in the physician’s
written Plan of Care (POC). Services are to be provided as specified in this Chapter.
1. PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS
The provider must be enrolled as a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency (HHA)
licensed and authorized by state and federal laws to provide health care services in the
home.
2. MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY
HHAs must verify the recipient’s eligibility for Medicaid. Authorization for home health
care is valid only if the recipient is eligible for Medicaid during the month the service is
provided. The provider must verify each month the continued Medicaid eligibility for each
recipient. Verification of Medicaid eligibility is the responsibility of the HHA.
HHAs must determine, on admission to HHA services, the primary payer. If Medicaid is
not the primary payer, the provider must bill the third party payor before billing Medicaid.
HHA services are initiated per a physicians order. HHA program services are provided per
the Plan of Care (POC) which is documented on a CMS 485. The POC is a written set of
medical orders signed by the physician which certify the specific HHA services that will
be provided, the frequency of the services, and the projected time frame necessary to
provide such services. The Plan of Care is reviewed by the physician every 60 days. A
new POC is required when there is a change in the recipient's condition, change in orders
following hospitalization, and/or change in the physician.
5. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
HHAs must obtain proper authorization for all Home Health Agency services prior to the
start of care. Refer to the authorization process 1403.1D.
6. PLACE OF SERVICE
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a. Evaluation visit
HHA's are required to have written policies concerning the acceptance of the
recipient by the agency. This includes consideration of the physical facility
available in the recipient’s place of residence, homebound status and the attitudes
of family members for the purpose of evaluating the feasibility of meeting the
recipient’s medical needs in the home health setting.
When personnel of the HHA make an initial visit to assess the recipient the cost of
the visit is considered an administrative cost and is not reimbursable as a visit at
this point since the recipient has not been accepted for care. If during the course of
the initial visit, the recipient is determined appropriate for home health care by the
agency and the recipient received the first skilled service as ordered under the
POC, the visit becomes the first billable visit as an RN extended visit.
b. Supervisory visit
c. Visit types
Two types of visits may be provided under skilled nursing. These are: An extended
visit, which is defined as any visit exceeding 30 minutes but not more than 90
minutes; and the nurse's brief visit, which is defined as a visit of 30 minutes or
less. Visits for certified nursing aides are approved for the first hour and each
additional ½ hour thereafter.
8. RECIPIENT RIGHTS
The Home Health Agency (HHA) has an obligation to protect and promote the exercise of
the recipient rights. A patient has the right to exercise his rights as a patient of the
provider. A patient’s family or guardian may exercise a patient’s rights when a patient has
been judged incompetent. The recipient has the right to be notified in writing of his rights
and obligations before treatment is begun. HHA’s must provide each patient and family
with a written copy of the recipient’s bill of rights. A signed and dated statement
acknowledging receipt of the patient’s Bill of Rights will be included in the patient’s
medical record. Refer to recipient rights later in this Chapter.
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The Division expects that all Medicaid providers will be in compliance with all laws
relating to incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
a. CHILD ABUSE
State law requires that certain persons employed in certain capacities must make a
report to a child protective services agency or law enforcement agency
immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours, after there is reason to suspect a
child has been abused or neglected. For minors under the age of 18, the Division of
Child and Family Services (DCFS) or the appropriate county agency accepts
reports of suspected abuse.
b. ELDER ABUSE
For adult aged 60 and over, the Division for Aging Services (DAS) accepts reports
of suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect, exploitation or isolation.
For all other individuals, contact local social services and/or law enforcement
agencies.
The provider must respond to all complaints in a reasonable and prompt manner. The
provider must perform recipient/provider problem solving and complaint resolution.
a. The provider must maintain records that identify the complaint, the date received
and the outcome; and
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. The provider may terminate services for any of the following reasons:
1. The recipient or other persons in the household subjects home care staff to
physical or verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and/or exposure to the use of
illegal substances, illegal situations, or threats of physical harm;
9. The recipient refuses service of a skilled nurse based solely or partly on the
race, religion, sex, marital status, color, age, disability or national origin;
Note: A provider’s inability to provide services for a specific recipient does not
constitute termination or denial from Nevada Medicaid’s HHA program. The
recipient may choose another provider.
b. IMMEDIATE TERMINATION
The provider may terminate HHA services immediately for reasons one through
five listed above.
Note: The nurse provider must comply with 632.895.6 of the Nurse Practice Act.
Other licensed professionals must comply within their standard practice act.
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The provider must provide at least five calendar days advance written notice to
recipients when HHA services are terminated for reasons six through ten listed
above.
d. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The provider must notify the recipient and all other appropriate individuals and
agencies when services are to be terminated. The QIO-like vendor must be
informed of the termination of services as the Nevada Medicaid District Office
(NMDO) Care Coordinator within two working days. The provider must submit
written documentation regarding the termination to the NMDO within five
working days.
12. RECORDS
The provider must maintain medical records which fully disclose the extent and nature of
the service provided to the recipient and which supports fees or payments made. Medical
and financial records and all other records provided must be maintained for an interval of
not less than six years. Following HIPAA Privacy Regulations contained in 45 CFR 160
and 164, the provider must make records available upon request to the Division.
b. Provide the HHA with accurate and current medical information, including
diagnosis, attending physician, medication regime, etc.;
c. Notify the HHA of all insurance information, including the name of other third
party insurance coverage, such as Medicare, CHAMPUS and Veterans
Administration;
d. Inform the HHA of any other home care benefit that he or she is receiving through
state plan services, such as Personal Care Aide (PCA) services, Private Duty
Nursing (PDN) visits or therapy services. Services provided through another
agency or program such as respite, case management or participation in a Waiver
program must also be identified;
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h. Notify the HHA when scheduled visits cannot be kept or services are no longer
required;
k. Not request the provider agency staff to work more hours than authorized or to
change the days/hours approved;
m. Not refuse service of a provider based solely or partly on the provider’s race,
creed, religion, sex, marital status, color, age, disability, and/or national origin.
2. Recipient Rights
Every Medicaid recipient, their LRA or legal guardian is entitled to receive a statement of
“Patient Rights” from their provider. The recipient should review and sign a statement
acknowledging receipt of this document. The patient rights should include, at a minimum,
the following:
a. A patient has the right to courteous and respectful treatment, privacy, and freedom
from abuse;
b. A patient has the right to be free from discrimination because of race, creed, color,
sex, national origin, sexual orientation, and diagnosis;
c. A patient has the right to have his property treated with respect;
d. A patient has the right to confidentiality with regard to information about his
health, social and financial circumstances, and about what takes place in his home;
e. A patient has the right to access information in his own record upon written
request;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
f. A patient has the right to voice grievances regarding treatment of care that is, or
fails to be furnished, or regarding the lack of respect for property by anyone who is
furnishing services on behalf of the HHA and must not be subjected to
discrimination or reprisal for doing so;
g. A patient has the right to be informed of the provider’s right to refuse admission
to, or discharge any patient whose environment, refusal of treatment, or other
factors prevent the HHA from providing care;
h. A patient has the right to be informed of all services offered by the agency prior to,
or upon admission to the agency;
i. A patient has the right to be informed of his condition in order to make decisions
regarding his or her home health care;
j. The HHA must advise a patient in advance of the disciplines that will be furnished,
the care to be furnished, and the frequency of visits;
k. The patient must be notified in advance of any changes in the plan of care before
the change is made;
l. A patient has the right to participate in the development of the plan of care,
treatment, and discharge planning;
n. A patient has the right to request a Fair Hearing when disagreeing with the
DHCFP’s action to deny, terminate, reduce or suspend service.
1. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Home Health Agency (HHA) services may be authorized after providers fax a completed
Home Health Prior Authorization form to Nevada Medicaid’s Quality Improvement
Organization (QIO-like vendor). The request should be submitted two days prior to the
start of care. The QIO-like vendor will review and complete the authorization process for
Home Health Agency (HHA) services utilizing criteria identified in a clinical decision
support guide. QIO-like vendor staff will use this criterion to review for medical necessity
and utilization control procedures.
The authorization number will be issued by the QIO-like vendor using a numbering
system. The QIO-like vendor will fax the authorization to the requesting provider with the
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authorization number. The QIO-like vendor will specify the exact number of services
approved. The QIO-like vendor will generate the Notice of Decision (NOD) if the services
approved are less than requested and/or constitute an adverse action. A copy will be sent
to the recipient and the provider.
All requests, except initial assessments, require prior authorization request. The Home
Health prior authorization form must be complete, including the primary diagnosis, ICD-9
codes, descriptions of wound(s), social situation, Dates of Service (DOS), Third Party
Liability (TPL), Plan of Care (POC), and specific services requested. Processing may be
delayed, or a technical denial issued, if information submitted is illegible or incomplete.
In an emergent situation when the QIO-like vendor is closed, such as nights or weekends,
the request for authorization must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor within two
working days after the start date. An emergent situation exists when skilled nursing
services are required to be implemented immediately such as in the case of wound care, IV
medication, etc.
2. HOLIDAY RATES
For recipients who require seven day-per-week home care service, an increased rate will
be paid for visits made on State recognized holidays. The holiday rate must be requested
on the Home Health Prior Authorization form, which covers the certification period in
which the State recognized holiday(s) occur.
Nevada Medicaid currently recognizes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin
Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Nevada Admission Day (last Friday in October), Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day,
Family Day (the day after Thanksgiving), and Christmas Day. The recognized holiday is
the same days that State offices are closed.
Reimbursement: Time and one-half will be reimbursed for State recognized holidays. Use
modifier TV to designate holiday rate.
a. PRIOR RESOURCES
When the HHA has a recipient that has another insurance (Medicare or Private
Insurance) and the agency has identified the services requested are not a covered
benefit of the third party payor, HHA must request “bypass Medicare” or “bypass
other” when requesting prior authorization.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Reimbursement: Unit price per fee schedule. Refer to reimbursement code table
for specific billing code.
c. MILEAGE
Actual mileage is reimbursed one way from the HHA office to the recipient’s
residence. Actual mileage should be listed on the Home Health prior authorization
request form to establish a base line for reimbursement. Reimbursement: Mileage
is paid per actual miles. Refer to the reimbursement code table for specific billing
code.
3. AUTHORIZATION INTERVALS
a. The initial authorization for all requests. Services may be authorized up to a 60 day
interval, beginning with the start date.
c. The long-term authorization covers the recipient with continued needs following
120 day episode. This additional authorization interval may be up to one year if
services are documented as medically necessary and are expected to continue
unchanged for a prolonged interval. (i.e. monthly suprapubic catheter change).
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. ONGOING AUTHORIZATION
Request for continuing HHA services must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor a
minimum of ten working days but no more than 30 days prior to the expiration of the
current authorization.
The authorization request must include adequate information to support medical necessity,
availability of willing and able caregiver or the presence of a qualified LRA. The QIO-like
vendor will review for appropriate number of hours using the decision guide and based on
program criteria. HHA services may be authorized for a maximum authorization period of
one year.
5. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION
An additional authorization request for an additional/PRN one time only visit during a
current authorization period may be submitted for authorization approval. Information
must be submitted that supports the need for the additional visit. (i.e. foley catheter
leaking and a needed replacement). In this situation, the Prior Authorization Request
(PAR) must be submitted within 30 days of the service being provided.
7. WOUND MANAGEMENT
a. Authorization for wound care will be based on the clinical decision support guide
(Interqual) based on the data submitted following a skilled nursing assessment.
The assessment should include the primary diagnosis, pertinent medical, surgical
and social history, medication, wound history (e.g. onset, longevity, current
management) and pain. Clinical data should include a complete wound assessment
(e.g. location, size, depth, partial/full thickness, tissue appearance, sinus tracts,
tunneling, stages for pressure ulcers, status of wound edges, condition of skin
around the wound, exudates (color, odor, amount) other wound characteristics, and
the treatment plan as prescribed by the physician.
b. All initial requests for wound care will be authorized for up to a 60 day interval.
All Home Health Prior Authorization forms must be submitted with the required
information.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
c. Ongoing request for additional visits will be approved according to the criteria
identified in the clinical decision support guide. Supporting information must be
submitted to the QIO-like vendor. For long-term authorizations, diagnostics studies
and nutritional assessments or other evaluations may be required. Authorizations
for identified services, such as a registered dietician will be approved if identified
as medically necessary.
d. Disposable wound supplies will be authorized for the Home Health Agency (HHA)
for an initial ten-day supply only. Thereafter the supplies must be obtained from a
Durable Medical Equipment or Pharmacy provider.
e. Specialty beds or other wound care items must be obtained as required per Nevada
Medicaid Services Manual, Chapter 1300.
8. ORAL MEDICATIONS
The recipient is expected to self-administer his or her oral medications. The authorization
of daily visits for the administration of oral medications is not a covered benefit. A weekly
visit for a medication set up may be authorized. Whether it is a brief or extended visit
depends on the number of medications and the number of times per day the medications
are taken. One visit may be authorized per week. A request should include a substantiating
diagnosis, such as mental illness that would limit the recipient’s ability to set up his/her
own medications. The names and frequency of the medication taken should be on the
request.
9. INJECTIONS
Requests for injections are and routinely covered and must meet medical necessity for
HHA service. If determined to be medically necessary Intramuscular (IM) or
Subcutaneous (SC) may be approved for brief visits only. The sole exception for this is
Synagis injections. Synagis may be approved for an RN/LPN extended visit. No more than
two brief visits per day may be approved (usually this is for administration of insulin). The
recipient, LRA and other willing caregivers should be taught this skill.
Requests for laboratory draws may be authorized for brief RN visits only. An extended
visit may be authorized, if there is supporting documentation that it was a difficult blood
draw and required multiple attempts.
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The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy establishes reimbursement rates for
covered services. Providers submit claims using an established revenue code, HCPCS
code and modifier. Reimbursement codes for HHA services are listed in the QIO-like
vendor billing manual or via mail with a hard copy of the form.
If there is another insurance that covers or partially covers HHA services, a claim
must be submitted to that entity first and a copy of the EOB must be attached to the
Medicaid reimbursement claim. For services that are not a benefit of Medicare or
other private insurance, it is not necessary to bill the other insurance first. Instead,
note on each claim the date, phone number and the name of the person from whom
the information on the insurance status was obtained. Indicate “Bypass Medicare”
or “Bypass Private Insurance” (specify insurance name) on the claim.
Home Health Agency rates are based on the recipient’s place of residence at the
time the service is rendered.
1. Urban: In Southern Nevada, urban is Boulder City and the portion of Clark
County within Las Vegas Valley including the cities of Las Vegas, North
Las Vegas, Henderson and the urbanized townships. In Northern Nevada,
urban includes the cities of Reno, Sparks, and Carson City, and
unincorporated areas of Washoe County that are within 30 miles of Reno,
as approved by the District Office.
2. All other areas within Nevada are classified as rural. Providers should
utilize modifiers related to service area when billing to assure appropriate
payment. Instructions for claims coding can be found in the Fiscal Agent’s
Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check Up UB-92 Provider Billing Manual.
Skilled nursing services are a covered service when provided by a registered nurse or a licensed
practical nurse under the supervision of a registered nurse in accordance with the POC, to be safe
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and effective. In determining whether a service requires the skill of a nurse, consideration must be
given to the inherent complexity of the service, the condition of the patient and the accepted
standards of medical and nursing practice.
Nursing visits for observation and assessment will be reimbursed by the home health
agency benefit when:
a. There is a reasonable likelihood that the recipient will experience an acute episode;
b. There is reasonable likelihood that the recipient will develop a complication (either
as a result of his/her disease process or as a result of prescribed medical therapy);
c. The skills of a nurse are required to assess the recipient's health status and identify
significant change;
d. The change in the recipient's health status (as a result of another acute episode or
complication) is likely to respond to a change in the recipient's plan of treatment or
prescribed medical therapy.
Nursing visits for the performance of skilled procedures of a nurse in the home setting will
be reimbursed as a skilled nursing service when the procedure can only be performed
safely by a nurse.
Factors that the DHCFP considers when determining if the performance of a specific
procedure requires the skill of a nurse include:
c. The presence/absence of a willing, able, and competent caregiver in the home; and
3. Examples of covered skilled nursing procedures include but are not limited to:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
infusions;
d. The administration of Synagis for recipients under the age of two years who meet
established Medicaid criteria;
e. Skilled nursing visits for venipuncture are covered when the collection of the
specimen cannot be performed in the cause of regularly scheduled absences from
the home and is necessary for the monitoring of therapeutic blood levels of
medications, monitoring of blood counts and electrolyte levels when affected by
the recipient’s medication regimen, and related to the recipient’s illness or medical
condition;
h. Tracheotomy aspiration;
j. Wound care, when the skills of the nurse are required to safely/effectively perform
the wound care; and
Teaching the recipient/family/caregiver how to manage the recipient’s care at home will
be reimbursed on a limited and short term basis as a skilled nursing service when the
teaching or training is appropriate to the recipient’s functional loss, illness or injury.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Teaching and/or training activities must include a time frame in the POC when goals will
be accomplished. Teaching visits will be authorized according to the following criteria:
a. The skills of the nurse are required to teach the recipient/family/caregiver how to
manage the recipient's care at home. The care itself may be considered to be
“unskilled” (not requiring the skills or expertise of the nurse to perform the care),
but the amount of skill needed to teach the care must require the skills of a nurse;
c. The initial authorization for teaching visits will be authorized according to the
criteria identified in the clinical decision support guide. The initial authorization
may be up to a 60 day interval. Additional teaching visits may be authorized if
documentation is submitted that supports the ability of the recipient and/or the
caregiver to learn the material. The content or skill covered by the teaching is new
to the learner and does not represent reinforcement or review of previously
learned, repeated, or taught content. Teaching will not be covered when the
recipient or caregiver is not able to learn or be trained.
Examples of teaching and training activities which require the skill of a licensed nurse
include, but are not limited to the following:
g. Self catherization;
Evaluation of the recipient and the performance of psychotherapy require the skills of a
nurse who meets criteria for credentialing as a psychiatric nurse. Services of a non-
psychiatric nurse may be ordered by the psychiatrist for visits to administer injections or
behavior modifying medications.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Psychiatric mental health services are covered services and are authorized according to the
criteria identified in the clinical decision support guide, when the following conditions are
met:
a. The psychiatric mental health services are reasonable and necessary for the
treatment of the recipient's health status; and
b. The home care services are ordered by a psychiatrist and provided under a written
POC. Medical orders must be established and reviewed by the primary physician.
Periodic home visits may be made by licensed physical therapists, to provide services as ordered
by a physician and identified in the POC, when the services are inherently complex and can only
be performed safely and effectively by a skilled therapist, and when the recipient cannot access
out-patient services.
Reimbursement is based on the diagnosis of a medical condition plus the presence of functional
limitations, which can respond or improve as a result of the prescribed POC. There must be an
expectation the condition will improve in a reasonable, predictable period of time.
Skilled physical therapy services may be authorized for home care recipients; HHA visits are
included in the total available outpatient limits up to 24 visits per year. These include visits for
one or more of the following:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Objective tests and measurements such as range of motion, strength, balance coordination,
endurance, and functional ability;
4. Performance of therapeutic exercises which require the skills and expertise of a physical
therapist to implement safely/effectively;
5. Gait evaluation and gait training for persons who have an impaired ability to ambulate
secondary to a neurological, muscular, or skeletal abnormality;
6. Services are required to maintain a person's function that involves complex and
sophisticated procedures and the judgment/skill of a physical therapist;
8. Administration of heat treatments only when the recipient's overall condition is such that
the skills and judgment of a physical therapist are required to safely administer these
treatments.
In addition to 1403.1B, the provider must monitor that the total number of paid visits, do not
exceed the total available therapy visits (24) per year.
In addition to 1403.1D the physical therapist must submit the completed evaluation along with the
Home Health Prior Authorization form to the QIO-like vendor. The provider should contact the
QIO-like vendor to determine the number of authorized visits.
Periodic home visits may be made by licensed occupational therapists to provide services as
ordered by the physician and identified in a signed POC. Reimbursement is based on the
diagnosis of a medical condition plus the presence of a limitation, which can respond or improve
as a result of the prescribed POC. There must be an expectation that the condition will improve in
a reasonable period of time.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Skilled occupational therapy services may be authorized for home care recipients. HHA visits are
included in the total available outpatient limits of up to 24 visits per year. These visits include one
or more of the following:
A Home Health Prior Authorization form must be submitted along with the completed evaluation
to the QIO-like vendor prior to the initiation of service. The initial evaluation does not require
prior authorization. Refer to Section 1403.1D.
Nevada Medicaid may pay for the services of a licensed speech pathologist to provide service as
ordered by the physician and identified in a signed POC. Reimbursement is based upon diagnosis
and treatment of speech and language disorders that result in communications disabilities and for
the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders, regardless of the presence of a
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
communication disability. There must be an expectation that the condition will improve in a
reasonable period of time.
Skilled speech language therapy service may be authorized for home care recipients. HHA visits
are included in the total outpatient limits up to 24 visits per year. These include visits for the
following:
4. Services directed toward specific speech or voice production if a deficit exists resulting
from an illness or an injury; Establishment of a hierarchy of speech-voice-language
communication tasks and cueing that is directed toward the achievement of specific
communication goals;
6. Assisting persons who are aphasic in rehabilitation of speech and language skills; and
7. Assisting a person with voice disorders to learn to control vocal or respiratory systems for
correct voice production.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The services of a respiratory therapist that may be provided to recipients in a home setting
include:
1. Ventilator management.
2. Drawing arterial blood gases when a nurse is incapable of doing so. The services of a
respiratory therapist will not be reimbursed for the setting up of rental equipment.
Registered dietician services are covered by the Medicaid HHA program. A registered dietician
may provide consultative services when the recipient has a nutritional deficit or is at risk for a
deficit.
Home health agency dietician services are appropriate for but not limited to recipients with
diagnoses of cachexcia, failure to thrive, poor wound healing and newly diagnosed diabetics who
are unable to go outside the home for dietician services.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
In addition to Section 1401.1D the provider must submit a copy of the completed evaluation must
be submitted to the QIO-like vendor along with the Home Health Prior Authorization Form. The
QIO-like vendor will review the evaluation to determine if medical necessity has been met. The
initial evaluation does not require prior authorization.
To receive home health aide services through the HHA program, the recipient must have a
qualifying skilled service and must have an impairment or deficit so that he/she requires
assistance with routine activities of daily living. Services must be reasonable and necessary to the
treatment of the recipient’s illness or injury. Home health aides can be appropriately utilized to
assist in carrying out the plan of care. Home health aide services must be incorporated into an
outcome specific nursing plan. Home health aides must meet the qualifications specified by 42
CFR 484.36. When it is identified that recipient has an ongoing need for assistance with ADLs,
the HHA must advise the recipient and/or caregiver about other available services (e.g. personal
care aide services) that may be more appropriate to their needs.
2. Simple dressing changes that do not require the skills of a licensed nurse;
4. Assistance with activities that are directly supportive of skilled therapy services but do not
require the skills of a therapist, such as, routine maintenance exercise;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
8. Any task allowed under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), Chapter 632 – Nursing, and
directed in the physician’s approved plan of care (POC).
In addition to Section 1401.1B the HHA RN must make a supervisory visit to the recipient’s
residence at least once every 60 days.
ESRD recipients may qualify for HHA services. A recipient diagnosed with ESRD must meet all
the general requirements for the HHA program plus the recipient must require skilled services
that are not directly related to his/her dialysis treatments.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
HHA services are allowed out-of-state for Medicaid recipients absent from the state pursuant to
42 CFR 431.52. Payment for services furnished in another state are reimbursed to the same extent
that Nevada would pay for services provided within Nevada boundaries. Out-of-state HHA
services are reimbursed at the rural rate, using rural modifier TN.
1. There is a medical emergency and the recipient’s health would be endangered if he/she
were required to return to the State of Nevada to obtain medical services;
2. The recipient travels to another state because DHCFP has determined the required medical
services are not available in Nevada, or it is determined that the needed medical services
or necessary supplementary resources are more readily available in another state;
3. DHCFP determines that it is general practice for recipients in a particular locality to use
medical services in another state (e.g., Nevada counties that border other state lines);
4. The recipient is on personal business. DHCFP may reimburse for these services; however,
they will be limited to those currently listed on the recipient’s Plan of Care (POC).
1. The out-of-state provider must contact First Health Services Corporation (FHSC) provider
enrollment unit to become enrolled as a DHCFP Home Health Agency provider.
2. The out-of-state provider must also comply with all provisions in Section 1403.1D.
1. The recipient or their personal representative must contact Home Health Agency providers
in the geographic region of which they wish service to be provided, to determine the
availability of HHA service providers.
2. The recipient must notify an out-of-state provider who is not a DHCFP provider, but who
is interested in becoming a provider to contact the QIO-like vendor.
3. The out-of-state provider must also comply with all provision in Section 1403.1C.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Nevada Medicaid may authorize HHA services for medically necessary therapies on children ages
0-20 with chronic special health care needs who are referred to the program through an EPSDT
screening. Physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy may be authorized for six
months at a time when the child has an EPSDT screening examination, which identifies the
medical diagnosis and the need for such therapy. EPSDT screening examinations for these
services must be updated at six-month intervals. EPSDT therapies may be authorized beyond the
24 visits per year, if medically necessary as determined by DHCFP.
Reimbursement is based on the diagnosis of a medical condition plus the presence of functional
limitations, which can respond or improve as a result of the prescribed POC. There must be an
expectation the condition will improve significantly in a reasonably, predictable period of time.
The therapist must complete the initial evaluation; identify the treatment need, therapy goals,
frequency and expected duration of therapy treatment whether for occupational therapy, physical
therapy, and/or speech therapy. The provider must comply with all other requirements in Section
403.1B.
2. A copy of the evaluation and/or POC which includes therapy goals, frequency and
expected duration;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. The provider must also comply with all other requirements of Section 1403.1D.
HHA services are not intended to relieve a parent of their child caring or other legal
responsibilities. HHA services for children may be appropriate when the parent is unqualified or
otherwise unable to provide care. Home health agency services are intended to provide
intermittent skilled intervention with emphasis on caregiver education. Legally responsible adults
and other willing primary caregivers are expected to be taught care which can be rendered
reasonably and safely by non-medical persons.
Children are not considered homebound based upon their age. Home health, intermittent skilled
nursing and therapy services are available only when the child is considered so medically fragile
that leaving the home poses eminent danger to the health of the child. Home health agency
services are not to be provided as a convenience to parents, the physician or the physician
supplier. In authorizing services to children, consideration will be given to the inherent
complexity of the skilled intervention, the capacity of available primary caregivers to be taught,
and the availability of these caregivers. It is expected that the legally responsible adult or willing
caregiver, after demonstrating competency, will provide the service.
Verify the availability and capability of the legally responsible adult or primary caregiver and
include such information with request.
Home health agencies providing post partum home visiting service to Medicaid eligible women,
may bill for family planning education.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
No prior authorization is required. Submit on UB-92 0581 -- H1011 FP, TD (Old CPT Code =
C98970).
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1404 HEARINGS
Please reference Medicaid Services Manual, Chapter 3100 Hearings, for hearing procedures.
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT B
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MTL 29/15
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1500
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1500 INTRODUCTION
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services are preventive and
diagnostic services available to most recipients under age 21. In Nevada, the EPSDT program is
known as Healthy Kids. The program is designed to identify medical conditions and to provide
medically necessary treatment to correct such conditions. Healthy Kids offers the opportunity for
optimum health status for children through regular, preventive health services and the early
detection and treatment of disease.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1501 AUTHORITY
A. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services are a
mandatory benefit under the Medicaid program for categorically needy individuals under
age 21.
Services available under the Healthy Kids Program are provided as defined in the
following:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
1502 RESERVED
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1503 POLICY
A child’s health is assessed as early as possible in the child’s life, in order to prevent or find
potential diseases and disabilities in their early stages, when they are most effectively treated.
Assessment of a child’s health at regularly scheduled intervals assures that a condition, illness or
injury is not developing or present. The Healthy Kids program has established a periodicity
schedule for screening, vision, hearing and dental services based upon the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP). The periodicity schedule utilized by the Healthy Kids program can be found at
the Bright Futures /AAP website: http://brightfutures.aap.org.
1. The Healthy Kids program encourages providers to follow the recommended schedule for
developmental screenings offered by the AAP. Recipients will be sent letters by the
division’s Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor reminding them to
schedule a screening visit on a periodic basis.
2. Dental services are outlined in Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 1000, Dental.
Dental services can occur at intervals outside the established periodicity schedule when
indicated as medically necessary to determine the existence of a suspected illness or
condition. At a minimum, they must include relief of pain and infection, restoration of
teeth, and maintenance of dental health. Generally, dental services should be age-
appropriate and must be provided at intervals which meet reasonable standards of
medical practice as recognized by medical organizations involved with child health care.
3. Vision services are outlined in MSM Chapter 1100, Ocular Services. Vision services can
occur at intervals outside the established periodicity schedule when indicated as
medically necessary to determine the existence of a suspected illness or condition. At a
minimum, services must include diagnosis and treatment for defects in vision, including
eye glasses. Generally, vision services should be age-appropriate and must be provided at
intervals which meet reasonable standards of medical practice as recognized by medical
organizations involved with child health care.
4. Hearing services are outlined in MSM Chapter 2000, Audiology. Hearing services can
occur at intervals outside the established periodicity schedule when indicated as
medically necessary to determine the existence of a suspected illness or condition. At a
minimum, services should be age-appropriate and must include diagnosis and treatment
for defects in hearing, including hearing aids. Generally, hearing services must be
provided at intervals which meet reasonable standards of medical practice as recognized
by medical organizations involved with child health care.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. The provider shall determine whether a screening request is medically necessary when it
falls outside the periodicity schedule and will conduct the intervention necessary to
address suspected medical problems.
3. The provider should assure the elements listed in Section 1503.3A are included in a
screening examination. The provider should seek out and incorporate information
regarding the child’s usual functioning from parents, teachers, and others familiar with
the child when conducting an examination. Medical records should document the
assessments and significant positive and negative findings. Discussions with the child and
family about the findings should be an integral part of every examination and
documented as well. A referral to another Medicaid provider should occur if the provider
is unable to perform any screening component. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis
& Treatment (EPSDT) screening forms and EPSDT Participation Reports can be found
on the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) website:
https://dhcfp.nv.gov/epsdt.htm.
4. Medical records should contain the following information specific to EPSDT screening
services:
b. The date screening services were performed, the specific tests or procedures
performed, the results of these tests and the person who provided the service;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
5. Providers should submit claims using the established billing codes related to the Healthy
Kids screening examination. These examination codes can be found in the Hewlett
Packard Enterprise Services (HPES) Billing Guide, Physician Billing Guide.
6. The provider should make referrals for diagnostic testing after discussing the need for
such services with the recipient/parent/legal guardian during a post screening interview.
The physician’s progress notes should indicate the need for such testing.
7. A dated written referral should be given to the recipient or parents or forwarded to the
referral service provider. The referral should include the following information:
e. The name, address, telephone and fax numbers of the child’s primary physician if
different from the screening provider; and
8. The provider should advise recipients of possible resources for obtaining testing as
appropriate.
Healthy Kids screenings are provided to all eligible persons under the age of 21, which may
include medically necessary intervals that are outside an established periodicity schedule, also
known as interperiodic screenings.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. The DHCFP has identified a periodicity schedule that allows for access to screening,
vision, hearing and dental services at intervals which meet reasonable standards of
medical practice. The periodicity schedule can be found at the Bright Futures /AAP
website: http://brightfutures.aap.org.
2. A recipient may request a health care screening or any component of the health screening
at any time. Screening services which are medically necessary, such as when a new
health problem has occurred or when a previously diagnosed condition has become more
severe or changed sufficiently to require a new examination, will be offered, regardless of
whether the request falls into the periodicity schedule established by the State.
1. Screening services are designed to evaluate the general physical and mental health,
growth, development and nutritional status of infants, children and adolescents.
1. Family medical history (health of the parents and current family members,
identification of family members with chronic, communicable or
hereditary diseases);
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Nutritional history;
4. Immunization history;
5. Environmental risk;
b. DEVELOPMENTAL/BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Ears;
4. Eyes;
5. Nose;
6. Throat;
8. Neck;
11. Abdomen;
12. Genitalia;
d. APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATIONS
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. For specific guidelines for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine,
please refer to MSM Chapter 1200, Pharmacy Services.
e. LABORATORY PROCEDURES
f. HEALTH EDUCATION
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
g. VISION SCREENING
h. HEARING SCREENING
i. DENTAL SCREENING
2. Immunizations and laboratory tests should be billed separately from the screening visit.
Objective vision and hearing testing performed during the same visit as the physical
examination should not be billed separately, with the exception of testing for amblyopia.
If hearing and vision testing needs to be performed separately from the exam, these
procedures should be billed as outlined in applicable MSM chapters.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Nevada Medicaid does not cover “sick kid” visits under the Healthy Kids program. A
majority of the screening elements should be completed during a screening appointment
to be billed as a Healthy Kids screening. The screening visit should be rescheduled if the
child is too ill to complete the examination and the current visit should be billed using a
routine office visit code.
Nevada Medicaid provides diagnostic services as indicated through a Healthy Kids screening.
1. Any condition discovered during a screening should be followed up for diagnosis. Prior
authorization is not necessary for these diagnostic examinations if they are part of or
referred through a Healthy Kids screening. Referrals can include but are not limited to:
a. Vision Services.
b. Dental Services.
c. Hearing Services.
1503.5 TREATMENT
Nevada Medicaid provides for medically necessary treatment as indicated through a Healthy
Kids screening and diagnosis.
1. Health care and treatment is available to correct or improve defects and physical and
mental illnesses or conditions discovered by Healthy Kids screening and diagnostic
services. Covered services include all mandatory and optional services that a state can
cover under the benefit plan, whether or not such services are covered for adults. The
scope of medical services available are described in the SSA, Section 1905(a).
2. Services that are not medical in nature, including educational interventions, are excluded.
Treatment must be medically necessary and prior authorized if not typically included in
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
the benefit plan. The QIO-like vendor will review the suggested treatment to ensure it
meets with current medical practice standards for the given diagnosis.
Family planning information should be offered during a Healthy Kids examination as appropriate
and requested.
1503.7 TRANSPORTATION
Assistance with transportation is available to and from a Healthy Kids examination. (Please
reference MSM Chapter 1900, Transportation).
Nevada Medicaid pays for transportation in order for a recipient to receive medically necessary
care and services. Transportation requires prior authorization in all but emergency situations. The
guidelines outlined in MSM Chapter 1900 should be followed.
The Healthy Kids benefit package is not available to recipients who are eligible solely because of
pregnancy.
A recipient who is less than 21 years old and whose eligibility status is pregnancy related only
(P) is not eligible for Healthy Kids. She is eligible for pregnancy related services only, which
includes prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and postpartum care for 60 days after the date
of delivery, including the month in which the 60th day falls. The recipient may be eligible for
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
services that relate to conditions that might complicate the pregnancy, but those services cannot
be billed as a Healthy Kids service.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1504 HEARINGS
Please reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 3100 for Medicaid Recipient
Hearing process policy.
DESCRIPTION
Nevada Medicaid covers the routine costs of qualifying phase III and IV clinical trials for children less than 21
years of age. Reasonable and necessary items and services used to diagnose and treat complications arising from
participation in phase III and IV clinical trials are covered. These services must be a Nevada Medicaid covered
service.
POLICY
Any clinical trial receiving Medicaid coverage of routine costs must meet the following requirements:
1. The subject or purpose of the trial must be the evaluation of an item or service that is covered by Nevada
Medicaid (e.g., physicians' service, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), diagnostic test) and is not
excluded from coverage (e.g., cosmetic surgery);
2. The trial must not be designed exclusively to test toxicity or disease pathophysiology, it must have
therapeutic intent;
3. Trials of therapeutic interventions must enroll patients with diagnosed disease rather than healthy
volunteers; and
Clinical trials that meet the qualifying coverage criteria will receive Medicaid coverage of routine costs after
prior authorization from the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor.
Covered Services
1. Items or services that are typically provided absent a clinical trial (e.g., conventional care);
2. Items or services required solely for the provision of the investigational item or service (e.g.,
administration of a non-covered chemotherapeutic agent), the clinically appropriate monitoring of the
effects of the item or service, or the prevention of complications; and
3. Items or services needed for reasonable and necessary care arising from the provision of an
investigational item or service in particular, for the diagnosis or treatment of complications.
Non-Covered Services
2. Items and services provided solely to satisfy data collection and analysis needs and that are not used in
the direct clinical management of the patient (e.g., monthly Computed Tomography (CT) scans for a
condition usually requiring only a single scan).
3. Items and services customarily provided by the research sponsors free of charge for the enrollee in the
trial.
4. For items and services, including items and services for which Medicaid reimbursement is not available,
Medicaid only covers the treatment of complications arising from the delivery of the non-covered item or
service and unrelated reasonable and necessary care. However, if the item or service is not covered by
Medicaid and is the focus of a qualifying clinical trial, the routine costs of the clinical trial (as defined
above) will be covered by Medicaid but the non-covered item or service, itself, will not.
NOTE: For policy regarding pharmaceutical clinical studies, please refer to MSM Chapter 1200,
Prescribed Drugs.
DESCRIPTION/POLICY
Nevada Medicaid does not cover any item or service that is not medically necessary, that is unsafe or is not
generally recognized as an accepted method of medical practice or treatment.
If experimental treatment is medically necessary, providers must request prior authorization for services which
may fall into the above category prior to rendering service.
Nevada Medicaid completes prior authorization on medical services to assure that the care and the services
proposed are actually needed, are equally effective, less expensive alternatives have been given consideration,
and the proposed service and materials conform to commonly accepted standards.
INTRODUCTION
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications
using behavioral stimuli and consequences to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior,
including the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between
environment and behavior. ABA is a behavior intervention model based on reliable evidence based practices
focusing on targeted skills in all areas of development. The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy
(DHCFP) utilizes the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP), and Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) “Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism
Spectrum Disorder: Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Funders and Managers (2nd ed.)” as guiding principles
for this policy.
All DHCFP policies and requirements (such as prior authorizations, etc.) except for those listed in the Nevada
Check up (NCU) Chapter 1000 are the same for NCU.
All DHCFP policies and requirements for Outpatient Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Maintenance Therapy
are listed in Chapter 1700 of the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM). Chapter 1500, Attachment #15-3
specifically covers ABA services; for other Medicaid services, coverage, limitations and provider
responsibilities the specific MSM needs to be referenced.
AUTHORITY
A comprehensive array of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services are a mandatory benefit under the
Medicaid program for categorically needy individuals under age 21, including children with Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD).
1. ABA is an evidence based behavior intervention meeting the provision of the law as defined in the
following:
c. Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) Chapter 641 describes persons deemed to practice ABA services;
and
d. Nevada Medicaid State Plan describes the amount, duration and scope of ABA services provided
to the categorically needy.
DEFINITIONS
1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental
modifications using behavioral stimuli and consequences to produce socially significant improvement in
human behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the
relations between environment and behavior.
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant
social, communication and behavioral challenges.
POLICY
Medicaid will reimburse for ABA rendered to Medicaid eligible individuals under age 21 in accordance with
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) coverage authority. The behavior
intervention must be medically necessary (reference MSM 100) to develop, maintain, or restore to the
maximum extent practical the functions of an individual with a diagnosis of ASD or other condition for which
ABA is recognized as medically necessary. It must be rendered according to the written orders of the Physician,
Physician’s Assistant or an Advanced Practitioner Registered Nurse (APRN). The treatment regimen must be
designed and signed off on by the qualified ABA provider.
The services are to be provided in the least restrictive, most normative setting possible and may be delivered in
a medical professional clinic/office, within a community environment, or in the recipient’s home.
All services must be documented as medically necessary and appropriate and must be prescribed on an
individualized treatment plan.
Covered Services
1. There are two types of ABA treatment delivery models recognized by the DHCFP, Focused and
Comprehensive. Based upon the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), Inc. (2014) within each
of the two delivery models there are key characteristics which must be demonstrated throughout the
assessment and treatment. These characteristics include:
a. Comprehensive assessment that describes specific levels of baseline behaviors when establishing
treatment goals.
b. Establishing small units of behavior which builds towards larger changes in functioning in
improved health and levels of independence.
e. Ongoing and frequent direct assessment, analysis and adjustments to the treatment plan by a
Behavior Analyst by observations and objective data analysis.
f. Use of treatment protocols that are implemented repeatedly, frequently, and consistently across
all environments.
g. Direct support and training of family members and other involved qualified professionals.
h. Supervision and management by a licensed provider with expertise and formal training in ABA
for treatment of ASD. “Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Funders and Managers (2014) (2nded.)”.
http://bacb.com/Downloadfiles/ABA_Guidelines_for_ASD.pdf
a. Focused ABA is treatment directly provided to the individual for a limited number of specific
behavioral targets.
1. The appropriate target behaviors are prioritized. When prioritizing multiple target areas,
the following behaviors are considered:
a. behaviors that may threaten the health and safety of themselves or others; and
a. Comprehensive ABA is treatment provided to the individual for a multiple number of targets
across domains of functioning including cognitive, communicative, social and emotional.
1. The behavior disorders may include co-occurring disorders such as aggression, self-
injury and other dangerous disorders.
2. Treatment hours are increased and decreased as recipient responds to treatment goals.
b. Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations - Is the further review and diagnosis of the child’s
behavior and development. Coverage of this service is found within Chapter 600 of the MSM.
the recipient’s treatment. The comprehensive assessment process includes an extensive recipient
history which may include: current medical conditions, past medical history, labs and
diagnostics, medication history, substance abuse history, legal history, family, educational and
social history, and risk assessment. The information collected from this comprehensive
assessment shall be used to determine appropriate interventions and treatment planning.
d. Adaptive Behavioral Treatment Intervention - Is the systematic use of behavioral techniques and
intervention procedures to include intensive direction instruction by the interventionist and
family training and support.
1. Family Treatment with the child present – Is training that includes the parent/guardian or
authorized representative in behavioral techniques during the behavior intervention with
the child.
5. The coverage of ABA services require the following medical coverage criteria to be met:
c. The individual exhibits excesses and/or deficits of behavior that impedes access to age
appropriate home or community activities (examples include, but are not limited to aggression,
self-injury, elopement, and/or social interaction, independent living, play and/or communication
skills, etc.);
d. ABA services are rendered in accordance with the individual’s treatment plan with realistic and
obtainable treatment goals to address the behavioral dysfunction;
e. Treatment may vary in intensity and duration based on clinical standards. Approval of fewer
hours than recommended/supported in clinical literature requires justification based on objective
findings in the medical records;
f. A reasonable expectation on the part of the treating healthcare professional that the individual
will improve, or maintain to the maximum extent practical functional gains with behavior
intervention services;
g. The treatment plan must be based on evidence-based assessment criteria and the individual’s test
results;
h. Behavioral assessments which are previously performed at the Local Education Agency (LEA)
must be utilized and not duplicatively billed under the DHCFP if current (within six months) and
clinically appropriate; and
6. Services may be delivered in an individual or group (two to eight individuals) treatment session.
7. Services may be delivered in the natural setting (i.e. home and community-based settings, including
clinics).
a. Part C, Early Intervention ages zero up to three - Services identified on an Individualized Family
Services Plan (IFSP) may be billed to the DHCFP when the providers are enrolled and meet the
provider qualifications as outlined under “provider qualifications” for ABA service. These
providers must directly bill the DHCFP.
b. Part B, Special Education and related services ages three up to 21 - Services indentified on an
Individual Educational Plan (IEP) may be billed to the DHCFP when the providers are enrolled
and meet the provider qualifications as outlined under “provider qualifications” for ABA
services. These providers must directly bill the DHCFP.
2. Behavioral Initial assessment and re-assessments do not require prior authorization. Assessments are
limited to one in every 180 days or unless prior authorized.
3. Adaptive Behavioral Treatment (individual and group) requires prior authorization from the Quality
Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor.
4. Adaptive Family Behavioral training (individual and group) requires prior authorization from the QIO-
like vendor.
5. ABA services identified through an IEP. When an IEP is issued by the school system, the IEP must
accompany a request for ABA services and coordination of services is expected.
6. Each authorization is for an independent period of time as indicated by the start and end date of the
service period. If a provider believes it is medically necessary for services to be rendered beyond the
scope (units, time period or both) of the current authorization, the provider is responsible for the
submittal of a new prior authorization request.
6. Services, supplies, or procedures performed in a non-conventional setting including but not limited to
Resorts, Spas, and Camps.
7. Custodial services:
1. shall be defined as care that is provided primarily to assist in the activities of daily living
(ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and maintaining personal hygiene and safety;
2. is provided primarily for maintaining the recipient’s or anyone else’s safety; and
9. Services not authorized by the QIO-like vendor if an authorization is required according to policy.
16. Care coordination and treatment planning billed independently of direct service.
17. ABA services cannot be reimbursed on the same day as other rehabilitative mental health services as
described within Chapter 400 of the MSM.
PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS
In order to be recognized and reimbursed as an ABA provider by the DHCFP, the provider must be one of the
following:
1. Licensure as a Physician by the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners acting within their scope of
practice (NRS 630.630, 630.165, 630.195, 633 Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 630.080), and 42
CFR §440.50.
2. A Psychologist licensed under NRS 641.170.3. A qualified Behavior Analyst is an individual who has
earned a master’s degree level and/or doctorate from an accredited college or university in a field of
social science or special education and holds a current certificate as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
(BCBA and BCBA-D) by the BACB, Inc., and licensed by the Nevada State Board of Psychological
Examiners under NRS 641.170.
4. A qualified Assistant Behavior Analyst is an individual who has earned a bachelor’s degree from an
accredited college or university in a field of social science or special education and holds a current
certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) by the BACB, Inc., and licensed
by the Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners under NRS 641.170 and is under the direction of
a physician, psychologist, BCBA-D, or BCBA.
5. A Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) is an individual who has earned a high school diploma or
equivalent, completed training and testing as approved and credentialed by the BACB, Inc., and acting
within the scope of practice under direction of a physician, psychologist, BCBA-D, BCBA, or BCaBA.
SUPERVISION STANDARDS
Clinical Supervision as established by NRS 641.100, which includes: program development, ongoing
assessment and treatment oversight, report writing, demonstration with the individual, observation,
interventionist and parent/guardian training/education, and oversight of transition and discharge plans. All
supervision must be overseen by a Licensed Psychologist, BCBA-D or BCBA who has experience in the
treatment of autism, although the actual supervision may be provided by a BCaBA at their direction. The
amount of supervision must be responsive to individual needs and within the general standards of care and may
temporarily increase to meet the individual needs at a specific period in treatment.
PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
1. The provider will allow, upon request of proper representatives of the DHCFP, access to all records
which pertain to Medicaid recipients for regular review, audit or utilization review.
2. Once an approved prior authorization request has been received, providers are required to notify the
recipient in a timely manner of the approved service units and service period dates.
3. Ensure services are consistent with applicable professional standards and guidelines relating to the
practice of ABA as well as state Medicaid laws and regulations and state licensure laws and regulations.
4. Ensure caseload size is within the professional standards and guidelines relating to the practice of ABA.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY
1. Be present during all provider training and supervisory visits that occur during home-based services. A
parent/guardian may designate an authorized representative, who is 18 years of age or older, to
participate in the parent/guardians absence during home-based services.
3. Participate in training by demonstrating taught skills to support generalization of skills to the home and
community environment.
4. Sign the treatment plan indicating an understanding and agreement of the plan.
TREATMENT PLAN
All ABA services must be provided under a treatment plan developed and approved by a licensed psychologist,
BCBA-D or BCBA, supported by a BCaBA where applicable. The licensed psychologist, BCBA-D, or BCBA
trains the BCaBA and RBT to implement assessment and intervention protocols with the individual, and
provides training and instruction to the parent/guardian and caregiver as necessary to support the
implementation of the ABA treatment plan. The licensed psychologist, BCBA-D, or BCBA is responsible for
all aspects of clinical direction, supervision, and case management.
ABA services shall be rendered in accordance with the individual’s treatment plan that is reviewed no less than
every six months by a licensed psychologist, BCBA-D, or BCBA. All treatment plans are based on
documentation of medical necessity for specific treatment goals to address specific behavior targets based on
the appropriate treatment model. The treatment plan shall include:
1. Goals derived from the functional assessment and/or skill assessment that occur prior to initiation of
treatment, and relating to the core deficit derived from the assessment;
2. Specific and measurable objectives to address each skill deficit and behavioral excess goal:
b. Identify short, intermediate, and long-term goals and objectives that are behaviorally defined;
4. Specific treatment, intervention including amount, scope, duration and anticipated provider(s) of the
services;
5. Training and supervision to enable the BCaBAs and RBTs to implement assessment and treatment
protocols;
6. Care coordination involving the parent/guardian, community, school, and behavior health and/or
medical providers who are concurrently providing services. Care coordination must include
parent/guardian’s documented consent;
10. Discharge criteria to include requirements of discharge, anticipated discharge date, next level of care,
and coordination of other services.
DISCHARGE PLAN
All ABA services must include discharge criteria as a written component of the treatment plan at the initiation
of services and updated throughout the treatment process; involving a gradual step down in services. Discharge
planning should include the details of monitoring and follow up for the individual.
c. The individual does not demonstrate progress towards goals for successive authorization periods;
or
e. The parent/guardian and provider are unable to reconcile concerns in treatment planning and
delivery.
b. Discharge criteria;
d. The identified agency(ies) or Independent Provider(s) to provide the aftercare services; and
A Discharge summary is written documentation of the last service contact with the recipient, the diagnosis at
admission and termination, and a summary statement that describes the effectiveness of the treatment modalities
and progress, or lack of progress, towards treatment goals and objectives, as documented in the ABA treatment
plan. The discharge summary also includes the reason for discharge, current level of functioning, and
recommendations for further treatment.
'cJ
~
July 21 , 2011
1 I
TO: CUSTODIANS OF MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL / J\X1
FROM : MARTA E. STAGLIANO, CHIEF, COMPLlANC0 l ' r
SUBJECT: MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CHANGES
CHAPTER 1600 - INTERMEDIATE CARE FOR THE MENTALLY
RETARDED
The policy has been revised in the area of transportation to provide examples of services not
reimbursable to the facility and refer the reader to Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter
1900, Transportation Services. The changes reduce conflict of information between program
chapters and provide additional direction regarding transportation to an Adult Day Health Care
(ADHC) setting. The second revision addresses a provider' s use of ADHC services. Further
changes direct the provider to the Rates and Cost Containment Unit for information regarding the
Unifonn Cost Report. Lastly, additional direction has been provided for the management of a
patient's trust fund account.
To bring the chapter into formatting consistent with other manual chapters the Definitions
section and the References and Cross References section have been deleted and are being
reserved for future use.
Throughout the chapter, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization changes were made,
duplications removed, acronyms used and standardized, and language reworded for clarity.
Renumbering and re-arranging of sections was necessary.
1602
..
DefiDltIons The sectIOn was deleted and IS beIng reserved for
Page 1 of2
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
future use.
1605 References and The section was deleted and is being reserved for
Cross References future use.
Page 2 of 2
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1600 INTRODUCTION
Nevada Medicaid’s Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) Program
was established in 1971 to provide reimbursement for individuals residing in institutions for
people with mental retardation or other related conditions. The Social Security Act specifies that
these institutes must provide active treatment in addition to other Conditions of Participation.
Many of the residents who are served by the program are also non-ambulatory, may have seizure
disorders, behavioral problems, mental illness, can be visually or hearing impaired or have a
combination of these conditions.
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) has opted to provide services for
people residing in an ICF/MR as a benefit under the State Plan for Medical Assistance.
All DHCFP (Nevada – Medicaid) policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are
the same for Nevada Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the areas where Medicaid and NCU
policies differ as documented in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1601 AUTHORITY
Federal Statutes, Regulations, and Policies Governing the Intermediate Care Facility for the
Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) Program.
The following are the relevant statutes, regulations, and State Operations Manuals (SOM) that
govern the ICF/MR Program.
• Section 1902(a)(33) – Directs Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to
make independent and binding determinations
• Section 1902(i)(1) – State plans for medical assistance and the ICF/MR program.
• 42 CFR 435.1009 – Definitions relating to institutional status for the purpose of Federal
Financial Participation (FFP)
• 42 CFR 498.3-5 – Appeals procedures for determinations that affect participation in the
Medicare program and for determinations that affect the participation of ICF/MR and
certain Nursing Facilities in the Medicaid program.
• SURVEY procedures governing the ICF/MR program – State Operations Manual (SOM),
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 9 – Exhibit 80 and Appendix J.
INTERMEDIATE CARE FOR THE
July 22, 2011 MENTALLY RETARDED Section 1601 Page 1
MTL 12/11
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1602
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
1602 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1603 POLICY
1603.1 Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) must be certified and comply
with all Federal Conditions of Participation in eight areas, including management, client
protections, facility staffing, active treatment services, client behavior and facility practices,
health care services, physical environment and dietetic services.
In Nevada, the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) of the State Health
Division licenses ICF/MR facilities, conducts surveys and recommends certification of the
facilities as Medicaid providers.
c. A physician must certify the need for ICF/MR care prior to or on the day of
admission (or if the applicant becomes eligible for Medicaid while in the ICF/MR,
before the Nevada Medicaid Office (NMO) authorizes payment).
d. The certification must refer to the need for the ICF/MR level of care, be signed and
dated by the physician, and be incorporated into the resident's record in the
physician's orders.
f. The physical exam must document the resident does not have any active
communicable, contagious, or infectious disease.
g. The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) evaluation documents that the recipient needs
more intensive treatment than can be provided in a day treatment program or a
community residential program.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The IDT evaluation documents that the recipient needs and can probably benefit
from the active treatment program. The program is directed toward the acquisition
of behaviors necessary to maximize the recipient’s possible independence and self
determination or to prevent or decelerate regression or loss of the recipient’s
current level of functioning for a recipient for whom no further positive growth is
demonstrable.
h. The IDT has developed an appropriate IPP based on its evaluation and reevaluated
the plan as required.
1. MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY
Refer to Chapter 100 of the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) for detailed information on
application and eligibility categories.
2. FACILITY CERTIFICATION
The facility must also have a valid Provider Agreement with the Nevada Medicaid Office;
the Agreement must be co-terminus with Medicaid's period of certification, including any
automatic cancellation dates imposed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS). The maximum duration of a Provider Agreement is 12 months.
3. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
The IDT must complete a preliminary assessment of each recipient prior to admission to
the facility.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The preliminary assessment must include background information and current valid
assessments of functional, developmental, behavioral, social, health, and nutritional status
to determine if the facility can provide for the recipient's needs, if the recipient is likely to
benefit from placement in the facility, and what services are needed to meet those needs.
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
There must be a psychological evaluation documenting the need for care which must be
completed within three months before admission and prior to authorization of payment.
For an urgent or emergency initial ICF/MR placement, a psychologist may review the
most recent psychological evaluation and document with a progress note or addendum to
the psychological evaluation that the recipient is eligible and needs ICF/MR placement.
The note or addendum must confirm the recipient's specific level of retardation or identify
the condition related to mental retardation and be signed and dated within 90 days prior to
admission or on the admission date. This progress note or addendum must be attached to
the most recent psychological evaluation.
For readmission and discharge to another ICF/MR, a new psychological evaluation is not
required unless the IDT determines the existing evaluation is no longer accurate.
The physician must complete a medical plan of care if the resident requires 24-hour
licensed nursing care. It must include:
1. medications;
2. treatments;
4. activities;
5. therapies;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. diet;
Within 30 days of admission, the following assessments and evaluation which were
completed (as appropriate to the recipient's needs) must be entered in the resident's record.
a. A physical examination and history which was completed within five days prior to
or 30 days after admission. The examination and history may be conducted by an
advanced practitioner of nursing or physician's assistant, if within their scope of
practice, or a physician. The examination must include screening for vision and
hearing.
f. Social assessment which includes, but is not limited to, family history, social
relationships and interactions with peers, friends and relatives, and social
development.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
l. Assessment of adaptive behaviors and independent living skills which includes the
effectiveness or degree with which individuals meet the standards of personal
independence and social responsibility expected of their age and cultural group and
skills such as meal preparation, laundry, bed making, budgeting.
All of the assessments must describe what recipients can and cannot do in terms of skills
needed within the context of their daily lives.
n. Identify the recipient's present problems and disabilities and where possible, their
causes;
q. Identify the recipient's need for services without regard to the actual availability of
services needed.
a. Within 30 days of admission, the IDT develops an IPP for each resident based on
the interdisciplinary professional comprehensive evaluations.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. The purpose of the IPP is to help the individual function at the greatest physical,
intellectual, social, or vocational level the recipient has presently or can potentially
achieve.
c. The interdisciplinary team must prepare an IPP which includes opportunities for
individual choice and self management and identifies the discrete measurable
criteria-based objective the recipient is to achieve, and the specific individualized
program of specialized and generic strategies, supports and techniques to be
employed. The IPP must be directed toward the acquisition of the behaviors
necessary for the recipient to function with as much self-determination and
independence as possible, and the prevention or deceleration of regression or loss
of current optimal functional status.
a. The ICF/MR must provide active treatment. Once the IDT has developed the
recipient’s IPP, the recipient must receive a continuous active treatment program
consisting of needed interventions and services in sufficient number and frequency
to support the achievement of the objectives identified in the plan.
b. The individual’s time in the home or living unit must maximize toward further
development and refinement (including self-initiation) of appropriate skills.
c. For the active treatment process to be effective, the overall pattern of interaction
between staff and a recipient must be related to the comprehensive functional
assessment and the IPP.
d. Except for those facets of the IPP which must be implemented by licensed
personnel, each recipient's program plan must be implemented by all staff who
work with the recipient, including professional, para-professional, and other staff,
including direct care staff.
e. The facility must ensure that during staff time spent with each recipient, the staff
members are able to provide needed interventions or reinforce acquired skills in
accordance with the program plan. The activities of the ICF/MR must be
coordinated with other habilitation and training activities in which the recipient
may participate outside of the ICF/MR and vice versa, i.e. school or Community
Training Center (CTC).
Within 30 days of admission to the facility, staff must develop an active treatment
schedule which outlines the current active treatment program and is readily available for
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
review by relevant staff. The schedule should direct the intensity of the daily work of the
staff and the recipient in implementing the individual program plan. To the extent
possible, the schedule should allow for flexible participation of the recipient in a broad
range of options, rather than on a fixed regimen.
The facility must develop an active treatment schedule for each recipient which:
a. Does not allow for periods of unscheduled activity of longer than three continuous
hours;
b. Allows free time for individual or group activities using appropriate materials;
d. Reflects some of the specific programs for the individual rather than a facility or
unit-wide generic calendar.
a. Reviews
A facility must have one or more QMRP’s review the IPP and assure it is revised
as necessary. The frequency of the QMRP reviews are determined by the facility.
The duties of the QMRP are:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. Obtaining input and review by other IDT members when the revisions
result in significant differences from the team’s original intent;
Within one year of the resident's admission date and at least once annually thereafter, the
IDT must re–evaluate each recipient and revise the IPP. Revisions must be developed and
implemented and recommendations acted upon within 30 days of the IDT meeting, unless
other time frames are justified.
2. When the recipient is an adult, the need for guardianship and how the
recipient can exercise his/her civil and legal rights;
b. Dental examination;
c. Social reassessment;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
e. Nursing reassessment;
g. Nutritional reassessment;
Assessments which are no longer accurate must be revised. The case record
must document that the IDT has reviewed the assessments and determined
which need updating.
To assist in appropriate use of available beds, the facility must complete the Monthly
Facility Occupancy Report indicating the actual census as of the first day of each month.
This report is due by the fifth day of each month. The occupancy report may be submitted
by fax to Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP), Continuum of Care
Unit, (775) 687-8724.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Incidents involving any potential harm to a resident in or around the facility must be:
d. Evaluated by a nurse.
Incident documentation may be maintained apart from the resident's chart but, upon
request, must be made available to authorized representatives of the DHCFP and/or
Nevada State Health Division.
A facility must report to the Nevada Medicaid Office by telephone, within 48 hours, any
incident in or about the facility that results in the death of or serious injury to any
Medicaid resident by other than natural causes.
1. Recipients and/or their authorized representative are responsible to apply for and to
maintain Nevada Medicaid eligibility by cooperating with the Division of Welfare and
Supportive Services (DWSS) in providing information necessary to determine eligibility.
2. Application for services is made directly through the service provider in conjunction with
the Health Division’s Mental Health and Development Services (MHDS).
3. The recipient and the recipient’s family/guardian should participate in developing the IPP
unless the QMRP documents that such participation is inappropriate or unobtainable. If
the recipient is a legally competent adult, he/she may request that his/her family not be
involved in the planning process.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
b. Authorization will be given only after a determination by the QIO-like vendor that
ICF/MR admission criteria have been met.
The facility must submit an ICF/MR Tracking Form within 72 hours of an admission,
readmission, discharge, Medicaid eligibility determination or annual continued stay
review.
This form is to be submitted to the DHCFP or their QIO-like vendor. Failure to submit the
Tracking form may result in a delay or denial of payment.
3. PRE-PAYMENT REVIEW
The below required attachments are referred to as a Pre-Payment Review packet. The pre-
payment review packet serves as documentation to assess the appropriateness of
placement. Once the Pre-Payment Review packet has been approved the facility will be
notified by receiving a Billing Authorization letter. An ICF/MR will not be able to bill for
services until they have received the Billing Authorization letter.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Acute Discharge Summary (if there was a hospital stay which lasted longer
than 48 hours);
4. The most recent psychological test results documenting the recipient's level
of retardation or existence of a "related condition";
6. The current IPP developed by the IDT and Active Treatment Schedule.
If the packet has information which is incomplete or inaccurate, the packet will be
returned to the facility, with the Additional Information form identifying the
problem. The facility must review this request, make necessary corrections or
provide additional information to assure all areas are addressed prior to
resubmitting the packet. A facility staff member(s) must initial any alterations.
Annually, the ICF/MR must submit to Nevada Medicaid documentation verifying the need
for a recipient’s continued stay.
a. Required attachments for the Annual Continued Stay Payment Review Packets:
1. Most recent annual IDT review with signatures and titles of the
participants.
Continued payment will not be approved without the annual review packet.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
If a recipient is discharged to a hospital or nursing facility from the ICF/MR and returns to
the same ICF/MR, the following procedures are required:
a. Within 72 hours of the recipient's discharge, the facility must complete and submit
to the DHCFP QIO-like vendor an ICF/MR Tracking Form.
b. Within 72 hours of the recipient's return to the ICF/MR, the facility must complete
and submit the ICF/MR Tracking form.
c. Prior to or on the date of return to the ICF/MR, a physician must complete the
physician's certification and update the physician's orders.
d. The IDT determines whether assessments are still accurate. Assessments which are
not accurate must be revised. The case record must show that the IDT has
reviewed all assessments and determined which need updating. This could be
noted on each assessment which does not need revising or in the minutes of the
IDT meeting.
On or prior to the date of admission, the IDT must review and revise the IPP. If the
IDT finds the objectives are appropriate and do not need revising, they must so
note in the case records. This notation may be in the IDT minutes or on the plan
objectives which are not being revised.
e. The facility must obtain the hospital's discharge summary if the hospital stay was
for longer than 48 hours and file it in the recipient's record.
g. If the recipient has been out of the ICF/MR for more than 30 days, all the
requirements for a new admission must be met.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. The facility must submit the ICF/MR Tracking form to Nevada Medicaid’s QIO-
like vendor within 72 hours of when the recipient is transferred.
b. If the recipient returns to the ICF/MR within the trial placement period (within 30
days of leaving the ICF/MR) the facility must:
1. Complete the tracking form within 72 hours of the recipient's return and
submit it to Nevada Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor.
3. Within 30 days after admission, the admitting ICF/MR IDT must perform
accurate assessments or reassessments as needed (defined in Manual
Section 1603.1B11.a.8 of this chapter).
On or prior to the date of readmission, the IDT must review and revise the
IPP. If the IDT finds that the objectives are appropriate and do not need
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
revising, it must be noted in the case record. This notation may be in the
IDT minutes or on the plan objectives which are not being revised.
b. Within 45 days of the readmission, the facility must submit the Pre-
Payment Review Packet, defined in Manual Section 1603.1D.3 of
this chapter, to Nevada Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor.
Nevada Medicaid must prior authorize all out-of-state ICF/MR placements for all Medicaid
recipients arranged by any agency, individual, or district office. Nevada Medicaid will issue a
Prior Authorization (PA) to the out-of-state facility and the Medicaid District Office may assist to
arrange transportation. A recipient residing in an out-of-state facility without Medicaid
authorization may place the out-of-state facility at risk for delayed or non-payment of services and
the resident may be considered a resident of the state of location.
PRE-PLACEMENT PROCEDURES
The following pre-placement procedures must be followed before Nevada Medicaid will
authorize an out-of-state ICF/MR placement:
1. All appropriate facilities within Nevada must first be contacted for a possible placement.
The facilities contacted and reasons for not accepting the recipient must be documented.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. If there is no burial coverage and family is not willing/able to purchase it, a burial
guarantee must be obtained from the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), or
the county of origin.
4. If the individual is incompetent or suffers from diminished capacity and there is no family,
legal guardian or significant other involvement, efforts must be made to have the Public
Administrator or a guardian appointed to handle possible legal, health or financial matters
prior to out-of-state placement.
5. The individual (and family or custodial agency if applicable) must agree in writing to out-
of-state placement.
All of the following are required for authorization for an out–of–state placement:
3. Proof of burial coverage or guarantee (if available) and a signed statement from the
recipient or responsible party acknowledging that Medicaid benefits end with death of the
recipient.
4. Statement from the recipient, if a minor from his/her parent, or from a legal guardian
agreeing to an out–of–state placement.
5. A list of all Nevada ICF/MR facilities contacted including date contacted the name of the
person at the ICF/MR who denied placement and the reason for denial.
6. A letter verifying coverage of educational costs for a recipient who is under age 22 and
has not completed high school.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
8. Psychological evaluation verifying the person with mental retardation or with a condition
related to mental retardation will benefit from placement in an ICF/MR.
All documents must be sent to the DHCFP, Attention: Out–of–State Placement Coordinator.
1603.4 TRANSPORTATION
Transportation for services that a facility is required to provide is not reimbursable, such as but
not limited to medical appointments, social events and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)
attendance.
Refer to MSM Chapter 1900, Transportation Services, for further details on transportation.
1603.5 ABSENCES
1. Payment for therapeutic leave of absence, or reserved beds, may be made to an ICF/MR,
subject to the following conditions:
a. The purpose of the therapeutic leave of absence is for rehabilitative home and
community visits including preparation for discharge to community living;
b. The patient’s attending physician authorizes the therapeutic leave of absence and
the plan of care provides for such absences;
c. An ICF/MR will be reimbursed their per diem rate for reserving beds for Medicaid
recipients who are absent from the facility on therapeutic leave up to a maximum
of twenty-four (24) days annually. For this purpose, annually is defined as a
calendar year beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the same
year.
3. If a recipient does not return from a home visit or family emergency and if the absence has
been appropriately documented by the recipient's physician and the facility, the facility
will not be penalized for the recipient's failure to return. This absence will be treated as a
discharge effective the day the recipient was expected to return from leave.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
In order to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement and provide services necessary to assure a
comprehensive Active Treatment Program, ICF/MR employ or contract with individuals who can
assess recipient needs, participate in the IPP, and provide appropriate training and habilitation
services. These support staff assist in providing those physical and social modifications or
interventions allowing the recipient to function and adapt to his/her physical and social
environment.
ADHC services may be considered part of an Active Treatment Program. This service is not
Medicaid reimbursable outside of the facility’s routine per diem rate.
1. RECREATION
4. Move around with various methods and devices whenever possible; and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. Develop skills, including physical and motor skills, and interests leading to
enjoyable and satisfying use of leisure time; and
2. Sufficient qualified staff and support staff should be available to carry out
recreational services in accordance with the stated objective(s) in the IPP.
2. SOCIAL SERVICES
3. Asserting and safeguarding the human and civil rights of the recipient and
his/her family; and
b. Pre-Admission Services
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Social workers must participate in the IDT meetings for each recipient for the
purposes of monitoring and following up on program plans.
The social worker must, as appropriate, provide liaison between the recipient, the
ICF/MR, the family, and the community.
e. Discharge Planning
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a. Perceptual skills;
b. Sensorimotor skills;
c. Self-help skills;
d. Communication skills;
e. Social skills;
f. Self-direction;
b. Psychological Services
The facility must provide a psychological service program for recipients’ which
includes:
1. Evaluations which must be done at least every three years for recipients
under age 18 and every five years for recipients aged 18 or older. The
evaluations must document that the resident has mental retardation. The
level of retardation may be two levels if the recipient's functioning is in
between them, e.g., moderate-severe.
2. Consultation;
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3. Therapy;
4. Program development;
6. Staff training;
d. Psychiatric Services
4. DENTAL SERVICES
b. Periodic examination and diagnosis done at least annually for each recipient.
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c. Necessary access to the services specified under the MSM Chapter 1000,
excluding sealants, orthodontia, pharmacy services, fluoride treatments, and
fluoride treatments with prophylaxis.
d. For children under 21 years of age residing in an ICF/MR referred for dental care
through the Healthy Kids Program, also known as Early and Periodic Screening
Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), a Medicaid dental provider may bill directly to
Medicaid.
e. For adults 21 years and older residing in an ICF/MR, dental treatment for
emergency extractions, palliative care, and dentures can be billed to Medicaid by a
Medicaid dental provider in accordance with the MSM Chapter 1000 guidelines
and limitations.
5. PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
a. Pharmacist Duties
2. The pharmacist must receive a copy for each resident of the physician's
drug treatment order.
3. The pharmacist must maintain for each resident a record of all prescription
and non-prescription medications dispensed including quantities and
frequency of refills.
6. The pharmacist must review each resident's drug regimen at least quarterly.
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period of three fiscal years from the year to which they pertain (NRS
239.073).
b. Staff or Consultant
2. Payment for consultant pharmacist services are separate from payment for
filling of prescriptions. With the consultant pharmacist, payment is made
by the facility for a service to the facility. In the case of prescribed drugs, a
provider payment is made by Medicaid to a pharmacy on behalf of the
recipient. The individual furnishing consultant pharmacist services to a
facility may or may not also be providing prescribed drugs to residents in
that facility. However, when it is feasible, separation of consultant services
and prescription services is encouraged.
c. Limitations
The consultant pharmacist must review every drug ordered for compliance with
this definition.
If drug therapy is observed which does not meet the definition of essential as stated
in Section 1602.11 of this chapter, future charges for the medication will be
denied. Before this sanction is imposed, the facility and the pharmacy will receive
advance notice. If Nevada Medicaid does not receive appropriate justification
within 10 days from the date of notification, all future charges for the medication
will be denied.
a. Services
1. Physical and OT staff must provide treatment training programs which are
designed to:
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a. Evaluation;
1. The ICF/MR must have available enough qualified staff and support
personnel available either on staff or under contract to carry out the various
physical and occupational therapy services in accordance with stated
objectives in recipients' individual treatment plans.
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a. Services
Speech pathology and audiology services available to the ICF/MR must include:
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8. LABORATORY SERVICES
a. Management Requirements
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Each facility is paid the lower of either billed charges or an interim rate. In no case will
payment exceed audited allowable costs.
Non state-operated ICF/MR – Small is defined as a facility having six beds or less.
Private ICF/MR–Small facilities are paid a prospective payment rate for basic service
costs, other than day training costs and property costs, on a per–patient–day basis. Day
training costs and property costs, excluded from the basic prospective rate, are reimbursed
under Medicare principles of retrospective cost reimbursement.
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The daily rate is to include services and items such as, but not limited to nursing services,
dietary services, activity programs, laundry services, room/bed maintenance services,
medically related social services, routine personal hygiene supplies, and active treatment
programs.
Day training must be arranged by the ICF/MR, and must be approved by MHDS.
Refer to the Medicaid State Plan, Attachment 4.19-D and MSM Chapter 700, Rates and
Cost Containment, for additional details.
Non state operated ICF/MR-Large (is defined as a facility having more than six beds). It
will be paid the lower of 1) billed charges or 2) an all-inclusive prospective per diem rate
Refer to the Medicaid State Plan, Attachment 4.19-D and MSM Chapter 700, Rates and
Cost Containment, for additional details.
4. ALLOWABLE COSTS
Any question of an allowable cost that is not addressed within this chapter will be resolved
by reference to MSM Chapter 700, Rates and Cost Containment, and the CMS Publication
15.
Nevada Medicaid allows the costs for nutritional supplements (e.g., Ensure, Pediasure,
etc.) when recommended in writing by a registered dietician and prescribed by a
physician. The cost is included in the facility cost reports under Raw Food or Dietary.
5. UPPER LIMITS
In no case may Medicaid payment for an ICF/MR exceed the facility's customary charges
to the general public.
In no case may Medicaid payment for an ICF/MR caring for more than 6 persons, exceed
an upper limit determined by application of principles of reimbursement for provider costs
under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. All payment schedules under Medicaid are
subject to the general payment limits imposed in 1861(v) and 1866 of the Act and
implemented by regulations at 42 CFR 405.460 and 405.461.
Refer to the Medicaid State Plan, Attachment 4.19-D and MSM Chapter 700, Rates and
Cost Containment, for additional details.
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6. ANCILLARIES
Medicaid may make direct payment for ancillary services provided to recipients when:
a. Such services are not directly provided by the facility as part of the rate; and
b. Required prior authorization has been obtained from the Nevada Medicaid Office.
To obtain the Uniform Cost Report and instructions for completion contact DHCFP’s Rates and
Cost Containment Unit. Submission of alternate forms or any forms other than the most current
does not constitute an acceptable filing.
A cost report must be submitted according to MSM Chapter 700, Rates and Cost Containment,
Section 703.4.
Each facility must maintain financial and statistical records sufficient to substantiate its reported
costs for three calendar years after submission. These records must be available upon request.
An annual audit of the facility's cost report will be completed by the DHCFP or its representative.
Refer to MSM Chapter 700, Rates and Cost Containment, for additional details.
The ICF/MR must follow the requirements for appropriate handling of patient trust funds. Refer
to MSM Chapter 500, Nursing Facilities, Section 503.8 and 42 CFR 483.420 for direction.
DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT
The regulations at 42 CFR 435.725 require that the State (Nevada Medicaid) reduce its payment
to the nursing facility by the amount of the PL. The established PL will be deducted from the
Medicaid reimbursement. If the PL does not exceed billed charges, Medicaid will reimburse the
difference between the established PL and the Medicaid maximum allowable. If the PL exceeds
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the billed charges, no Medicaid reimbursement will be made. PL will also be applied to
subsequent claims submitted by providers entitled to PL until monthly obligations are fulfilled.
A nursing facility must notify the DWSS immediately whenever there is a change/difference in
any income source, as well as when any additional assets or resources come to the attention of the
nursing facility.
When PL is established or changes, the recipient, facility and the fiscal agent are notified of the
amount and effective date. Collection of PL is the facility’s responsibility. If a nursing facility
receives a notice adjusting the amount of the PL and facility has billed and received
reimbursement for services, the facility must send a corrected claim to the fiscal agent to receive
the appropriate adjustment within 60 days of the notice. The Surveillance and Utilization Review
Section will follow-up to assure the appropriate adjustment has been completed.
If a Medicaid recipient is transferred during a month from any provider entitled to collect PL, the
discharging provider collects the total PL amount up to billed charges. The balance of the
established PL must be transferred with the recipient at the time of transfer. The transferring and
receiving providers are responsible for negotiating the collection of PL.
The facility may not charge recipients for items and services such as diapers, over the counter
drugs (non-legend), combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, denture cream, shampoo,
shaving cream, laxatives, shaves, shampooing, skin-care items, bedside tissues, disposable
syringes, nail care, pads, catheters, laundry, durable or disposable medical equipment/supplies,
stipends paid, based on recipient's needs, as part of the active treatment program, or any item
covered by Medicaid in reimbursement to the facility or to other providers of care such as
pharmacies, therapists, etc.
PERSONAL NEEDS
If a recipient so requests, the facility may provide and charge the recipient for such items as
cosmetics, after shave lotion, non medical equipment, smoking supplies, stationery, postage, pens,
pencils, newspapers, periodicals, alcoholic beverages, personal clothing, professional haircuts,
long-distance telephone calls, dry cleaning of personal clothing, and services in excess of program
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limitations. If a recipient is charged for the above, accurate records must be kept including the
recipient's authorization for payment.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1604 HEARINGS
THERAPY
1
MTL 28/15
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 1700
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1700 INTRODUCTION
Nevada Medicaid reimbursement for outpatient Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy
(OT), Speech/Communication Therapy (ST) and Respiratory Therapy/Care (RT) is based on the
provision of medically necessary therapy services for an illness or injury resulting in functional
limitations which can respond or improve as a result of the prescribed therapy treatment plan in a
reasonable, predictable period of time. Therapy services must be prescribed by a physician,
physician’s assistant or an Advanced Practitioner of Nursing (APN).
Services related to activities for the general health and welfare of patients, e.g., general exercises
to promote overall fitness and flexibility and activities to provide diversion or general motivation,
do not constitute restorative or rehabilitative therapy services for Medicaid purposes.
Outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy under 42 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) 440.110 is an optional service under State Medicaid Programs.
Therapy services provided by the Home Health Agency (HHA) Program is a mandatory home
health care benefit provided to recipients in his/her residence. See Medicaid Service Manual
(MSM), Chapter 1400 for HHA Therapy coverage.
Nevada Medicaid provides therapy services for most Medicaid-eligible individuals under the age
of 21 as a mandated service, a required component of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis
and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
Therapy services provided by an outpatient hospital under 42 CFR 440.20 is a mandatory service
under State Medicaid Programs.
All Medicaid policies and requirements are the same for Nevada Check Up (NCU), with the
exception of those listed in the NCU Manual, Chapter 1000.
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1701 AUTHORITY
1701.1 The citation denoting the amount, duration and scope of services are found in 42 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), Part 440, Subpart B and sections 1902(a), 1902(e), 1905(a), 1905(p), 1915,
1920 and 1925 of the Act.
1701.2 The State Legislature grants authority to the relevant professional licensure boards to set the
standards of practice for licensed professionals in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) for the
following Specialists:
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1702 RESERVED
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1703 POLICY
1703.1 Medicaid will reimburse physical, occupational, speech therapy services rendered to eligible
Medicaid recipients and eligible participants in the Nevada Check Up (NCU) Program. Therapy
must be medically necessary (reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 100; section
103.1) to restore or ameliorate functional limitations that are the result of an illness or injury
which can respond or improve as a result of the prescribed therapy treatment plan in a reasonable,
predictable period of time. It must be rendered according to the written orders of the physician,
physician’s assistant or an Advanced Practitioner of Registered Nursing (APRN) and be directly
related to the active treatment regimen designed by the therapist and approved by the professional
who wrote the order.
Requests for therapy must specify the functional deficits present and include a detailed
description assessing the measurable degree of interference with muscle and/or joint mobility of
persons having congenital or acquired disabilities, measurable deficits in skills for daily living,
deficits of cognitive and perceptual motor skills and integration of sensory functions. Identify
measurable speech and/or communication deficits through testing, identification, prediction of
normal and abnormal development, disorders and problems, deficiencies concerning the ability to
communicate and sensorimotor functions of a person’s mouth, pharynx and larynx.
A written individualized plan addressing the documented disabilities needs to include the therapy
frequency, modalities and/or therapeutic procedures and goals of the planned treatment. The
primary diagnosis must identify the functional deficit which requires therapeutic intervention for
the related illness or injury diagnosis.
Therapy services provided in the community-based and/or hospital outpatient setting are subject
to the same coverage and therapy limitations.
Services that are provided within the School Based Child Health Services (SBCHS) Program are
covered under MSM Chapter 2800.
1. Medicaid covers outpatient therapy for individual and/or group therapy services
administered by the professional therapist within the scope of their license for the
following:
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same recipient by the same therapist on the same day. The leader of the group must be a
Medicaid provider. Documentation in the medical record is expected to be available on
each Medicaid recipient in the group.
4. Evaluations administered per therapy discipline within the scope of their license and meets
the following criteria:
a. Initial evaluations.
5. To be considered reasonable and medically necessary all of the following conditions must
be met:
e. The amount, frequency, and duration for restorative therapy services must be
appropriate and reasonable based on best practice standards for the illness or injury
being treated.
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6. Cochlear Implant Therapy: Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) services are covered
under cochlear implantation protocol for speech evaluation and therapy services. Codes
used by speech therapists will require the appropriate therapy modifier. (Refer to MSM
Chapter 2000 for comprehensive cochlear policy.)
7. Therapy for Development Delay disorders may be covered for speech and language, fine
motor and/or gross motor skills development when the functional deficit(s), identified by
current diagnosis code(s) meet all medical necessity requirements.
8. Respiratory therapy is considered reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis and/or
treatment of an individual’s illness or injury when it is:
a. Consistent with the nature and severity of the recipient’s medical symptoms and
diagnosis;
10. SLP evaluations may be covered according to MSM Chapter 1300, Appendix B for a
dedicated speech generating device evaluation and therapeutic services.
1. With the exception of initial therapy evaluations and re-evaluations, all therapy services
must be prior authorized by the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO-like) vendor.
3. To obtain prior authorization for therapy services, all coverage and limitations
requirements must be met (Section 1703.2A).
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3. Services that do not require the performance or supervision of a licensed therapist, even if
they are performed or supervised by a licensed therapist.
5. Reimbursement for licensed nurses when wound care is ordered as a Physical Therapist
(PT) or Occupational Therapist (OT) service.
8. Medicaid does not reimburse or require re-evaluations to update other third party payer
plans of progress for outpatient rehabilitation.
1. Providers must comply with prior authorization requirements set forth in the MSM,
Chapter 100 (Medicaid Program), Section 103.2 (Authorization).
2. The provider will allow, upon request of proper representatives of the Division of Health
Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP), access to all records which pertain to Medicaid
recipients for regular review, audit or utilization review.
3. Once an approved prior authorization request has been received, providers are required to
notify the recipient in a timely manner of the approved service units and service period
dates.
Nevada Medicaid will reimburse a qualified lymphatic therapist (OT or PT) for a combination of
therapy techniques recommended by the American Cancer Society and the National Lymphedema
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a. A treating or consulting practitioner (MD, DO, DPM, APN, and PA), within their
scope of practice, documents a diagnosis of lymphedema due to a low output cause
and specifically orders CDP therapy;
c. The recipient or recipient caregiver has the ability to understand and provide
home-based CDP;
d. CDP services must be performed by a health care professional who has received
CDP training;
e. The frequency and duration of the services must be necessary and reasonable; and
1. All lymphedema therapy services must be prior authorized by the QIO-like vendor.
2. To obtain prior authorization for therapy services, all coverage and limitations
requirements must be met (Section 1703.2A).
b. Other services such as skin care and the supplies associated with the compressions
wrapping. (they are included in the services and are not paid separately);
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Medicaid will reimburse contracted practitioners of respiratory care for individual services
provided in the outpatient setting. See MSM Chapter 600 for outpatient services general
limitations. The term “respiratory care” includes inhalation and respiratory therapy, diagnostic
testing, control and care of persons with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the
cardiopulmonary system.
2. To obtain prior authorization for respiratory therapy services, all coverage and limitations
requirements must be met. (Section 1703.2A).
a. Psychological monitoring.
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The DHCFP will reimburse for skilled therapy necessary to develop and safely implement a
maintenance program. During the last visits of a rehabilitative treatment, the clinician may
develop a maintenance program. The goals of a maintenance program are to maintain functional
status at a level consistent with the patient’s physical or mental limitations or to prevent decline
in function. Maintenance therapy is a covered service when the specialized skill, knowledge and
judgment of a therapist are required to design or establish the plan, assure patient safety, train the
patient, family members and/or unskilled personnel and make necessary reevaluations of the
plan.
1703.5A DEFINITIONS
2. Adjustments to the maintenance program that help the patient achieve appropriate
functional goals.
1. Repetitive tasks or exercises that do not involve any variation in complexity, level of
cueing or progressive independence.
2. Skilled maintenance therapy for safety- Due to the severity or complexity of the therapy
procedures to maintain function, the judgment and skill of a therapist may be necessary to
implement the safe and effective delivery of the maintenance program. When the
patient’s safety is at risk, those reasonable and necessary services will be covered for the
initiation of the maintenance program, even if the skills of a therapist are not ordinarily
needed to carry out the activities performed as part of the maintenance program.
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c. Provide treatment interventions for recipients who are making progress, but not at
a rate comparable to the expectations of restorative care.
a. Functional;
b. Realistic;
c. Relevant;
5. Documentation requirements
a. Plan of care must address a condition for which therapy is an accepted method of
treatment as defined by standards of medical practice.
b. Plan of care must be for a condition that establishes a safe and effective skilled
maintenance program.
2. Services are limited to ten sessions every three years per each recipient, from the date of
initial visit. EPSDT is exempt from service limitations.
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2. Services, which do not require the management of a skilled therapist for the oversight of
the maintenance program, will no longer be considered reasonable and necessary and are
excluded from coverage.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1704 HEARINGS
1704.1 Please reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 3100 for hearings procedures.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1800 INTRODUCTION
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for ADHC services that include health and social services
recommended by a physician to ensure the optimal functioning of the recipient.
a. to safeguard the recipient’s safety and well being and maintain and/or enhance his/her
quality of life; and
b. to improve and maintain the recipient’s level of functioning or to lessen any decline in
functioning due to disease and/or the aging process.
All providers participating in the Nevada Medicaid program must offer services in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Medicaid program.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1801 AUTHORITY
Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Services is an optional Medicaid State Plan Service and is
authorized under State Plan authority titled “Nevada 1915(i) State Plan Home and Community-
Based Services (HCBS)”. The State Plan was amended in 2008 in response to the Deficit
Reduction Act, Section 6086. Congress amended the Social Security Act with Section 1915(i)
allowing states to provide traditional 1915(c) services as covered State Plan benefits. ADHC was
covered under Nevada’s State Plan.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
1802 RESERVED
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1803 POLICY
ADHC Facilities provide medical services on a regularly scheduled basis as specified in the
Service Plan. Services include health and social services needed to ensure the optimal
functioning of the participant. Services are generally furnished in four or more hours per day on
a regularly scheduled basis. The schedule may be modified as specified in the service plan.
Services must take place in a community-based setting and not an institutional setting. Services
provided by the appropriate professional staff include the following:
d. care coordination to assist the recipient and family to access services needed by the
recipient to maintain or improve their level of functioning or to minimize a decline in the
level of functioning due to the progression of a disease or other condition that may not be
remedied;
f. medical supervision and assistance to assure the recipient’s well-being and that care is
appropriate to meet the recipient’s needs;
g. social and recreational activities to enhance the recipient’s functioning and/or to maintain
or improve the recipient’s quality of life; and
h. meals provided as a part of these services shall not constitute a “full regimen” which is
three meals per day.
1. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS
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c. The individual must meet the eligibility requirements of the “1915(i) Home and
Community-Based Services (HCBS) Universal Needs Assessment Tool” or must
qualify for a 1915(c) waiver.
An individual is not eligible if they receive Adult Day Care as a waiver service under the
Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) for the Frail Elderly.
An individual who is a resident of a State licensed facility, i.e., Group Care, Assisted
Living, or other type of residential facility where a daily all inclusive rate is paid to the
facility during the course of a covered Medicaid stay may not receive Medicaid
reimbursement for ADHC services. This facility daily all inclusive rate includes services
such as, but not limited to: nursing services, dietary services, activity programs,
medically related social services, active treatment program and day training programs
which are services similar to ADHC.
State plan ADHC must not be provided to an individual at the same time as another
service that is the same in nature and scope regardless of source, including Federal, State,
local and private entities. For ADHC services, the State includes within the record of
each individual an explanation that these services do not include special education and
related services defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 that
otherwise are available to the individual through a local education agency, or vocational
rehabilitation services that otherwise are available to the individual through a program
funded under §110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
2. ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS
ADHC facilities may receive reimbursement from Medicaid for the care and treatment of
eligible persons as described if they are licensed and maintain licensure as an ADHC
Facility by the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC). Providers must
maintain compliance with the criteria set forth in this Chapter, Chapter 100 of the
Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) and maintain a current Medicaid Provider Agreement.
3. TRANSPORTATION
Refer to MSM Chapter 1900, Transportation Services, for requirements of the Division of
Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) medical transportation program. Medicaid
may reimburse for necessary and essential medical transportation to and from medical
providers.
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If the facility fails to meet the Medicaid requirements at review, the facility will be
notified and given 30 days to comply. Otherwise, a Medicaid provider contract will not
be issued or if already issued will be subject to termination.
The DHCFP QIO-like vendor will not enroll any provider agency whose operator
has been convicted of a felony under State or Federal law for any offense which
the DHCFP determines is inconsistent with the best interest of recipients.
The DHCFP QIO-like vender will also not enroll, as a provider, any applicant
convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving fraud or abuse in any
government programs, or has been found guilty of fraud or abuse in any civil
proceeding, or entered into a settlement in lieu of convictions for fraud or abuse,
within the previous seven years.
Providers are required to initiate diligent and effective follow up for results of
background checks within 90 days of submission of prints and continue until
results are received. This is particularly important when an “undecided” result is
received. Documentation must be maintained in the employee’s personnel file and
submitted to the DHCFP upon request.
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Further information about TB testing can be found on the HCQC website at:
http://health.nv.gov/CD_HIV_TBManual.htm
If the employee has only completed the first step of a 2-step Mantoux tuberculin
skin test within the preceding 12 months, then the second step of the 2-step
Mantoux tuberculin skin test or other single-step TB screening test must be
administered. A single annual TB screening test must be administered thereafter.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Annual screening for signs and symptoms of an active disease must be completed
prior to the one year anniversary of the last screening. Documentation of the
annual screening and the results must be maintained in the employee’s file.
The annual screening for signs and symptoms must address each of the following
areas of concern and must be administered by a qualified health care provider:
4. Has a fever which is not associated with a cold, flu or other apparent
illness;
7. Has been in close contact with a person who has active TB.
c. Training Requirements
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e. confidentiality;
NOTE: At least one employee trained to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) must be on the premises at all times.
2. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
An ADHC facility must employ persons with the necessary education, skills and training
to provide the Medicaid required services. Medical services must be provided by Nevada
licensed/certified personnel. Copies of current licensure, certificates, education, finger
prints, FBI checks and TB tests must be maintained in staff files.
The facility must employ a full time RN to oversee and provide medical services
ordered by a physician. The RN must have at least one year of experience with the
senior population and individuals with disabilities. The RN is responsible for
conducting a recipient’s health assessment within the first 30 days of admission
and is responsible for developing the Plan of Care (POC) and the management of
each recipient’s care and treatment. An RN or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
under the supervision of an RN, will administer medications provided to the
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recipient while in the facility’s care. An RN, or LPN under the supervision of an
RN, must be on duty during the hours in which a Medicaid Eligible recipient is in
attendance at the facility.
b. PROGRAM DIRECTOR
The facility must employ a full time Program Director who has a minimum of two
or more years of education and/or experience with the senior population and
individuals with disabilities.
The duties of the Program Director will include at a minimum the development of
plans and policies for the facility’s operation, recruitment, employment and
training of qualified staff, supervision and appropriate disciplinary action of staff,
maintenance of employee and recipient information and records, maintenance of
the facility’s physical plant, housekeeping and nutritional services and the
development and implementation of an evaluation plan of recipient services and
outcomes.
The facility must have direct care staff who observes the recipient’s functioning
and provide assistance to the recipient in the skills of daily living. Direct care staff
must have education, experience and necessary qualifications to work with the
senior population and individuals with disabilities.
The facility must also provide for janitorial, housekeeping and activity staff or
other staff as necessary to provide the required services and ensure each
recipient’s needs are met.
3. PHYSICIAN EVALUATION
A recipient must have undergone an evaluation using the Physician Evaluation Form
prior to admission to an ADHC Facility by a physician licensed to practice in Nevada.
This evaluation must be face-to-face.
The evaluation must include:
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e. medical history.
g. allergies.
h. infectious diseases.
i. physician’s order.
A physician within the scope of their professional practice as defined and limited by
Federal and State law with experience in conducting assessments will be responsible for
conducting the face-to-face independent assessments and reassessments of an
individual’s support needs and capabilities.
The individual performing the assessment must be an independent third party and must
not be:
The physician must re-evaluate the recipient annually within the same month, or when a
significant change occurs.
The “1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool” must be used to evaluate and re-
evaluate whether an individual is eligible for the Nevada 1915(i) HCBS state plan
services. In order to qualify for services, the individual meets at least two of the
following:
1. Bathing/Dressing/Grooming.
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2. Mobility.
3. Toileting.
4. Eating.
5. Transferring.
c. Medical needs;
d. Supervision needs;
A physician within the scope of their professional practice as defined and limited by
Federal and State law with experience in conducting assessments will be responsible for
conducting the face-to-face independent assessments and reassessments of an
individual’s support needs and capabilities.
The individual performing the assessment must be an independent third party and must
not be:
The physician must re-evaluate the recipient’s eligibility annually within the same month,
or when a significant change occurs.
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5. SERVICE PLAN
A service plan must be completed and submitted as part of the prior authorization
process. The service plan requires pre-approval by the QIO-like vendor prior to
authorizing services and must include the description of services, amount of time (hourly,
daily, weekly) and the title of the staff that will be providing the specific services within
the ADHC facility.
The service plan is developed by the ADHC provider using the completed 1915(i) HCBS
Universal Needs Assessment Tool and the Physician Evaluation Form, in conjunction
with the recipient and/or recipient’s legal representative.
The provider must ensure the recipient, or the recipient’s legal representative, is fully
involved in the treatment planning process and choice of providers. Recipient, family
(when appropriate) and/or legal representative participation in service planning must be
documented on the service plan.
The service plan must include a written statement that the recipient was offered a choice
of ADHC providers and must be kept in a file maintained for the recipient. Additionally,
the DHCFP must review a representative sample of participant service plans each year.
The service plan must include the identified needs from the Universal Needs Assessment
and the Physician Evaluation.
The recipient must provide a signature on the service plan. If the recipient is unable to
provide a signature due to cognitive and/or physical limitation, this must be clearly
documented in the recipient file. A legal representative may sign for the recipient.
The facility may create a signature page which can encompass a recipient signature for
the service plan, the POC and any other signature requirements. If the facility uses a
signature page, it must be included in the packet to the QIO-like vendor for prior
authorization.
A POC must be developed within 30 days of the first day of attendance for a new
applicant to the ADHC and within 30 days of new prior authorizations. Based on the
service plan, the 1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool, and the Physician
Evaluation Form, the individualized POC must be developed and meet the requirement of
NAC 449. 4088.
The POC specifically outlines the services and activities of a recipient and must be
available to all staff members in the ADHC Facility.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The POC:
d. takes into account the extent of, and need for, any family or other supports for the
individual,
g. is reviewed and updated by the RN annually within the same month, when a new
prior authorization has been approved, or as needed when there is significant
change in the individual’s circumstances.
The POC must be kept in a file maintained for the recipient and must include a signature
of the recipient. If the recipient is unable to provide a signature due to cognitive and/or
physical limitation, this must be clearly documented in the recipient file. A legal
representative may sign for the recipient.
The facility may create a signature page which can encompass a recipient signature for
the service plan, the POC and any other signature requirements. If the facility uses a
signature page, it must be included in the packet to the QIO-like vendor for prior
authorization.
The facility must have documentation of daily attendance and notes that document the
health component of this service. This documentation is verification of service provision
and may be used to review claims paid.
The recipient and a facility staff member must sign each record. If the recipient is unable
to provide a signature due to cognitive and/or physical limitation, this must be clearly
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
documented in the recipient file. An authorized representative may sign on behalf of the
recipient.
The facility may create a signature page which can encompass a recipient signature for
the service plan, the POC and any other signature requirements.
In compliance with NAC 449.40835, the facility must maintain records on each
employee.
In compliance with NAC 449.40835, the facility must maintain records on recipients
including daily records and attendance records. All entries made in the recipient’s file
must be signed and dated by the employee making the entry. The delivery of specific
services including those required by Medicaid must be documented in the daily records.
The RN on duty or an LPN under the supervision of an RN, during the provision of
services is responsible for documenting the recipient’s care.
b. Physician Evaluation.
d. Service Plan.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
f. POC.
g. Attendance Records.
i. Annual TB tests.
The facility must maintain an accurate record of the recipient’s attendance by using an
attendance record. The record must also reflect any absence from the facility by the
recipient for purposes of obtaining other services. This record is to include date, duration
of absence and destination or purpose for absence.
The facility is required to comply with applicable state and federal laws, rules and
regulations regarding privacy and protection of an individual’s health information.
Provider liability responsibilities are included in the Medicaid and Nevada Check Up
(NCU) Provider Contract and are incorporated in this chapter by reference.
State law requires that persons employed in certain capacities must make a report to the
appropriate agency immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours after there is reason
to suspect abuse or neglect. The DHCFP expects that all providers be in compliance with
the intent of all applicable laws.
For adults aged 60 and over, the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) accepts
reports of suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect, exploitation or isolation. Refer to NRS
200.5091 to 200.50995 regarding elder abuse or neglect.
For all other individuals or vulnerable persons (NRS 200.5091 to 200.50995) contact law
enforcement agencies. Individuals or vulnerable persons are defined as a person 18 years
of age or older who:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. has one or more physical or mental limitations that restrict the ability of the
person to perform the normal ADLs contact local law enforcement agencies.
Refer to MSM Chapter 100 for information on HIPAA, privacy and confidentiality of
recipient records and other Protected Health Information (PHI).
2. Making and keeping medical appointments as required in obtaining the Universal Needs
Assessment and Physician Evaluation from their primary physician.
1803.1D RESERVED
ADHC Services must be prior authorized. The ADHC provider must complete the
“ADHC Prior Authorization Request Form” and submit the request form with the
DHCFP approved Physician Evaluation Form, the DHCFP approved 1915(i) HCBS
Universal Needs Assessment Tool and Service Plan (including the statement that the
recipient was offered a choice of ADHC providers) to the QIO-like vendor before
services are provided. All prior authorization requests must be complete and accurate. If
insufficient information is provided to support the completion of a request, the ADHC
provider must supply the needed information within 72 hours of notification. When
complete information is submitted, the QIO-like vendor must make a decision within five
business days. Retro eligibility authorization is not available for this service.
The QIO-like vendor must review and provide approval for all services plans and provide
a written authorization to the ADHC facility which includes a prior authorization number
and service authorization. The prior authorization number must be included on all claims.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
h. The prior authorization request must identify and include all of the following:
1. The recipient meets the eligibility requirements using the 1915(i) HCBS
Universal Needs Assessment Tool.
4. The request must include a copy of the Physician Evaluation and Service
Plan.
Prior authorization may be approved for up to one year through the end of the eligibility
month. The prior authorization is dependent upon meeting the eligibility criteria using the
1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool and medical necessity using the
Physician’s Evaluation. If services are needed after the current authorization ends, the
facility must submit a new prior authorization request to the QIO-like vendor and include
the same information that is required with an initial prior authorization request.
2. PROVIDER BILLING:
Providers are responsible for requesting the appropriate number of days or units the
recipient requires for attendance. This may be at the daily rate or the unit rate but not both
in the same day. (15 minutes equals one unit).
If a recipient is expected to be in attendance full-time, which is six or more hours per day,
the daily rate will be utilized. If the recipient is expected to be in attendance less than six
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
hours a day the unit rate should be utilized. Some recipient’s care plans may include a
combination of full and partial days (example: full days Monday/Wednesday/Friday (use
the daily rate these days) and half time Tuesday/Thursday (use the unit rate for these
days). Occasionally recipients may be present part of the day, but not the full day, due to
prescheduled appointments, transportation issues, sudden illness, etc. In these cases, the
provider may bill the authorized per diem rate and document the reason for the partial
absence in the recipient's attendance log. Providers may not bill for days in which
recipients are not present at all.
Should the absences of the recipient become more frequent or the needs of the recipient
change, the ADHC provider may request a new prior authorization for the unit rate. A
change to the unit rate is required if the recipient attendance has been less than six hours
a day for ten days within a two week period. When the unit rate is authorized the provider
must bill for the exact number of units the recipient is in attendance. The maximum
number of billable units per day is 24 units.
The POC must clearly identify the number of units a recipient is expected to be in
attendance. Claims must reflect dates of service as indicated on the attendance records.
Periodically, the DHCFP staff may request attendance/daily record documentation to
compare to billings submitted.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL QUALITY ASSURANCE
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) will conduct an annual review to
assure the health and welfare, of the recipients served by the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)
Facility. The review will consist of the program requirements identified in this chapter.
Additionally, a review of the providers will be conducted annually to verify that the providers
meet requirements established for each service, such as licensure, accreditation, etc, and to
ensure claims are paid in accordance with the State Plan and all federal and state regulations.
Providers must cooperate with the DHCFP’s annual review process.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
1805 HEARINGS
Reference the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP)’s Medicaid Services
Manual (MSM) Chapter 3100, for Medicaid Recipient Hearing procedures.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
1900 INTRODUCTION
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) and its contractors assure the
availability of emergency and non-emergency transportation (NET) services for Medicaid
recipients, to provide access to covered medically necessary services by all eligible, Title XIX
Medicaid recipients. Transportation services are provided to and from Medicaid medical
providers pursuant to 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 431.53 and the respective State
of Nevada Title XIX State Plan.
The DHCFP and its contractors also assure the availability of emergency and scheduled
emergency services for Nevada Check Up (NCU) recipients, to provide access to emergency
services by all eligible, Title XXI Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP/NCU) recipients.
Emergency and scheduled emergency transportation services are provided to NCU recipients
pursuant to the State of Nevada Title XXI State Plan.
The DHCFP has comprehensive risk-based contracts with managed care organizations (MCOs),
which are contractually required to cover all the emergency transportation needs of their
enrollees and are prohibited from requiring prior or post authorization for emergency services,
including emergency transportation services originating through “911”. Emergency
transportation services provided for Fee for Service (FFS) recipients do not require prior or post
authorization. NET services are provided to all Medicaid recipients through the contracted NET
broker and must be authorized by the broker. This chapter provides details about covered
services, how to access services, and the entities responsible for reimbursing providers and, in
some instances, recipients.
All transportation providers, including the DHCFP’s contracted NET broker, must comply with
all applicable Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC), the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), the United States Codes, and the Social Security Act,
which ensures program and operational compliance. Additionally, pursuant to Medicaid Services
Manual (MSM) Chapter 100 transportation providers, the DHCFP’s NET broker and members of
the NET broker’s provider network may not discriminate unlawfully against recipients on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or handicap (including AIDS or
AIDS-related conditions). Nondiscrimination and Civil Rights regulations extend to job
applicants and employees of service providers as well.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
1901 AUTHORITY
The rules set forth below are intended to supplement, and not duplicate, supersede, supplant or
replace other requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to Medicaid programs as a
matter of federal statute, laws and regulations. Nevada’s non-emergency transportation (NET)
broker is not a prepaid ambulatory health plan (PAHP). In the event that any rule set forth herein
is in conflict with any applicable federal law or regulation, such federal law or regulation shall
control. Such other applicable requirements include, but are not limited to:
a. 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 431.53 for assurance of medically necessary
transportation to providers;
b. 42 CFR 434.6 of the general requirements for contracts; and Part 2 of the State Medicaid
Manual, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Publication 45-2;
c. 45 CFR 92.36 (b)-(f) for procurement standards for grantees and sub grantees;
d. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 (Pub. L. No. 109-171) for provision that the states
may use state plan authority to operate a transportation brokerage system;
e. The requirement that certain entities be excluded from participation, as set forth in §1128
and §1902(p) of the Social Security Act and Part 2 of the State Medicaid Manual, CMS
Publication 45-2;
f. Section 1932(b)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act for limits on amount paid to non-
contracting providers of emergency services;
g. Confidentiality and privacy requirements as set forth in 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164;
h. The requirement of freedom of choice for family planning services and supplies, as set
forth in 42 CFR 431.51 and as defined in Section 1905(a)(4)(C) and Part 2 of the State
Medicaid Manual, CMS Publication 45-2;
i. The respective State of Nevada Title XIX and Title XXI State Plans;
j. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 422 and Chapter 706; and
k. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996 (P.L. 104-
191).
These rules are issued pursuant to the provisions of NRS Chapter 422. The Nevada State
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), acting through the DHCFP, has been
designated as the single state agency responsible for administering the Nevada Medicaid
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
program under delegated federal authority pursuant to 42 CFR 431. Accordingly, to the extent
that any other state agency rules are in conflict with these rules, the rules set forth herein shall
control.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
1902 RESERVED
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
1903 POLICY
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) and its contractors, assure the
availability of medically necessary emergency, specialty care, scheduled emergency and non-
emergency transportation (NET) services for eligible Title XIX Medicaid recipients. These
transportation services are provided to and from the DHCFP Fee-for-Service (FFS) medical
providers and Managed Care Organization (MCOs) network and non-network providers pursuant
to 42 CFR Part 431, § Part 438, and the respective State of Nevada Title XIX State Plan.
The DHCFP and its contractors assure the availability of emergency, specialty care, and
scheduled emergency transportation for Nevada Check Up (NCU) recipients, to provide access
to emergency services by all eligible Title XXI Children’s Health Insurance Program
(CHIP/NCU) recipients. Emergency transportation services are provided to NCU recipients
pursuant to the State of Nevada Title XXI State Plan.
Emergency medical transportation does not require prior authorization. Claims must be
submitted to either the DHCFP’s FFS fiscal agent or the recipient’s MCO for processing.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), emergency response to
“911” calls normally result in a basic life support (BLS) or advanced life support level 1 (ALS-1)
service level. Note that emergency medical transportation providers who submit claims coded as
advanced life support level 2 (ALS-2) must present supporting documentation to verify that the
transport included the type of care described in the ALS-2 definition in the MSM chapter
addendum.
1. Emergency transportation is provided for eligible recipients that are covered by FFS or an
MCO.
2. The DHCFP has contracts with MCOs that are contractually obligated to cover
emergency medical transportation services for their enrollees by applying the prudent
layperson standard. For MCO enrolled recipients, claims for emergency transportation
are to be submitted to the MCO in which the recipient is enrolled.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
type of care for the recipient’s illness or injury cannot be met by the SNF, to the nearest
supplier of medically necessary services. The hospital or CAH must have available the
type of physician specialist needed to treat the recipient’s condition. However, the
utilization of emergency transportation may not be used in lieu of non-emergency
transportation.
No prior or post authorization is required for emergency medical transportation that originates
with a “911” call.
Other transportation such as specialty care and scheduled emergency transportation does not
require prior or post authorization if the recipient is enrolled in Medicaid FFS or in NCU FFS,
from Medicaid’s fiscal agent. However, the transportation company may be required to obtain a
Letter of Agreement from the DHCFP’s Reimbursement, Analysis & Payment Unit, for both in-
state and out-of-state transport.
Prior or post authorization may be required if the recipient is enrolled in a contracted Medicaid
MCO or NCU MCO, from the recipient’s MCO provider. Recipients that are members of a
Medicaid MCO or NCU MCO require prior authorization for specialty care, out-of-state
transportation and all scheduled emergency transportation services. The transportation provider
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
must contact the MCO for direction before providing the service. In-state specialty care transport
does not require prior authorization.
1. Transportation vendors must submit claims for service to the DHCFP’s fiscal agent or the
contracted MCO using the current nationally recognized International Classification of
Diseases (ICD) billing codes and current electronic data interchange (EDI) standards.
SCT is not covered by the NET program due to the necessary level of care during transport.
Provider and recipient responsibilities in situations involving SCT are referenced in Sections
1903.1E and 1903.1F.
1. When the recipient’s care needs during transit exceed the capabilities of a NET provider,
scheduled emergencies will be provided by an emergency transportation vendor. This will be
done in coordination with either the DHCFP or the responsible MCO.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
Scheduled emergency transportation provided under the above circumstances does not
require prior authorization from Medicaid’s fiscal agent when the recipient is covered
under Medicaid FFS or NCU FFS. However, if the recipient is a member of a Medicaid
MCO or an NCU MCO, prior authorization is required. The provider responsible for
arranging the transportation must contact the MCO for direction before providing the
service.
2. When the recipient’s care needs during transit are within the scope of services provided
by the DHCFP’s NET broker, the NET broker will make every effort to fulfill the
transportation request within the required timeframe. Prior authorization for
transportation by the NET broker will be required.
Examples of scheduled emergencies that must be handled by the NET broker include:
3. Due to the nature of some scheduled emergencies (e.g., time-critical air transportation to
another city for organ transplant), it is occasionally necessary for a recipient, or an
individual on behalf of a recipient, to pay for transportation costs from personal funds.
When this occurs, a reimbursement request may be submitted to the NET broker.
Documentation that the transportation was medically necessary (e.g., a hospital admitting
form) and original receipts for out-of-pocket costs must be attached. Reimbursement for
lodging and meals will be based on the lesser of actual costs or the U.S General Services
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
Administration (GSA) rates. Mileage will be reimbursed at the current Internal Revenue
Services’ (IRS) rate for medical miles driven.
The transportation provider is solely responsible for verifying program eligibility, enrollment and
assessed levels of NET service for each recipient. Whenever possible, this should be done prior
to rendering emergency transportation services. Information concerning eligibility and
enrollment verification is located in Chapter 100, of the Nevada Medicaid Services Manual
(MSM).
The provider must ensure the confidentiality of recipient medical records and other information,
such as the health, social, domestic and financial circumstances learned or obtained in providing
services to recipients.
The provider shall not release information related to a recipient without first obtaining the
written consent of the recipient or the recipient’s legally authorized representative, except as
required by law. Providers meeting the definition of a “covered entity” as defined in the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Regulations (45 CFR 160) must
comply with the applicable Privacy Regulations contained in 45 CFR 160 and 164 for recipient
health information.
The DHCFP expects that providers will be in compliance with all laws with regard to the
reporting requirements related to suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as applicable.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
a. Recipients shall provide the emergency transportation provider with accurate and
current medical information, including diagnosis, attending physician, medication
regime, etc., at the time of request, if possible;
b. Recipients shall notify the emergency transportation provider of all third party
insurance information, including the name of other third party insurance, such as
Medicare, Tricare, Workman’s Compensation, or any changes in insurance
coverage at the time of service, if possible, or as soon as possible thereafter;
c. Recipients shall not refuse service of a provider based solely or partly on the
provider’s race, creed, religion, sex, marital status, color, age, disability, and/or
national origin; and
d. Recipients shall participate in and cooperate fully with the NET broker’s
eligibility and level of service assessment.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
The DHCFP has contracted with a NET broker to provide transportation to medically necessary
Medicaid covered services including certain Medicaid covered waiver services such as Intensive
Supported Living Arrangements (ISLA), Jobs and Day Training (JDT), and/or Adult Day Care.
Although ride scheduling will only be accommodated during customary business hours,
transportation may be scheduled for confirmed after-hours medical appointments. After-hours,
weekend and holiday rides that are not prior authorized may be reimbursed only when the
recipient requires urgent medical care. The transportation must be to an emergency care facility,
such as an emergency room or after hours clinic. The transportation broker provides services on
a statewide and out-of-state basis. Transportation services for a Medicaid eligible recipient as a
result of a hospital discharge must be provided as soon as possible and in any event is not to
exceed an eight (8) hour time span. Out-of-state and long distant transport will be handled and
provided as soon as possible.
All NET services require prior authorization by the DHCFP’s NET broker with the exception of
NET services provided by Indian Health Programs. Several tribes and/or Indian Health Programs
offer ambulance and/or van services for both emergency and NET. Indian Health Programs and
tribal community health representatives (CHRs) may provide NET services to recipients who are
eligible for NET services in private vehicles to medically necessary, covered services and are
reimbursed at a per mile rate that is double the IRS medical mileage rate. The Indian Health
Programs’ NET services do not require prior authorization. All Indian Health Program claims for
reimbursement for non-emergency transportation services are submitted to the NET Broker for
adjudication and payment. The NET broker is required to authorize the least expensive
alternative conveyance available consistent with the recipient’s medical condition and needs.
Examples of NET services may include the following:
b. Commercial air;
c. Rotary wing;
d. Fixed wing;
e. Ground ambulance;
h. Paratransit;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
i. Private vehicle;
j. Taxi; and a
NET never originates from a “911” call. NET is utilized by recipients whose level of care needs
do not exceed the scope of service of an EMT-Basic.
A. With the exception of services provided by Indian Health Programs (see Section 1904),
the need for NET services must be assessed as specified in this section, and authorized by
the NET broker.
B. The goal of the combined assessment and authorization processes is to determine the
required level of non-emergency transportation services.
1. Recipients wishing to use NET services will be assessed for the proper level of
transportation prior to being authorized access to NET.
c. If the recipient does not believe the lower level transport is appropriate or
acceptable, then they will be referred to the public paratransit services
agency for a level of service needs evaluation. If the recipient resides
outside the parameter of a paratransit agency, the NET broker will provide
transportation to and from the recipient’s primary care physician (PCP) at
the level of service requested. The PCP will provide documentation and/or
a NET broker form that will identify the correct level of transportation
service based on the recipient’s medical needs.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
d. If the recipient has been authorized for NET, and has been assessed by the
public paratransit service, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)
has 21 days to notify the recipient of the results of the assessment. Until
the assessment has been reviewed and submitted to the recipient, the
transportation broker will continue to provide transportation at the level of
service requested by the recipient. In the event the recipient has been
denied the use of paratransit services, and is now receiving a lower level
of transportation service than requested, the recipient must inform the
transportation broker of their dissatisfaction, if applicable, with the level
of service assigned. The transportation broker will then review the
assessment as well as the recipient’s medical documents and determine if
the recipient is eligible for the broker’s paratransit or curb-to-curb
services. The transportation broker will notify the recipient of their
determination within 48 hours of review. If the decision negatively
impacts the recipient, the transportation broker will also provide the
recipient with a Notice of Decision (NOD).
f. The NET broker will maintain a list of all assessment referrals sent to the
paratransit service agencies.
h. When recipients contact the NET broker requesting a ride, they will be
screened for prior authorization and will be permitted to ride within the
level of service authorized.
i. If the recipient requires NET prior to the time of the assessment including
a ride to the paratransit service agency for an assessment, the NET broker
will authorize the rides at the level requested.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
k. For authorization other than the public transit, the NET broker will supply
the name of the provider, the provider’s location, and the frequency of the
transit that the recipient is permitted, to the transportation company.
2. If the recipient provides evidence that they are unable to ride at the level of
service assigned due to a significant change in condition or circumstance, the
recipient will be re-evaluated by the broker who may direct the recipient to the
RTC for an assessment.
b. Recipients are required to ride the least expensive transport within a level
of service and will not be placed on a higher cost transport because of
personal preference or convenience.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
E. The NET broker must have in effect mechanisms to ensure consistent application of
review criteria for authorization decisions and consult with the requesting provider and/or
the DHCFP when appropriate.
F. The NET broker and the DHCFP must provide standard authorization decisions within
reasonable time frames. If the broker determines, or a provider indicates, that the standard
service authorization timeframe could seriously jeopardize the recipient’s condition or
circumstance, the NET broker must make an expedited authorization decision and
provide notice as expeditiously as the recipient’s health condition requires.
A. NET for Medicaid eligible recipients to and from Medicaid medical providers for covered
medically necessary services is provided under the following terms:
c. Recipients should make every reasonable effort to find day care for their
minor children when they use non-emergency transportation services;
however, this may not always be possible. When appropriate care for a
minor child cannot be obtained, the minor child may accompany the
recipient. The broker must provide bus tickets for minor children unless the
minor child is able to accompany the recipient at no additional cost. More
than one minor child may accompany the recipient if the transportation
provider is notified in advance. This provision abides by the intent of 42
CFR 440.170.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
Public Transit: Recipients who do not have free transportation available and live
within the service area of the Clark County, Washoe County, or Carson City
public transit systems must use public transit where possible and cost-effective.
a. Recipients are deemed to live within the public transit system service area
when they reside within three quarters (3/4) mile of a transit stop. If the
recipient qualifies for public paratransit service and this is available in the
area where the recipient resides, the recipient is deemed to live within the
public transit area, whether or not the recipient resides within three
quarters (3/4) mile of the transit stop.
b. Recipient’s who do not have free transportation available must ride fixed-
route public transit unless they reside outside the service area; or their
medical appointment is outside of the service area; they are assessed to be
medically unable to board, disembark, or ride buses; or public transit
buses cannot accommodate the recipient’s wheelchair or other medical
equipment that must accompany the recipient in transit.
c. Recipients who reside within the service area of the public transit system
and are assessed to be unable to ride fixed-route buses will be referred for
assessment for public paratransit services. If qualified for public
paratransit services, the recipient will be required to ride only public
transit services, unless traveling to a destination that is outside the public
transit system service area. If traveling outside of the paratransit service
area, the recipient’s transport must be authorized by the NET broker.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
2. Recipients are required to comply with all policy and rules of the
public transit system. Recipients who are suspended from service
by public transit agencies because of recipient misbehavior,
persistent no-shows, or failure to cancel rides in a timely manner
are ineligible for other NET services unless they can provide
medical evidence that their inability to access medical care during
the suspension period will result in serious exacerbation of their
medical condition or pose an unacceptable risk to their general
health. Recipients who have been suspended will not be provided
NET for routine medical appointments. Recipients who have been
suspended must exhaust the public transit system appeal process
before being assessed for another level of service. Recipients who
are suspended indefinitely from public transit will be suspended
indefinitely from access to NET, except in cases where they can
provide medical evidence that their inability to access medical care
will result in serious exacerbation of their medical condition or
pose an unacceptable risk to their general health.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
B. Eligibility
The eligibility functions for Title XIX Medicaid determinations are the responsibility of
the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS).
Title XXI NCU recipients are not eligible for NET services.
Title XIX recipients who are Medicaid eligible solely for the purpose of payment of
Medicare premiums, co-insurance, deductibles, or co-pays i.e., Qualified Medicare
Beneficiaries (QMBs), Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs),
Qualified Individuals (QI-1s), and “not qualified” non-citizens are not eligible for NET
services. Residents of skilled nursing facilities are entitled to NET services through the
facility; NET costs are included in the nursing facilities’ rate structures. Other Title XIX
recipients are eligible for NET services in order to access medically necessary covered
services.
Medicaid recipients are eligible for NET services only from the date of determination
forward. No payment will be made for NET provided while a recipient’s Medicaid
application is pending. Retroactive eligibility does not apply to NET services.
Special payment arrangements may be made with the NET broker for special
circumstances where it is in the best interest of the DHCFP to provide NET transportation
to certain Medicaid recipients. These decisions will be made exclusively by the DHCFP;
however the payment rate will be determined mutually by the DHCFP and the NET
broker. If the DHCFP decides to ‘carve out’ an eligibility group from non-emergency
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
transportation they may contract with the NET broker to provide service on an individual
basis at a cost plus payment model.
C. Examples of circumstances for which NET will be provided to eligible recipients include,
but are not limited to the following:
Each of these examples assume that the level of care required during transit does not
exceed the scope of services of an EMT-Basic and that required timeframes allow the
NET broker to make appropriate arrangements.
D. The NET broker must allow at least one escort, who must be a minimum of 18 years of
age (or any age if the escort is the parent of a minor child) to accompany a recipient or
group of recipients when escort services are determined medically necessary; for those
recipients who are minor children; or for individuals that have been adjudicated
incompetent. A Medicaid recipient who is physically disabled or developmentally
disabled may be authorized to be accompanied by an escort(s) during the assessment to
access NET services. A person under the age of 18 must be accompanied by one escort
unless that person is married, legally emancipated, or obtaining family planning services
and/or family planning products.
E. The NET broker will cover the costs of an escort(s) to accompany the recipient, if
necessary, including the expense of the escort’s transportation, lodging and up to three
(3) meals per day while they are in a travel status during typical meal times. Escort travel
is a covered expense during the transport of the recipient to a medical facility; while the
recipient is receiving medical services and during the return transport to the
escort’s/recipient’s residence. Should the recipient be detained for further treatment, NET
services will continue to be provided to the escort(s).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
F. NET services may not be authorized for minor children unless a parent (regardless of the
parent’s age) or LRI accompanies the child. Exceptions include but are not limited to:
1. A minor child transported for the purpose of obtaining family planning services
and/or products.
2. If a delay of a minor child transport from one facility to another for treatment is
medically detrimental, and the parent or LRI is not available, a Consent and
Release of Liability form must always be signed by the facility case worker prior
to the transport.
3. Other specific exceptions may be made on a case by case basis by the DHCFP.
Pursuant to 42 CFR 440.250 and the Nevada State Plan, an adoptive parent under the
auspices of an Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) agreement or a foster parent of a
program eligible child is reimbursed for any travel expenses incurred when obtaining
Medicaid eligible medical services for a foster/adopted child such as mileage (utilizing
the IRS rate for medical/moving mileage reimbursement), transportation, meals, and
lodging through the NET broker, up to GSA rates. The agency that maintains custody of
a foster child or the adoptive/foster parents must coordinate themedical transportation
services through the NET broker.
G. Pursuant to federal regulations, eligible FFS program recipients may obtain covered
medically necessary services, with limitations, from any facility, pharmacy, physician,
therapist, agency or provider participating under a signed agreement with Nevada
Medicaid. Eligible MCO enrollees may obtain covered medically necessary services from
a provider who is a member of a contracted MCO’s network of providers or from a
provider who has an agreement with a contracted MCO to provide services to a recipient
as an out-of-network provider.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
services until such time as the NET broker can confirm that authorization and
justification for such services has been obtained.
The same provision applies to FFS or MCO recipients who wish to utilize a health care
provider or medical facility that is located within the boundaries of his/her city but is not
the nearest appropriate health care resource.
I. Out-of-Area and Air Travel: Recipients may be eligible to receive NET for out-of-town,
out-of-state or airline travel if certain conditions are met.
1. Recipients must receive prior authorization for out-of-area medical services from
the DHCFP’s fiscal agent or their MCO prior to requesting authorization for
transportation.
2. Recipients must request authorization for out-of-area and airline NET a minimum
of 14 days prior to the travel date.
c. Other exceptions may be granted from time to time if they are in the best
financial interest of the State.
5. Recipients may incur higher costs for accommodations if they demonstrate that
this will reduce the overall cost of out-of-area travel.
6. Out-of-area costs for lodging, meals, and other necessary items are reimbursed by
the NET broker in accordance with the current GSA rates with the exception of
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
mileage, which is compensated according to the terms of this Chapter. For all
travel expenses excluding mileage, the recipient, escort(s) and live organ donor
will be reimbursed at actual costs up to limits set by the GSA. The recipient,
escort(s), and/or donor must submit receipts documenting expenditures to the
NET broker if requesting reimbursement. Two parents may accompany a child
under twelve (12) months old, and will receive a single reimbursement for
lodging. Meals will be reimbursed for both parents.
7. Recipients and their escorts are not reimbursed for the cost of meals if free meals
are available at meal time.
8. Recipients must submit their request for reimbursement within 60 calendar days
after completing the out-of-area trip.
J. Transportation services and per diem are covered for new parent(s) to care for a newborn
less than twelve (12) months of age receiving treatment on an inpatient basis in a facility.
K. NET services may be authorized for a recipient residing in an inpatient treatment facility
to allow the resident to attend a therapeutic home visit, in-state or out-of-state, when such
visits are part of the resident’s treatment plan. It is the responsibility of the inpatient
treatment facility to obtain transportation for eligible recipients for all therapeutic home
visits by calling the NET broker. NET services are not available to family members to
visit a recipient residing in an inpatient treatment facility. The NET broker may authorize
NET services for therapeutic home visits within the following criteria:
1. Acute care:
The DHCFP’s fiscal agent must prior authorize absences beyond eight hours. No
prior authorization is required for absences of less than eight hours in duration,
per MSM Chapter 400.
2. Acute rehabilitation:
The DHCFP’s fiscal agent must authorize all absences, per MSM Chapter 400.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
Transportation must fall within the maximum allowable therapeutic leave requests
which are described in MSM Chapter 1600.
L. Per 42 CFR 440.170, the costs of meals and lodging may also be covered for more than
one escort, if more than one escort is required to ensure that the recipient receives
required medical services. As noted in Section 1904.2E (8) above, the cost of meals and
lodging may be covered for two parents when they are seeking medical services for a
child less than twelve (12) months of age. Costs of meals and lodging for an escort(s) will
be covered when traveling to and from services or while the recipient is receiving
medical care when such travel requires the escort(s)to be away from their legal or
primary residence over night or as long as medically necessary. Costs will not exceed a
per diem rate set forth by GSA rates.
M. If the recipient has already reserved lodging and unforeseen circumstances arise that result
in the unavoidable cancellation of the approved trip, then the recipient may request
reimbursement of any charges incurred as a result of the cancelled lodging. The recipient
must submit documentation to the NET broker demonstrating why the cancellation was
unavoidable. The recipient must make a good faith effort to avoid unnecessary
cancellation charges. Disputes must be provided to the DHCFP for final determination.
N. Eligible program recipients who live out-of-state may obtain NET services similarly to
those eligible recipients who reside within the State of Nevada. Such out-of-state
recipients may include foster children, children placed in an adoptive home under the
auspices of an Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) agreement, or children in
residential treatment centers (RTCs). Authorization of NET services for eligible
recipients residing out-of-state is the same as for those eligible recipients who reside
within Nevada.
O. Nevada residents living near the state line or border may be geographically closer to out-
of-state providers than to in-state providers for both primary and specialty care. In such
cases, covered medically necessary services may be routinely provided by out-of-state
providers in what the DHCFP refers to as the “primary catchment areas.” Such services
are treated the same as those provided within the state borders for purposes of
authorization and transportation.
The primary catchment areas are listed in the MSM Chapter 100.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
P. Several tribes and/or Indian Health Programs offer ambulance and/or van services for
both emergency and NET. Community health representatives (CHR) may provide NET
services to recipients who are eligible for NET services in private vehicles to medically
necessary covered services and are reimbursed at a per mile rate that is double the IRS
medical/moving mileage rate. The Indian Health Programs’ NET services do not require
prior authorization. All claims for reimbursement by the Indian Health Programs for non-
emergency transportation services are submitted to the NET broker for adjudication and
payment.
R. Medicaid and NCU funds may not be used to pay for transportation services that are
otherwise available without charge to both Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients. In
addition, Medicaid is generally the payor of last resort except for certain Federal
programs such as Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant funded services or
special education related health services funded under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA).
1. When one or more eligible recipients make the same trip in a private vehicle or
van, reimbursement is made for only one recipient;
4. "Deadheading," this refers to a provider’s return trip when the eligible recipient
travels only one way of a two-way trip;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
6. A non-transport charge for a recipient who did not show up for their scheduled
ride;
12. Basic life support (BLS), and advanced life support (ALS) transports.
A. The NET broker provides all or most services ancillary to transporting Medicaid
recipients, but provides transportation only through subcontracting or non-contract
arrangements with third parties.
1. The NET broker shall not hold ownership in any NET provider with whom the
broker sub-contracts or arranges NET through, as a non-contractual relationship.
2. The broker will submit all subcontracts or other documentation pertaining to the
terms and conditions for the provision of NET services by third parties to the
DHCFP for approval.
3. The broker shall advise the DHCFP in writing of all financial relationships and
transactions between itself and NET providers (for instance, loans, grants, etc.)
that are not included in the NET instrument, specifying the nature of the
relationship and the terms and conditions governing them. Such relationships and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
4. The NET broker will work cooperatively with the DHCFP and the Regional
Transportation Center for handling ride cancellations.
B. Commercial Transportation Vendors: The NET broker may subcontract with various
private vendors to provide transportation to Medicaid recipients.
1. The NET broker shall directly facilitate transportation for recipients requiring bus
tickets, public paratransit and mileage reimbursement. Recipients who request
higher levels of service will need to be assessed for the level of service by the
NET broker, and if necessary, the appropriate paratransit services agency.
2. Recipients may not be assigned to ride with a commercial vendor if they have
been prior authorized for a lesser level of service, unless the authorized level of
service does not provide access to necessary medical care that complies fully with
Medicaid’s NET policy. For instance, if a recipient is authorized for a bus ticket,
but the bus does not pass within 3/4 of a mile of the provider’s office, then the
NET broker may authorize a higher level of transportation.
4. Where there is public transit available in a rural county, and that provider is
capable of offering the level of service required by the recipient, commercial
vendors may not be used for the convenience of the recipient or the NET broker.
C. Using monthly enrollment downloads from the DHCFP or systems maintained by the
DHCFP’s fiscal agent, the NET broker is solely responsible for verifying program
eligibility for each recipient prior to authorizing and scheduling the NET service. The
NET broker must also verify the existence of an appointment and that the appointment is
a Medicaid covered service, which may require contacting the health care provider, the
DHCFP’s fiscal agent, or the contracted MCO, before authorizing transportation.
D. Neither the NET broker nor its providers shall release information related to a recipient
without the written consent of the recipient or the recipient’s legal or authorized
representative, except as required by law or except to verify medical appointments in
accordance with policy. The NET broker and any of its providers meeting the definition
of a “covered entity” as defined in the HIPAA Privacy Regulations (45 CFR 164) must
comply with the applicable Privacy Regulations contained in 45 CFR 160 and 164 for
recipient health information.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
E. The DHCFP expects that the NET broker and its provider network will be in compliance
with all laws with regard to the reporting requirements related to suspected abuse,
neglect, or exploitation, as applicable, in accordance with NRS 200.508 and 200.509.1.
Pursuant to 42 CFR 438.100(c), the NET broker shall ensure that each recipient is free to
exercise his or her rights and that by the exercise of those rights, no adverse affect will
result in the way the NET broker treats the recipient.
F. Recipients have freedom of choice when selecting medical providers but are only eligible
for NET to access these services if using the nearest appropriate provider (taking existing
relationships between the providers and recipients into account as well as access to care)
according to section 1904.2(A)(2)(d) of this chapter.
1. The NET broker will be responsible for verifying that the recipient is using the
nearest appropriate Medicaid provider for the applicable services.
2. The NET broker will develop written procedures, approved by DHCFP for
verifying that the nearest appropriate Medicaid provider is being used.
3. The procedures shall include an exception procedure that specifies the conditions
under which the recipient may access a provider other than the nearest, if
exception to the requirement might, in some cases, be appropriate.
4. The DHCFP will provide the NET broker with a quarterly list of Medicaid
providers and their addresses, including FFS providers and providers within each
MCO’s network.
5. DHCFP will periodically review rides to verify that the NET broker has
transported to the nearest appropriate provider.
6. When the DHCFP determines that a recipient has employed NET to access a
provider other than the provider located nearest to the recipient’s residence and
there is no justification documented, the NET broker may be required to refund
the capitation payment for that recipient for all months that the recipient accessed
a geographically inappropriate provider.
G. A transportation provider must wait at least fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled pick-
up time before “no-showing” the recipient at the pick-up location. The NET broker or
contracted transportation providers shall not charge recipients for transportation services
or for no shows.
H. Recipients who are repeated no-shows or fail to cancel in a timely manner for rides
provided by its commercial vendors may be subject to suspensions of services. Recipients
who receive a suspension will have the right to a State Fair Hearing.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
J. The NET broker shall ensure all drivers of vehicles transporting program recipients meet
the following requirements:
1. All drivers, at all times during their employment, shall be at least 18 years of age
and have a current valid driver’s license from the State of Nevada to operate the
transportation vehicle to which they are assigned.
2. Drivers shall have no more than one chargeable accident and two moving
violations in the last three years. Drivers shall not have had their driver’s license,
commercial or other, suspended or revoked in the previous five years. Drivers
shall not have any prior convictions for substance abuse, sexual abuse or crime of
violence. Approval of any such driver who has been convicted of a felony shall be
obtained from the DHCFP before employment by the vendor.
3. All drivers shall be courteous, patient and helpful to all passengers and be neat
and clean in appearance.
4. No driver or attendant shall use alcohol, narcotics, illegal drugs or drugs that
impair ability to perform while on duty and no driver shall abuse alcohol or drugs
at any time. The transportation provider shall not use drivers who are known
abusers of alcohol or known consumers of narcotics or drugs/medications that
would endanger the safety of recipients.
5. All drivers and attendants shall wear or have visible, easily readable proper
organization identification.
6. At no time shall drivers or attendants smoke while in the vehicle, while involved
in recipient assistance, or in the presence of any recipient.
7. Drivers shall not wear any type of headphones or use cell phones, except for
dispatch purposes, at any time while on duty. Drivers shall not use cell phones
while operating vehicles.
8. Drivers shall assist passengers in the process of being seated and confirm that all
seat belts are fastened properly and that wheelchairs and wheelchair passengers
are properly secured.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
10. The NET broker shall provide, or ensure that its subcontractors provide,
classroom and behind-the-wheel training for all drivers within 30 days of
beginning service under this agreement. Driver training shall, at a minimum,
include defensive driving techniques, wheelchair securement and lift operation,
cultural and disability sensitivity training, passenger assistance techniques, first
aid, and general customer service. The training curriculum is subject to the
DHCFP’s approval.
K. The NET broker shall ensure that all transportation providers maintain all vehicles
adequately to meet the requirements of the contract. Vehicles and all components shall
comply with or exceed State, Federal, and the manufacturer’s safety, mechanical, and
maintenance standards for the vehicles. Vehicles shall comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. All vehicles shall meet the following requirements:
3. All vehicles shall have functioning, clean and accessible seat belts for each
passenger seat position when required by law. Each vehicle shall utilize child
safety seats when transporting children as prescribed by NRS 484B.157.
5. All vehicles shall have two (2) exterior side view mirrors, one on each side of the
vehicle.
6. All vehicles shall be equipped with an interior mirror for monitoring the
passenger compartment.
7. The interior and exterior of the vehicle shall be clean and the exterior free of
broken mirrors or windows, excessive grime, major dents or paint damage that
detract from the overall appearance of the vehicles.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
8. The vehicle shall have passenger compartments that are clean, free from torn
upholstery, floor, or ceiling covering; damaged or broken seats; protruding sharp
edges; and be free of dirt, oil, grease or litter.
9. All vehicles shall have the transportation provider’s name, vehicle number, and
the NET broker’s toll free and local phone number prominently placed within the
interior of each vehicle. This information and the complaint procedures shall be
available in written form in each vehicle for distribution to recipients on request.
10. Smoking is prohibited in all vehicles while transporting program recipients. All
vehicles shall have the following signs posted in all vehicle interiors, easily
visible to the passengers:
“NO SMOKING”
“ALL PASSENGERS MUST USE SEAT BELTS”
11. All vehicles shall include a vehicle information packet containing vehicle
registration, insurance card and accident procedures and forms.
12. All vehicles shall be provided with a fully equipped first aid kit.
13. Each vehicle shall contain a current map of the applicable state(s) with sufficient
detail to locate recipients and medical providers.
All vehicles shall have a minimum of $1,500,000 combined single limit insurance
coverage for vehicles at all times during the contract period in accordance with
State regulations and contract requirements (NAC 706.191). If NAC 706.191
minimum insurance coverage is amended, the amount that is greater of either the
Code or this Chapter will be the mandated amount of coverage.
14. Any vehicle or driver found out of compliance with the contract requirements, or
any State or Federal regulations shall be removed from service immediately until
the NET broker verifies correction of deficiencies. Any deficiencies and actions
taken shall be documented and become a part of the vehicle’s and the driver’s
permanent records.
15. The NET broker shall develop and implement an annual inspection process in
addition to the applicable State vehicle inspection requirements to verify that
vehicles used by subcontracted transportation providers meet the above
requirements and that safety and passenger comfort features are in good working
order (e.g., brakes, tire, tread, signals, horn, seat belts, air conditioning/heating,
etc.).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
1. Insurance which complies with the standards at 49 CFR 387 subpart B, NAC
§191(1-3), and which provides for notice of the status of the policy to the DHCFP
upon expiration, termination, or at any time requested by the DHCFP;
2. An alcohol and substance abuse testing program which complies with the
standards of 49 CFR. Part 382;
4. Signage on all vehicles identifying those operating under any exemption from
Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) regulation;
M. The NET broker is encouraged and expected to use recipient vouchers and/or volunteer
programs to provide the most cost efficient transportation service to the recipient if such
transportation is appropriate to meet the needs of the recipient. The broker shall verify
and document that vehicles and drivers used in reimbursement and volunteer programs
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
N. The NET broker will be available as a resource to the DHCFP’s fiscal agent or contracted
MCO when medically necessary covered services must be provided outside a recipient’s
community. The NET broker will advise the fiscal agent or contracted MCO regarding
such factors as distance and transportation availability.
O. The NET broker must submit claims for service outside of capitation to the DHCFP
utilizing the nationally recognized International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and
current electronic data interchange (EDI) standards, as approved by the Centers of
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
b. Explore alternative resources first, and when such a resource exists at no cost to the
recipient, use the alternative transportation resource;
c. If free transportation is not available, use public transportation when residing within 3/4
of a mile of a bus stop (unless medical documentation is provided to support the
recipient’s or LRI’s physical or mental condition that prohibits the recipient from
utilizing public transport);
d. Participate in the assessment process to determine the appropriate level of service needed
for transportation. The recipient must follow through when referred for a public
paratransit evaluation;
e. If eligible for paratransit services, the recipient is required to access available paratransit
programs;
f. Make and keep all appointments and travel schedules, and phone to cancel when an
unforeseen event makes it impossible to keep an appointment;
g. Recipients (or their LRI) are responsible to schedule rides by contacting the NET broker;
h. Recipients are urged to schedule rides (except out-of-the-area travel) not less than five
days and no more than 30 days prior to travel;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
i. Recipients are required to be ready and available to ride from 15 minutes before the
scheduled ride to 30 minutes after the scheduled time;
1. Recipients who are using commercial transportation vendors will follow the NET
broker policy concerning late rides.
j. Notify the NET broker immediately when an urgent service need for NET transportation
is discovered;
k. Notify the NET broker of all third party insurance information, including the name of
other third party insurance, or any changes in insurance coverage at the time of service, if
possible, or in a timely manner thereafter;
l. Not refuse service of a provider based solely or partly on the provider’s race, color,
national origin, sex, religion, disability or age; and
m. Provide car seats, wheelchairs, other devices or equipment, and any extra physical
assistance, not required of providers, necessary to make the trip.
The NET broker provides services statewide and in catchments areas. The NET broker provides
services to and from out-of-state facilities.
A. Out-of-Network Providers
The NET broker generally uses transportation providers who have executed a contract to
be part of the NET broker’s network. However, occasionally it may be necessary for
enrolled recipients to obtain NET services from an out-of-network provider (e.g., the
recipient needs specialized transportation for which the NET broker has no such
specialist in its network), in which case the broker must:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
Pursuant to policies set forth in Chapter 600 of the Nevada MSM, the NET broker will
authorize NET services to family planning services for any eligible recipient to any
qualified provider.
Transplant services are covered, with limitations, when medically necessary. Coverage
limitations for these services are defined in the Title XIX State Plan. When a transplant
recipient’s care needs during transit are within the scope of the NET broker,
transportation should be prior authorized and provided through the NET broker. When
the recipient’s care needs during transit exceed the capabilities of the NET broker and/or
the timeframe for transport is less than four hours, transportation may be treated as a
scheduled emergency. (Refer to Section 1903.1D for guidance.)
D. Paratransit Transportation
The eligibility and enrollment functions are the responsibility of DHCFP and the DWSS. The
NET broker shall accept each recipient who is enrolled in or assigned to the NET broker by
DHCFP and/or its enrollment sections.
Pursuant to the State of Nevada’s Medicaid State Plan §3.1 for NET Services, eligible recipients
do not have the option of disenrolling from the NET broker, nor does the NET broker have the
option of disenrolling any eligible recipient. Copies of the State of Nevada Medicaid State Plan
§3.1for NET Services are available on the DHCFP’S website at https://dhcfp.nv.gov.
“Pending” Medicaid recipients (those whose applications for assistance have been submitted but
not adjudicated) are not eligible for transportation services provided by the NET broker.
The NET broker is not financially responsible for any services rendered during a period of
retroactive eligibility.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL NET SERVICES
The NET broker must have written information about its services and access to services available
upon request to recipients. This written information must be available in English and Spanish.
The NET broker must make free, oral, Spanish interpretation services available to each recipient,
if necessary. The broker may supply telephone interpretation services for other non-English
languages. The DHCFP must approve all materials distributed to recipients.
a. The NET broker’s written material must use an easily understood format. The NET
broker must also develop appropriate alternative methods for communicating with people
with vision or hearing impairments and must accommodate recipients with a physical
disability in accordance with the requirements of the ADA. All recipients must
beinformed that this information is available in alternative formats and how to access
those formats.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
The NET broker may take action on a recipient’s request for transportation based on the
DHCFP’s coverage policy and guidelines as set forth in the Nevada MSM. The request may be
approved, denied, or limited (i.e. denied in part, or reduced) based on these eligibility and
coverage policies. The broker shall notify each recipient in writing of the reason for any action
which is taken to deny or otherwise limit a recipient’s request, within five business days of such
action; such notification is called a Notice of Decision (NOD).
Pursuant to 42 CFR 438.10 (g), the NOD shall include information regarding the recipient’s right
to a State Fair Hearing (see Chapter 3100 of the Nevada MSM), the method for obtaining a State
Fair Hearing, and the rules that govern the recipient’s right to representation. The broker must
also provide a NOD to the requesting provider, if applicable.
a. The action the broker or its network provider has taken or intends to take;
f. The right of the recipient to request a State Fair Hearing and how to do so;
g. The right to request to receive benefits while the hearing is pending and how to make this
request; and
h. That the recipient may be held liable for the cost of those benefits if the hearing decision
upholds the broker’s action.
The NET broker shall provide any reasonable assistance to recipients in filing a State Fair
Hearing, including transportation to the hearing, if necessary.
The NET broker is required to maintain records of all grievances received and NODs provided,
which the State will review as part of the State’s contract monitoring and management oversight.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
The NET broker must have a process with which to address recipient grievances and provider
disputes. The DHCFP will refer all recipient grievances and provider disputes to the NET broker
for resolution. The NET broker must provide information about its recipient grievance process to
all providers and subcontractors, at the time they enter into a contract.
The NET broker is required to dispose of each recipient grievance and provide notice as
expeditiously as the recipient’s health condition requires or no more than 90 days from the date
the grievance is received by the NET broker or a network provider. The NET broker shall
attempt to respond verbally to the recipient, authorized representative, the DHCFP or provider
grievances and disputes within 24 hours of receipt of the grievance or dispute. The NET broker
shall issue an initial response or acknowledgement to written grievances and disputes in writing
within 72 hours.
a. Provide recipients any reasonable assistance in completing forms and taking other
procedural steps. This includes but is not limited to providing interpreter services and
toll-free numbers that have adequate TDD and interpreter capability;
c. Ensure that the individuals who make decisions on recipient grievances were not
involved in any previous level of review or decision-making; and
d. Notify the recipient of the disposition of grievances in written format. The written notice
must include the results of the resolution process and the date it was completed.
AUDIOLOGY SERVICES
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
2000 INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Medicaid Audiology program reimburses medically necessary audiology services to
eligible Medicaid recipients under the care of the prescribing practitioner. Such services shall
maintain a high standard of quality and shall be provided within the limitations and exclusions
described in this chapter.
All providers participating in the Medicaid program must offer services in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Medicaid program. Audiology services are an optional benefit within
the Nevada Medicaid program. All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior
authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada Check Up (NCU), with the exception of three areas
where Medicaid and NCU policies differ. For further clarification, please refer to the NCU Manual,
Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2001 AUTHORITY
The citation denoting the amount, duration and scope of services are found in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part 440.110 and the Nevada Medicaid State Plan Attachment 3.1-A.
The State Legislature grants authority to the relevant professional licensure boards to set the
standards of practice for licensed professionals in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) for the
following Specialists:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
2002 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Audiology services and supplies are covered by Nevada Medicaid for eligible recipients.
Audiological services must be performed by a certified and licensed audiologist as described in
the NRS 637B. Refer to specific coverage and limitations for each service.
Providers must verify recipient eligibility before rendering services. The presence of a Medicaid
and NCU identification card does not guarantee eligibility. It is the provider’s responsibility to ask
the recipient if there is additional audiology coverage through third party payers.
The provider will allow, upon request of proper representatives of the Division of Health Care
Financing and Policy (DHCFP), access to all records which pertain to Medicaid or NCU recipients
for regular review, audit or utilization review. Providers must inform Nevada Medicaid of any
misuse of the Medicaid or NCU card or inappropriate utilization.
Services requested by the recipient, but for which Medicaid makes no payment are the
responsibility of, and may be billed to, the recipient. Nevada Medicaid recipients are only
responsible for payment of services not covered by Medicaid. Prior to service, the recipient must
be informed in writing he/she will be responsible for payment. The recipient is responsible for:
1. presenting a valid Nevada Medicaid and NCU card to the provider at each visit;
2. presenting any form or identification necessary to utilize other health insurance coverage;
4. notifying providers immediately of any change in eligibility status, e.g., eligibility changes
from Fee-for-Service (FFS) to managed care.
1. Audiological testing is limited to once per 12 rolling months for eligible recipients and
must be referred by an M.D.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. A physician must examine the hearing aid beneficiary for pathology or disease no more
than six months prior to the fitting of the aid(s) and submit a statement certifying the
medical necessity of the evaluation to the audiologist.
3. One audiogram testing per 12 rolling months does not require prior authorization. The
audiogram should be no more than six months old.
4. To qualify for coverage by Medicaid, the report must show levels of hearing loss as
follows:
1. A prior authorization request is needed for any hearing aid(s) exceeding the allowed
amount of $350.00 per aid. The audiologist’s testing reports must be attached and show the
following:
a. hearing levels and discrimination scores including the type of hearing loss
conductive or neuron-sensory; and
b. a copy of the audiogram which should be no older than six months; and
c. patient’s capabilities for use of the hearing aid(s), physical dexterity, mental
capabilities and motivation; and
2. Additional hearing evaluations outside the normal program guidelines must be prior
authorized. The audiologist must keep a copy of the referral and test results in the
recipient’s medical record
Medicaid will reimburse only licensed physicians, licensed audiologists and certified hearing aid
dispensers for hearing aid fitting and dispensing.
1. Hearing aids and related supplies are covered by Nevada Medicaid for eligible recipients.
Coverage is limited to once every 24 rolling months. This may be exceeded through Early
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. The manufacturer must be willing to accept the payment for the hearing aid(s) from the
Medicaid hearing aid dispensers. Such payment constitutes payment in full. Shipping and
handling for the hearing aid(s) is not a covered benefit. Recipients are not to be billed for
any additional charges.
3. Hearing Aid Batteries: Hearing aid batteries are limited to one package of four per hearing
aid per month. Requests for batteries more frequently for recipients age 21 and older
require prior authorization. Children under age 21 may exceed the limitation, when
medically necessary.
4. Ear Molds: Ear molds are to be provided with each new behind-the-ear hearing aid.
Replacement for children is covered without prior authorization through Healthy Kids
(EPSDT). Replacement for adults and children on NCU is covered when medically
necessary without prior authorization up to two in 24 months.
5. Hearing Aid Fitting and Dispensing: Hearing aid fitting and dispensing includes selecting,
ordering, fitting, evaluating of appropriate amplification and dispensing the hearing aid(s).
It also includes an initial supply of batteries. Medicaid reimburses for ear impressions and
ear molds as a separate procedure.
Non-audiology providers of hearing aids are covered to provide hearing aid counseling,
hearing aid fitting and sale of the hearing aid(s) itself. Coverage also includes revision of
hearing aid accessories, replacement of parts and repairs.
The provider must allow the recipient to have a 30-day trial period with a money back
guarantee if the aid(s) does not benefit the patient. A recheck of the patient with the aid(s)
must be offered two weeks or sooner following dispensing to determine if there are
improved hearing levels and discrimination scores. The visit(s) should also include
counseling on the use and care of the hearing aid(s) and ensure proper fit of the ear molds.
6. Warranty: Hearing aids must include a minimum 12-month warranty from the
manufacturer that covers repair, damage and loss of the hearing aid(s). The provider must
maintain the warranty in the recipient’s medical record. A second-year warranty or
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
insurance is required. If the manufacturer does not include a second year warranty, the
provider should request a prior authorization for additional insurance.
b. the recipient’s hearing deficit requires a different type of device for maximum
benefit;
8. Broken or Lost Hearing Aids: If replacement of a hearing aid(s) becomes necessary after
12 rolling months or more, the recipient will have a reevaluation by the audiologist prior
to fitting of the replacement aid(s). The replacement aid(s) must be prior authorized if the
aid(s) is no longer covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or other insurance.
9. Supplies/Accessories: Hearing aid supplies/accessories (i.e. ear hooks, tubes) do not need
prior authorization.
10. Testing/Repairs: Reimbursement will not be made for repairs covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty or other insurance.
If testing/repair of the hearing aid(s) is needed after this time period, it is limited to once
every 12 rolling months per aid. The provider will need to identify which aid (right or left)
is being repaired. Repairs must be covered by a six-month warranty.
Medicaid will reimburse for repairs on hearing aids that were not purchased by Medicaid.
Medicaid does not reimburse for repairs if the hearing aid was damaged by tampering or
misuse. Recipients are not to be billed for any additional charges.
11. Non-Covered Hearing Aids: Semi-implantable middle ear hearing aids are not a covered
benefit as they are considered investigational.
1. Hearing aids exceeding the allowed amount of $350.00 per aid require prior authorization
from the QIO-like vendor and need to include medical necessity for the more expensive
aids, including cost.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. Prior authorization with medical necessity is required for any additional aid(s) needed
during the 24-rolling month period.
Along with previously mentioned responsibilities, the recipient is also responsible for:
1. routine maintenance;
2. purchase of additional batteries beyond the limitation of one package of four per hearing
aid per month when a prior authorization has been denied; however, children under age 21
may exceed the limitation, when medically necessary;
3. repairs and replacement of the hearing aid(s) if the recipient loses Medicaid eligibility; and
4. picking up the hearing aid(s) and returning for any necessary adjustments within the
hearing aid trial period established with the provider.
1. Bilateral and unilateral cochlear implants are a Nevada Medicaid covered benefit when
determined to be medically necessary for eligible recipients with profound hearing
impairment. Covered services include but are not limited to:
a. otologic examination.
b. audiological evaluation.
c. physical examination.
d. psychological evaluation.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. recipient must be referred by an M.D. or Ear, Nose and Throat specialist with
documentation to determine medical candidacy for such a device. This is to include
recent (within six months) results of a CT or MRI scan to evaluate the anatomy of
the inner ear; and
c. must suffer from severe to profound pre-or-post lingual hearing loss (70 decibels
or greater) confirmed by audiologic testing that obtains limited or no benefit from
appropriate hearing aids for six months or greater; and
d. must have the cognitive ability to use auditory clues and a willingness to undergo
an extended program of rehabilitation; and
g. be free of lesions in the auditory nerve and acoustic areas of the central nervous
system; and
3. Use of the device must be in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved labeling.
5. Adults
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. Children
7. Rehabilitation Program
8. Warranty
The limited warranty must be included in the documentation from the product
manufacturer. Services beyond the warranty must be prior authorized.
Damage and loss insurance is required at the time of implant. Insurance must be all-
inclusive for replacement and loss, no deductibles or co-pays are allowed. There must be
continuous insurance coverage for five years. Insurance is not to exceed $250/year.
Prior authorization is required with medical documentation to substantiate the request for the
cochlear implant.
Along with previously mentioned responsibilities, the recipient is also responsible for:
1. wearing a helmet while bicycling, roller blading, playing football and soccer; players must
not “head” the ball.
3. removing the speech processor and headset before entering a room where an MRI scanner
is located.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. wearing the special harness that secures the speech processor during active sports. For
water sports and activities that generate high levels of static electricity, such as playing on
trampoline and plastic slides, the equipment must be removed.
1. An ABI is a covered benefit as medically necessary when all of the following criteria are
met;
b. the recipient has been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2); and
c. the recipient is undergoing bilateral removal of tumors of the auditory nerves; and
d. it is anticipated that the recipient will become completely deaf as a result of surgery;
or
e. the recipient had bilateral auditory nerve tumors removed and is now bilaterally
deaf.
2. Warranty: The limited warranty must be included in the documentation from the product
manufacturer. Services beyond the warranty must be prior authorized.
3. Rehabilitation Program: The recipient must have multiple sessions with the audiologist to
test, adjust the sound processor and learn to interpret new sounds.
Prior authorization is required with medical documentation to substantiate the request for the
auditory brainstem implant.
The physician who performs the cochlear implant or auditory brainstem implant surgery must
obtain prior authorization from the QIO-like vendor before providing the service. Authorization is
determined based on medical necessity. Each request must include documentation to show the
recipient has met Medicaid guidelines for the procedure.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA), also called an implantable bone conduction hearing aid, is
a Nevada Medicaid covered benefit when it is determined medically necessary for eligible
recipients five years and older. The BAHA is an alternative hearing device for recipients unable
to use conventional hearing instruments.
BAHA Softbands and BAHA Headbands are a covered benefit for children of any age who have
conditions that are eligible for a BAHA implant. The BAHA system is designed to treat:
b. congenital malformations where the cochlear function is good but there are no ear
canals.
c. Cholesteatoma.
e. external otitis.
2. Unilateral Sensorineural Deafness or Single Sided Deafness (SSD) from possible causes
of:
b. sudden deafness.
d. trauma.
e. ototoxic treatments.
f. genetic.
g. Meniere’s Disease.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Audiologic/Medical criteria:
Recipients must be referred by an M.D. or Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist with
documentation to determine medical candidacy for such a device. This may include a
radiology report. Assessment by an audiologist to determine if the type and degree of
hearing loss meet the necessary criteria is also required.
1. sufficient bone volume and bone quality present for successful implant
placement; and
4. well informed recipients who have the right expectations of the BAHA
system and are highly motivated, as determined by physician or audiologist;
and
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
5. recipients who are able to maintain and clean the skin around the abutment
or with the aid of others. For children, the responsibility falls on the parents
or guardians; and
6. recipients trained in the care, use of the device and comfortable with
connecting and disconnecting the sound processor from the abutment, prior
to the fitting of the speech processor.
4. Warranty: The limited warranty must be included in the documentation from the product
manufacturer. Services beyond the warranty must be prior authorized.
5. Follow-Up: It is important the audiologist provides a follow-up program for the recipient.
Prior authorization is required with medical documentation to substantiate the request for the
BAHA implant, softband or headband.
The physician who performs the BAHA implant surgery must obtain prior authorization from the
QIO-like vendor before providing the service. Authorization is based on medical necessity. Each
request must include documentation to show the recipient has met Medicaid criteria for the
procedure.
Along with previously mentioned responsibilities, the recipient is also responsible for:
1. removing the sound processor prior to bathing, showering, swimming or engaging in any
water activities, as it is not water proof;
3. avoiding the loss of the sound processor during physical activity by removing it or using
the safety line provided.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL APPEALS AND HEARINGS
Page 2 of 7
Clarified criminal background checks and deleted old
language, and added new language.
2103.4 Day Habilitation Reworded and clarified service description. This is not
a change to policy, just updated language.
2103.5 Residential Support Changed the name and reworded service to provide
Services more clear guidance of what this service is intended to
do.
Page 3 of 7
Added g. Providing assistance with support and skill
training in health care needs and h. Facilitation of
mobility training, survival and safety skills.
2103.9 Counseling Services Renumbered, new #9. Reworded this section for
clarity.
2103.10 Residential Support Reworded and expanded this entire service to provide
Management clarity. This is not a policy change, but rather a policy
clarification. This updated language matches the
description of what the waiver says.
Page 5 of 7
2103.14 Nutrition Counseling Added additional information to this service to
Services provide clarity.
2103.15 Career Planning This entire section is new as it is a new waiver service.
2103.16A.2 Waiver Referral and Removed section that referenced self direction as this
Placement on the is currently not in the waiver.
Wait List
Page 6 of 7
Added statement regarding application for Medicaid
benefits through the DWSS.
2103.20A Coverage and Reworded this entire section to include the CMS
Limitations requirements for waiver reviews.
2104.1 Suspended Waiver Removed section as NODS are no longer sent for
Services suspended waiver services.
Page 7 of 7
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
2
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Section:
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Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
2100 INTRODUCTION
The Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) Program recognizes that many individuals at
risk of being placed in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities (IID) can be cared for in their homes and communities, preserving their
independence and ties to family and friends at a cost no higher than that of institutional care.
Nevada’s Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions originated
in 1982. The provision of waiver services is based on the identified needs of the waiver recipient.
Every biennium, the service needs and the funded slot needs of the waiver program are reviewed
by the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) and by the Division of Health Care
Financing and Policy (DHCFP) and presented to the Nevada State Legislature for approval.
Nevada is committed to the goal of providing individuals with an intellectual disability or a
related condition with the opportunity to remain in a community setting in lieu of
institutionalization. ADSD and the DHCFP understand that people who have intellectual
disabilities or a related condition are able to lead satisfying and productive lives when they are
provided the services and supports needed to do so. Both ADSD and the DHCFP are committed
to the goals of self-sufficiency and independence.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2101 AUTHORITY
Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act permits states the option to waive certain Medicaid
statutory requirements in order to offer an array of Home and Community-Based Services
(HCBS) to eligible individuals who may require such services in order to remain in their
communities and avoid institutionalization. The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy’s
(DHCFP’s) Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities and Related Conditions is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS). This waiver is designed to provide eligible Medicaid waiver recipients access to
both state plan services as well as certain extended Medicaid covered services unique to this
waiver. The goal is to allow recipients to live in their own homes or community settings, when
appropriate.
The DHCFP has the flexibility to design this waiver and select the mix of waiver services that
best meet the goals of the program. This flexibility is predicated on administrative and legislative
support, as well as federal approval.
• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (Title 42) Part 441, Subpart I (Community Supported
Living Arrangements Services)
• CFR (Title 42) Part 483.430(a) (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP))
• Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) Chapter 435 (Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and
Related Conditions)
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
2102 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2103 POLICY
Nevada’s Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions waives
certain statutory requirements and offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to
eligible recipients to assist them to remain in the community. The target population for this
waiver includes all individuals who are diagnosed with intellectual disabilities or a related
condition and who have been found eligible and have an open case with an Aging and Disability
Services Division (ADSD) Regional Center. Individuals are eligible if they meet Medicaid's
eligibility requirements and are either in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with
Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) or are at risk for ICF/IID placement without the provision of
HCBS and supports.
1. Waiver participants must meet and maintain Medicaid’s eligibility requirements through
the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) for all months waiver services
are being provided.
2. The Home and Community-Based Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
and Related Conditions is limited by legislative mandate and available matching state
funding to a specific number of recipients who can be served through the waiver year.
When all waiver slots are full, a wait list is utilized to prioritize applicants who have been
presumed to be eligible for the waiver.
4. The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) must assure the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that Medicaid’s total expenditures for waiver
and Medicaid State Plan services will not, in any waiver year, exceed 100% of the
amount that would be incurred by Medicaid for these individuals in an institutional
setting in the absence of the waiver. The DHCFP must also document that there are
safeguards in place to protect the health and welfare of recipients.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. The Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants or recipients must meet and maintain all criteria to be eligible, and to remain
on the Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related conditions.
a. Eligibility for the DHCFP’s Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
and Related Conditions is determined by the combined efforts of ADSD, the
DHCFP and the DWSS. Two separate determinations must be made for eligibility
for the Waiver:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
7. If an applicant/recipient is determined eligible for more than one HCBW program, the
individual cannot receive services under two or more such programs at the same time. The
applicant/recipient must choose one HCBW program and receive services provided by that
program.
8. Recipients of the Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related
Conditions who are enrolled or elect to enroll in a hospice program may be eligible to
remain on the waiver if they require waiver services to remain in the community.
Collaborative case coordination between the hospice agency and the waiver case manager
is required to prevent any duplication of services. Refer to Medicaid Services Manual
(MSM) Chapter 3200 for additional information on hospice services.
9. An able and/or capable parent or Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) of a minor child
has a duty/obligation to provide the child necessary maintenance, health/medical care,
education, supervision and support. Necessary maintenance includes but is not limited to,
the provision of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily
Living (IADLs). Payment will not be made for the routine care, supervision or services
normally provided for the child without charge as a matter of course in the usual
relationship among members of the nuclear family. Waiver services are not a substitute for
natural and informal supports provided by family, friends or other available community
resources; however, are available to supplement those support systems so the child is able
to remain in their home. Allowance may be given in individual circumstances when there
is no other LRI residing in the home and an able and/or capable parent’s employment
requirements result in prolonged or unexpected absences from the home, or when such
employment requirements require the able and/or capable parent or LRI to work
uninterrupted at home in order to meet the requirement of his or her employer, or when
employment requirements include unconventional work weeks or work hours. The LRI
must provide verification from a physician, place of employment, or school that they are
not capable, due to illness or injury, or unavailable, due to hours of employment and
school attendance, to provide services. Additional verification may be required on a case
by case basis. Without this verification, HCBW services will not be authorized.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
11. Legal guardians of individuals age 18 and over are considered LRIs.
The children made eligible for Medicaid through their enrollment in the Waiver for Individuals
with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions receive all the medically necessary Medicaid
coverable service available under EPSDT. A child’s enrollment in the waiver will not be used to
deny, delay, or limit access to medically necessary services that are required to be available to
Medicaid-eligible children under federal EPSDT rules. The waiver service package is a
supplement to EPSDT services.
ADSD, the operating agency for the waiver, in conjunction with the DHCFP and the state budget
process, determines which services will be offered under the Waiver for Individuals with
Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions. Providers and recipients must agree to comply
with the requirements for service provision in accordance with ADSD and the DHCFP policies.
Under this waiver, the following services are available for individuals who have been assessed to
be at risk for ICF/IID placement without the provision of enhanced supports as identified in the
Individual Support Plan (ISP).
a. Day Habilitation.
b. Prevocational Services.
c. Supported Employment.
h. Non-Medical Transportation
i. Nursing Services.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
k. Career Planning.
1. All Providers:
c. May only provide services that have been identified in the ISP.
d. Must verify the Medicaid eligibility status of each HCBW recipient each month.
The minimum needed for enrollment through the DHCFP’s fiscal agent:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
11. Submit proof, from insurance agent, that applicable Liability Insurance (as
required by State Risk Management) can be written before
commencement of contracted services.
i. Must have approval from ADSD in order to be compensated for providing services
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
NOTE: Internet based background checks are not acceptable as they are
not fingerprint based.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
o. any other offense that may be inconsistent with the best interests of
all recipients.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. Type of service.
2. Date of service.
5. Name of provider.
12. All service providers other than ADSD must obtain and
HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED WAIVER (HCBW)
FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL
October 1, 2015 DISABILITIES AND RELATED CONDITIONS Section 2103 Page 9
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Section:
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Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
l. Other.
For recipients under the age of 18, the Division of Child and Family
Services (DCFS) or the appropriate county agency accepts reports of
suspected child abuse and neglect. For adults’ age 60 and over, Elder
Protective Services within ADSD accepts reports of suspected abuse,
neglect or self-neglect, exploitation or isolation. For vulnerable adults,
report of abuse, neglect, exploitation and social isolation are to be made to
local law enforcement.
6. Complaint Procedure
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
8. ADSD:
9. Provider Agencies:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Applicants or recipients must meet and maintain all criteria to be eligible and to remain on the
Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions.
2. Notify the provider(s) and service coordinator of current insurance information, including
the name of other insurance coverage, such as Medicare.
3. Notify the provider(s) and service coordinator of changes in medical status, service
needs, address, and location, or of changes of status of LRI(s)/authorized representative.
5. Initial and/or sign the provider service documentation verifying services were rendered
unless otherwise unable to perform this task due to intellectual and/or physical
limitations.
6. Notify the provider when scheduled visits cannot be kept or services are no longer
required.
8. Notify the provider and ADSD Service Coordinator of unusual occurrences, complaints
regarding delivery of services, specific staff, or to request a change in caregiver.
9. If applicable, furnish the provider with a copy of their Advance Directives (AD).
10. Not request a provider to work more than the hours authorized in the ISP.
11. Not request a provider to provide service for a non-recipient, family, or household
members.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
12. Not request a provider to perform services not included in the ISP.
14. Sign all required forms unless otherwise unable to perform this task due to intellectual
and/or physical limitations.
Service Coordination is provided under the Medicaid State Plan Targeted Case Management
service. This is an integral part of the management of the Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities and Related Conditions.
Refer to MSM Chapter 2500 for allowable activities under Targeted Case Management.
Administrative waiver activities are not billable under Targeted Case Management.
Day Habilitation Services are regularly scheduled activities in a non-residential setting, separate
from the participant's private residence or other residential living arrangement. Services include
assistance with the acquisition, retention, or improvement in self-help, socialization and adaptive
skills that include performing activities of daily living and community living.
Activities and environments are designed to foster the acquisition of skill, building positive
social behavior and interpersonal competence, greater independence and personal choice.
Services furnished are identified in the individual’s ISP.
Day habilitation services focus on enabling the participant to attain or maintain his or her
maximum potential and shall be coordinated with any needed therapies in the individual’s
person-centered services and support plans, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
Day habilitation services may also be used to enable individuals to participate in hobbies, clubs
and/or senior related activities in the community, specifically for those who choose not to work
or are at advanced ages.
Participants who receive day habilitation services and support may include two or more types of
non-residential services. However, different types of non-residential habilitation services may
not be billed during the same period of the day.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Day habilitation may not provide for the payment of services that are vocational in nature (i.e.
for the primary purpose of producing goods or performing services).
Documentation is maintained in the file of each individual receiving this service that the service
is not available under a program funded under Section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).
1. Provider Agencies:
a. An employee of an agency that provides habilitation services and has met the
requirements for certification under NRS and Nevada Administrative Code
(NAC) 435 and/or ADSD policy must provide documentation to the DHCFP to
maintain approved provider status. ADSD verifies provider qualifications
annually.
2. Individual Providers:
a. Must meet the requirements for certification according to policy and provide
required documentation to the DHCFP to maintain approved provider status.
ADSD will verify qualification annually.
c. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent; however, this requirement may
be waived with approval from ADSD.
e. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the recipient.
Residential Support Services are designed to ensure the health and welfare of the individual, as
well as the welfare of the community at large, through protective oversight and supervision
activities and supports to assist in the acquisition, improvement, retention, and maintenance of
the skills necessary for individuals to successfully, safely, and responsibly reside in their
community.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Residential Support Services are provided throughout the course of normal ADL, as well as in
specialized training opportunities outlined in the participant's ISP. These services are
individually planned and coordinated, assuring the non-duplication of services with other State
Plan Services.
Residential support services staff is trained and responsible for implementing Individual
Habilitation Plans, goals, objectives, and service supports related to residential and community
living. These supports include the facilitation of personal care services such as activities of daily
living and instrumental activities of daily living. In addition, services include effective
communication skills, community inclusion and the development of natural support networks,
mobility training, survival and safety skills, support and teaching of interpersonal and
relationship skills, making choices and problem solving skills, community living skills, social
and leisure skills, money management skills, as well as support and skill training in health care
needs, to include medication management. Residential support services emphasize positive
behavior strategies, including interventions and supervision designed to maximize community
inclusion while safeguarding the individual and general public. Services also support exercising
individual rights and protect against rights violations and infringements without due process.
Twenty-four hour Supported Living Services are residential support services provided 24 hours
per day by an organizational qualified provider. These services are delivered within non-provider
owned homes in integrated community neighborhood settings. There are some provider owned
homes located in the rural area due to resource limitations.
Residential support services cannot duplicate the scope and nature of State Plan Personal Care
Services. Any ADL or IADL that is covered in the Individual Habilitation Plan, whether it is
completed for them or the individual is completing the task with supervision as part of their
training, cannot be covered under State Plan Personal Care Services.
1. Residential Support Services staff are trained and responsible for implementing ISPs,
goals, objectives and service supports related to residential and community living.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
g. providing assistance with support and skill training in health care needs.
3. Under this service category, the responsibility for the living environment rests with the
service agency and encompasses a variety of Supportive Living Arrangements (SLAs):
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Individual SLA homes do not require state licensure; however, individual providers and
provider agencies must be approved and certified by ADSD in order to render services to
individuals with intellectual disabilities and related conditions.
2. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent (may be waived with ADSD
approval).
3. Must have First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire.
4. Must have the ability to implement the recipient’s ISP and Habilitation Plan.
5. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the recipient.
2. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the participant.
4. Must have First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire.
5. Must meet the requirements specified in NAC 435 and provide information to the
DHCFP to maintain approved provider status.
6. Must have the ability to implement the goals and services as identified in the
participant’s ISP.
7. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the recipient.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Must meet all the requirements to be enrolled and maintain status as an enrolled
Medicaid provider pursuant to MSM Chapters 100 and 2100, as applicable.
Prevocational Services are designed to create a path to integrated employment in the community
for which an individual is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the
customary wage and level of benefits paid by the employer for the same or similar work
performed by individuals without disabilities, is considered to be optimal outcomes for
prevocational services. Individuals receiving prevocational services must have employment-
related goals in their person-centered ISP; the general habilitative activities must be designed to
support such employment goals.
Services include teaching such concepts as attendance, task completion, problem solving,
interpersonal relations and safety, and communication with customers, co-workers, or
supervisors. This service provides for learning and work experience, including volunteer work,
participation in social and recreational activities to facilitate community integration, classroom
style program/training, experience – where an individual can develop general, non-job or task
specific strengths and skills that contribute to employability in paid employment within
integrated community settings. Services are expected to occur over a defined period of time and
with specific outcomes to be achieved, as indentified in the individual’s ISP.
The prevocational services provided under this waiver are not available under a program funded
under Section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Section 602(16) and (17) of the IDEA (20
U.S.C. 1401(16 and 17)). Documentation will be maintained in the file of each individual
receiving prevocational services that the service is not otherwise available under a program
funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or P.L. 94-142.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. Participants who receive prevocational services may include two or more types of non-
residential support services; however, different types of non-residential support services
may not be billed during the same period of the day.
1. Provider Agencies:
d. All providers must meet all requirements to enroll and maintain Medicaid
provider status according to MSM Chapters 100 and 2100, as applicable.
e. Must meet all conditions of participation according to MSM Chapter 100, Section
102.1.
Supported employment service is a combination of intensive ongoing supports and services that
prepare recipients for paid employment.
Supported employment services are individualized and may include any combination of the
following services: Vocational job related discovery or assessment, person-centered employment
planning, job placement, job development, negotiation with prospective employers, job analysis,
job carving, training and systematic instruction, job coaching, benefit supports, training and
planning, transportation (by the employment provider to any sub-sites or necessary to complete
the job), asset development and career advancement services and other workplace support
services including services not specifically related to job skill training that enable the participant
to be successful in integrating into the job setting.
Individual employment supports are services for individuals who, because of their disabilities,
need intensive ongoing supports to obtain and maintain an individual job in competitive
employment or customized employment, or self-employment, in an integrated work setting in the
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
general workforce for which an individual is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but
not less that the customary wage and level of benefits paid by the employer for the same or
similar work performed by individuals without disabilities.
Supported employment small group employment supports may include any combination of the
following services: vocational/job related discovery or assessment, person-centered employment
planning, job placement, job development, negotiation with prospective employers, job analysis,
training and systematic instruction, job coaching, benefit supports, training and planning,
transportation and career advancement services. Other workplace supports may include services
not specifically related to job skill training that enable the waiver participant to be successful in
integrating in the job setting.
The outcome of this service is sustained paid employment and work experience leading to further
career development and individual integrated community-based employment for which an
individual is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the customary wage
and level benefits paid by the employer of the same or similar work performed by individuals
without disabilities. Small group employment does not include vocational services provided in a
facility based work setting.
1. When supported employment services are provided at a work site in which individuals
without disabilities are employed, payment will be made only for the adaptations,
supervision and training required by individuals receiving waiver services as result of
their disabilities, and will not include payment for the supervisory activities rendered as a
normal part of the business setting.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Supported employment small group employment support are services and training
activities provided in regular business, industry and community settings of two to eight
workers with disabilities. Examples include mobile crews and other business-based work
groups employing a small group of workers with disabilities in employment in the
community. Supported employment small group work employment supports must be
provided in a manner that promotes integration into the workplace and interaction
between participants and people without disabilities in those workplaces.
4. Federal Financial Participation will not be claimed for incentive payments, subsidies, or
unrelated vocational training expenses such as the following:
1. Provider Agencies:
c. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent; however, this may be waived
with approval of ADSD.
d. Must meet all requirements to enroll and maintain enrolled Medicaid provider
pursuant to the DHCFP MSM, Chapter 100 and 2100.
a. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent; however, this may be waived
with approval of ADSD.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
c. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the recipient ADSD
will verify provider qualification on initial application and annually thereafter.
b. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the participant.
d. Must have First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire.
e. Must meet the requirements specified in NAC 435 and provide information to the
DHCFP to maintain approved provider status.
f. Must have the ability to implement the goals and services as identified in the
participant’s ISP.
g. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the recipient.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Behavioral Consultation, Training and Intervention may not exceed $5,200.00 per year.
d. Must meet all requirements to enroll and maintain status as Medicaid provider
pursuant to the DHCFP MSM, Chapters 100 and 2100, as applicable.
2. Individual Providers:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
d. Must have criminal clearance in accordance with the DHCFP and ADSD policy.
Counseling services are specialized and adapted in order to accommodate the unique
complexities of enrolled participants and include consultation with team members, including
family members, support staff, service coordinators and other professionals comprising the
participant's support team; individual and group counseling services; assessment/evaluation
services; therapeutic interventions strategies; risk assessment; skill development; and psycho
educational activities.
Counseling services are provided based on the participant’s need to assure his or her health and
welfare in the community and enhance success in community living.
2. assessment/evaluation services;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. risk assessment;
6. psycho-educational activities.
a. Providers under this category must have graduated from an accredited college or
university with a Master’s degree in a two year curriculum in counseling,
marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work or a closely allied academic
field. A closely allied field is licensed by the state by appropriate categories. A
graduate level intern supervised by a licensed clinician or mental health counselor
may provide these services; or
e. ADSD will verify provider qualifications upon enrollment and prior to expiration
of the license; the provider will send a copy of the current license to the ADSD.
Residential Support Management is designed to ensure the health and welfare of individuals
receiving residential support services from agencies in order to assure those services and
supports are planned, scheduled, implemented and monitored as the individual prefers and needs
depending on the frequency and duration of approved services. Residential support managers
assist the participant with managing their residential supports.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Residential support managers must work collaboratively with the participant's Targeted Case
Manager. Residential Support Management services are different from Targeted Case
Management. The Targeted Case manager is responsible for the development of the ISP, which
is the overall HCBS plan, in consultation with the ISP team.
The Residential Support Manager is responsible to develop, implement, and monitor the specific
residential habilitation plan related to Residential Support Services.
1. Residential Support Management staff will assist the recipient in managing their supports
within the home and community settings. This service includes:
d. assisting the individual to apply for and obtain community resources and benefits
such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Food Stamps,
housing, etc.;
i. supporting the individual with budgeting, bill paying, and with scheduling and
keeping appointments;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
m. making home visits to observe the individual's living environment to assure health
and welfare; and
A. Agency Providers:
3. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent and two years experience
providing direct service in a human services field and under the direct
supervision/oversight of a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP)
or its equivalent;
6. ADSD will verify Direct Service and Support staff qualification upon application
for enrollment for provisional certification and within the first year of enrollment
as part of initial Quality Assurance certification review. Verification will occur at
least every two years thereafter as part of re-certification review.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. This service will not duplicate or impact the amount, duration and scope of the medical
transportation benefit provided under the Medicaid State Plan. Refer to MSM Chapter
1900 for more information regarding the coverage and limitations of medical
transportation.
1. Individual Providers:
a. Must have a valid Nevada Driver’s License and provide proof of liability
insurance.
b. Must show evidence of vehicle safety inspection prior to hire and are subject to
periodic vehicle safety inspections. Providers are responsible for obtaining safety
inspections and providing them to ADSD upon request.
e. Must have at least six months of specialized training and experience in working
with individuals with disabilities in a community setting.
f. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the participant.
h. Must have First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire.
i. Must meet the requirements specified in NAC 435 and provide information to
DHCFP to maintain approved provider status.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
j. Must have the ability to implement the goals and services as identified in the
participant’s ISP.
An agency must have uninterrupted liability insurance per Nevada State Risk
Management specification and ADSD policy; automobile insurance, per State of
Nevada requirements including all automobiles owned and leased by the agency;
and assurance of routine vehicle safety and maintenance inspection on file.
d. Must meet all conditions of participation in MSM Chapter 100, Section 102.1.
There are three components of this service: Direct Services, Comprehensive Medical Community
Support Services, and Nursing Assessment.
Direct Services: Direct skilled nursing services are intended to be provided by a Registered
Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a community setting as described and
approved in the recipient’s ISP. LPN’s must be under the supervision of an RN licensed in the
state. Services include skilled medical care that is integral to meeting the daily medical needs of
the recipient. These services are intended to allow individuals under this waiver to live safely
within an integrated community setting. Services are limited to those that only a licensed
professional can provide; not those that unlicensed staff can provide. For example, ADL's are not
skilled services. Skilled services include, but are not limited to: medication administration,
wound care, nasogastric or gastronomy tube feeding, ostomy care, tracheotomy aspiration care,
and catheter care. Direct services will be reimbursed when the procedure can be only be
performed safely by a RN or LPN. Factors to consider when determining the need for direct
nursing services include: the complexity of the procedure; the recipient’s functional and physical
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
status; the absence of a caregiver who is trained to perform the function; and that the service is
reasonable and necessary.
Nursing Assessment: Assessments are completed by an RN and provide the basis for
recommendations for medical and mental health care and follow-up; which are shared with the
person’s team for review and inclusion in the individual’s support plan. The assessment includes:
an interview with the recipient; identification of diagnoses, including symptoms and signs of
condition; assessment of verbal and nonverbal communication skills; a review of medical and
social history including current medication and drug history; as well as other information
available from either records or interviews with staff and family. The RN will assess vital signs,
skin color and condition, motor and sensory nerve function, nutrition, sleep patterns, oral health,
physical activities, elimination, and consciousness. Additionally, an assessment of the recipient’s
social and emotional factors and status will be completed to include; religion, thoughts on health
care, mood, and social/support networks.
1. Routine nursing services are services within the Scope of the Nevada Nurse Practice Act.
a. Medication administration.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
d. Training and technical assistance for paid support staff to carry out treatment plan
or support plan.
e. Monitoring of the recipient and the provider in the implementation of the plan and
provide nursing case notes of the services provided and the outcomes of those
services.
f. Referrals to home health care or other medical providers for certain treatment
procedures covered under the Medicaid State Plan.
4. Nursing services may be provided in the recipient’s home, day program, or in other
community settings as described in the Service Plan.
5. Medical and health care services such as physician services that are not routinely required
to meet the daily needs of waiver recipients are not covered under this service. Nursing
services provided in this waiver will not duplicate the nursing services covered under the
Medicaid State Plan.
2. Agency Providers:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
These waiver-covered dietitian duties are above and beyond those approved and covered under
State Plan Services
1. Training, education and consultation for recipients and their families or support staff
involved in the day-to-day support of the recipient.
6. Provide monthly case notes on nutritional activities and summaries of progress on the
nutritional plan.
This service requires a physician's order, determination of medical necessity, and the individual's
health must be at risk. This service is limited to $1,300.00 per year, per individual. This service
does not include the cost of meals or food items.
1. In addition to the provider qualifications listed in this chapter, providers must be:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The outcome of this service is documentation of the individual's stated career objective and
career plan used to guide individual employment support. Services include planning for
sufficient time and experiential learning opportunities to allow for appropriate exploration,
assessment and discovery processes for learning about career options, as well as the participant’s
skills and interests. Career planning may include informational interviewing, job tours, job
shadowing, community exploration, community and business research, benefit supports, job
preference inventories, situational and community-based assessments, job sampling, training and
planning, as well as assessments for the use of assistive technology in the workplace to increase
independence.
The ISP may include two or more types of non-residential habilitation services. However,
different types of non-residential habilitation services may not be billed simultaneously. If a
waiver participant is receiving pre-vocational services or day habilitation services, career
planning may be used to develop additional learning opportunities and career options consistent
with the person's skills and interest. Career Planning will be limited to 40 days and a specified
number of hours identified in the ISP.
In addition to the provider qualifications listed in this chapter, providers of Career Planning must
have:
2. Valid Nevada driver’s license required. Must have access to an operational and insured
vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals. (Providers will bill Career
Planning unit rate for time spent transporting, not a separate rate).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. Must have the ability to communicate with and understand the recipient.
1. All providers should refer to the MSM Chapter 100 for enrollment procedures.
2. All providers must comply with all the DHCFP and ADSD enrollment requirements,
provider responsibilities/qualifications, and the DHCFP and ADSD provider agreement
and limitations set forth in this chapter.
3. Provider non-compliance with all or any of these stipulations may result in the DHCFP’s
decision to exercise its right to terminate the provider’s contract.
The ADSD has developed policies and procedures to ensure fair and adequate access to the
HCBW for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions.
1. SLOT PROVISION
b. Recipients must be terminated from the waiver when they move out of state, fail
to cooperate with program requirements, or request termination, and send a
Notice of Decision (NOD). Their slot may be given to the next person on the wait
list. If they request waiver services at a later date, they are placed on the bottom of
the list by category with a new referral date.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. The service coordinator must conduct a Level of Care (LOC) screening to verify
eligibility for the wait list.
NOTE: If the applicant does not meet an LOC, they will receive a NOD which
includes the right to a fair hearing.
c. All applicants who meet program criteria must be placed on the statewide waiver
wait list by priority and referral date. The following must be completed before
placement on the wait list:
Applicants must be sent a NOD indicating “no slot available”. ADSD will notify
the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit via NMO-2734 when no slot is available.
The applicant will remain on the waiting list.
Once a slot is allocated, the applicant will be processed for the waiver.
a. The ADSD service coordinator will schedule a face-to-face visit with the recipient
to complete the full waiver assessment to include diagnostic data, LOC
determination, and will obtain all applicable forms, including the Authorization
for Release of Information.
The applicant and/or an authorized representative must understand and agree that
personal information may be shared with providers of services and others as
specified on the form.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The ADSD service coordinator will inform the applicant and/or an authorized
representative that, pursuant to NRS 232.357, the Divisions within the Nevada
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may share confidential
information without a signed authorization for release of information.
The service coordinator will provide an application to apply for Medicaid benefits
through DWSS. The recipient is responsible for completing the application and
submitting all requested information to DWSS. The case manager will assist upon
request.
b. The applicant/recipient will be given the right to choose waiver services in lieu of
placement in an ICF/IID. If the applicant and/or legal representative prefers
placement in an ICF/IID, the service coordinator will assist the applicant in
arranging for facility placement.
c. The applicant/recipient will be given the right to request a hearing if not given a
choice between HCBS and ICF/IID placement.
3. The ISP is subject to the approval of the Central Office Waiver Unit of the
DHCFP.
4. Recipients will be given the free choice of all qualified available Medicaid
providers of each Medicaid covered service included in his/her written
individual support plan. Current ISPs must be given to all service
providers and kept in the participant’s record.
5. All forms must be complete with signature and dates where required.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The effective date for waiver services approval is the completion date of all the intake
forms, or the waiver eligibility determination date by DWSS, whichever is later. If the
applicant is in an institution, the effective date cannot be prior to the date of discharge
from the institution.
In some cases, it may be necessary to begin waiver services on the 1st of the month to
coincide with Service Contracts. In that case, the effective date for waiver services
approval is the completion date of all the intake forms or the first of the month the waiver
eligibility determination is made by DWSS, whichever is later.
Waiver services will not be backdated beyond the first of the month in which the waiver
eligibility determination is made by DWSS.
5. WAIVER COST
The DHCFP must assure CMS that the average per capita expenditures under the waiver
will not exceed 100% of the average per capita expenditures for the institutional LOC
under the state plan that would have been made in that fiscal year, had the waiver not
been granted.
The State assures that claims for payment of waiver services are made only when an individual is
Medicaid eligible and only when the service is included in the approved individual support plan.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
ADSD (Provider Type 38) must complete the CMS 1500 for payment of waiver services.
Incomplete or inaccurate provider claims will be returned to ADSD by the DHCFP’s fiscal
agent. If the wrong form is submitted it will also be returned to ADSD by the DHCFP’s fiscal
agent.
A. For each approved waiver recipient, the service coordinator must maintain a permanent
case file that documents services provided under the Waiver for Individuals with
Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions.
B. These records must be retained for six years from the date of waiver service(s).
A. Contacts
1. The service coordinator must have ongoing contact with each waiver recipient, a
recipient’s personal representative, or the recipient’s direct care service provider,
by any means chosen by the recipient or representative. The contact must be
sufficient to address health and safety needs of the recipient, and at a minimum,
there must be a face-to-face visit with each recipient annually.
2. During ongoing contact, the service coordinator will monitor the person’s current
condition to include health and safety, assess for changes needed, satisfaction
with services and supports, whether the habilitation plans are meeting identified
goals, and provide any necessary follow up on needs or concerns.
B. Reassessment
3. Scope, frequency, and duration must be identified on the ISP, with the exception
of Residential Support Management. Providers cannot exceed the maximum
allowed as indicated on the ISP.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. Reassessment Procedures
The State will have in place a formal system by which it assures the health and welfare of the
recipients served on the waiver, the recipient’s satisfaction with the services and the cost
effectiveness of these services.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The DHCFP (administrative authority) and ADSD (operating agency) will collaboratively
conduct an annual review of the waiver program to assess quality of life, functional
independence, and health and welfare of recipients receiving waiver services. The State must
operate this waiver in accordance with certain “assurances” identified in Federal regulations.
CMS has designated six waiver assurances that states must include as part of an overall quality
improvement strategy, which are:
1. Level of Care: Recipients enrolled meet level of care criteria consistent with individuals
residing in institutional settings.
2. Service Plan: A recipient’s needs and preferences are assessed and reflected in a person
centered service plan.
3. Qualified Providers: Provider agencies and workers providing services are qualified
either through licensure or certification.
4. Health and Welfare: Recipients are protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation and
receive supports to address identified needs.
5. Financial Accountability: Verification that reimbursement is only made for services that
are approved and provided, and the cost of those services does not exceed the cost of
institutional care on a per person or aggregate basis (as determined by the state).
6. Administrative Authority: The DHCFP is fully accountable for HCBS waiver design,
operations and performance.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2104 HEARINGS
a. The applicant does not meet the criteria of being diagnosed with intellectual disability or
having a condition related to an intellectual disability.
b. The applicant does not meet the Level of Care (LOC) criteria for placement in an
Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)/ Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (IID).
d. The applicant fails to cooperate with the service coordinator or the Home and
Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers in establishing and/or implementing the
Individual Support Plan (ISP), implementing waiver services, or verifying eligibility for
waiver services.
e. The applicant’s support system is not adequate to provide a safe environment during the
time when HCBS are not being provided. HCBS services are not a substitute for natural
and informal supports provided by family, friends or other available community
resources.
g. The applicant fails to show a need for Home and Community-Based Waiver services.
h. The applicant would not require imminent placement in an ICF/IID if HCBS were not
available. (Imminent placement means within 30 to 60 days.)
k. ADSD has filled the number of slots allocated to the HCBW for Individuals with
Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions. The applicant has been approved for the
waiver waiting list and will be contacted when a slot is available.
When the application for waiver services is denied the service coordinator will send a
notification (Form NMO-2734) to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit identifying the reason
for denial. The Waiver Unit will send a Notice of Decision (NOD) for Payment Authorization
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
Request (Form NMO-3582) to the applicant or the applicant’s personal representative. The
service coordinator will submit the form within five days of the date of denial of waiver services.
a. The recipient no longer meets the criteria of an intellectual disability or having a related
condition.
b. The recipient no longer meets the LOC criteria for placement in an ICF/IID.
d. The recipient has failed to cooperate with the service coordinator or HCBS providers in
establishing and/or implementing the support plan, implementing waiver services, or
verifying eligibility for waiver services.
e. The recipient’s support system is not adequate to provide a safe environment during the
time when HCBS are not being provided. Home and Community-Based servicers are not
a substitute for natural and informal supports provided by family, friends or other
available community resources.
g. The recipient no longer requires imminent ICF/IID placement if HCBS were not
available. (Imminent placement means within 30 to 60 days.)
j. The recipient has been, or is expected to be, institutionalized over 60 days (in a hospital,
nursing facility, ICF/IID, or incarcerated). ****See below.
l. The recipient has not utilized any waiver services over a 12 month period.
When a recipient is scheduled to be terminated from the waiver program, the service coordinator
will send a notification (Form NMO-2734) to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit
identifying the reason for termination. The waiver unit will send a NOD to the recipient or the
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
recipient’s legal representative. The form must be mailed by the DHCFP to the recipient at least
13 calendar days before the Date of Action (DOA) on the NOD. Refer to MSM Chapter 3100 for
exceptions to the advance notice.
****Service coordinators must track recipient stays in hospitals, nursing facilities, or ICF/IID’s.
Five days prior to the 45th day, the service coordinator will send a notification (Form NMO-
2734) to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit identifying the 60th day of inpatient status
which is the termination date for waiver services.
Waiver slots must be held for 90 days, from the 45th day, which will be the date the NOD is sent
to the recipient indicating termination or institutional placement, in case they are released and
need waiver services upon release.
a. The recipient no longer needs the number of service/support hours/days which were
previously provided.
c. The recipient’s parent and/or legal guardian is responsible for the maintenance, health
care, education and support of their child.
e. The recipient has failed to cooperate with the service coordinator or HCBS providers in
establishing and/or implementing the support plan, implementing waiver services, or
verifying eligibility for waiver services.
j. The recipient has reached their service limit either annually or number of units.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
a. Complete Form NMO-2734 indicating the date waiver services will begin again.
2. If a recipient has been terminated from the waiver for more than 90 days, they are treated
as a new referral.
ADSD will forward all necessary forms to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit as required.
When a NOD is required to be sent to a recipient, the service coordinator will send a notification
(Form NMO-2734) to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit identifying a denial, termination,
reduction, along with the reason. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit will send a NOD Form,
NMO-3582 to the recipient or the recipient’s legal representative. The form must be mailed by the
agency to the recipient at least 13 calendar days before the Date of Action on the NOD for a
termination or reduction. Denials do not require 13 days.
September I 1,2012
Revisions have been made to MSM Chapter 2200 to update language with regards to criminal
background checks. References to NRS 449.176 to 449.188 were removed as these references do
not include waiver providers. The criminal background requirement was re-worded to be
consistent with MSM Chapter 100. Additional changes include removing case manager
requirements to do cost projections, as this is no longer a waiver requirement. The requirement to
complete functional assessments which are used for State Plan Personal Care Services were al so
removed.
Page I of 1
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED WAIVER (HCBW) FOR THE FRAIL ELDERLY
Page 2 of 2
MTL 31/10
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2200
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
2200 INTRODUCTION
The Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) Program recognizes that many individuals at
risk of being placed in hospitals or nursing facilities can be cared for in their homes and
communities, preserving their independence and ties to family and friends at an average cost no
higher than that of institutional care.
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy’s (DHCFP) Waiver for the Frail Elderly
originated in 1987. The provision of waiver services is based on the identified needs of the waiver
recipient. Every biennium the service needs and the funded slot needs of the waiver program are
reviewed by the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) and by the DHCFP (also known
as Nevada Medicaid) and presented to the Nevada State Legislature for approval. Nevada is
committed to the goal of providing the elderly with the opportunity to remain in a community
setting in lieu of institutionalization. Nevada understands that people who are elderly are able to
lead satisfying and productive lives when they are provided the needed services and supports to
do so. The Division is committed to the goals of self sufficiency and independence.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2201 AUTHORITY
Section 1915 (c) of the Social Security Act permits states the option to waive certain Medicaid
statutory requirements in order to offer an array of home and community-based services to
eligible individuals who may require such services in order to remain in their communities and
avoid institutionalization. The DHCFP Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) for the
Frail Elderly is an optional service program approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS). This waiver is designed to provide eligible Medicaid waiver recipients access to
both state plan services as well as certain extended Medicaid covered services unique to this
waiver. The goal is to allow recipients to live in their own homes, or community settings, when
appropriate.
The DHCFP has the flexibility to design this waiver and select the mix of waiver services that
best meet the goals of the program. This flexibility is predicated on administrative and legislative
support, as well as federal approval.
• Social Security Act: 1902 (w) (State Plan for Medical Assistance)
• 42 CFR Part 441, Subparts G and H (Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS):
Waiver Requirements; HCBS Waivers for Individuals Age 65 or Older: Waiver
Requirements)
• 42 CFR Part 431, Subpart B and E (General Administrative Requirements; Fair Hearing
for Applicants and Recipients)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
• State Medicaid Manual, Section 4440 (HCBW, Basis, Scope and Purpose)
• Nevada’s Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly Control Number
• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapters 200 (Crimes Against the Person), 426 (Persons
with Disabilities), 427A (Services to Aging Persons and Persons with Disabilities), 422
(Health Care Financing and Policy), 449 (Medical and Other Related Facilities), 616
(Industrial Insurance), 629 (Healing and Arts Generally)
• Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapters 427A (Services to Aging Persons), 441A
(Communicable Diseases), 449 (Medical and Other Related Facilities)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
2202 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2203 POLICY
Administrative case management activities are performed by Aging and Disability Services
Division (ADSD) case managers and refer to data collection for eligibility verification, Level of
Care (LOC) evaluation, Plan of Care (POC) development, and other case management activities
that are not identified on the POC.
1. Intake referral;
2. Facilitating Medicaid eligibility, which may include assistance with the Medical
Assistance to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MAABD) application and obtaining
documents required for eligibility determination;
3. Preliminary and ongoing assessments, evaluations and completion of forms required for
service eligibility:
a. The POC identifies the waiver services as well as other ongoing community
support services that the recipient needs in order to live successfully in the
community. The POC must reflect the recipient’s service needs and include both
waiver and non-waiver services in place at the time of POC completion, along with
informal supports that are necessary to address those needs.
b. The recipient’s level of care, functional status and needs addressed by the POC
must be reassessed annually or more often as needed. The recipient must also be
reassessed when there is a significant change in his/her condition which influences
eligibility. The reassessment is to be conducted during a face-to-face visit.
c. If services documented on a POC are approved by the recipient and the case
manager and the recipient signature cannot be obtained due to extenuating
circumstances, services can commence with verbal approval from the recipient.
Case managers must document the recipient’s verbal approval in the case notes
and obtain the recipient signature on the POC as soon as possible.
4. Issuance of Notices of Actions (NOA) to the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
(DHCFP) Central Office Waiver Unit staff to issue a Notice of Decision (NOD) when a
waiver application is denied;
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8. Outreach activities to educate recipients or potential recipients on how to enter into care
through a Medicaid Program;
10. Ensure completion of prior authorization form, if required, for all waiver services
documented on the POC for submission into the Medicaid Management Information
System (MMIS).
2. Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to conduct home visits.
4. Must have a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history background check.
1. Applicant/recipients and/or their authorized representative must cooperate with the ADSD
by assisting with the assessment and reassessment process, accurately representing skill
level needs, wants, resources and goals.
2. Applicants/recipients together with the case manager must develop and/or review the
POC.
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The DHCFP’s Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) for the Frail Elderly waives certain
statutory requirements and offers waiver services to eligible recipients to assist them to remain in
their own homes or community.
1. Services are offered to eligible recipients who, without the waiver services, would require
institutional care (provided in a hospital or nursing facility) within thirty (30) days or less.
Recipients on this waiver must meet and maintain Medicaid’s eligibility requirements for
the waiver.
2. The HCBW for the Frail Elderly is limited by legislative mandate to a specific number of
recipients who can be served through the waiver per year (slots). When all waiver slots are
full, the ADSD utilizes a wait list to prioritize applicants who have been presumed to be
eligible for the waiver.
3. When funding becomes available, the applicant will be processed for the program based
on LOC score, risk factors, and date of referral. Applicants will be considered for a higher
advancement on the Wait List based on whether they meet additional criteria. The
following criteria may be utilized:
b. Applicants with the highest LOC score indicating greatest functional deficits;
a. Eligibility for Medicaid’s HCBW for the Frail Elderly is determined by the
DHCFP, ADSD, and the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS).
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These three State agencies collaboratively determine eligibility for the Frail
Elderly Waiver as follows:
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b. Services for the HCBW for the Frail Elderly shall not be provided
and will not be reimbursed until the applicant is found eligible for
benefit plan services, full Medicaid eligibility, and prior
authorization as required.
c. Medicaid recipients in the HCBW for the Frail Elderly may have to
pay for part of the cost of the waiver services. The amount they are
required to pay is called patient liability.
5. Recipients of the HCBW for the Frail Elderly who are enrolled or elect to
enroll in a hospice program may be eligible to remain on the waiver if they
require waiver services to remain in the community. Close coordination
between the hospice agency and the waiver case manager is required to
prevent any duplication of services. Refer to Medicaid Services Manual
(MSM) Chapter 3200 for additional information on hospice services.
1. Providers are responsible for confirming the recipient's Medicaid eligibility each month
prior to rendering waiver services.
2. Providers are responsible for assuring prior authorization is established before services are
provided.
Applicants/recipients must meet and maintain all eligibility criteria to become eligible and to
remain on the HCBW for the Frail Elderly.
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The DHCFP determines which services will be offered under the HCBW for the Frail Elderly.
Providers and recipients must agree to comply with all program requirements for service
provision.
Under this waiver, the following services are covered if identified in the POC as necessary to
avoid institutionalization.
2. Homemaker Services.
3. Chore Services.
a. Must obtain and maintain a HCBW for the Frail Elderly provider number
(Provider Type 48 or 57 as appropriate) through the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor.
b. In addition to this Chapter, the provider must also comply with rules and
regulations for providers as set forth in the MSM Chapter 100.
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c. Must understand the authorized service specification on the POC, record keeping
responsibilities and billing procedures for provided waiver services.
d. Must understand that payment for services will be based on the level of service or
specific tasks identified on the POC and will not be made to legally responsible
individuals for furnishing waiver services.
e. All providers may only provide services that have been identified in the POC and
that, if required, have a prior authorization.
f. Providers must verify the Medicaid eligibility status of each HCBW for Frail
Elderly recipient each month.
1. The DHCFP policy requires all waiver providers have State and Federal
criminal history background checks completed. The DHCFP fiscal agent
will not enroll any provider agency whose owner or operator has been
convicted of a felony under State or Federal law for any offense which the
DHCFP determines is inconsistent with the best interest of recipients.
Additional information may be found in MSM Chapter 100, Section 102.2.
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o. any other offense that may be inconsistent with the best interests of
all recipients.
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Providers are required to initiate diligent and effective follow up for results of
background checks within 90 days of submission of prints and continue until
results are received. This is particularly important when an “undecided” result is
received. If an employee believes that the information provided as a result of the
criminal background check is incorrect, the individual must immediately inform
the employing agency in writing. Information regarding challenging a
disqualification is found on the DPS website at: http://dps.nv.gov under Records
and Technology.
Providers must be able to: perform the duties of the job; demonstrate maturity of
attitude toward work assignments; communicate effectively; work under
intermittent supervision; deal with minor emergencies arising in connection with
the assignment and act accordingly, reporting these to the proper supervisor;
demonstrate ability to understand, respect and maintain confidentiality in regards
to the details of case circumstances.
h. Each provider must have a file for each recipient. In the recipient’s file, the
provider must have a copy of the current POC and maintain daily records, fully
documenting the scope and frequency of services as specified on the POC. The
documentation will include the recipient’s initials daily with a full signature of the
recipient on each record. If the recipient is unable to provide a signature due to
cognitive and/or physical limitations, this will be clearly documented on the
POC. The provider will initial after the daily services are delivered, with a full
signature of the provider on each daily record. Providers may use electronic
signatures on the daily record documentation, but using an electronic signature
does not remove the provider’s responsibility for providing accurate and verifiable
documentation indicating the scope and frequency of services provided. If a
provider elects to use electronic signatures, they must have weekly printouts of the
daily record in the recipient’s file or make available upon request.
i. Must have a separate file for each employee. Records of all the employee’s
training, required health certificates, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
certifications and documents which are evidence that the employee has been tested
for tuberculosis must be in the file. Please refer to NAC 449.200 for additional
requirements.
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j. The number of hours specified on each recipient’s POC, for each specific service
listed (except Case Management), will be considered the maximum number of
hours allowed to be provided by the caregiver and paid by the DHCFP’s QIO-like
vendor, unless the case manager has approved additional hours due to a temporary
condition or circumstance.
k. Services for waiver recipients residing in a residential facility for groups should be
provided as specified on the POC and at the appropriate authorized service level.
l. If fewer services are provided than what is authorized on the POC, the reason must
be adequately documented in the daily record and communicated to the case
manager.
2. Unplanned hospitalization;
4. Theft;
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10. Loss of contact with the recipient for three (3) consecutive scheduled days.
Refer to MSM Chapter 100 for information on HIPAA, privacy and confidentiality
of recipient records and other protected health information.
q. Providers for residential facility for groups must obtain and maintain required
HCQC licensure.
a. maintain compliance with the Interlocal Agreement with the DHCFP to operate the
HCBW for the Frail Elderly.
b. comply with all waiver requirements as specified in the HCBW for the Frail
Elderly.
a. All service providers must arrange training for employees who have direct contact
with recipients of the HCBW programs and must have service specific training
prior to performing a waiver service. Training at a minimum must include, but not
limited to:
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1. The provider agency may exempt a prospective service provider from those
parts of the required training where the agency judges the person to possess
adequate knowledge or experience, or where the provider’s duties will not
require the particular skills.
2. The exemption and its rationale must be provided in writing and a copy of
the exemption must be placed in the employee’s file.
1. notify the provider(s) and the ADSD case manager of any change in Medicaid eligibility;
2. notify the provider(s) and the ADSD case manager of current insurance information,
including the name of the insurance coverage, such as Medicare;
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3. notify the provider(s) and the ADSD case manager of changes in medical status, support
systems, service needs, address or location changes, and/or any change in status of
authorized or legal representative;
5. initial and sign the daily record(s) to verify that services were provided. If the recipient is
unable to provide a signature due to cognitive and/or physical limitations, this will be
clearly documented on the POC;
6. notify the provider or the ADSD case manager when scheduled visits cannot be kept or
services are no longer required;
7. notify the provider agency or ADSD of any missed appointments by the provider agency
staff;
8. notify the provider agency or the ADSD case manager of any unusual occurrences,
complaints regarding delivery of services, specific staff or to request a change in caregiver
or provider agency;
9. furnish the provider agency with a copy of his or her Advance Directive;
10. not request any provider to work more than the hours authorized in the POC;
11. not request a provider to work or clean for a non-recipient, family or household members;
12. not request a provider to perform services not included in the POC;
14. complete, sign and submit all required forms on a timely basis; and
15. be physically available for authorized waiver services, quarterly home visits, and
assessments.
Direct service case management is provided to eligible recipients in the HCBW program when
case management is identified as a service on the POC. The recipient has a choice of direct
service case management provided by ADSD or provider agencies.
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1. Identification of resources and assisting recipients in locating and gaining access to waiver
services, as well as needed medical, social, educational and other services regardless of the
funding source;
3. Monitoring the overall provision of waiver services, in an effort to protect the safety and
health of the recipient and to determine that the POC goals are being met;
a. The case manager must have a monthly contact with each waiver recipient and/or
the recipient’s authorized representative; this may be a telephone contact. At a
minimum, there must be a face-to-face visit with each recipient once every three
months. More contacts may be made if the recipient has indicated a significant
change in his or her health care status or is concerned about his or her health
and/or safety.
c. During the monthly contact, the case manager monitors and documents the quality
of care of the recipient. Quality of care includes the identification, remediation and
follow-up of health and safety issues, needs and concerns of the recipient, waiver
service satisfaction and whether the services are promoting goals stated in the
POC. The case manager also assesses the need for any change in services or
providers. If the recipient is utilizing a private case management agency, this
information must be communicated to ADSD for prior authorization adjustment.
d. During scheduled visits to a residential facility for groups, the case manager is
responsible for reviewing the POC and daily logs as applicable for feedback from
the recipient to help ensure services are delivered as authorized in the POC. In
addition, the case manager is responsible for reviewing the medication log to
ensure appropriate administration and documentation is completed timely.
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5. Making certain that the recipient retains freedom of choice in the provision of services;
6. Notifying all affected providers of changes in the recipient’s medical status, services
needs, address, and location, or of changes of the status of legally responsible individuals
or authorized representative;
7. Notifying all affected providers of any unusual occurrence or change in status of a waiver
recipient;
8. Notifying all affected providers of any recipient complaints regarding delivery of service
or specific provider staff;
9. Notifying all affected providers if a recipient requests a change in the provider staff or
provider agency; and
10. Case Managers must provide recipients with appropriate amount of case management
services necessary to ensure the recipient is safe and receives sufficient services. Case
management will be considered an “as needed” service. Case managers must continue to
have monthly contact with recipients and/or the recipients authorized representative of at
least fifteen (15) minutes, per recipient, per month. The amount of case management
services billed to the DHCFP must be adequately documented and substantiated by the
case manager’s notes.
11. Monitoring to assure providers of residential facility for groups meet required program
standards.
12. Arranging for the relocation of the recipient, if necessary, when an alternative placement
is requested or needed.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2203.3B, Case Managers must:
1. be currently licensed as a Social Worker by the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for
Social Workers or licensure as a Registered Nurse by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
2. have a valid driver’s license and means of transportation to enable home visits.
a. have one year experience of working with seniors in a home based environment.
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1. Each recipient and/or his or her authorized representative must cooperate with the
implementation of services and the implementation of the POC.
2. Each recipient is to comply with the rules and regulations of the DHCFP, ADSD, DWSS
and the HCBW for the Frail Elderly.
2. Homemaker services are provided when the individual regularly responsible for these
activities is temporarily absent or unable to manage their private residence and is
necessary to avoid placement in an institution. Services must be directed to the individual
recipient and related to their health and welfare.
3. The DHCFP/ADSD is not responsible for replacing goods which are or become damaged
in the provision of service.
b. laundry services: washing, drying and folding the recipient’s personal laundry and
linens (sheets, towels, etc.) excludes ironing. Recipient is responsible for all
laundromat and/or cleaning fees;
c. light housekeeping: changing the recipient’s bed linens, dusting, vacuuming the
recipient’s living area, cleaning kitchen and bathroom areas;
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5. Activities the homemaker shall not perform and for which Medicaid will not pay include
the following:
b. cooking and cleaning for the recipient's guests, other household members or for the
purposes of entertaining;
j. doing yard work such as weeding or mowing lawns, trimming trees, shoveling
non-essential snow covered areas, and vehicle maintenance; or
k. care of pets except in cases where the animal is a certified service animal.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2203.3B, Homemaker Providers must:
1. arrange and receive training related to household care, including good nutrition, special
diets, meal planning and preparation, shopping information, housekeeping techniques, and
maintenance of a clean, safe and healthy environment; and
2. inform recipients that the DHCFP or its QIO-like vendor is not responsible for
replacement of goods damaged in the provision of service.
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1. This service includes heavy household chores in the private residence such as:
b. shampooing carpets;
2. Chore services are intermittent in nature and may be authorized as a need arises for the
completion of a specific task which otherwise left undone poses a home safety issue.
These services are provided only in cases where neither the recipient, nor anyone else in
the household, is capable of performing or financially providing for them, and where no
other relative, caretaker, landlord, community volunteer/agency or third party payer is
capable of, or responsible for, their provision and without these services the recipient
would be at risk of institutionalization. This is not a skilled, professional service.
3. In the case of rental property, the responsibility of the landlord pursuant to the lease
agreement, must be examined and confirmed prior to any authorization of service. The
legal responsibility of the landlord to maintain and ensure safety on the rental property
shall supersede any waiver program covered services.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2203.3B, individuals performing chore
services must:
2. have experience and/or training in performing heavy household activities and minor home
repair; and
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3. maintain the home in a clean, sanitary and safe environment if performing heavy
household chores and minor home repair services.
1. Respite care is provided on a short-term basis because of the absence or need for relief of
the primary caregiver.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2203.3B, Respite Providers must:
1. perform general assistance with ADLs and IADLs and provide supervision to functionally
impaired recipients in their private home;
2. have the ability to read and write and to follow written or oral instructions;
3. have had experience and/or training in providing for the personal care needs of people
with functional impairments;
6. arrange training in personal hygiene needs and techniques for assisting with ADLs, such
as bathing, grooming, skin care, transferring, ambulating, feeding, dressing and use of
adaptive aids and equipment, homemaking and household care.
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2. PERS services are limited to those recipients who live alone in a private residence, or who
are alone for significant parts of the day in that residence, have no regular caregiver for
extended periods of time, and who would otherwise require extensive routine supervision.
The recipient must be physically and cognitively capable of using the device in an
appropriate and proper manner.
3. The necessity for this type of emergency safety measure to prevent institutionalization will
be identified in the assessment and included in the POC.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2203.3B, PERS Providers must:
1. be responsible for ensuring that the response center is staffed by trained professionals at
all times;
4. inform recipients of any liability the recipient may incur as a result of the recipient’s
disposal of provider property.
1. The recipient is responsible to utilize the leased PERS equipment with care and caution
and to notify the PERS provider and the ADSD case manager if the equipment is no
longer working.
2. The recipient must return the equipment to the provider when the recipient no longer
needs or utilizes the equipment, when the recipient terminates from the waiver program or
when the recipient moves from the area.
3. The recipient must not throw away the PERS equipment. This is leased equipment and
belongs to the PERS provider.
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3. It encompasses social service needs to ensure the optimal functioning of the recipient.
4. Meals provided are furnished as part of the program but must not constitute a “full
nutritional regime” (i.e., three meals per day).
5. Service utilization and billing method (per diem/unit rate) will be prior authorized as
indicated on the recipient’s POC. The per diem rate is authorized when the recipient is in
attendance for six (6) or more hours per day, and the unit rate is authorized for attendance
less than six (6) hours per day. Providers must bill in accordance with the approved PA,
even if the recipient occasionally attends less than six (6) hours. If the recipient’s overall
pattern changes and consistently attends less than six (6) hours a day, a new POC and PA
will be required to update the service utilization and billing method.
6. Providers must not bill for days a recipient is not in attendance, even if it is a regularly
scheduled day. Providers must keep attendance records for each recipient. Claims must
reflect dates and times of service as indicated on the attendance records.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2303.3B, Adult Day Care Providers
must:
1. Meet and maintain specifications as an adult day care provider as outlined in NAC 449
“Facilities for Care of Adults During the Day”.
2. Comply with the provisions regarding tuberculosis as outlined in NAC 441A.375 and
441A.380.
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2. Adult companions may assist the recipient with such tasks as meal preparation and clean
up, light housekeeping, shopping and facilitate transportation/escort as needed. These
services are provided as an adjunct to the Adult Companion Services and must be
incidental to the care and supervision of the recipient.
3. The provision of Adult Companion Services does not entail hands-on medical care.
4. This service is provided in accordance with a goal in the POC and is not purely
diversional in nature.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2203.3B, Adult Companion Providers
must:
2. have experience or training in how to interact with recipients with disabling conditions.
Augmented personal care provided in a licensed residential facility for groups is a 24-hour in
home service that provides assistance for functionally impaired elderly recipients with basic self
care and activities of daily living that include as part of the service:
a. Homemaker Services;
c. Chore Services;
d. Companion Services;
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f. Medication oversight (to the extent permitted under State Law); and
g. Services which will ensure that residents of the facility are safe, secure, and adequately
supervised.
This care is over and above the mandatory service provision required by regulation for
residential facility for groups.
1. Augmented personal care in a licensed residential facility for groups provides assistance
for the functionally impaired elderly with basic self-care and ADLs such as personal care
services, homemaker, chore, companion services, medication oversight (to the extent
permitted under State law), therapeutic social and recreational programming and services
that ensure that the residents of the facility are safe, secure and adequately supervised.
3. There are three service levels of Augmented Personal Care. The service level provided is
based on the recipient’s functional needs to ensure his/her health, safety and welfare in
the community.
a. Level One
Provides supervision and cueing to monitor the quality and completion of basic
self care and ADLs. Some basic self care services may require minimum hands on
assistance. This service level provides laundry services to meet the recipient’s
needs. If needed this service provides in home supervision when direct care tasks
are not being completed.
b. Level Two
Provides minimal physical assistance with completion of basic self care and
ADLs. Some basic self care may require a moderate level of assistance. This
service level provides laundry services to meet the recipient’s needs. If needed
this service provides in home supervision with regularly scheduled checks if
needed.
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c. Level Three
Provides moderate physical assistance with completion of basic self care and
ADLs. Some basic self care may require a maximal level of assistance. This
service level provides laundry service to meet the recipient’s needs. If needed this
service provides direct visual supervision or safety systems to ensure recipient
safety when supervision is not direct.
4. Federal Financial Participation (FFP) is not available to subsidize the cost of room and
board furnished in a residential facility for groups.
5. Nursing and skilled services (except periodic nursing evaluations) are incidental, rather
than integral to the provision of group care services. Payment will not be made for 24-
hour skilled care or supervision.
6. Other individuals or agencies may also furnish care directly, or under arrangement with
the residential facility for groups. However, the care provided by these other entities
supplements what is being provided, but does not supplant it.
1. Be licensed and maintain standards as outlined by the Health Division, HCQC under
NRS/NAC 449 Residential Facility for Groups.
a. Notify ADSD within three (3) working days when the recipient states that he or
she wishes to leave the facility.
c. Notify ADSD within one working day if the recipient’s living arrangements have
changed, eligibility status has changed or if there has been a change in his or her
health status that could affect his or her health, safety or welfare.
d. Notify ADSD of any occurrences pertaining to a waiver recipient that could affect
his or her health, safety or welfare.
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f. Provide ADSD with at least a 30-day notice before discharging a recipient unless
the recipient’s condition deteriorates and warrants immediate discharge.
h. Provide care to a newly placed recipient for a minimum of thirty (30) days unless
the recipient’s condition deteriorates and warrants immediate discharge.
i. Conduct business in such a way that the recipient retains freedom of choice.
j. Provide transportation to and from the residential facility for groups to the
hospital, a nursing facility, routine medical appointment and social outings
organized by the facility.
k. Accept only those residents who meet the requirements of the licensure and
certification.
m. Not use or disclose any information concerning a recipient for any purpose not
directly connected with the administration of the HCBW for the Frail Elderly
except by written consent of the recipient, his or her authorized or legal
representative or family.
o. There must be 24-hour on site staff to meet scheduled or unpredictable needs and
provide supervision, safety and security, and transportation if one or more
residents are present.
p. Not use Medicaid waiver funds to pay for the recipient’s room and board. The
recipient’s income is to be used to cover room and board costs.
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1. Recipients are to cooperate with the providers of residential facility for groups in the
delivery of services.
2. Recipients are to report any problems with the delivery of services to the residential
facility for group administrator and/or ADSD case manager.
All providers must comply with all the DHCFP provider enrollment requirements, provider
responsibilities/qualifications, and the DHCFP provider agreement limitations. Provider non-
compliance with any or all of these stipulations may result in the DHCFP’s decision to exercise
its right to terminate the provider’s contract.
All providers are to refer to the MSM Chapter 100 for enrollment procedures.
1. All providers must meet all federal, state and local statutes, rules and regulations relating
to the services being provided.
2. ADSD must have an Interlocal Agreement with the DHCFP in order to provide services.
3. All Other Service Providers must apply for and maintain a contract with the DHCFP
through its Fiscal Agent.
ADSD has developed policies and procedures to ensure fair and adequate access to the Home and
Community-Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly.
1. Referral
a. A referral or inquiry for the waiver may be initiated by phone, mail, fax, in person
or by another party on behalf of the potential applicant.
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c. If the intake worker determines during the referral process that the potential
applicant does not appear to meet the waiver criteria of financial eligibility, level
of care, or waiver service need, the applicant will be referred to other agencies for
any needed services or assistance.
d. Even if the potential applicant does not appear eligible or if no slot is available for
the HCBW for the Frail Elderly, he or she must be verbally informed of the right to
continue the Medicaid application process through DWSS. If DWSS determines
the applicant to be ineligible for Medicaid, the applicant may have the right to a
fair hearing through the DWSS.
a. Once ADSD has identified that the potential applicant appears eligible and there
are no waiver slots available:
1. The applicant will be placed on the waiver wait list and be considered for a
higher advancement based on whether they meet additional criteria. Refer
to Section 2203.2A.3.
Once a slot for the waiver is available, the applicant will be processed for the waiver.
1. The ADSD case manager will make certain that the Medicaid application,
through DWSS, has been completed or updated and will assist in this
process as needed.
2. The ADSD case manager will schedule a face-to-face interview with the
applicant to complete the assessment.
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4. The applicant will be given the right to choose waiver services in lieu of
placement in a nursing facility. If the applicant and/or legal representative
prefers placement in a nursing facility, the case manager will assist the
applicant in arranging for facility placement.
5. The applicant will be given the right to request a hearing if not given a
choice between HCBW services and nursing facility placement.
a. LOC screening;
8. The POC is subject to the approval by the DHCFP Central Office Waiver
Unit staff.
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9. All required forms must be complete with signature and dates where
required.
If the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit approves the application, the
following will occur:
b. Once the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit and DWSS have
approved the application, waiver service can be initiated;
c. A NOD stating the reason(s) for the denial will be sent to the
applicant by the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit via the
DHCFP Hearings and Policy Unit; and
10. If the applicant is denied by ADSD for waiver services, the following will
occur:
a. The ADSD case manager will send a NOA to the DHCFP Central
Office Waiver Unit;
b. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit will send a NOD to the
applicant via the DHCFP Hearings and Policy Unit stating the
reason(s) why the application was denied by ADSD; and
c. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit will send Form NMO-
2734 to ADSD and DWSS stating that the application was denied
and the reason(s) for the denial.
The effective date for waiver services is determined by eligibility criteria verified by
ADSD, intake packet approval by the DHCFP, and financial eligibility approval date by
DWSS, and the residential facility for groups placement move in date, whichever is later.
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If the applicant is in an institution, the effective date cannot be prior to the date of
discharge from the institution.
5. Waiver Cost
The DHCFP must assure CMS that the average per capita expenditures under the waiver
will not exceed 100 percent of the average per capita expenditures for the institutional
level of care under the state plan that would have been made in that fiscal year, had the
waiver not been granted.
The State assures that claims for payment of waiver services are made only when an individual is
Medicaid eligible, when the service is included in the approved POC, and prior authorization is in
place when required.
All providers (Provider Types 48 and 57) for the HCBW for the Frail Elderly must submit claim
forms to the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor. Claims must meet the requirements in the CMS 1500
Claim Form. Claims must be complete and accurate. Incomplete or inaccurate claims will be
returned to the provider by the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor. If the wrong form is submitted it will
also be returned to the provider by the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor.
In addition to the provider responsibilities listed in Section 2203.3B, all Providers must:
1. refer to the QIO-like vendor Provider Billing Procedure Manual for detailed instructions
for completing and submitting the CMS 1500 form; and
2. maintain documentation to support claims billed for a minimum of 6 years from the date
the claim is paid.
Section 1902(w) of the Social Security Act requires licensed provider agencies give their clients
information about their decision-making rights about health care, declarations (living wills) and
durable powers of attorney for health care decisions. Refer to MSM 100 for further information.
ADSD will provide information on Advance Directives to each applicant and/or the
authorized/legal representative. The signed form is kept in each applicant’s file at the local ADSD
office. Whether an applicant chooses to write his or her own Advance Directives or complete the
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Advance Directives form in full is the individual choice of each applicant and/or each applicant
authorized/legal representative.
The DHCFP and ADSD have formal systems in place to conduct annual reviews. The purpose of
the review is to assure the health and welfare of the recipients, the recipients’ satisfaction with the
waiver services and providers, the qualifications of waiver providers to deliver services/supports,
and assurance of the cost effectiveness of these services.
The State conducts an annual review, which is collaboratively conducted by ADSD and the
DHCFP, with the DHCFP being the lead agency. The DHCFP:
1. provides CMS annually with information regarding the impact of the waiver on the type,
amount, and cost of services provided under the waiver and under the State plan, and
through an ongoing process of discovery, remediation and improvement, the State assures
the health and welfare of the recipients served on the waiver;
3. evaluates that all provider standards are continuously met, and that the POCs are
periodically reviewed to assure that the services furnished are consistent with the
identified needs of the recipients;
5. further assures that all problems identified by this monitoring will be addressed by the
provider in an appropriate and timely manner, consistent with the severity and nature of
the deficiencies.
ADSD and waiver providers must cooperate with the DHCFP’s annual review process.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2204 HEARINGS
a. A recipient’s case may be suspended, instead of closed if it is likely the recipient will be
eligible again for waiver services within the next 60 days (for example, if a recipient is
admitted to a hospital, nursing facility or ICF/MR). After receiving written documentation
from the case manager (Form NMO-2734) of the suspension of waiver services, a NOD
identifying the effective date and the reason for suspension will be sent to the recipient by
the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit.
b. Waiver services will not be paid for the days that a recipient’s case is in suspension.
c. If at the end of the 45 days the recipient has not been removed from suspended status, the
case must be closed. ADSD sends a NOA to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit on or
before the 45th day of suspension, identifying the 60th day of suspension as the effective
date of termination and the reason for the waiver termination.
d. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit sends a NOD, via the DHCFP Hearings Unit, to
the recipient or the recipient’s authorized representative advising him or her of the date
and reason for the waiver closure/termination.
If a recipient has been released from the hospital or nursing facility before 60 days have elapsed,
within five working days of the recipient’s discharge, the case manager must:
a. assess the LOC for continued eligibility and complete a new form if it appears the
recipient no longer meets a LOC;
b. complete a reassessment if there has been a significant change in the recipient’s condition
or status;
c. complete a new POC if there has been a change in services (medical, social or waiver). If
a change in services is expected to resolve in less than 30 days, a new POC is not
necessary. Documentation of the temporary change must be made in the case manager’s
notes. The date of resolution must also be documented in the case manager’s notes; and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
b. The applicant does not meet the LOC criteria for nursing facility placement.
c. The applicant has withdrawn his or her request for waiver services.
d. The applicant fails to cooperate with ADSD or HCBW service providers in establishing
and/or implementing the POC, implementing waiver services or verifying eligibility for
waiver services. (The applicant’s or their authorized representative’s signature is
necessary for all required paperwork.)
e. The applicant’s support system is not adequate to provide a safe environment during the
time when HCBW services are not being provided.
h. The applicant would not require nursing facility placement within 30 days or less if
HCBW services were not available.
k. ADSD has filled the number of positions (slots) allocated to the HCBW for the Frail
Elderly. The applicant has been approved for the waiver wait list and will be contacted
when a slot is available.
l. The applicant is in an institution (e.g. hospital, nursing facility, correctional, ICF/MR) and
discharge within sixty (60) days is not anticipated.
m. The applicant has chosen a provider or facility that is not an enrolled or qualified
Medicaid provider.
When the application for waiver services is denied, the case manager sends a NOA to the DHCFP
Central Office Waiver Unit. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit sends a NOD to the
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
applicant, via the DHCFP Hearings Unit letting them know that waiver services have been denied
and the reason for the denial.
Reasons to terminate a recipient from the waiver or to terminate the recipient from the waiver
wait list:
b. The recipient no longer meets the level of care criteria for nursing facility placement.
e. The recipient has failed to cooperate with ADSD or HCBW service providers in
establishing and/or implementing the POC, implementing waiver services, or verifying
eligibility for waiver services. (The recipient’s or the recipient’s authorized
representative’s signature is necessary on all required paperwork).
f. The recipient’s support system is not adequate to provide a safe environment during the
time when HCBW services are not being provided.
j. The recipient has signed fraudulent documentation on one or more of the provider time
sheets and/or forms.
l. The recipient has been, or is expected to be, institutionalized over 60 days (in a hospital,
nursing facility, correctional facility or intermediate facility for persons with mental
retardation).
n. The environment in a residential facility for groups is not safe for the recipient.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
o. The recipient’s swallowing ability is not intact and requires skilled service for safe
feeding/nutrition. Residential facilities for groups are not licensed to provide skilled
services. Recipients with a g-tube must be competent and manage their tube feeding or
they are prohibited by HCQC licensure to be admitted into a residential facility for groups.
p. The recipient has been placed in a residential facility for groups that does not have a
provider agreement with the DHCFP.
When a recipient is terminated from the waiver program, the ADSD case manager sends the
DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit a NOA stating the date of termination and the reason(s) for
the termination. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit sends a NOD via the Hearings Unit to
the recipient or to the recipient’s authorized representative. The NOD must be mailed by the
DHCFP, Hearings Unit, at least 13 calendar days before the listed date of action on the form.
Refer to MSM, Chapter 3100, for specific instructions regarding notice and recipient hearings.
When a termination from waiver services is due to the death of a recipient, the informed agency
(ADSD, DHCFP or DWSS) will notify the other two agencies of the date of death.
a. The recipient no longer requires the number of service hours/level of service which was
previously provided.
d. The recipient has failed to cooperate with the ADSD case manager or HCBW service
provider(s) in establishing and/or implementing the POC, implementing waiver services or
verifying eligibility for waiver services (the recipient’s or the recipient’s authorized
representative’s signature is necessary on all required paperwork.)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
When there is a reduction of waiver services, the updated prior authorization will be submitted
and a NOD will be generated. A hearing can be requested through the Hearings Unit by the
recipient or the recipient’s authorized representative. The form must be mailed by the Hearings
Unit to the recipient at least 13 calendar days before the Date of Action on the form.
Refer to MSM, Chapter 3100, for specific instructions regarding notice and recipient hearings.
1. If waiver services have been terminated and the recipient is requesting re-approval within
90 days of closure, the recipient is eligible for readmission provided the request is within
the same waiver year, the recipient still meets a LOC and there is an available waiver slot.
If the termination took place in a prior waiver year and the recipient still meets a LOC,
slot availability and emergent need will be taken into consideration for readmission into
the waiver.
The ADSD case manager completes and sends to the Medicaid Central Office Waiver
Unit the following:
a. A LOC form;
e. A Form NMO-2734 requesting the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit approval
with the date of approval indicated.
f. All required forms must be complete with signatures and dates as applicable.
2. If a recipient is terminated from the waiver for more than 90 days, slots are available and
the recipient is eligible for readmission to the waiver as defined in Section 2203.13A.3, a
complete waiver packet must be forwarded to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit for
authorization.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
ADSD will forward all necessary forms to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit for approval.
Recipients must cooperate fully with the reauthorization process to assure approval of his/her
request for readmission to the waiver.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL APPEALS AND HEARINGS
Refer to MSM Chapter 3100 for specific instructions regarding notice and hearing procedures.
The Chapter revisions coincide with the renewal of this waiver which is effective January I,
2013 through December 31,2018. Clarifications were made to existing policy under eligibility
criteria and waitlist prioritization. Additional changes include updated language for flexibility of
services, types of serious occurrences, background checks, Tuberculosis (TB) testing,
Homemaker Services, Chore Services, Respite Care, and Specialized Medical Equipment and
Supplies.
Policy was revised under Slot Provisions, Referral Prescreening, Placement on the WaitIist and
Waiver Slot Allocation as the process has been updated and streamlined. Policy was revised in
the area of Suspended Waiver Services and Release from Suspended Waiver, and
Reauthorization of Services as process was clarified.
Five new Denial of Waiver Application reasons were added. Three Reduction in Service reasons
that are not utilized were removed, and one was added. One Termination of Services reason that
is not used was removed, and one was added.
Throughout the chapter, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization changes were made,
duplications removed, acronyms used and standardized, and language reworded for clarity.
Renumbering and re-arranging of sections was necessary.
Page I of 8
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
Added "ongoing".
Page 2 of8
2303.3B.1.e Policy - Waiver The language was reworded as the process has been
Services - updated.
Provider
Responsibilities -
All Providers -
Flexibility of
Service Delivery
2303.3B.1.g Policy - Waiver All Services must be prior authorized.
Services -
Provider
Responsibilities -
All Providers
2303.3B.2.b.11 Policy - Waiver Removed entire section as individual providers fall
Services - under "all providers".
Provider
Responsibilities -
Provider Agencies
- Individ ual
Providers
2303.3B.2.c Policy - Waiver The serious occurrence form was revised and updated
Services - so policy was revised to coincide with revi sed criteria.
Provider
Responsibilities -
Provider Agencies
- Serious
Occurrences
2303.B.2.e Policy - Waiver Deleted outdated language and inserted updated
Services - language to match Bureau of Health Care Quality
Provider Compliance (BHCQC) language.
Responsibilities -
Provider Agencies
- Tuberculosis
(TB) Testing
2303.3B.2.f Policy - Waiver Deleted references to NRS 449 as it does not apply to
Services - waiver providers. Added new language for
Provider background requirements for waiver providers and
Responsibilities - deleted old language.
Provider Agencies
- Background
Checks
2303.3C Policy - Waiver Moved from section 2303.2B.
Services -
Recipient
Responsibilities
2303.3E.4.c Policy - Waiver Added requirement for case managers to verify daily
Services - records for individuals who work directly for the
Coverage and recipient through an Intermediate Service
Limitations - Organization (ISO).
Page30fB
Monthly Contacts
2303.4A.3.f Policy - Reworded requirement that transportation IS not a
Homemaker reimbursable Medicaid expense.
Services -
Coverage and
Limitations -
Homemaker
Services
2303.4A.3.g Policy - Added that walking a pet is not included unless it is a
Homemaker service animal.
Services -
Coverage and
Limitations -
Homemaker
Services
2303.4B.l Policy - Removed old language regarding homemaker provider
Homemaker through Division of Aging and Disability Services
Services - (ADSD), which recipients of the Work Incentive
Homemaker Program (WIN) no longer use.
Provider
Responsibilities
2303.5B Policy - Chore Removed criteria for individuals performing this
Services - Chore service as the DHCFP does not verify this.
Services Provider
Responsibilities
2303.6A Policy - Respite Added "unpaid" to provide clarity to indicate unpaid
Care - Coverage caregiver at home.
and Limitations
2303.7B.3 Policy - Removed reference to Better Business Bureau as this
Environmental is not a requirement of enrollment.
Accessibility
Adaptations -
Environmental
Accessibility
Adaptations
Provider
Responsibilities
2303.8A Policy - Added "supplies" as the proper name includes
Specialized supplies.
Medical
Equipment
2303.8B Policy - Revised and updated language for provider
Specialized responsibility for Specialized Medical Equipment and
medical Supplies.
Equipment and
Supplies -
Specialized
medical
Page 4 or8
Equipment
Provider
Responsibilities
2303.9A.l Policy - Personal Changed recipient's phone to landline.
Emergency
Response Systems
(PERS)-
Coverage and
Limitations
2303.9B.4 Policy - Personal Removed reference to Better Business Bureau as this
Emergency is not a requirement of enrollment.
Response Systems
(PERS) - PERS
Provider
Responsibilities
2303.llB.l Policy - Home Removed old language and added enrolled with the
Delivered Meals - DHCFP through its QIO-like vendor.
Home Delivered
Meals Provider
Responsibilities
2303.12A Policy - Attendant Removed nursing care and replaced it with services.
Care - Coverage
and Limitations 12A.l: Clarified Intennediary Services Organization
option for Attendant care and added reference. The old
references to independent contractors were removed
and replaced with ISO. Added sentence that a recipient
can chose a provider agency if an ISO is not used.
2303.14A.l Policy - Intake This process has been changed so updated language to
Procedures - match the process.
Coverage and
Limitations - Slot Clarified process for slot allocation for the slot vacated
Provisions by a recipient who moves out of state, fails to
cooperate, or requests tennination.
Page 5 ors
2303.14A.2 Policy - Intake Clarified potential applicant and reworded process as
Procedures - the process has changed. Removed the step to mail an
Coverage and application to DWSS and that a level of care screening
Limitations - will be conducted. Clarifies the recipient's rights if
Referral Pre- they do not meet level of care.
Screening
2303.14A.3 Policy - Intake The management of the waitlist has changed so
Procedures - language was updated to match current practice. The
Coverage and applicant must meet a level of care, need one ongoing
Limitations - waiver service, and be physically disabled to go on the
Placement on the waitlist.
Waitlist
A Notice of Decision (NOD) will be sent stating no
slot is available and they are placed on the waitlist.
Page 6 of8
desk manual.
Page 7 orB
IE.4: Removed this reduction reason as it IS a
termination reason, not a reduction reason.
2304.2.B Hearings - Clarified once 90 days has past, and the individual
Reauthorizations requests reinstatement, they are treated like a new
within 90 Days of referral and placed on the wait list by priority.
Waiver
Termination -
Page 8 of8
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED WAIVER (HCBW) FOR PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
2
MTL 08/13
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2300
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
2300 INTRODUCTION
The Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW) for Persons with Physical Disabilities
recognizes many individuals at risk of being placed in hospitals or nursing facilities can be cared
for in their homes and communities, preserving independence and ties to family and friends at a
cost no higher than institutional care.
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy’s (DHCFP) HCBW for Persons with Physical
Disabilities originated in 1990. Waiver service provision is based on the identified needs of
waiver recipients. Nevada is committed to the goal of integrating persons with disabilities into the
community. Nevada understands persons with disabilities are able to lead satisfying and
productive lives, and are able to self-direct care when provided needed services and supports to do
so.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2301 AUTHORITY
Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act permits states to waive certain Medicaid statutory
requirements in order to offer an array of home and community-based services that an individual
requires to remain in a community setting and avoid institutionalization. The Division of Health
Care Financing and Policy’s (DHCFP) Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW) for
Persons with Physical Disabilities is an optional program approved by the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS). The waiver is designed to provide to eligible Medicaid waiver
recipients State Plan Services and certain extended Medicaid covered services unique to this
waiver. The goal is to allow recipients to live in their own homes or community settings, when
appropriate.
Nevada has the flexibility to design this waiver and select the mix of waiver services best meeting
the goal to keep people in the community. Such flexibility is predicated on administrative and
legislative support, as well as federal approval.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
• Nevada’s Home and Community Based Waiver Agreement for People with Physical
Disabilities Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 449, 706, 446, 629, 630, 630a, and
633
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
2302 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2303 POLICY
Administrative case management occurs prior to an applicant being determined eligible for a
waiver and during a re-evaluation or reassessment of eligibility. Administrative case management
may only be provided by qualified staff.
1. Intake referral;
2. Facilitating Medicaid eligibility, which may include assistance with the Medical
Assistance for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MAABD) application and obtaining
documents required for eligibility determination;
3. Preliminary and ongoing assessments, evaluations and completion of forms required for
service eligibility:
a. The Plan of Care (POC) identifies the waiver services as well as other ongoing
community support services that the recipient needs in order to live successfully in
the community. The POC must reflect the recipient’s service needs and include
both waiver and non-waiver services in place at the time of POC completion, along
with informal supports that are necessary to address those needs.
b. The recipient’s Level of Care (LOC), functional status and needs addressed by the
POC must be reassessed annually or more often as needed. The recipient must also
be reassessed when there is a significant change in his/her condition which
influences eligibility. The reassessment is to be conducted during a face-to-face
visit.
c. If services documented on a POC are approved by the recipient and the case
manager and the recipient signature cannot be obtained due to extenuating
circumstances, services can commence with verbal approval from the recipient.
Case managers must document the recipient’s verbal approval in the case notes
and obtain the recipient signature on the POC as soon as possible.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
8. Outreach activities to educate recipients or potential recipients on how to enter into care
through a Medicaid Program;
10. If attendant care services are medically necessary, the case manager is then responsible for
implementation of services and continued authorization of services;
11. Completion of prior authorization form in the Medicaid Management Information System
(MMIS).
Employees of the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP), Health Care
Coordinator (HCC) I, II, or III are qualified Medicaid case managers for the Waiver. Professional
or medical licensure recognized by a Nevada Professional State Board, such as social worker,
registered nurse, occupational therapist or physical therapist is required. A Licensed Practical
Nurse (LPN) may complete back up case management, operating under a previously developed
LOC and POC under the supervision of the primary case manager.
2. Participate in monthly contacts and home visits with the case manager.
3. Together with the waiver case manager, develop and/or review the POC.
4. If services documented on the POC are approved by the recipient and the case manager
and the recipient signature cannot be obtained due to extenuating circumstances, services
can commence or continue with verbal approval from the recipient. Case managers must
document the recipient’s verbal approval in the case notes and obtain the recipient
signature on the POC as soon as possible.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The DHCFP Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) for Persons with Physical
Disabilities waives certain statutory requirements and offers Home and Community-Based
Services (HCBS) to eligible recipients to assist them to remain in the community.
1. Services are offered to eligible recipients who, without the waiver services, would require
institutional care provided in a hospital or Nursing Facility (NF). Recipients on the waiver
must meet and maintain waiver eligibility requirements for the waiver.
Eligibility for the HCBW for Persons with Physical Disabilities is determined by the
combined efforts of the DHCFP and the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
(DWSS).
The following determinations must be made for eligibility purposes. Services will not be
provided unless the applicant is found eligible in all areas:
b. The applicant must meet and maintain an LOC for admission into an NF within 30
days if HCBW services or other supports were not available.
1. The applicant must require provision of at least one ongoing waiver service
monthly to be determined to need waiver services as documented in the
POC.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. The HCBW for Persons with Physical Disabilities is limited, by legislative authority to a
specific number of recipients who can be served through the waiver per year (slots). When
all waiver slots are full, the DHCFP utilizes a wait list for applicants who have been pre-
determined to be eligible for the waiver.
5. The DHCFP must assure the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the
DHCFP’s total expenditure for home and community-based and other State Plan Medicaid
services for all recipients under this waiver will not, in any calendar/waiver year, exceed
one-hundred percent (100%) of the amount that would be incurred by the DHCFP for all
these recipients if they had been in an institutional setting in the absence of the waiver.
The DHCFP must also document there are safeguards in place to protect the health and
welfare of recipients.
7. Recipients of the HCBW for Persons with Physical Disabilities who are enrolled or elect
to enroll in a hospice program may be eligible to remain on the waiver if they require
waiver services to remain in the community. Close case coordination between the hospice
agency and the waiver case manager is required to prevent any duplication of services.
Refer to Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 3200 for additional information on
hospice services.
8. HBCS are not a substitute for natural and informal supports provided by family, friends or
other available community resources. Waiver services alone may not address all of the
applicant’s identified needs.
9. If an applicant is determined eligible for more than one HCBW program, the individual
cannot receive services under two or more such programs at the same time. The
applicant/recipient must choose one HCBW program and receive services provided by that
program.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The children made eligible for Medicaid through their enrollment in the HCBW for Persons with
Physical Disabilities receive all medically necessary Medicaid covered services available under
EPSDT. A child’s enrollment in the waiver will not be used to deny, delay, or limit access to
medically necessary service(s) required to be available to Medicaid-eligible children under federal
EPSDT rules. The waiver service package is a supplement to EPSDT services.
The DHCFP determines which services will be offered under the HCBW for Persons with
Physical Disabilities. Providers and recipients must agree to comply with the requirements for
service provision.
Under the waiver, the following services are covered if identified in the POC as necessary to
avoid institutionalization:
1. Case Management;
2. Homemaker Services;
3. Chore Services;
4. Respite;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. All Providers
a. Providers are responsible for confirming the recipient’s Medicaid eligibility each
month prior to rendering service.
b. Providers must meet and comply with all provider requirements as specified in
MSM Chapter 100.
c. Must enroll and maintain an active HCBW for Persons with Physical Disabilities
provider number (type 58).
d. May only provide services that have been identified in the recipient POC and, if
required, have prior authorization.
e. The total weekly authorized hours for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) may be combined and tailored to
meet the needs of the recipient, as long as the plan does not alter medical necessity.
The provider and recipient will determine how to use the weekly authorized hours
on an ongoing basis; however, any changes that do not increase the total
authorized hours can be made within a single week without an additional
authorization. Flexibility of services may not take place solely for the convenience
of the provider.
2. Provider Agencies
a. Agencies employing providers of service for the waiver program must arrange
training in at least the following subjects:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
10. Each provider agency must have a file for each recipient. In the recipient’s
file, the agency must maintain the daily records. Periodically, the DHCFP
Central Office staff may request this documentation to compare to billings
submitted. These records must be maintained by the provider for at least six
years after the date the claim is paid.
11. Flexibility of service delivery which does not alter medical necessity may
occur within a single week period without an additional authorization.
Reference Section 2303B.e.
c. All waiver providers must provide the local DHCFP District Office Waiver Case
Manager with written notification of serious occurrences involving the recipient
within 24 hours of discovery.
5. Medication error;
7. Loss of contact with the recipient for three consecutive scheduled days.
d. State law requires that persons employed in certain capacities must make a report
to a child protective service agency or law enforcement agency immediately, but in
no event later than 24 hours after there is reason to suspect a child has been abused
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
or neglected. The DHCFP expects that all providers be in compliance with the
intent of all applicable laws.
For recipients under the age of 18, the Division of Child and Family Services
(DCFS) or the appropriate county agency accepts reports of suspected child abuse
and neglect. For adults aged 60 and over, the Aging and Disability Services
Division (ADSD) accepts reports of suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect,
exploitation or isolation.
3. Other Age Groups - For all other individuals or vulnerable persons (NRS
200.5091 to 200.50995) defined as “a person 18 years of age or older who:
If the employee has only completed the first step of a 2-step Mantoux Tuberculin
skin test within the preceding 12 months, then the second step of the 2-step
Mantoux Tuberculin skin test or other single-step TB screening test must be
administered. A single annual TB screening test must be administered thereafter.
An employee who tests positive to either of the 2-step Mantoux Tuberculin skin
tests must obtain a chest x-ray and medical evaluation for active TB.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
An employee who is exempt from skin testing and chest x-rays must submit to an
annual screening for signs and symptoms of active disease which must be
completed prior to the one year anniversary of the last screening. Documentation
of the annual screening and the results must be maintained in the employee’s file.
The annual screening must address each of the following areas of concern and
must be administered and/or reviewed by a qualified health care professional.
4. Has a fever which is not associated with a cold, flu or other apparent
illness;
7. Has been in close contact with a person who has active TB.
Annual screening for signs and symptoms of active disease must be completed
prior to the one year anniversary of the last screening. Documentation of the
annual screening and the results must be maintained in the employee’s file.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
ensure no convictions of applicable offenses have been incurred and the safety of
recipients is not compromised.
1. The DHCFP policy requires all waiver providers have State and Federal
criminal history background checks completed. The DHCFP fiscal agent
will not enroll any provider agency whose owner or operator has been
convicted of a felony under State or Federal law for any offense which the
DHCFP determines is inconsistent with the best interest of recipients.
Additional information may be found in MSM Chapter 100, Section 102.2.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
13. conduct inimical to the public health, morals, welfare and safety of
the people of the State of Nevada in the maintenance and operation
of the premises for which a provider contract is issued;
14. conduct or practice detrimental to the health or safety of the
occupants or employees of the facility or agency; or
15. any other offense that may be inconsistent with the best interests of
all recipients.
g. Providers are required to initiate diligent and effective follow up for results
of background checks within 90 days of submission of prints and continue
until results are received. An “undecided” result is not acceptable. If an
employee believes that the information provided as a result of the criminal
background check is incorrect, the individual must immediately inform the
employing agency in writing. Information regarding challenging a
disqualification is found on the DPS website at: http://dps.nv.gov under
Records and Technology.
2. notify the provider(s) and case manager of changes in medical status, service needs,
address, and location, or of changes of status of legally responsible individual(s) or
authorized representative.
4. if capable, sign the provider daily record to verify services were provided.
5. notify the provider when scheduled visits cannot be kept or services are no longer
required.
9. establish a back-up plan in case a waiver attendant is unable to work at the scheduled time.
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10. not request a provider to work more than the hours authorized in the service plan.
11. not request a provider to work or clean for a non-recipient, family, or household members.
12. not request a provider to perform services not included in the care plan.
Recipients must meet and maintain all criteria to be eligible, and to remain on the HCBW for
Persons with Physical Disabilities.
Recipient may have to pay patient liability. Failure to pay is grounds for termination from the
waiver.
Direct Service Case Management is limited to eligible participants enrolled in HCBW services
program, when case management is identified as a service on the POC. The recipient has a choice
to have direct service case management services provided by qualified state staff or qualifying
provider agency staff.
1. Identification of resources and assisting recipients in locating and gaining access to waiver
services, as well as needed medical, social, educational and other services regardless of the
funding source;
3. Monitoring the overall provision of waiver services, in an effort to protect the safety and
health of the recipient and to determine that the POC goals are being met;
a. The direct service case manager must have a monthly contact with each waiver
recipient and/or the recipient’s authorized representative; this may be a telephone
contact. At a minimum, there must be a face-to-face visit with each recipient once
every six months. More contacts may be made if the recipient has indicated a
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significant change in his or her health care status or is concerned about his or her
health and/or safety.
c. During the monthly contact, the direct service case manager monitors and
documents the quality of care of the recipient. Quality of care includes the
identification, remediation and follow-up of health and safety issues, needs and
concerns of the recipient, waiver service satisfaction and whether the services are
promoting goals stated in the POC. The direct service case manager also assesses
the need for any change in services or providers and communicates this
information to the administrative case manager.
5. Making certain that the recipient retains freedom of choice in the provision of services;
6. Notifying all affected providers of changes in the recipient’s medical status, service needs,
address, and location, or of changes of the status of legally responsible individuals or
authorized representative;
7. Notifying all affected providers of any unusual occurrence or change in status of a waiver
recipient;
8. Notifying all affected providers of any recipient complaints regarding delivery of service
or specific provider staff;
9. Notifying all affected providers if a recipient requests a change in the provider staff or
provider agency; and
10. Case Managers must provide recipients with appropriate amount of case management
services necessary to ensure the recipient is safe and receives sufficient services. Case
management will be considered an “as needed” service. Case managers must continue to
have monthly contact with recipients and/or the recipients authorized representative of at
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least 15 minutes, per recipient, per month. The amount of case management services must
be adequately documented and substantiated by the case manager’s notes.
2. A business office accessible to the public during established and posted business hours.
Employees of the case management provider agency who provide direct service case management
services must be licensed as a Social Worker by the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for
Social Workers, licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of Nevada Board of Nursing, or have
a professional license or certificate in a medical specialty applicable to the assignment, have at
least one year experience as a case manager and must have a valid driver’s license. Employees
must pass a State and FBI criminal background check. In addition, providers must meet and
comply with all provider requirements as specified in MSM Chapters 100 and/or 3500.
2. Together with the waiver case manager, develop and/or review and sign the POC. If the
recipient is unable to provide a signature due to intellectual and/or physical limitations,
this will be clearly documented in the recipient file. The provider will initial after the daily
services are delivered, with a full signature of the provider on each daily record.
3. Choose to have direct service case management provided by qualifying state staff or
qualifying provider agency staff.
1. Homemaker services are provided by individuals or agencies under contract with the
DHCFP.
2. Homemaker services are provided when the individual regularly responsible for these
activities is temporarily absent or unable to manage the home.
3. The DHCFP is not responsible for replacing goods damaged in the provision of service.
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c. planning and preparing varied meals, considering both cultural and economic
standards of the recipient, preparing tray meals when needed, and preparing special
diets under medical supervision;
d. washing, ironing and mending the recipient’s personal laundry. The recipient pays
any laundromat and/or cleaning fees;
g. routine clean-up after up to two household pets. Walking a pet is not included
unless it is a service animal.
4. Activities the homemaker shall not perform and for which Medicaid will not pay include,
but are not limited to the following:
b. cooking and cleaning for the recipient’s guests, other household members, or for
entertaining;
d. ironing sheets;
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g. washing walls;
j. doing yard work such as weeding or mowing lawns, trimming trees, shoveling
non-essential snow covered areas, and vehicle maintenance.
In addition to the following requirements listed, please reference section 2303.3B of this chapter
regarding Provider Responsibilities.
1. Providers are required to arrange and receive training related to household care, including
good nutrition, special diets, meal planning and preparation, shopping information,
housekeeping techniques, and maintenance of a clean, safe and healthy environment.
3. The DHCFP is not responsible for replacement of goods damaged in the provision of
service.
b. shampooing carpets;
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2. Chore services are intermittent in nature and may be authorized as a need arises for the
completion of a specific task which otherwise left undone poses a home safety issue.
These services are provided only in cases where neither the recipient, nor anyone else in
the household, is capable of performing or financially providing for them, and where no
other relative, caretaker, landlord, community volunteer/agency or third party payer is
capable of, or responsible for, their provision and without these services the recipient
would be at risk of institutionalization. This is not a skilled, professional service.
3. In the case of rental property, the responsibility of the landlord pursuant to the lease
agreement, must be examined and confirmed prior to any authorization of service. The
legal responsibility of the landlord to maintain and ensure safety on the rental property
shall supersede any waiver program covered services.
In addition to the following requirements listed, reference Section 2303.3B of this Chapter
regarding Provider Responsibilities.
Persons performing heavy household chores and minor home repair services need to
maintain the home in a clean, sanitary, and safe environment.
2. Respite care is limited to 120 hours per waiver year per individual.
In addition to the following requirements listed, reference Section 2303.3B of this Chapter
regarding Provider Responsibilities.
a. perform general assistance with ADLs and IADLs and provide supervision to
functionally impaired recipients in their homes to provide temporary relief for a
primary caregiver;
b. have the ability to read and write and to follow written or oral instructions;
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c. have had experience and or training in providing the personal care needs of people
with disabilities;
d. meet the requirements of NRS 629.091, Section 2303.3B of this Chapter, and
MSM Chapter 2600 if a respite provider is providing attendant care services that
are considered skilled services;
j. arrange training in personal hygiene needs and techniques for assisting with ADLs,
such as bathing, grooming, skin care, transfer, ambulation, exercise, feeding,
dressing, and use of adaptive aids and equipment, homemaking and household
care.
1. Adaptations may include the purchase of environmental controls, the installation of ramps
and grab-bars, widening of doorways, modification of bathroom facilities, or installation
of specialized electric and plumbing systems necessary to accommodate the medical
equipment and supplies needed for the welfare of the recipient. Adaptations must be prior
authorized and are subject to legislative budget constraints.
3. Excluded Adaptations
a. Improvements to the home which are of general utility, and are not of direct
medical or remedial benefit to the individual, such as carpeting, roof repair, central
air conditioning, etc.
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b. Adaptations which increase the total square footage of the home except when
necessary to complete an adaptation, for example, in order to improve
entrance/egress to a residence or to configure a bathroom to accommodate a
wheelchair.
1. All agencies contracting with the DHCFP who provide environmental accessibility
adaptation assessments will employ persons who have graduated from an accredited
college or university in Special Education, rehabilitation, rehabilitation engineering,
occupational or speech therapy or other related fields and who are licensed to practice if
applicable and have at least one year experience working with individuals with disabilities
and their families or graduation from high school and three years experience working with
individuals with disabilities and their families as a technologist and possess a
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
Technology Certification.
3. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers must meet the standards to provide
equipment under the Medicaid State Plan Program.
1. Specialized medical equipment and supplies are those devices, controls, or appliances
specified in the plan of care that enable recipients to increase their abilities to perform
ADLs.
2. This service also includes devices, controls, or applications which enable the recipient to
perceive, control, or communicate with the environment in which they live; items
necessary for life support, ancillary supplies and equipment necessary to the proper
functioning of such items, and durable and non-durable medical equipment not available
under the Medicaid State Plan.
3. Items reimbursed with waiver funds shall be, in addition to any medical equipment and
supplies, furnished under the State Plan and shall exclude those items which are not of
direct medical or remedial benefit to the recipient.
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4. All items shall meet applicable standards of manufacture, design, and installation and
where indicated, will be purchased from and installed by authorized dealers.
5. Vehicle Adaptations
All modifications and equipment must be purchased from authorized dealers, meet
acceptable industry standards, and have payment approved by the case manager.
6. Assistive Technology
All equipment must be purchased from authorized dealers when appropriate. Equipment
must meet acceptable standards (e.g., Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and/or
Underwriter’s Laboratory requirements when applicable, and requirements under the
Nevada Lemon Law NRS 597.600 to 597.680).
7. Supplies
Supplies must be purchased through a provider enrolled to provide such services under the
existing state Medicaid plan or as otherwise approved by the DHCFP for services under
this waiver.
Providers must be licensed through the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) as a Medical
Device, Equipment, and Gases (MDEG) supplier, with the exception of a pharmacy that has a
Nevada State Board of Pharmacy license and provides DME, Prosthetic Devices, Orthotic
Devices, and Disposable Medical Supplies (DMEPOS). Once licensed, providers must maintain
compliance with all Nevada BOP licensing requirements.
2. PERS services are limited to those recipients who live alone, who are alone for significant
parts of the day, have no regular caregiver for extended periods of time, and who would
otherwise require extensive routine supervision.
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3. The waiver service pays for the device rental and funds ongoing monitoring on a monthly
basis.
2. The provider is responsible for ensuring that the response center is staffed by trained
professionals at all times.
3. The provider is responsible for any replacement or repair needs that may occur.
4. Providers of this service must utilize devices that meet FCC standards, Underwriter’s
Laboratory standards or equivalent standards.
5. Providers must inform recipients of any liability the recipient may incur as a result of the
recipient’s disposal of provider property.
1. The recipient is responsible to utilize the leased PERS equipment with care and caution
and to notify the PERS provider when the equipment is no longer working.
2. The recipient must return the equipment to the provider when it is no longer needed or
utilized, when the recipient terminates from the waiver program, or when the recipient
moves out of state.
3. The recipient may not throw away the PERS equipment. This is leased equipment and
belongs to the PERS provider.
1. Assisted living services are all inclusive services furnished by the assisted living provider.
Assisted living services are meant to provide all support services needed in the community
and may include personal care, homemaker, chore, attendant care, meal preparation,
companion, medication oversight (to the extent permitted under state law), transportation,
diet and nutrition, orientation and mobility, community mobility/ transportation training,
advocacy for related social services, health maintenance, active supervision, home and
community safety training, therapeutic social and recreational programming, provided in a
home-like environment in a licensed (where applicable) community care facility. Services
provided by a third party must be coordinated with the assisted living facility. This service
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may include skilled or nursing care to the extent permitted by state law. Nursing and
skilled therapy services are incidental, rather than integral to the provision of assisted
living services. Payment is not to be made for 24 hour skilled care. If a recipient chooses
assisted living services, other individual waiver services may not be provided, except case
management services.
2. The service includes 24 hour on-site response staff to meet scheduled or unpredictable
needs in a way promoting maximum dignity and independence, and to provide
supervision, safety and security.
3. Assisted living providers are expected to furnish a full array of services except when
another Federal program is required to provide the service. Other individuals or agencies
may also furnish care directly, or under arrangement with the assisted living provider, but
the care provided by other entities supplements that provided by the assisted living
provider and does not supplant it.
4. Federal Financial Participation (FFP) is not available for room and board, items of
comfort, or the cost of facility maintenance, upkeep and improvement.
a. living units that are separate and distinct from each other;
b. a central dining room, living room or parlor and common activity center(s) except
in the case of individual apartments;
2. All persons performing services to recipients from this category must have criminal
history clearances obtained from the FBI through the submission of fingerprints to the
FBI. In addition, provider agencies are required to conduct routine screenings on all
applicants who will perform services to recipients to ensure the health and welfare of
recipients and to make every effort possible to prevent recipient abuse. Reference Section
2303.3B2.d.
3. Providers must arrange training in personal hygiene needs and techniques for assisting
with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, skin care, transfer, ambulation, exercise,
feeding, use of adaptive aids and equipment, identifying emergency situations and how to
act accordingly.
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4. Must have current CPR certification which may be obtained outside the agency prior to
initiation of services to a Medicaid recipient.
a. possess at least one year of supervisory experience and a minimum of two years
experience working with adults with physical disabilities, including traumatic
brain injury.
4. dependable, possess strong organization skills and have the ability to work
independent of constant supervision.
Assisted living attendants shall provide personal care services, community integration,
independent living assistance, and supervisory care to assist the recipient in following the
POC. Assisted living attendants shall possess:
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i. knowledge in the philosophy and techniques for independent living for people with
disabilities.
j. if the attendant is providing attendant care services, that include skilled services,
the attendant must meet the requirements of NRS 629.091.
Home delivered meals are the provision of meals to persons at risk of institutional care due to
inadequate nutrition. Home delivered meals include the planning, purchase, preparation and
delivery or transportation costs of meals to a person’s home.
Recipients who require home delivered meals are unable to prepare or obtain nutritional meals
without assistance or are unable to manage a special diet recommended by their physician.
1. Home delivered meals must be prepared by an agency, and be delivered to the recipient’s
home.
2. Meals provided by or in a child foster home, adult family home, community based
residential facility, or adult day care are not included, nor is meal preparation.
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3. The direct purchase of commercial meals, frozen meals, Ensure, or other food or
nutritional supplements is not allowed under this service category.
4. Home delivered meals are not intended to meet the full daily nutritional needs of a
recipient. More than one provider may be used to meet a recipient’s need.
5. Case managers determine the need for this service based on a Standardized Nutritional
Profile, or assessment, and by personal interviews with the recipient related to individual
nutritional status.
6. All meals must comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the
Secretaries of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the United
States Department of Agriculture; and provide a minimum of 33 and 1/3 percent of the
current daily Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) as established by the Food and
Nutrition Board, National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.
7. Nutrition programs are encouraged to provide eligible participants meals which meet
particular dietary needs arising from health or religious requirements or the ethnic
background of recipients.
1. Meals are provided by governmental or community providers who meet the requirements
of a meal provider under NRS 446 and who are enrolled with the DHCFP as a Medicaid
Provider.
2. Pursuant to NRS 446: All nutrition sites which prepare meals must have a Food Service
Establishment Permit as follows:
a. All Nutrition Programs must follow the Health and Safety Guidelines established
for Food and Drink Establishments in NAC, Chapter 446, or local health code
regulations.
b. All kitchen staff must hold a valid health certificate if required by local health
ordinances.
c. Report all incidents of suspected food borne illness to the affected recipients and
local health authority within 24 hours and to the DHCFP District Office case
manager by the next business day.
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Extended State plan personal care attendant service may include assistance with eating, bathing,
dressing, personal hygiene, ADLs, shopping, laundry, meal preparation and accompanying the
recipient to appointments as necessary to enable the individual to remain in the community. The
service may include hands-on care, of both a supportive and health-related nature, specific to the
needs of a medically stable, physically disabled individual. Supportive services are those which
substitute for the absence, loss, diminution, or impairment of a physical or cognitive function.
This service may include skilled services to the extent permitted by State law. This service may
include an extension of task completion time allowed under the state plan with documented
medical necessity.
1. Where possible and preferred by the recipient, he/she will direct his/her own service
through an Intermediary Services Organization (ISO). Refer to MSM Chapter 2600. When
the recipient recruits and selects a caregiver, the individual is referred to the ISO for hire.
The recipient may also terminate the assistant. When utilizing this option, the recipient
will work with his/her case manager to identify an appropriate back up plan. If this option
is not used, the recipient will choose a provider agency that will otherwise recruit, screen,
schedule assistants, provide backup and assurance of emergency assistance.
2. Extended personal care attendant services in the recipient’s plan of care may include
assistance with:
a. eating;
b. bathing;
c. dressing;
d. personal hygiene;
e. ADLs;
f. hands-on care, of both a supportive and health-related nature, specific to the needs
of a medically stable, physically disabled individual. Supportive services are those
which substitute for the absence, loss, diminution, or impairment of a physical or
cognitive function.
3. Flexibility of Services
Flexibility of service delivery which does not alter medical necessity may occur within a
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In addition to the following requirements listed, reference Section 2303.3B of this Chapter
regarding Individual Provider Responsibilities.
1. Personal care attendants may be members of the individual’s family. However, payment
will not be made for services furnished by legally responsible individuals.
2. When the provision of services includes an unskilled provider completing skilled care,
qualifications and requirements must be followed as in NRS 629.091, and MSM Chapter
2600.
a. procedures for arranging backup when not available, agency contact person(s), and
other information as appropriate. (Note: This material may be provided separate
from a training program as part of the provider’s orientation to the agency.)
b. personal hygiene needs and techniques for assisting with ADLs, such as bathing,
grooming, skin care, transfer, ambulation, exercise, feeding, dressing, and use of
adaptive aids and equipment.
c. home making and household care, including good nutrition, special diets, meal
planning and preparation, essential shopping, housekeeping techniques and
maintenance of a clean, safe and healthy environment.
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All providers must comply with all the DHCFP provider enrollment requirements, provider
responsibilities/qualifications, and the DHCFP provider agreement limitations. Provider non-
compliance with all or any of these stipulations may result in Nevada Medicaid’s decision to
exercise its right to terminate the provider’s contract. Refer to MSM Chapter 100 for general
enrollment policies.
The DHCFP developed procedures to ensure fair and adequate access to services covered under
the HCBW for Persons with Physical Disabilities.
1. Slot Provisions
b. Recipients must be terminated from the waiver when they move out of state, fail to
cooperate with program requirements, or request termination; their slot may be
given to the next person on the waitlist.
2. Referral Pre-Screening
A. A referral or inquiry for the waiver may be made by the potential applicant or by
another party on behalf of the potential applicant by contacting the local DHCFP
District Office. The DHCFP District Office staff will discuss waiver services,
including the eligibility requirements, with the referring party or potential
applicant.
B. If the case manager determines the applicant does not appear to meet the waiver
criteria, the individual may proceed with the application process if they choose to.
Once the application is denied, they will receive a NOD which includes the right to
a fair hearing. The case manager will provide referrals to other community
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resources.
C. If the case manager determines the applicant does appear to meet waiver criteria, a
face-to-face home visit is scheduled to conduct an LOC screening and medical
records are obtained for a disability determination.
NOTE: If the applicant does not meet LOC, they will receive a NOD which
includes the right to a fair hearing.
A. All applicants who meet program criteria must be placed on the statewide waitlist
by priority and referral date. The following must be completed prior to placement
on the waitlist.
Once a slot for the waiver is available, the applicant will be assigned a waiver slot and be
processed for the waiver.
a. Intake:
1. The DHCFP District Office staff will schedule a face-to-face home visit
with the recipient to complete the full waiver assessment.
2. The case manager will obtain all applicable forms, including the
Authorization for Release of Information Form.
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4. The applicant is given the right to request a hearing if not given a choice
between HCBS and NF placement.
6. All forms must be complete with signature and dates when required.
7. If an applicant is denied waiver services, the case manager sends the NOD.
The effective date for waiver services approval is the completion date of all the intake
forms and the Medicaid determination date made by the DWSS, whichever is later. When
the recipient resides in an institution, the effective date cannot be prior to the date of
discharge from the institution.
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6. Waiver Costs
The DHCFP must assure CMS the average per capita expenditures under the waiver do
not exceed 100% of the average per capita expenditures for the institutional level of care
under the state plan that would have been made in that fiscal year, had the waiver not been
granted.
The DHCFP must assure CMS all claims for payment of waiver services are made only when an
individual is Medicaid eligible, when the service(s) are identified on the approved POC, and if the
service(s) has been prior authorized.
Provider Type 58, HCBW for Persons with Physical Disabilities, must complete the CMS 1500
for payment of waiver services. Incomplete or inaccurate claims are returned to the provider by
the DHCFP’s fiscal agent. If the wrong form is submitted it is also returned to the provider by the
DHCFP’s fiscal agent.
Providers may also refer to the DHCFP’s website for a complete list of codes/modifiers billable
under Provider Type 58 (select “Rates” from the main menu, then click on Provider Type 58 –
HCBW for Persons with Physical Disabilities).
Section 1902(w) of the Social Security Act requires licensed provider agencies providing personal
care aide services to give clients’ information regarding each individual’s decision-making rights
about health care, declarations (living wills) and durable powers of attorney for health care
decisions. Refer to MSM Chapter 100 for further information.
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The State has in place a formal system in which an annual review is conducted to assure the
health and welfare of the recipients served on the waiver, the recipient satisfaction with the
waiver, and assurance of the cost effectiveness of these services.
1. provide CMS with information on the impact of the waiver. This includes the type,
amount, and cost of services provided under the waiver and provided under the State Plan
and the health and welfare of the recipients served on the waiver.
3. evaluate all provider standards are continuously met and plans of care are periodically
reviewed to assure services furnished are consistent with the identified needs of the
recipients.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2304 HEARINGS
1. Recipients must be suspended when they are admitted to a hospital or Nursing Facility
(NF).
2. If the recipient has not been removed from suspended status 45 days from the admit date,
the case must be closed. A Notice of Decision (NOD) must be sent identifying the 60th
day of the admit date as the effective date for closure.
When a recipient is released from the hospital, an NF or other institutional setting, within 60 days
of the admit date, the case manager must do the following within 5 working days:
1. complete a new Level of Care (LOC), if there has been a significant change in the
recipient’s condition;
2. complete a new Plan of Care (POC) if there has been a change in services (medical, social,
or waiver). When a change in services is expected to resolve in less than 30 days a new
POC is not necessary. Documentation of the temporary change must be noted in the case
record;
1. The applicant does not meet physical disability criteria as determined by the Division of
Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP)’s physician consultant.
2. The applicant does not meet the LOC criteria for an NF placement.
4. The applicant fails to cooperate with the DHCFP Case Manager or Home and Community
Based Services (HCBS) providers in establishing and/or implementing the POC,
implementing waiver services, or verifying eligibility for waiver services. (The recipient’s
or the recipient’s authorized representative’s signature is necessary for all required
paperwork).
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
5. The applicant’s support system is not adequate to provide a safe environment during the
time when home and community based services are not being provided.
7. The applicant fails to show a need for Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW)
services.
8. The applicant would not require NF placement if HCBS were not available.
11. The DHCFP District Office has filled the number of positions allocated to the HCBW for
Persons with Physical Disabilities. The applicant will be approved for the waiver waitlist
and will be contacted when a slot is available.
12. The applicant has failed to provide adequate medical documentation for a disability
determination within 45 days of the request.
13. The applicant has reached their annual limit for Environmental Adaptations.
14. The requested adaption, equipment or supply is not medically necessary to prevent
institutionalization.
When an application for waiver services is denied the case manager sends a NOD indicating the
reason for denial.
Reasons to terminate a recipient from the waiver or to terminate the recipient from the waiver
wait list:
2. The recipient no longer meets the physical disability criteria as determined by the
DHCFP’s physician consultant.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
5. The recipient has failed to cooperate with the DHCFP case manager or HCBS providers in
establishing and/or implementing the POC, implementing waiver services, or verifying
eligibility for waiver services. (The recipient’s or the recipient’s authorized
representative’s signature is necessary on all required paperwork).
9. The recipient has submitted fraudulent documentation on Attendant Care provider time
sheets and/or forms.
11. The recipient has been, or is expected to be, institutionalized over 60 days (in a hospital,
NF, intermediate facility for persons with mental retardation, or incarcerated).
When a recipient is terminated from the waiver program, the case manager sends a NOD
indicating the reason for termination. The NOD must be mailed to the recipient at least 13
calendar days before the Date of Action. Refer to Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter
3100 for exceptions to the advance notice.
4. The recipient’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) has improved.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
When there is a reduction of waiver services the case manager will send a NOD indicating the
reason for the reduction. The NOD must be mailed to the recipient at least 13 calendar days
before the Date of Action.
A. If a recipient is placed in an NF or hospital, and waiver services have been terminated, the
recipient may request reinstatement within 90 days of the notice date. The case manager
must complete the following:
1. A new LOC;
B. If 90 days from the notice date has elapsed, the slot is allocated to the next person on the
waitlist. An individual who requests reinstatement after 90 days from the notice date must
be processed as a new referral.
Refer to MSM Chapter 3100 for specific instructions regarding notice and participant hearings.
February 14,2012
Changes, to this chapter, are a result of revisions made to the Social Security Act, specifically the
Deficit Reduction Act, Section 6086, 1915(i) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
State Plan Services to incorporate 1915(i) HCBS program services and requirements. This
revision makes significant changes to the policy which include the use of a standardized tool
called The 1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool to evaluate functional deficits of
individuals. It must be completed annually. This chapter will be renamed Home Based
Habilitation Services (HBHS), and was previously called Comprehensive Outpatient
Rehabilitation Services.
The prior authorization process has been changed to include 1915(i) program services and
requirements. This new process extends prior al}thorizations annually as long as program criteria
are met. It still requires an interdisciplinary team to evaluate the recipient every 30 days.
Person centered planning is incorporated into this chapter with the use of an interdisciplinary
team approach in the development of a service plan and plan of care.
Additional changes include a change to the definition of HBHS and the services
offered. Updated eligibility criteria for Habilitation Services. In order to bring the chapter in line
with 1915(i) State Plan Services, the statement "habilitation services" replaces the statement
"rehabilitation" throughout the chapter. The goal is to bring the entire chapter in line with
"community based habilitation services" and remove "comprehensive rehabilitation services".
The definitions section is removed from this chapter and placed in the addendum of the Medicaid
Services Manual and the references section will be located in Chapter 100 of the Medicaid
Services Manual.
Throughout the chapter, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization changes were made,
duplications removed, acronyms used and standardized, and language reworded for clarity.
Renumbering and re-arranging of sections was necessary.
Pagelof3
MATERIAL TRANSMITTED MATERIAL SUPERSEDED
MTL 01112 MTL 26/03
CHAPTER - 2400 HOME BASED CHAPTER - 2400 HOME BASED
HABILITATION SERVICES HABILITATION SERVICES
Pagc 2 of3
Records section.
• Provider Liability section.
• Notification of Suspected Abuse and Neglect
section.
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
2400 INTRODUCTION
Home Based Habilitation Services (HBHS) are medically prescribed treatment for improving or
restoring functions, which have been impaired by illness or injury or, where function has been
permanently lost or reduced by illness or injury.
HBHS include services designed to assist individuals in acquiring, retaining and improving the
self-help, socialization and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in a home and
community-based settings. HBHS are prescribed by a physician and provided by the appropriate
qualified staff.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2401 AUTHORITY
Home Based Habilitation Services (HBHS) is an optional Medicaid State Plan service authorized
by the Nevada Medicaid Program under State Plan authority titled Nevada 1915(i) State Plan
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The State Plan was amended in 2008 in response
to the Deficit Reduction Act, Section 6086. Congress amended the Social Security Act with
Section 1915(i) allowing states to provide traditional 1915(c) services as covered State Plan
benefits. Home Based Habilitation was covered under Nevada’s State Plan as Comprehensive
Outpatient Rehabilitation (COR) Services.
• 42 CFR 440.180
• 34 CFR 300.7
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
2402 RESERVED
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2403 POLICY
HBHS include a day treatment program in which services are designed to assist individuals in
acquiring, retaining and improving the self-help, socialization and adaptive skills necessary to
reside successfully in home and community-based settings. Habilitation Services are prescribed
by a physician, provided by the appropriate qualified staff and include the following:
a. Care Coordination.
d. Community Inclusion.
h. Physical Therapy.
i. Speech Therapy.
j. Occupational Therapy.
Licensed professionals must perform an initial assessment, develop a plan of care, assess the
recipient’s progress and assume legal responsibility for the services provided.
b. The recipient has a medically verifiable Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Acquired
Brain Injury (ABI);
c. The individual must meet the eligibility requirements of the 1915(i) HCBS
Universal Needs Assessment Tool or must qualify for a 1915(c) waiver;
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d. The recipient has not previously completed a habilitation program for the same
condition, unless a substantial intervening event has occurred that would require an
abbreviated program to maintain community placement. The decision to impose
such an exception is the sole determination of the Division of Health Care
Financing and Policy (DHCFP) and requires supporting medical rationale;
g. The recipient is willing, and demonstrates capacity for endurance for at least three
(3) hours of habilitation services per day, five (5) days per week;
h. The recipient has a prognosis and potential to increase his or her functional
independence towards returning to independent or assisted living after discharge,
achievable within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the DHCFP or its
QIO-like vendor;
i. The recipient has sufficient mental alertness and is able to actively participate in a
complete therapy program on a daily basis;
j. The recipient is responsive to verbal or visual stimuli and can consistently follow
single step commands in a meaningful way; and
2. Covered Services
a. Day Treatment programs are provided as Full Day – six (6) hours per day of
habilitative services or as Half Day – a minimum of three (3) hours per day. All
programs provide services five days per week, or more, and may occur in the
recipient’s home, inpatient settings who provide HBHS services, outpatient
settings or in other community-based settings.
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b. Day treatment programs must meet the following service requirements, when the
specialty area is included in the individual plan of care approved by the primary
physician after any needed consultation with the licensed/certified therapy provider
(RN, PT, OT, SLP and case manager):
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with TB. Other diagnoses that may require cognitive remediation include,
but are not limited to, severe Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), anoxic
injuries, and intracranial hemorrhage. For these diagnoses, as well as with
TBI, major impairments exist in arousal or alerting, perception, selective
attention, discrimination, orientation, organization, recall and high level
thought processes, including convergent thinking, deductive reasoning,
inductive reasoning, divergent thinking, and multiprocess reasoning.
8. Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Refer to MSM Chapter 500 for DME
coverage guidelines for recipients who reside in or will be discharged to an
extended care facility.
3. Non-Covered Services
The following are not covered benefits under day treatment programs and therefore are not
reimbursable by Nevada Medicaid:
b. Duplicative services are not considered medically justified and will not be covered
by Medicaid. An inquiry or referral for services does not indicate the necessity for
services. If the Medicaid recipient is receiving services from another provider, it is
the responsibility of the evaluating provider to determine if additional services are
appropriate and request prior authorization as indicated;
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f. Admissions solely for the convenience of the recipient, their family or the
provider, are not covered services;
h. Day treatment programs are not covered for individuals who have been admitted to
an institutional setting such as a hospital, nursing facility or an intermediate care
facility; or
i. Day treatment programs will not be provided to an individual at the same time as
another service that is the same in nature and scope regardless of source, including:
Federal, State, local and private entities. For habilitation services, the State
includes, within the record of each individual, an explanation that these services do
not include special education and related services defined in the Individuals with
Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 that otherwise are available to the individual
through a local education agency or vocational rehabilitation services that
otherwise are available to the individual through a program funded under §110 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
For continued day treatment services, prior authorization must be submitted to the
DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor in time to meet processing timelines so an interruption in
services may be avoided. Supporting documentation must be provided, including the most
recent team conference report, which demonstrates that the recipient continues to meet
admission criteria and continues to:
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stay, when further progress toward the established goals is unlikely or further treatment
can be achieved in a less intensive setting.
A maintenance program is not a covered benefit and services provided once this level has
been reached will not be reimbursed. Specifically, if no further progress is observed,
discharge would be required. A recipient in a habilitation program must be considered for
discharge, when any one of the following conditions is met:
a. The recipient’s needs exceed the scope of the day treatment program so transfer to
an inpatient hospital or skilled nursing facility is indicated;
b. The recipient no longer meets the criteria for the day treatment program;
c. The specialized knowledge and skills of the interdisciplinary team are no longer
required;
e. The recipient has reached his or her goals and a safe and effective program has
been developed with informal supports to allow the recipient to live at home or
elsewhere in the community;
1. Provider Enrollment
a. Each provider of HBHS must enroll as a Provider Type 55 and enter into the
agreement with the DHCFP, through the QIO-like vendor and must submit
required licenses, registrations, certificates, etc., upon request, to determine that
conditions of participation, as stated in MSM 100, are met.
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c. Providers must comply with all Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Insurance
Contributions Act (FICA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), Local, State, and Federal regulations and applicable statutes.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 449.176 through NRS 449.188, people
who have been convicted of certain crimes may not work at certain long term
care facilities or agencies. The complete statute is available at:
http://leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-449.html and the requirements applying to
agencies are discussed at length at the Bureau of Health Care Quality and
Compliance (HCQC) website: http://health.nv.gov/HCQC_CriminalHistory.htm.
Providers are required to initiate diligent and effective follow up for results of
background checks within 90 days of submission of prints and continue until
results are received. This is particularly important when an “undecided” result is
received. Documentation must be maintained in the employee’s personnel file
and submitted to the DHCFP upon request.
1. The DHCFP or their designee must not enroll any person or entity
convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for any offense which the State
agency determines is inconsistent with the best interests of recipients.
Such determinations are solely the responsibility of the DHCFP.
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NOTE: Out of state providers must obtain background checks through their local
DPS.
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are not exhibiting any signs or symptoms of active tuberculosis. The annual
screening for signs and symptoms must address each of the following areas of
concern and must be administered by a qualified health care provider:
4. Has a fever which is not associated with a cold, flu or other apparent
illness;
7. Has been in close contact with a person who has active tuberculosis.
Annual screening for signs and symptoms of active disease must be
completed prior to the one year anniversary of the last screening.
Documentation of the annual screening, when required as defined herein, and the
results must be maintained in the employee’s file.
2. Staffing Requirements
a. A provider of HBHS must employ persons with the necessary education, skills and
training to provide the Medicaid required services. Medical services must be
provided by licensed/certified professional. Copies of current licensure,
certificates, and education must be maintained in employee files.
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12. the ability to perform the functional tasks of the job; and
13. the ability to identify emergency situations and act accordingly including
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, which may be obtained
outside the agency.
3. Initial Evaluation
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g. Identified barriers;
h. Short and long-term goals that are functional, objective and measurable;
i. The composition of the team, the plan of care and the duration of the habilitation
program;
j. Summary of any previous treatment received and results of such treatment;
The proposed plan of care must include specific goals, how those goals will be
achieved and the duration of achievement.
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a. The 1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool must be used to evaluate
and reevaluate whether an individual is eligible for the Nevada 1915(i) HCBS
state plan services. In order to qualify for services, the individual meets at least
two of the following:
a. Bathing/Dressing/Grooming;
b. Mobility;
c. Toileting;
d. Eating; and/or
e. Transferring.
3. medical needs;
4. supervision needs;
b. A physician within the scope of their professional practice as defined and limited
by Federal and State law with experience in conducting assessments will be
responsible for conducting the face-to-face independent assessments and
reassessments of an individual’s support needs and capabilities.
The individual performing the assessment must be an independent third party and
must not be:
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5. Service Plan
The service plan is developed by the service provider. An interdisciplinary team will
formulate the plan in conjunction with the recipient. The team must include staff trained
in person centered planning, and must include a licensed health care professional and
may include other individuals who can contribute to the plan development.
The service plan must include the identified need from the Universal Needs Assessment.
The provider must ensure the recipient, or the recipient’s legal representative, is fully
involved in the treatment planning process and choice of providers. Recipient, family
(when appropriate) and/or legal representative participation in treatment planning must be
documented on the service plan. The service plan must include a written statement that
the recipient was offered a choice of HBHS providers, if applicable, and must be kept in a
file maintained for the recipient.
A service plan must be completed and submitted as part of the prior authorization
process. The service plan requires pre-approval by the QIO-like vendor prior to
authorizing services and must include the description of services, amount of time (hourly,
daily, weekly) and the title of the staff that will be providing the specific services.
The recipient must provide a signature on the service plan. If the recipient is unable to
provide a signature due to cognitive and/or physical limitation, this must be clearly
documented in the recipient file. A legal representative may sign for the recipient.
The facility may create a signature page which can encompass a recipient signature for
the service plan, the plan of care, and any other signature requirements. If the facility uses
a signature page, it must be included in the packet to the DHCFP district office and the
QIO-like vendor for prior authorization.
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The Service Plan must be re-evaluated annually or when a significant change occurs.
6. Plan of Care
A plan of care must be initiated on the day of admission to HBHS. The plan of care must
be in agreement with the Service Plan, and the 1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs
Assessment Tool. The individualized plan of care must be developed and meet the
requirement of NAC 449.4088.
The plan of care specifically outlines the services and activities of a recipient and must be
available to all staff members providing home based habilitation services.
d. takes into account the extent of, and need for, any family or other supports for the
individual;
The plan of care must be kept in a file maintained for the recipient and must include a
signature of the recipient. If the recipient is unable to provide a signature due to cognitive
and/or physical limitation, this must be clearly documented in the recipient file. A legal
representative may sign for the recipient.
The facility may create a signature page which can encompass a recipient signature for
the service plan, the plan of care, and any other signature requirements. If the facility uses
a signature page, it must be included in the packet to the DHCFP district office and the
QIO-like vendor for prior authorization.
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7. Records Requirements
In compliance with NAC 449.40835, the facility must maintain records on each employee.
In compliance with NAC 449.40835, the facility must maintain records on recipients
including daily records and attendance records. All entries made in the recipient’s file
must be signed and dated by the employee making the entry. The delivery of specific
services including those required by Medicaid must be documented in the daily records.
3. Service Plan.
5. Plan of Care.
6. Attendance Records.
7. Daily Records.
8. Annual TB tests.
The case manager is responsible for maintaining a record for the recipient.
The facility must maintain an accurate record of the recipient’s attendance by using an
attendance record as defined in the MSM Addendum. The record must also reflect any
absence from the facility by the recipient for purposes of obtaining other services must be
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documented. This record is to include date, duration of absence and destination or purpose
for absence.
The facility is required to comply with applicable state and federal laws, rules and
regulations regarding privacy and protection of an individual’s health information.
9. Provider Liability
Provider liability responsibilities are included in the Medicaid and Nevada Check Up
(NCU) Provider Contract and are incorporated in this chapter by reference.
State law requires that persons employed in certain capacities must make a report to the
appropriate agency immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours after there is reason to
suspect abuse or neglect. The DHCFP expects that all providers be in compliance with the
intent of all applicable laws.
For adults aged 60 and over, the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) accepts
reports of suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect, exploitation or isolation. Refer to NRS
200.5091 to 200.50995 regarding elder abuse or neglect.
1. Medicaid recipients are required to maintain and provide a valid Medicaid eligibility card
to their service providers and to notify their providers of any changes to the type of
eligibility, or other insurance benefits that may be in effect such as Medicare.
2. Medicaid recipients are expected to comply with and participate in their development of
their plan of care including making and keeping medical appointments.
3. The recipient is responsible to notify the provider of changes in medical status, service
needs address, and location.
4. In accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of
1996, protected health information may be disclosed for the purposes of treatment,
payment, or health care operations without a signed Authorization for Disclosure from the
participant or designated representative. However, most other disclosures require
authorization. Additional details about allowable uses and disclosures are available to
participants in the DHCFP Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided to all new
enrollees.
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The purpose of prior-authorization is to validate that the service being requested is medically
necessary and meets Medicaid criteria for reimbursement.
1. Prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment for the service; payment is contingent
upon passing all edits contained within the claims payment process; the recipient’s
continued Medicaid eligibility; and the ongoing medical necessity for the service being
provided.
2. Prior authorizations are specific to a recipient, a provider, a service code, and established
quantity of units, and for specific dates of service.
3. Prior authorization is required for all services and must be obtained regardless of whether
or not Medicaid is the primary payer, except for Medicare-crossover claims.
HBHS must be prior authorized. The HBHS provider must submit the completed 1915(i)
HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool and Service Plan (including the statement that
the recipient was offered a choice of HBHS providers) and all relevant assessments to the
QIO-like vendor before services are provided. All prior authorization requests must be
complete and accurate. If insufficient information is provided to support the completion
of a request, the HBHS provider must supply the needed information within 72 hours of
notification. When complete information is submitted, the QIO-like vendor must make a
decision within five (5) business days.
In the case when an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid during the course of
treatment or after services were provided, the HBHS provider may request a retro-eligible
authorization by submitting the completed 1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment
Tool and Service Plan (including the statement that the recipient was offered a choice of
HBHS providers) and all relevant assessments to the QIO-like vendor.
The retro-eligible request must be submitted within 90 days of the notice of decision from
Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) on Medicaid eligibility
determination. When complete information is submitted, the QIO-like vendor must make a
determination within five (5) days.
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The QIO-like vendor must review and provide a determination for all service plans and
provide a written authorization to the HBHS provider which includes a prior authorization
number and service authorization. The prior authorization number must be included on all
claims.
Prior authorization may be approved for a maximum of one (1) year through the end of the
eligibility month. The prior authorization is dependent upon meeting the eligibility criteria
using the 1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool and medical necessity as
described by medical evidence relating to a TBI/ABI. If services are needed after the
current authorization ends, the facility must submit a new prior authorization request to
the QIO-like vendor and include the same information that is required with an initial prior
authorization request.
A prior authorization number is required on all claims and must correspond directly to all
dates of service on the claim. No dates of service billed outside of the dates approved on
the corresponding prior authorization will be paid.
The QIO-like vendor will provide a written authorization to the HBHS facility which
includes a prior authorization number and service authorization.
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RHPs are a covered benefit when medically necessary services are furnished in a safe, efficient
and cost-effective setting to Medicaid eligible recipients who require services 24 hours per day in
a normalized living environment.
Reimbursement is available for time limited RHPs which have been prior authorized by Nevada
Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor. Programs must include a day treatment program and a 24-hour
residential component for those eligible recipients who are not ready to return to independent, or
supported independent, living due to their functional or cognitive impairments.
1. Admission Criteria
In addition to the admission criteria identified in Section 2403.1A, of this Chapter, the
following criteria apply for residential habilitation programs:
c. The recipient has a viable discharge plan with appropriate post placement
resources, including a support system identified that will facilitate community re-
entry and a realistic expectation and plan for non-institutional living post-
discharge; and
2. Covered Services
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c. The interdisciplinary team must establish a plan of care which is developed and
updated annually, or as needed, for each resident.
d. Nevada Medicaid does not reimburse for costs associated with room and board in
the residential setting. Arrangements for reimbursement of such costs must be
made with the recipient, or their family, prior to the program admission.
2. The recipient’s primary physician authorizes the visit and the plan of care
provides for such absences.
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4. Discharge Criteria
a. The recipient’s needs exceed the scope of the residential habilitation program so
transfer to an inpatient hospital or skilled nursing facility is indicated;
c. The specialized knowledge and skills of the interdisciplinary team are no longer
required;
e. The recipient has reached his or her goals and a safe and effective program has
been developed with informal supports to allow the recipient to live at home or
elsewhere in the community;
In addition to the policies discussed in Section 2403.1B “Provider Responsibility” of this Chapter,
the following policies apply to the Residential Habilitation Program.
1. Providers must maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements for a residential
habilitation provider for the State in which they operate;
3. The provider shall provide qualified habilitation aides at the appropriate staffing ratios as
determined by applicable licensure, certification and/or accreditation requirements;
4. Providers establish, maintain and update an emergency plan specific to the recipient,
including appropriate emergency information on-site for each recipient at all times;
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5. Providers must establish a mechanism for residents or their families to report, without
retribution, any complaints or occurrences that may compromise the safety or well being
of the residents within the home; and
6. Providers must establish and enforce policies to ensure the safety and well being of all
residents of the facility.
1. Recipients and their guests must comply with all reasonable and necessary posted “house
rules” as established by the provider, in order to maintain a safe environment for all
residents.
2. Recipients should notify the provider and the DHCFP of any occurrences that may
compromise the safety or well being of residents within the home.
The policies discussed in Section 2403.1D “Authorization Process” of this Chapter, apply to the
Residential Habilitation Program.
Community reintegration services are designed to provide temporary assistance and support to
those recipients with significant neurological impairment, incorporating those skills developed
during a Habilitation program into their daily lives as they become reintegrated into their
community.
Appropriate services are intended to enable the individual to function with greater independence,
to prevent additional disabilities or an increase in the severity of an existing disability, without
which the individual would require institutionalization.
Reimbursement is available for CRS which have been prior authorized by the DHCFP’s QIO-like
vendor. Services must be ordered by a physician as a reasonable and medically necessary part of
the recipient’s treatment plan and must be determined safe, efficient and cost-effective by the
DHCFP or its QIO-like vendor.
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1. Admission Criteria
a. The recipient must be eligible for services under Medicaid and must have
behaviors which are manageable in the community re-integration environment;
2. Covered Services
c. Habilitation aides must assist the recipient in utilizing those skills taught by the
interdisciplinary team and involve coaching, advising, supporting and cueing
recipients in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as:
1. household management;
2. behavioral management;
3. safety;
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5. socialization skills.
3. Service Limitations
a. Services must be provided in accordance with individualized plan of care under the
direction of a habilitation provider;
b. Duplicative Services are not considered medically justified and will not be covered
by Nevada Medicaid. An inquiry or referral for services does not indicate the
necessity for services.
a. All services must be part of, and specifically related to, an active plan of care that
the physician reviews periodically, but not less than every 30 days or when
deemed necessary;
The physician is responsible for certifying that the service is medically necessary
and that the treatment prescribed is in accordance with standards of best medical
practice;
b. The re-integration plan of care must incorporate the written discharge plan
established during the habilitation program or re-integration stay, identifying
formal and informal resources that are currently in place, as well as the identified
support system that will be facilitating the community re-entry.
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d. The recipient must demonstrate the ability and willingness to actively participate in
goal oriented interventions developed with the interdisciplinary team. This shall be
evidenced by regular attendance in interventions that are a part of the reintegration
action plan and documented progression toward the established goals;
e. Documentation must reflect that the community reintegration activities are reduced
as the recipient’s level of independence increases.
6. Discharge Criteria
e. The recipient has an unstable condition that affects their ability to participate in
community reintegration activities.
February 15, 2012 HOME BASED HABILITATION SERVICES (HBHS) Section 2403 Page 25
MTL 01/12
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2403
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The policies discussed in Section 2403.1B “Provider Enrollment” of this Chapter, apply to
Community Re-integration Services.
The policies discussed in Section 2403.1C “Recipient Responsibility” of this Chapter, apply to
Community Re-integration Services.
The policies discussed in Section 2403.1D “Prior Authorization” of this Chapter, apply to
Community Re-integration Services.
February 15, 2012 HOME BASED HABILITATION SERVICES (HBHS) Section 2403 Page 26
MTL 01/12
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2404
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL QUALITY ASSURANCE
The DHCFP will conduct an annual review to assure the health and welfare, of the recipients
served by HBHS. The review will consist of the program requirements identified in this chapter.
Additionally, a review of the providers will be conducted annually to verify that the providers
meet requirements established for each service, such as licensure, accreditation, etc, and to ensure
claims are paid in accordance with the State Plan and all federal state regulations. Providers must
cooperate with the DHCFP’s annual review process.
February 15, 2012 HOME BASED HABILITATION SERVICES (HBHS) Section 2404 Page 1
MTL 01/12
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2405
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2405 HEARINGS
Please reference Nevada MSM, Chapter 3100, for Medicaid Hearing Process.
February 15, 2012 HOME BASED HABILITATION SERVICES (HBHS) Section 2405 Page 1
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
2502.2 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Child Protective 2503.5. Section 2502.2 is replaced with Section 2502.11
Services (CPS) “Case Management Services.”
2502.3 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Developmentally 2503.6. Section 2502.3 is replaced with Section 2502.1
Delayed Infants and “Lead Case Manager.”
Toddlers Under Age
Three
2502.4 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Juvenile Parole 2503.7. Section 2502.4 is replaced with Section
Population 2502.11A “Case Record Documentation.”
2502.5 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Juvenile Probation 2503.8. Section 2502.5 is replaced with Section 2503.1A
Services “Coverage and Limitations.”
2502.6 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Persons with 2503.9. Section 2502.6 is replaced with Section 2503.1B
Intellectual “Recipient Responsibilities.”
Disabilities or
Related Conditions
2502.7 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Non-Seriously 2503.1. Section 2502.7 has been replaced with Section
Mentally Ill Adults 2503.1C “Authorization Process.”
2502.8 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Seriously Mentally 2503.2. Section 2502.8 is replaced with Section 2502
Ill Adults “Target Group Definitions.” This has been re-titled to
“Target Groups.”
2502.9 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Non-Severely 2503.3. Section 2502.9 has been replaced with Sections
Emotionally 2502.7 and 2503.1A(3) “Target Group – Non-Seriously
Disturbed Children Mentally Ill Adults.” This target group has been re-titled
and Adolescents to “Adults with a Non-Serious Mental Illness.”
2502.10 Target Group – This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Severe Emotional 2503.4. Section 2502.10 has been replaced with Sections
Disturbance 2502.8 and 2503.1A(4) “Target Group – Seriously
Mentally Ill Adults.” This target group has been re-titled
to “Adults with a Serious Mental Illness.”
Page 2 of 3
Background and Explanation of Policy Changes,
Manual Section Section Title Clarifications and Updates
2502.11 Case Management This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Services 2502.2. Section 2502.11 has been replaced with Sections
2502.9 and 2503.1A(5) “Target Group – Non-Severely
Emotionally Disturbed Children and Adolescents.” This
target group has been re-titled to “Children and
Adolescents with a Non-Severe Emotional Disturbance.”
2502.11A Case Record This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Documentation 2502.4. Section 2502.11A has been replaced with
Sections 2502.10 and 2503.1A(6) “Target Group –
Severe Emotional Disturbance.” This target group has
been re-titled to “Target Group – Children and
Adolescents with a Severe Emotional Disturbance.”
2503.1 Case Management This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Services Policy 2502.1. Section 2503.1 has been replaced with Sections
2502.3 and 2503.1A(8) “Developmentally Delayed
Infants and Toddlers Under Age Three.” This target
group has been re-titled to “Infants and Toddlers
Developmentally Delayed Under Age Three.”
2503.1A Coverage and This section has been moved to renumbered Section
Limitations 2502.5. Section 2503.1A has been replaced with Sections
2502.4 and 2503.1A(9) “Target Group – Juvenile Parole
Population.” This target group has been re-titled to
“Juvenile Parole Services.”
Page 3 of 3
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
CASE MANAGEMENT
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
CASE MANAGEMENT
2500 INTRODUCTION
The intent of case management services is to assist recipients eligible under the State Plan in
gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, and other support services including housing
and transportation needs. Case management services do not include the direct delivery of medical,
clinical or other direct services. Components of the service include assessment, care planning,
referral/linkage and monitoring/follow-up. Case management services are provided to eligible
recipients who are residing in a community setting or transitioning to a community setting
following an institutional stay.
There are nine target groups eligible to receive this service. These groups are: (1) children and
adolescents who are Non-Severely Emotionally Disturbed (Non-SED) with a mental illness; (2)
children and adolescents who are Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED); (3) adults who are Non-
Seriously Mentally Ill (Non-SMI) with a mental illness; (4) adults who are Seriously Mentally Ill
(SMI); (5) persons with intellectual disabilities or related conditions; (6) developmentally delayed
infants and toddlers under age three; (7) Juvenile Parole Population; (8) Juvenile Probation
Services (JPS), and (9) Child Protective Services (CPS).
All providers who participate in the Medicaid program must provide services in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP), all policies
and procedures described here in Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 2500, as well as state
and federal regulations and statutes.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the areas where Medicaid and Nevada Check Up policies
differ as documented in the Nevada Check Up Manual, Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2501 AUTHORITY
A. In 1965, the 89th Congress added Title XIX of the SSA authorizing varying percentages
of Federal Financial Participation (FFP) to states that elect to offer medical programs. The
state must offer the 11 basic required medical services. FFP is also available, should states
elect to cover some optional services. One of these optional services is Case Management.
B. Authorities include:
• 42 CFR 483.430
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2502 POLICY
A. Case management services are services which assist an individual in gaining access to
needed medical, social, educational and other supportive services and must include the
following components:
3. Referral and related activities to help the individual obtain needed services.
B. Case management services involve the following activities to assist the eligible recipient
in obtaining needed services:
a. Specifies the goals and actions to address the medical, social, educational
and other services needed by the eligible recipient.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Referral and related activities (such as scheduling appointments for the recipient)
to help the eligible individual obtain needed services, including activities that help
link the individual with medical, social and educational providers or other programs
and services that are capable of providing needed services to address identified
needs and achieve goals specified in the care plan.
4. Monitoring and follow-up; activities include activities and contacts that are
necessary to ensure that the care plan is effectively implemented and adequately
addresses the needs of the eligible individual and may be with the individual, family
members, service provider or other entities or individuals. The monitoring should
be conducted as frequently as necessary, and include at least one annual monitoring,
to help determine whether the following conditions are met:
a. Services are being furnished in accordance with the individual's care plan.
The Lead Case Manager is only used if a recipient is included in more than one target group at a
given time. The Lead Case Manager is a case manager and represents Severely Emotionally
Disturbed (SED) children and adolescents or Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) adults. The Lead Case
Manager coordinates the recipient's care and services with another case manager. The Lead Case
Manager is responsible for coordinating the additional case management services, whether or not,
chronologically, the Lead Case Manager was the original or the subsequent case manager.
A case record documentation shall be maintained for each recipient and shall contain the following
items:
A. The name of the individual receiving services, the dates of case management services, the
name of the provider agency and person chosen by the recipient to provide services.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
B. The nature, content and units of case management services received. Units, for
documentation purposes, are further defined as actual case management activities
performed.
1. If paid per unit, document date, time, number of units and activities completed.
2. If paid per monthly cap rate, document date, time and activities completed.
C. Whether the goals specified in the care plan have been achieved.
D. If an individual declines services listed in the care plan, this must be documented in the
individual's case record.
F. The need for and occurrences of coordination with case managers of other programs.
The case manager shall make available to Nevada Medicaid or Medicaid's Quality Improvement
Organization (QIO-like vendor), upon request, copies of the medical record, progress notes, care
plan, case record or summary documents which reflect the ongoing need for case management
services and support any additional services requested.
The maximum hours per target group, per calendar month, per recipient, allowed for case
management services are identified below. (Maximum hours do not apply to providers who are
paid a capitated, per member/per month rate). All service limits may be exceeded with a prior
authorization.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. Medically necessary.
3. Provided by a qualified provider enrolled to serve the target group in which the
recipient belongs.
5. Contacts by the case manager with individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid
when the purpose of the contact is directly related to the management of the eligible
recipient's care.
6. There are no third parties liable to pay for these services, including as
reimbursement under a medical, social, educational or other federally funded
program. Third party insurance payments for case management services must be
pursued for all recipients.
The provider must determine whether the recipient has other health insurance.
Providers may survey health care insurance companies to determine whether case
management is a covered benefit. Exception: This is not necessary for Medicare
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
since it is not a covered service. If the health care provider covers case management,
it must be billed for all recipients for services provided. For Medicaid recipients,
the health care insurance company must be billed before Medicaid is billed. Once
payment is received, if the other company did not pay the entire cost of services,
Medicaid may be billed. If the health care insurance company will not pay for case
management services, documentation of this must be maintained in the recipient’s
case record.
B. Case management services not reimbursable under the Nevada Medicaid Program include,
but are not limited to:
e. Transportation services;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. Using case management codes for billing, when the recipient does not meet the
criteria for the target group.
8. The direct delivery of foster care services and therapeutic foster care services. The
following activities are not considered to qualify as components of Medicaid case
management services:
e. Home investigations.
f. Providing transportation.
9. If the case manager also provides other services under the plan, the State must ensure
that a conflict of interest does not exist that will result in the case manager making
self-referrals. Individuals must be free to choose their case management provider
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
from among those that have qualified to participate in Medicaid and are willing to
provide the service.
11. Administrative functions for recipients under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) such as the development of an Individual Education Plan and
the implementation and development of an Individual Family Service Plan for Early
Intervention Services are not reimbursable as case management services.
A. Medicaid recipients, their families or legal guardians are required to provide a valid
Medicaid eligibility card to their case management service providers.
B. Medicaid recipients, their families or legal guardians are expected to comply with the
recipient’s treatment and care plans.
Medicaid recipients are entitled to receive a maximum amount of hours of case management
services identified in the Service Limitation Grid, Section 2502.5 per target group, per calendar
month, per recipient. (Maximum hours do not apply to providers who are paid a capitated, per
member/per month rate).
If the recipient requires more than the allotted hours per month, the case manager must thoroughly
document in the recipient’s case record the justification for the additional hours and submit a prior
authorization request to the QIO-like vendor.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
A. Adults, who are Non-SMI, excluding dementia and intellectual disabilities, are recipients
18 years of age and older with significant life stressors and have:
B. Service Eligibility
The determination for adults with a Non-SMI is made by a licensed, qualified mental health
professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW),
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or master’s degree psychiatric nurse).
C. Provider Qualifications
Minimum qualification of a case manager providing services for Non-SMI adults are a
service coordinator with a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, Registered Nurse
(RN), master’s level professional (LCSW or LMFT), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
(APRN) in mental health, psychologist or mental health professional who works under the
direct supervision of a person listed above.
D. Service Criteria
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
b. Individualized care plan identifies all medical, social, educational and other
support services currently being provided, as well as unmet needs of the
recipient.
3. Discharge/Exclusionary Criteria:
2. Who currently, or at any time during the past year (continuous 12-month period);
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
The determination for adults with a SMI is made by a licensed mental health professional
(psychiatrist, psychologist, LCSW, LMFT or master’s degree psychiatric nurse).
C. Provider Qualifications
Minimum qualifications of a case manager providing services for SMI adults (which can
only be provided by a state agency and its employees or contractors or an organization
affiliated with the University of Nevada School of Medicine) are a case manager with a
Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, RN, master’s level professional (LCSW or
LMFT), APRN in mental health, psychologist or mental health professional who works
under the direct supervision of a person listed above.
D. Service Criteria
1. Admission Criteria
b. Individualized care plan identifies all medical, social, educational and other
support services currently being provided, as well as unmet needs of the
recipient.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
3. Discharge Criteria
4. Exclusionary Criteria
A. Children and adolescents, who are Non-SED, excluding dementia and intellectual
disabilities, are recipients with significant life stressors and have:
2. Z-Codes 55-65, R45.850 and R45.851, as listed in the current ICD Manual which
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
C. Provider Qualifications
A. Children with a SED are persons up to age 18 who currently or at any time during the past
year (continuous 12-month period) have a:
1. Diagnosable mental, behavioral or diagnostic criteria that meet the coding and
definition criteria specified in the current ICD. This excludes substance abuse or
addictive disorders, irreversible dementias, as well as intellectual disabilities and
other related conditions and Z-Codes, unless they co-occur with another SMI that
meets current ICD criteria that results in functional impairment which substantially
interferes with or limits the child's role or functioning in family, school or
community activities; and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
The determination for children and adolescents with a SED is made by a licensed mental
health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, LCSW, LMFT or master’s degree
psychiatric nurse).
C. Provider Qualifications
Minimum qualifications of a case manager providing services for SED children and
adolescents (which can only be provided by a state agency or organization affiliated with
the University of Nevada School of Medicine) are a case manager with a bachelor’s degree
in a health-related field, RN, master’s level professional (LCSW or LMFT), APRN in
mental health, psychologist or mental health professional who works under the direct
supervision of a person listed above.
D. Service Criteria
1. Admission
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
b. Individualized care plan identifies all medical, social, educational and other
support services currently being provided, as well as unmet needs of the
recipient.
3. Discharge Criteria
4. Exclusionary Criteria
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
1. Provided to children and young adults who are Medicaid recipients and abused or
neglected or suspected to be at risk thereof as evidenced by being in the care of the
Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), Clark County Department of
Family Youth Services or Washoe County Department of Social Services.
B. Provider Qualifications
The organization providing case management services for CPS must meet the following
requirements:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
b. Ability to work in and with legal systems, including the court system; and
c. Ability to learn state and federal rules, laws and guidelines relating to the
target population and to gain knowledge about community resources.
C. Eligibility Determination
D. Service Criteria
Medicaid eligible recipient is under the care of the County’s Department of Social Services
CPS. Scope of services must be in accordance with federal regulations.
A. Developmentally delayed infants and toddlers are children ages birth through two years
determined eligible for early intervention services through the identification of a
developmental delay, a term which means:
1. A child exhibits a minimum of 50% delay of the child's chronological age in any
one of the areas listed below or a minimum of 25% delay of the child’s
chronological age in any two of the areas listed below. Delays for infants less than
36 weeks’ gestation shall be calculated according to their adjusted age.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
a. Cognitive development;
c. Communication development;
e. Adaptive development.
3. Children also are eligible who have a diagnosed physical or mental condition which
has a high probability of resulting in developmental delays.
a. Review of pertinent records related to the child’s current health status and
medical history.
1. Cognitive development.
3. Communication development.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
5. Adaptive development.
C. Provider Qualifications
D. Service Criteria
1. Admission Criteria
a. Medicaid eligible.
3. Discharge Criteria
b. Child has demonstrated age appropriate skills for six consecutive months.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
4. Exclusionary Criteria
2. Covered services provided to family member(s) who are Medicaid eligible whose
children are on parole.
3. At high risk for medical compromise due to one of the following conditions:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
f. Substance abuse; or
B. Provider Qualifications
The organization providing case management services for Juvenile Parole Services must
meet the following provider qualification requirements:
2. Establish a system to coordinate services for individuals who may be covered under
another program which offers components of case management or coordination
similar to Targeted Case Management including, but not limited to, the
coordination of services with Managed Care providers, DCFS, as well as State
waiver programs; and
5. Establish referral systems and demonstrated linkages and referral ability with
essential social and health service agencies; and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
b. Ability to work in and with legal systems, including the court system and
law enforcement; and
c. Ability to learn state and federal rules, laws and guidelines relating to the
target population and to gain knowledge about community resources.
C. Eligibility Determination
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
D. Service Criteria
Medicaid eligible recipient is under the care of the Department of Juvenile Parole. Services
must be in accordance with federal regulations.
2. Covered services provided to family member(s) who are Medicaid eligible whose
children are on probation.
B. Provider Qualifications
The organization providing case management services for JPS must meet the following
requirements:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
b. Ability to work in and with legal systems, including the court system; and
c. Ability to learn state and federal rules, laws and guidelines relating to the
target population and to gain knowledge about community resources.
C. Eligibility Determination
D. Service Criteria
Medicaid eligible recipient is under the care of the County Department of JPS. Scope of
coverage services must be in accordance with federal regulations.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL TARGET GROUPS
Persons with related conditions are individuals who have a severe chronic
disability. It is manifested before the person reaches age 22 and is likely to continue
indefinitely. The disability can be attributable to cerebral palsy, epilepsy or any
other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to intellectual
disabilities because the condition results in impairment of general intellectual
functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of an intellectually disabled person
and requires treatment or services similar to those required by these persons.
a. Self-care.
c. Learning.
d. Mobility.
e. Self-direction.
C. Provider Qualifications
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
D. Service Criteria
1. Admission Criteria.
3. Discharge Criteria.
4. Exclusionary Criteria
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL LEAD CASE MANAGER
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2504 HEARINGS
Please reference Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 3100, Hearings, for hearings
procedures.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2 of 2
MTL 21/16
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2600
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
2600 INTRODUCTION
Under the SD service delivery model, Nevada Medicaid allows for the self-direction of two
services through an ISO, Personal Care Services (PCS) and Skilled Services. These services are
provided where appropriate, when medically necessary and within service limitations. Services
may be provided in settings outside the home, including employment sites.
SD PCS and Skilled Services are available to recipients, including those persons with cognitive
impairments, who have the ability and desire to manage their own care. When a recipient does not
have the ability to manage or direct their own care, a Personal Care Representative (PCR) may be
selected on the recipient’s behalf to direct the services.
SD PCS and SD Skilled Services are available to recipients who are not inpatients or residents of
a hospital, Nursing Facility (NF), Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities (ICF/IID), institutions for mental disease or other excluded settings.
This Medicaid Services Manual (MSM), Chapter 2600, contains Nevada Medicaid’s policy for the
SD service delivery model of PCS and Skilled Services provided through an ISO. For policy
pertaining to the Provider Agency service delivery model of PCS, refer to Chapter 3500.
All providers must be contracted with the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP)
in accordance with Chapter 100 and meet certain qualifications and criteria as discussed later in
this chapter.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ as
documented in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2601 AUTHORITY
Personal Care Services (PCS) are an optional Medicaid benefit under the Social Security Act.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
2602 DEFINITIONS
Program definitions can be found in the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Addendum.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2603 POLICY
Nevada Medicaid offers two services that can be self-directed by the recipient or their Personal
Care Representative (PCR) through an Intermediary Service Organization (ISO): PCS and Skilled
Services.
Legally responsible individuals (LRIs) may not be reimbursed for providing Self-Directed (SD)
PCS and/or SD Skilled Services.
Self-Directed PCS provide assistance to support and maintain recipients living independently in
their homes. Services may be provided in the home, locations outside the home or wherever the
need for the service occurs. Assistance may be in the form of direct hands-on assistance or cueing
the individual to perform the task themselves, and related to the performance of Activities of Daily
Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Services are based on the
need of the recipient being served, as determined by a Functional Assessment Service Plan (FASP)
approved by the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP). All services must be
performed in accordance with the approved service plan and must be prior authorized. The time
authorized for services is intended to meet the recipient needs within program limits and
guidelines, facilitate effective and efficient service delivery and to augment unpaid and paid
supports currently in place. Services are not intended to replace or substitute services and/or
supports currently in place, or to exchange unpaid supports for paid services.
Services are available to recipients in need of PCS, including persons with cognitive impairments,
who have the ability and desire to manage their own care. When the recipient does not have the
ability to manage their own care, a PCR may do so on their behalf.
This option is utilized by accessing services through an ISO. The ISO is the employer of record
and the recipient is the managing employer for the PCAs that provide the services.
1. The recipient must have ongoing Medicaid or Nevada Check Up (NCU) eligibility for
services;
2. The recipient is not in a hospital, Nursing Facility (NF), Intermediate Care Facility for
Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), an institution for the mentally ill or a
licensed residential facility for groups;
3. The recipient does not have an LRI who is available and capable of providing the necessary
care;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. The recipient must be able to make choices about ADLs, understand the impact of these
choices and assume responsibility for them or have a PCR who is willing to assist the
recipient in making choices and assumes responsibility for those choices;
5. The recipient or PCR must be cooperative in establishing the need for the provision of
services and comply with the approved service plan;
7. The recipient or PCR must be willing and capable of managing all tasks related to service
delivery including, but not limited to: recruitment, selection, scheduling, training and
directing PCAs.
The recipient, LRI or their PCR indicates interest in self-directing their PCS by contacting their
local DHCFP District Office or Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) Office directly.
1. The DHCFP District Office or local ADSD Office staff provides information to the
recipient or the PCR about the self-directed services available. If the recipient is interested
in self-direction, a list of enrolled Medicaid ISO providers is provided to the recipient to
choose and initiate contact with the ISO of his or her choice.
2. If the recipient elects to self-direct his or her own PCS, the ISO will provide, and the
recipient will sign, the Intermediary Service Organization (ISO) Self-Directed Personal
Care Services Unskilled Only Recipient Agreement (Form NMO-3434).
3. If the recipient elects a PCR to direct his or her care, the ISO will provide, and the PCR
will sign, the Intermediary Service Organization (ISO) Self-Directed Personal Care
Services Unskilled Only Personal Care Representative Agreement (Form NMO-3437).
A signed copy of either agreement should be given to the recipient and/or PCR and the ISO
shall retain the original for their records.
1. Covered Services
a. Assistance with the following ADLs is a covered service when no LRI is available
and/or capable of providing the necessary service. Services must be directed to the
individual recipient and related to their health and welfare.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. Bathing/dressing/grooming.
b. Assistance with the following IADLs is a covered service when no LRI is available
and/or capable of providing the necessary service. Services must be directed to the
individual recipient and related to their health and welfare. See the service
limitations section of this chapter for specific eligibility criteria to be considered
eligible to receive additional time for assistance with IADLs.
2. Service Limitations
To be considered eligible to receive additional time for assistance with IADLs, the recipient
must be eligible to receive PCS for ADLs and have deficits which directly preclude the
individual from completing IADLs. The FASP must demonstrate that the recipient meets
the following criteria:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. The recipient has extensive impairments, Level 2 or higher on the FASP in two or
more areas of ADLs; and
Assistance with the IADLs may only be provided in conjunction with services for
ADLs, and only when no LRI is available and/or capable.
3. Non-Covered Services
Duplicative services are not considered medically necessary and will not be covered by
Nevada Medicaid. An inquiry or referral for services does not determine the medical
necessity for services.
The following are not covered under PCS and are not reimbursable:
a. A task that the DHCFP or its designee determines could reasonably be performed
by the recipient.
d. Services to maintain an entire household, such as cleaning areas of the house not
used solely by the recipient(s).
f. Skilled care services requiring the technical or professional skill that State statute
or regulation mandates must be performed by a health care professional licensed or
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
certified by the State. Services include, but are not limited to, the following:
2. Irrigation of any body cavity. This includes both sterile and non-sterile
procedures such as ear irrigation, vaginal douches, and enemas;
6. Physical assessments;
10. Massage;
14. Any task identified within the Nurse Practice Act as requiring skilled
nursing, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) services.
g. Chore services.
i. Care of pets except in cases where the animal is a certified service animal.
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k. A task the DHCFP determines is within the scope of services provided to the
recipient as part of an assisted living contract, a supported living arrangement
contract or a foster care agreement.
PCS authorization requests must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor using the following
procedures:
The recipient, LRI, PCR or an individual covered under the confidentiality requirements
of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) may contact the QIO-like
vendor to request PCS. Initial requests may not be made by the PCS Agency provider.
The QIO-like vendor validates that the recipient meets PCS criteria, and if so, an enrolled
and trained physical or occupational therapist will then complete an in-home assessment
of the recipient’s functional abilities.
Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the in-home
visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate the recipient’s
need for PCS.
If the recipient’s request for PCS is approved, the QIO-like vendor will issue a prior
authorization number to the recipient’s chosen ISO Provider.
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Upon receipt of a request for an initial FASP, the QIO-like vendor will first
complete a risk assessment over the phone to identify those recipients for whom
PCS are urgent to avoid institutionalization or for whom the service need is the
result of an acute medical condition or loss of a primary caregiver or LRI. The intent
of the telephonic risk assessment is to determine if a recipient is at risk of losing or
being unable to return to a community setting because of the need for PCS.
When a recipient is determined “at risk,” the QIO-like vendor will provide a
temporary service authorization. An enrolled and trained physical or occupational
therapist will then complete an in-home assessment of the recipient’s functional
abilities.
Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the
in-home visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate
the recipient’s need for PCS. After completion, the FASP is forwarded to the QIO-
like vendor to process.
The selected ISO Provider is notified when a recipient is at risk and agrees, by
accepting the case, to initiate needed services within 24 hours of case acceptance.
The approved service plan and authorization document are faxed to the provider
upon acceptance.
To prevent a break in service, reassessment requests for ongoing services are recommended
to be submitted to the QIO-like vendor at least 60 days, but not greater than 90 days, prior
to the expiration date of the current authorization. The request must be submitted on the
Authorization Request for PCS form (FA-24). The form must include all required recipient
and provider information, as well as the units requested and the dates of service for the
service interval requested.
The QIO-like vendor validates that the request meets PCS criteria. An enrolled and trained
physical or occupational therapist will then complete an in-home assessment of the
recipient’s functional abilities.
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Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the in-home
visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate the recipient’s
need for PCS. After completion, the FASP is forwarded to the QIO-like vendor to process.
If the request is approved, the QIO-like vendor will issue a prior authorization number to
the ISO Provider submitting the request.
The QIO-like vendor validates that the request meets PCS criteria and if so, an
enrolled and trained physical or occupational therapist will then complete an in-
home assessment of the recipient’s functional abilities.
Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the
in-home visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate
the recipient’s need for PCS. After completion, the FASP is forwarded to the QIO-
like vendor to process.
If the request is approved, the QIO-like vendor will issue a prior authorization
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When the recipient has an unexpected change in condition or circumstance which requires
short-term (less than eight weeks) modification of the current authorization, a new FASP
is not required.
Such a modification is considered when additional PCS are required for a short time as the
result of an acute medical episode or during a post-hospitalization period.
The following procedure must be followed for all short-term modifications of the approved
service plan:
c. Upon expiration of the modified service plan, the recipient’s original approved
service plan is automatically reinstated unless a new FASP is completed due to a
significant change in the recipient’s condition or circumstance.
The recipient’s Provider Agency may submit a single-service authorization request, when
the recipient requires an extra visit for an unanticipated need(s), such as bowel or bladder
incontinence. The Provider Agency must document the medical necessity of the services
requested and be the designated provider for the current authorization period. The request
must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor no later than seven business days after the service
is provided. A new FASP is not required in these single-service situations.
Mileage for travel to and from a recipient’s home or for shopping is not reimbursable to
ISO providers, except in hardship situations in remote or rural areas of the state, where
failure to reimburse mileage expenses would severely limit available providers. Mileage
authorization requests must be submitted in advance to the local DHCFP District Office
for review and may be approved on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the DHCFP District
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Office will notify the QIO-like vendor to issue an authorization number for the approved
mileage to the provider.
The total weekly authorized hours for PCS may be combined and tailored to meet the needs of the
recipient, as long as the plan does not alter medical necessity. The recipient will determine how to
use the weekly authorized hours on an ongoing basis. Any changes that do not increase the total
authorized hours can be made, for the recipient’s convenience, within a single week without an
additional authorization. Flexibility of services may not take place solely for the convenience of
the provider or PCA.
1. Upon receipt of an initial service plan from the QIO-like vendor, the provider must meet
with the recipient in person to determine how the total weekly authorized hours will be
provided to meet the individual’s needs.
2. Written documentation of the contact with the recipient regarding provision of services
must be maintained in the recipient’s file.
3. Any change to the approved service plan must be discussed between the provider and the
recipient. This may be done either in person or via the telephone in order to determine how
hours and tasks will be provided.
4. Changes may be requested on a daily and/or weekly basis when necessary to meet a change
in circumstance or condition.
5. The ISO provider must follow their established policies and procedures in order to meet
recipient requests for changes in service delivery in a timely manner.
6. Written documentation of the contact with the recipient regarding any change to the
approved service plan must be maintained in the recipient’s file.
The DHCFP assures the independence of contracted providers completing the FASPs. Physical
and occupational therapists who complete the FASPs must be an independent third party and may
not be:
1. related by blood or marriage to the individual, or to any paid caregiver of the individual;
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4. related by blood or marriage to the Provider who provides PCS to the individual.
The therapist completing the FASP must not have an interest in or employment by a Provider.
Note: To ensure the independence of individuals performing the FASPs, providers are prohibited
from contacting the physical or occupational therapists directly.
LRI’s are individuals who are legally responsible to provide medical support. These individuals
include spouses of recipients, legal guardians, and parents of minor recipients, including
stepparents, foster parents and adoptive parents. LRI’s may not be reimbursed for providing PCS.
If the LRI is not capable of providing the necessary services/supports, he or she must provide
verification to the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor, from a physician, that they are not capable of
providing the supports due to illness or injury. If not available, verification that they are
unavailable due to hours of employment and/or school attendance must be provided. Without this
verification, PCS will not be authorized.
A recipient who is unable to direct their own care may opt to utilize a PCR. This individual is
directly involved in the day-to-day care of the recipient, is available to direct care in the home, acts
on behalf of the recipient when the recipient is unable to direct his or her own personal care services
and assumes all medical liability associated with directing the recipient’s care. A PCR must be a
responsible adult.
For the self-directed service delivery model, the PCR is responsible to hire, manage and schedule
PCAs, assumes responsibility for training and manages all paperwork functions.
1. effectuate, as much as possible, the decision the individual would make for himself/herself;
2. accommodate the individual, to the extent necessary that they can participate as fully as
possible in all decisions that affect them;
3. give due consideration to all information including the recommendations of other interested
and involved parties;
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5. understand that provision of services is based upon mutual responsibilities between the
PCR and the ISO.
A PCR is not eligible to receive reimbursement from Medicaid for this activity. A recipient’s paid
PCA cannot be the recipient’s PCR. The PCR must meet all criteria outlined in Section 2603.9 of
this chapter. In addition, this individual must be present for the provision of care on a consistent
basis, as well as sign daily records. For this reason, it is not allowable for individuals such as a
paid PCA, care coordinator or case manager to assume this role.
The PCR may reside outside the home if frequent contact can be made by the recipient, the ISO,
and other care providers. The PCR must be available to the recipient, the ISO and other care
providers as necessary to fulfill the regular elements of Section 2603.9 of this chapter.
Additionally, if a change in PCR becomes necessary, a new personal care representative agreement
must be completed and kept in the recipient’s provider file. Contact the ISO to make the necessary
changes and to obtain form(s).
An LRI of a minor child has a duty/obligation to provide the child necessary maintenance,
health/medical care, education, supervision and support. Necessary maintenance includes, but is
not limited to, the provisions of ADLs and IADLs. Payment will not be made for the routine care,
supervision or services normally provided for the child without charge as a matter of course in the
usual relationship among members of the nuclear family.
PCS are not a substitute for natural and informal supports provided by family, friends or other
available community resources; however, are available to supplement those support systems so the
child is able to remain in the home. LRIs may not be reimbursed by Medicaid for PCS services.
PCS for children with disabilities may be appropriate when there is no legally responsible,
available and capable parent or LRI, as defined by the DHCFP, to provide all necessary personal
care. Documentation verifying that the recipient’s parent or LRI is unavailable or incapable must
be provided upon request.
In authorizing PCS services to Medicaid eligible children, the FASP factors in the age and
developmental level of the child as well as the parent or LRI’s availability and capability to provide
the child’s personal care needs.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services are available to
children under the age of 21. EPSDT may provide a vehicle for receiving medically necessary
services beyond the limitations of the PCS benefit. Services must be deemed medically necessary.
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Authorization of additional services under EPSDT must take into account the responsibilities of
the LRI and age-appropriate service provision as discussed above.
Housekeeping tasks are limited directly to the provision of PCS, such as cleaning the
bathtub/shower after a bath/shower has been given. Time is allocated under the bathing task and
is not an additional service. When a recipient lives with an LRI, it is the responsibility of the LRI
to perform specific housekeeping tasks, other than those which are incidental to the performance
of Personal Care tasks. This includes, but is not limited to other housekeeping tasks, meal
preparation, essential shopping and escort services.
A child’s LRI must be present during the provision of services. If the LRI cannot be present during
the provision of services, a PCR designated by the LRI, other than the PCA, must be present during
the time services are being provided.
PCS may be provided for recipients enrolled in hospice when the need for PCS is unrelated to the
terminal condition, and the personal care needs exceed the PCS provided under the hospice benefit.
If a recipient enrolls in hospice, the DHCFP or its designee will conduct an evaluation of the
individual's comprehensive personal care needs to document any needs not met by hospice and
which may be provided by the PCA. The evaluation will differentiate between personal care needs
unrelated to the terminal condition and those needs directly related to hospice, clearly documenting
the total personal care needs. PCS provided under hospice will be subtracted from the total
authorized PCS hours.
The PCS provided by a PCA to a recipient because of needs unrelated to the terminal condition
may not exceed program limits and guidelines.
Recipients on the Home and Community Based Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities and receiving residential support services through a SLA may receive State Plan PCS
if the services are determined to be medically necessary and are non-duplicative of the residential
support services being provided. The FASP will be completed factoring in the residential support
services.
SD Skilled Services are skilled services provided to a recipient by an unlicensed personal care
assistant. This option is offered by Nevada Medicaid under the authority of NRS 629.091, where
a provider of healthcare can authorize an unlicensed personal care assistant to provide certain
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specific medical, nursing or home health services, subject to a number of conditions. All skilled
services that are self-directed and provided by an unlicensed personal care assistant require a
doctor’s order and prior authorization.
In addition to the requirements listed in Section 2603.1A, the following requirements must be met
to be determined eligible for SD Skilled Services:
1. The primary physician has determined the condition of the person with a disability is stable
and predictable;
2. The primary physician has determined the procedures involved in providing the services
are simple and the performance of such procedures by the personal care assistant does not
pose a substantial risk to the person with a disability;
3. A provider of healthcare has determined the personal care assistant has the knowledge,
skill and ability to perform the services competently;
4. The PCA agrees with the provider of health care to refer the person with a disability to the
primary physician in accordance with NRS 629.091;
5. Services must be provided in the presence of the LRI or PCR if the recipient is unable to
direct their own care, as in the case of a minor or a cognitively impaired adult, in
accordance with NRS 629.091.
The recipient or their PCR indicates interest in the SD Skilled Services Model by contacting their
local DHCFP or ADSD Office directly.
1. The local DHCFP or ADSD Office staff provides information to the recipient, the LRI or
the PCR about the self-directed services available. If the recipient is interested in self-
direction, a list of enrolled Medicaid ISO providers is provided to the recipient to choose
and initiate contact with the ISO of his or her choice.
2. The ISO will provide the recipient with the Authorization Request for Self-Directed Skilled
Services Authorization Form (FA-24C) for completion.
3. The ISO must fax the completed Authorization Request for Self-Directed Skilled Services
Authorization Form (FA-24C) and all necessary supporting medical documentation
specific to the request to the QIO-like vendor for processing.
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1. COVERED SERVICES
SD Skilled Services may be approved for recipients who are chronically ill or disabled who
require skilled care to remain at home. The following criteria must be met:
a. The service(s) are medically necessary and required to maintain or improve the
recipient’s health status;
b. The service(s) performed must be one that a person without a disability usually and
customarily would personally perform without the assistance of a provider of health
care;
2. Non-Covered Services
b. SD Skilled Services provided in the absence of an LRI or PCR for those individuals
who are not able to direct their own care; or
3. Medical Criteria
a. The following criteria are used to establish the appropriate complexity of skilled
interventions. The DHCFP or its designee makes the final determination regarding
the reasonable amount of time for completion of a task based on supporting
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explain this request. If authorized, this intervention will equal one routine
intervention.
c. Additional major procedures not listed here may be considered in determining the
complexity of skilled intervention. The DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor, or their
designee, should be contacted with information on what the procedure is and the
amount of skilled time needed to perform this procedure or task.
d. Clinical Decision Support Guide - See Section 2606. The Clinical Decision Support
Guide identifies the benefit limitations for individual recipients based upon
supporting documentation provided by the physician that describes the complexity
of the recipient’s care and the frequency of skilled interventions. Services must be
appropriate, reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of the
recipient’s illness or injury within the context of the recipient’s unique medical
condition and the standard of practice within the community.
The QIO-like vendor reviews the request and supporting documentation utilizing
criteria identified in the clinical decision support guide. The QIO-like vendor will
use these criteria to review for medical necessity and utilization control procedures.
4. Crisis Override
The SD Skilled Services benefit allows, in rare crisis situations, a short term increase of
service hours beyond standard limits. A crisis situation is one that is generally
unpredictable and puts the individual at risk of institutionalization without the provision of
additional hours.
The provider must contact the DHCFP QIO-like vendor with information in writing
regarding the crisis situation and need for additional hours.
Prior authorization must be obtained before services can be provided. SD Skilled Services are
authorized by the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor. Services must be requested using Code T1019 plus
a TF modifier to represent SD Skilled Services.
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If the TF modifier is not requested, reimbursement for SD Skilled Services will not be approved
and subsequent claims will be denied.
1. The ISO must fax the completed Authorization Request for Self-Directed Skilled Services
Authorization Form (FA-24C) and all necessary supporting medical documentation
specific to the request to the QIO-like vendor for processing.
2. The QIO-like vendor reviews the request and supporting documentation utilizing criteria
identified in the Clinical Decision Support Guide. The QIO-like vendor will use these
criteria to review for medical necessity and utilization control procedures.
3. Prior authorizations are specific to the recipient, a provider, specific services, established
quantity of units and for specific dates of service.
4. Prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment for the service; payment is contingent
upon passing all edits contained with the claims payment process; the recipient’s continued
Medicaid eligibility; and the ongoing medical necessity for the service being provided.
ISO providers shall ensure that services to Medicaid and NCU recipients are provided in
accordance to the individual recipient’s approved service plan and in accordance with the
conditions specified in this chapter and the Medicaid Provider Contract.
In order to enroll as a Nevada Medicaid ISO provider, all providers must be certified and/or
licensed by the DPBH as an ISO or an Agency to Provide Personal Care in the Home and
also certified as an ISO.
Providers must comply with licensing requirements and maintain an active certification
and/or license at all times.
2. Provider Enrollment
To become a Nevada Medicaid ISO provider, the provider must enroll with the QIO-like
vendor as an Intermediary Service Organization (provider type 83).
The provider must meet the conditions of participation as stated in the MSM Chapter 100.
The provider must comply with all local, state and federal regulations and applicable
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statutes, including but not limited to Nevada Revised Statutes Chapters 449 and 629, the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA),
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA).
3. Employer of Record
The ISO is the employer of record for the PCAs providing services to a Medicaid recipient
who chooses the Self-Directed service delivery model. The ISO shall not serve as the
managing employer of the PCA.
4. Recipient Education
The ISO may initiate education of the recipient or PCR in the skills required to act as the
managing employer and self-direct care. This may include training on how to recruit,
interview, select, manage, evaluate, dismiss and direct the PCA in the delivery of
authorized services. Education must begin with an accepted recipient referral and continue
throughout the duration of the service provision. Verification of recipient education must
be maintained in the recipient’s file.
The ISO may, upon request, provide a list of PCAs to recipients, their LRI or their PCR.
The recipient, their LRI or PCR may reference this list in recruiting potential PCAs.
6. Backup List
The ISO shall maintain and make available to the recipient, their LRI or PCR, on request,
a list of qualified PCAs that may be able to provide back-up services. The ISO is not
responsible for arranging or ensuring back-up care is provided as this is the responsibility
of the recipient, their LRI or PCR.
7. Backup Plan
The ISO may, upon request, assist the recipient in developing a written back-up plan to
address personal care service needs in the event that care is interrupted. This may include
providing a current list of PCAs available to assist in providing appropriate back-up
services. The ISO is responsible for documenting the back-up plan that is developed, but
is not responsible for arranging or ensuring back-up care is provided, as this is the
responsibility of the recipient, their LRI or PCR.
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9. Prior Authorization
The ISO shall obtain prior authorization for services prior to the provision of services. All
initial and ongoing services must be prior authorized by the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor.
Services which have not been prior authorized will not be reimbursed.
Prior to the start of services, the ISO staff must review and document with the recipient,
their LRI or PCR all components of the MSM Chapter 2600 and the following items:
a. The ISO may initiate education of the recipient or PCR in the skills required to act
as managing employer and self-direct care. This may include training on how to
recruit, interview, select, manage, evaluate, dismiss and direct the PCAs in the
delivery of authorized services. Documentation of this must be maintained in the
recipient’s file.
b. The ISO must review with the recipient, their LRI or PCR the approved service
plan, weekly hours, tasks to be provided and required paperwork.
c. The ISO must review with the recipient, their LRI or PCR his or her responsibility
to establish the PCA’s schedule and to establish his or her own back-up plan.
d. The ISO provider must review with the recipient, their LRI or PCR the differences
between the Agency and the SD Service Delivery Model.
The following are some of the activities that are not within the scope of PCS and are not
permitted. This is not an all-inclusive list.
a. Skilled Care Services requiring the technical or professional skill that State statute
or regulation mandates must be performed by a health care professional licensed or
certified by the State. PCS services must never be confused with services of a higher
level that must be performed by persons with professional training and credentials;
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d. Purchasing alcoholic beverages for use by the recipient or others in the home unless
prescribed by the recipient’s physician;
i. Accepting or retaining money or gratuities for any reason other than that needed
for the purchase of groceries or medications for the recipient; and
j. Care of pets, except in the case where the animal is a certified service animal.
12. Supervision
The ISO must review with the recipient, their LRI or PCR, the recipient’s approved service
plan. This must be done each time a new service plan is approved. The ISO must clarify
with the recipient, their LRI or PCR, the recipient’s needs and the tasks to be performed.
Documentation of the approved service plan review must be maintained in the recipient’s
record.
Provider liability responsibilities are included in the Medicaid and NCU Provider Contract.
State law requires that persons employed in certain capacities make a report to a child
protective service agency, an aging and disability services agency or law enforcement
agency immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours after there is reasonable cause to
believe that a child, adult or older person has been abused, neglected, exploited, isolated or
abandoned.
For recipients under the age of 18, the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or
the appropriate county agency accepts reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. For
adults’ age 60 and over, the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) accepts
reports of suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect, exploitation or isolation. For all other
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The DHCFP expects that all providers be in compliance with the intent of all applicable
laws.
The ISO must report all serious occurrences involving the recipient, the PCA, or affecting
the provider’s ability to deliver services. The Nevada DHCFP Serious Occurrence Report
must be completed within 24 hours of discovery and submitted to the local DHCFP District
Office. If the recipient is on a Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW), the
notification shall be made directly to the HCBW case manager’s ADSD office.
Reportable serious occurrences involving either the recipient or PCA include, but are not
limited to the following:
d. Exploitation;
j. Loss of contact with the recipient for three consecutive scheduled days;
k. Medication errors;
l. Theft;
m. Medical Emergency; or
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16. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Privacy and Confidentiality
Information on HIPAA, privacy and confidentiality of recipient records and other protected
health information is found in MSM Chapter 100.
Providers shall not engage in any unsolicited direct marketing practices with any current
or potential Medicaid PCS recipient or their LRI. All marketing activities conducted must
be limited to the general education of the public or health care providers about the benefits
of PCS. Such literature may be printed with the company’s logo and contact information,
however, this literature may not be distributed, unsolicited, to any current or potential
Medicaid PCS recipient(s)or their LRI. The provider may not, directly or indirectly, engage
in door-to-door, telephone, direct mail, email or other cold-call marketing activities.
The provider must ensure that marketing, including plans and materials, are accurate and
do not mislead, confuse or defraud current or potential recipients. Statements considered
inaccurate, false or misleading include, but are not limited to, any assertion or statement
that:
a. the recipient must enroll with the provider in order to obtain benefits or in order not
to lose benefits; or
18. Records
The provider must maintain medical and financial records, supporting documents, and all
other records relating to services provided. The provider must retain records for a period
pursuant to the State records retention policy, which is currently six years from the date of
payment for the specified service.
a. If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period
provided by the DHCFP, records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit
findings have been finally determined.
1. The Provider must maintain all required records for each PCA employed by
the agency, regardless of the length of employment.
2. The Provider must maintain the required record for each recipient who has
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b. At a minimum, the Provider must document the following on all service records:
4. The services provided and the time spent providing the services. The service
record must be initialed daily by the PCA and the recipient, their LRI or
PCR to verify service provision.
In the case of electronic service records, the recipient does not have to
provide a daily initial on the electronic timesheet to verify daily tasks were
provided. The recipient’s weekly electronic signature, when the electronic
records are completed, verifies the amount of services provided weekly by
the PCA and that services were provided in accordance with the approved
service plan.
c. The PCA’s supervisor (or other designated agency representative) must review and
approve all service delivery records completed by the PCA. The provider will only
be paid for the hours and tasks authorized on the approved service plan, which are
clearly documented as being provided on the service delivery records. This includes
electronic service delivery records.
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of the recipient, documentation specific to this
option is required and must be signed by all applicable individuals as identified on each
form and updated annually with any significant change in condition. Documentation must
be maintained in the recipient’s file.
All service delivery records completed by the PCA must be reviewed. The provider will
only be paid for the hours and tasks which are provided according to the approved service
plan and are documented on the service delivery records. This includes electronic service
delivery records.
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a. In the event that a Provider decides to discontinue providing PCS to any of their
service areas, the Provider shall:
2. provide the DHCFP with a copy of the written notice of intent to discontinue
services, including a list of the affected recipients, at least 30 calendar days
in advance of service discontinuation; and
3. continue to provide services through the notice period or until all recipients
are receiving services through another Provider, whichever occurs sooner.
b. In the event that the DHCFP discontinues the contractual relationship with a
Provider, for any reason, the Provider shall:
Providers who fail to satisfactorily meet the requirements discussed above shall be
prohibited from participation in a new application for any other PCS provider
agreement for a period of not less than one year.
1. Recipient Responsibilities
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b. notify the provider of current insurance information, including the carrier of other
insurance coverage, such as Medicare.
c. notify the provider of changes in medical status, service needs, address and location
or in changes of status of legally responsible individual(s) or PCR.
f. establish a backup plan in case a PCA is unable to provide services at the scheduled
time.
g. not request a PCA to work more than the hours authorized on the approved service
plan.
i. not request a PCA to provide services not on the approved service plan.
j. comply with all Medicaid policies and procedures as outlined in the MSM, all
relevant chapters, including Chapters 100 and 3300.
m. Verify services were provided according to the approved service plan and/or
doctor’s orders by, whenever possible, signing or initialing the PCA documentation
of the exact date and time the PCA was in attendance and providing services.
n. inform the PCA of the existence of advance directive documents, if these are
available, and provide a copy to the ISO, if appropriate.
o. notify the ISO and the recipient’s case manager, if applicable, or the local DHCFP
District Office when the recipient, their LRI or PCR no longer wish to self-direct
their services and request care be provided through a provider agency.
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q. specify any and all specialized training requirements of the PCA and assure that the
specified training has been received.
r. obtain re-certification for continued services according to policy. This may require
that a FASP and/or a new authorization request for Self-Directed Skilled Services
Form be completed.
s. The recipient, LRI and/or PCR are responsible to cooperate fully with the physician
and other healthcare providers in order to establish compliance with the
requirements set forth in NRS 629.091.
t. When the recipient desires to provide specialized training, and is able to state and
convey his/her own needs and preferences to the PCA, information must be
documented in the recipient’s file identifying the specific training the recipient has
provided.
u. The authorization request for Self-Directed Skilled Services Form is required and
must be completed by a qualified provider for each personal care assistant who will
perform the skilled services.
2. Recipient Rights
Every Medicaid and NCU recipient receiving PCS or SD Skilled Services, their LRI or
PCR, has the right to:
a. request a change in service delivery model from the Self-Directed model provided
through an ISO to the Provider Agency model for their PCS or a Home Health
Agency for their skilled services;
b. receive considerate and respectful care that recognizes the inherent worth and
dignity of each individual;
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e. contact the local DHCFP District Office, with questions, complaints, or for
additional information;
f. receive assurance that privacy and confidentiality about one's health, social,
domestic and financial circumstances will be maintained pursuant to applicable
statutes and regulations;
h. expect all providers, within the limits set by the approved service plan and within
program criteria, to respond in good faith to the recipient's reasonable requests for
assistance;
i. receive information upon request regarding the DHCFP’s policies and procedures,
including information on charges, reimbursements, FASP determinations and the
opportunity for fair a hearing;
l. request a Fair Hearing if there is disagreement with the DHCFP’s action(s) to deny,
terminate, reduce or suspend services; and
m. receive upon request the telephone number of the Office for Consumer Health
Assistance.
Escort services may be authorized in certain situation for recipients who require a PCA to perform
an approved PCS task en route to or while obtaining Medicaid reimbursable services.
Escort services may be authorized as a separate billable service when all the following conditions
are met:
1. The needed PCS is currently an authorized task on the approved service plan and will be
provided during the course of the visit.
2. The PCS required are an integral part of the visit. Covered personal care tasks would
include undressing/dressing, toileting, transferring/positioning, ambulation and eating. For
example, transferring a recipient on and off an examination table is an integral part of a
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physician visit.
3. An LRI is unavailable or incapable of providing the personal care task en route to or during
the appointment.
4. Staff at the site of the visit (surgery center, physician’s office, clinic setting, outpatient
therapy site or other Medicaid reimbursable setting) is unable to assist with the needed
personal care task.
1. The provider must contact the QIO-like vendor for prior authorization for escort services.
2. Service should be requested as a single service authorization request. The provider must
document the medical necessity of the services.
1. The provider must verify that all conditions above are met when asking for an escort
services authorization.
2. The provider must include all the above information when submitting the prior
authorization request, including the date of service and the amount of time requested. The
provider must comply with all other policies in Section 2603.1D of this chapter.
2603.11 TRANSPORTATION
Transportation of the recipient in a provider’s vehicle, or the PCA’s private vehicle or any other
vehicle is not a covered service and is not reimbursable by the DHCFP. Recipients who choose to
be transported by the PCA do so at their own risk.
Refer to MSM Chapter 1900, Transportation Services, for requirements of the DHCFP medical
transportation program. Medicaid may reimburse for necessary and essential medical
transportation to and from medical providers.
2603.12 REIMBURSEMENT
Medicaid reimbursement is made directly to the Provider Agency for services billed using Service
Code T1019 for PCS or T1019TF for SD Skilled. The reimbursement rate is based on a contracted
rate which takes into consideration and includes the costs associated with doing business.
Consequently, separate reimbursement is not available for the following:
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4. The cost of basic training, in-service requirements and the CPR and First Aid requirement;
5. Routine supplies customarily used during the course of visits, including but not limited to
non-sterile gloves.
Providers must bill only for the dates when services were actually provided, in accordance with
the appropriate billing manual.
Any provider found by the State or its agent(s) to have engaged in improper billing practices,
without limitations, may be subject to sanctions including recoupment, denial or termination from
participation in Nevada Medicaid.
The findings and conclusions of any investigation or audit by the DHCFP shall not be construed
as prohibiting any criminal or civil investigations, actions or other claims for relief that may be
available to any party under applicable federal, state or local laws.
Improper billing practices may include, but are not limited to:
2. submitting claims for services not provided, for example billing a visit when the recipient
was not at home but the PCA was at the recipient’s residence;
3. submitting claims for visits without documentation to support the claims billed.
a. Acceptable documentation for each visit billed shall include the nature and extent
of services, the care provider’s signature, the recipient’s signature, the month, day,
year and time in and out of the recipient’s home. Providers shall submit or produce
such documentation upon request by the DHCFP staff;
4. submitting claims for unnecessary visits or visits that are in excess of amount, scope and
duration necessary to reasonably achieve its purpose;
5. billing for the full authorized number of units when they exceed the actual amount of
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service units provided; or submitting claims for PCS provided by an unqualified paid PCA.
Any PCS or other provider who improperly bills the DHCFP for services rendered is subject to all
administrative and corrective sanctions and recoupments listed in the MSM Chapter 3300. All
Medicaid overpayments are subject to recoupment.
Any such action taken against a provider by the DHCFP has no bearing on any criminal liability
of the provider.
The DHCFP and/or ADSD may conduct reviews, announced or unannounced, to evaluate the
provider’s compliance with this chapter and any other regulatory requirement.
These reviews may consist of, but are not limited to, a desk review by the DHCFP and/or ADSD
staff and/or an onsite review. Providers must cooperate with the review process. Additionally,
reviews may be conducted to verify that providers meet requirements established for each service,
to ensure services are being provided and billed for accordingly and that claims for those services
are paid in accordance with the State Plan, this chapter and all federal and state regulations.
Reviews may also be conducted to ensure the health and welfare, service satisfaction and freedom
of choice of the recipients receiving PCS and/or Skilled Services.
For the purposes of this Chapter, the DHCFP or their designee may take adverse action when:
3. the recipient, their LRI or the PCR refuses services or is non-cooperative in the
establishment or delivery of services;
4. the recipient, their LRI or the PCR refuses to accept services in accordance with the
approved service plan;
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7. the recipient’s parent and/or legal guardian is responsible for the maintenance, health care,
education and support of their child;
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An individual may independently contract with the DHCFP to provide SD Skilled Services and
PCS in a recipient’s residence or in a location outside the home, except as excluded per 1905(a)(24)
of the Social Security Act. An individual may only apply to the DHCFP to become a PCS IC when
the need and preference for SD Skilled Services exists, where no PCS Agency or ISO is available
and when the absence of an IC would constitute a hardship for an eligible recipient. A hardship
situation is one in which the recipient is considered to be “at risk.”
An application to become an IC with Nevada Medicaid is made through the local DHCFP District
Office. Each IC providing PCS must comply with all PCS program criteria. The local DHCFP
District Office will inform the potential IC of program criteria, training requirements, etc. The
local DHCFP District Office will assist in processing the IC’s application which must be submitted
to the QIO-like vendor. Once the IC is approved, the local DHCFP District Office will notify the
appropriate ADSD case manager who will provide the IC with the recipient’s service plan and
authorized service hours.
All of the policies discussed in the Section 2603.1C and 2603.7C of this chapter apply to the IC
option.
Prior authorization must be obtained before services can be provided. PCS is authorized by the
ADSD case manager. The IC shall contact the recipient’s ADSD case manager to obtain prior
authorization for services.
The IC must assist eligible Medicaid recipients with ADLs and IADLs, as identified on the
individual recipient’s service plan and in accordance with the conditions specified in this Chapter
and the Medicaid Provider Contract, as well as SD Skilled Services pursuant to NRS 629.091.
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of the recipient, documentation specific to the SD
Skilled Services option of the program is required and must be signed by all applicable individuals
as identified on each form, and updated annually and/or with any significant change in condition.
Current forms are available upon request from the DHCFP or the QIO-like vendor.
1. Provider Enrollment
To become a Nevada Medicaid provider, the IC must enroll with the QIO-like vendor as
a Provider Type 58, Specialty 189.
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b. The Provider shall provide PCS in ADLs and IADLs which are medically necessary
and approved on the service plan. The services provided must not exceed the PCA
scope of services or limitations defined elsewhere in the MSM.
c. The IC must review the recipient's service plan with the recipient or their PCR prior
to the initiation of services. The IC shall review all allowable tasks, excluded
activities and recipient back up plan. Documentation must be maintained in the
recipient’s file that this requirement has been met.
d. 24 Hour Accessibility
The IC should have reasonable phone access either through a cell phone or home
telephone for contact by the recipient or PCR. The IC is not required to maintain
24-hour phone accessibility.
e. Backup Mechanism
g. Administrative Functions
h. Service Initiation
Prior to initiation of services and periodically as needed, the IC must review with
the recipient or PCR, the following:
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5. The recipient’s service plan or any changes in the service plan, including
the following:
b. PCA’s schedule;
i. Supervision
The IC is not required to meet the supervisory requirement of the PCS agency. As
an IC the provider is required to perform all PCA services.
j. Training
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k. Records
The IC must maintain medical and financial records, supporting documents, and all
other records relating to PCS provided. The provider must retain records for a
period pursuant to the State records retention policy, which is currently six years
from the date of payment for the specified service.
Refer to MSM Chapter 100 for information on HIPAA, privacy and confidentiality
of recipient records and other protected health information.
All of the policies discussed in the Section 2603.9 of this chapter apply to the IC model.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2605 HEARINGS
Reference MSM Chapter 3100, Hearings, for Medicaid recipient hearing procedures and Medicaid
provider hearing procedures.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT
GUIDE
2606 SELF DIRECTED (SD) SKILLED SERVICES – CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT GUIDE
Three highly
complex skilled
interventions, with or
without additional
routine skilled
interventions or
limited skilled
interventions.
1
MTL 12/17
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2700
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
2700 INTRODUCTION
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)
model for children and adults under a combination of mental health rehabilitation, medical/clinical
and institutional authority. The intent of the CCBHC model is to increase access to high quality,
coordinated and integrated care that is outcomes-based across the continuum of care. The services
must be recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts working
within their scope of practice under state law. Services are provided for the maximum reduction
of a physical and mental disability and to restore the recipient to the best possible functioning
level. The services are provided in the least restrictive, most normative setting possible and must
be delivered in a CCBHC delivery model. The CCBHC provides developmentally appropriate
services that are recovery-oriented, person- and family-centered, strengths-based and trauma-
informed in a culturally and linguistically competent manner. The CCBHC delivery model ensures
recipient participation in shared decision-making regarding their individualized treatment and
recovery plans, and engages recipients and their families in active participation in their care. The
provision of services occurs within community settings, using a welcoming approach that
encourages and supports treatment to occur “beyond the four walls” of a traditional treatment
setting, increasing availability and accessibility of care.
CCBHCs meet the psychosocial and physical health needs of the recipient through the provision
of direct services and through effective case management and care coordination. CCBHCs may
collaborate with a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO) that is an extension of the
CCBHC delivery model. This innovative and flexible delivery model provides whole person
responsive and preventative care to best meet the needs of the recipient. Services assist recipients
to develop, enhance and/or retain behavioral and physical health, social integration skills, personal
adjustment and/or independent living competencies in order to experience success and satisfaction
in environments of their choice and to function as independently as possible. Interventions occur
concurrently and begin as soon as clinically possible.
CCBHC providers must ensure that all services are coordinated across the continuum of care and
provided under this chapter and according to most recent edition of the relevant Medicaid Services
Manuals (MSM) sections to include, but not limited to, Chapters 100, 400, 600, 1700, 1900, 2500,
3400, 3800 and the MSM Addendum. Providers must ensure all services are evidenced-based and
accepted as best practices based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) Evidenced-Based Practices Guide (reference:
https://www.samhsa.gov/ebp-web-guide).
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2701 AUTHORITY
In 1965, the 89th Congress added Title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA) authorizing varying
percentages of federal financial participation (FFP) for states that elected to offer medical
programs. States must offer the 11 basic required medical services. Two of these are inpatient
hospital services (42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 440.10) and outpatient hospital services
(42 CFR 440.20). All other mental health and substance abuse services provided in a setting other
than an inpatient or outpatient hospital are covered by Medicaid as optional services. Additionally,
state Medicaid programs are required to correct or ameliorate defects and physical and mental
illnesses and conditions discovered as the result of an Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and
Treatment (EPSDT) screening for children 21 years or younger, whether or not such services are
covered under the state plan (Section 1905(a) of the SSA).
• Nevada Medicaid Inpatient Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Policy, Procedures and
Requirements. The Joint Commission Restraint and seclusion Standards for Behavioral
Health.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Sections 2701 through 2763, 2791 and 2792 of the
Public Health Service (PHS) Act (42 USC 300gg through 300gg–63, 300gg–91 and 300gg–
92), as amended.
(Reference:https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-11-13/pdf/2013-27086.pdf).
• Section 2402(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Section 2403(a) of the ACA: Standards for Person-Centered Planning and Self-Direction
in Home and Community-Based Services Programs.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
2702 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are listed for the purpose of this demonstration program only and are
specific to the CCBHC delivery model. All other relevant definitions can be found in the
appropriate MSM Chapter and the MSM Addendum.
1. Ensuring access to high-quality physical health care (both acute and chronic) and
behavioral health care, as well as social services, housing, educational systems and
employment opportunities as necessary to facilitate wellness and recovery of the
whole person. This may include the use of telehealth services.
2. Having policies and procedures in place that comply with Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements
specific to adults and children, and other privacy and confidentiality requirements
of state or federal law to facilitate care coordination.
4. Having policies and procedures in place to assist recipients and families of children
and adolescents in obtaining appointments and keeping the appointments when
there is a referral to a provider outside the CCBHC delivery model, subject to
privacy and confidentiality requirements and consistent with the recipient’s and
their family’s preference and need.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
and ensure clinical compliance with the requirements of a CCBHC delivery model. The
Clinical Supervisor has administrative and clinical oversight of the program and must
ensure that services provided are medically necessary, and clinically, developmentally,
culturally and linguistically appropriate, and follow an evidence based model.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
d. Motivational Interviewing
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
g. Medication Management
c. Supported Employment
b. Nursing Quit-Line
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
K. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE: Meaningful access to services that allow the recipient with
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or language-based disabilities to fully understand and
participate in CCBHC services. Linguistic competence includes the use of
interpretation/translation services (provided by individuals trained in a medical setting),
bilingual providers, auxiliary aids and services that are ADA compliant. Linguistic
competence also includes having written forms and signage at the appropriate literacy level
for recipients and/or their families and that are available in alternate formats as needed for
recipients with disabilities to accommodate functional limitations. CCBHCs and DCOs
must also ensure outgoing phone messages/recordings reflect linguistic competence.
1. Regular contact is maintained with the recipient as clinically indicated and as long
as ongoing care is required;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
3. Coordination and development of the treatment plan incorporates input from the
recipient (and, when appropriate, the family with the recipient’s consent when the
recipient possesses adequate decision-making capacity or with the recipient’s
surrogate decision-maker’s consent when the recipient does not have adequate
decision-making capacity);
4. Effective communication occurs with the recipient and addresses any of the
recipient’s problems or concerns about their care. This includes discussion
regarding future mental health care for recipients who are at high risk of losing
decision-making capacity;
5. For a recipient who lacks the capacity to make a decision about their integrated
treatment plan, that the recipient’s decision making capacity is formally assessed
and documented; and
6. For a PBHP providing services to a veteran recipient (in the case that the Veterans
Health Administration (VHA) has not already assigned a PBHP), the PBHP must
also:
P. RECOVERY: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and
wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential. CCBHC and DCO
providers must utilize SAMHSAs working definition, dimensions and guiding principles
of recovery from mental health disorders and substance use disorders in their clinical
decisions. Reference http://www.samhsa.gov/ for the latest best practices.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2703 POLICY
A. The CCBHC delivery model incorporates the provision of expanded and non-traditional
biopsychosocial services in a behavioral health clinic. Services focus on whole person,
integrated care and the coordination of quality care for improved health outcomes for
recipients with behavioral health disorders. The CCBHC delivery model is designed to
increase provider flexibility and improve the responsiveness of services to meet the needs
of recipients served.
B. CCBHCs and DCOs must ensure that services are evidenced-based, address multiple
domains, are provided in the least restrictive environment, and involve family members,
caregivers and informal supports when considered appropriate per the recipient and/or their
legal guardian. CCBHC and DCO providers must collaborate and facilitate full
participation from the recipient’s team members including the recipient and their family
(when appropriate), to address the quality and progress of the individualized treatment
plan. CCBHCs must continuously work to improve services in order to ensure overall
efficacy of the recipient’s care.
C. In the case of child recipients, CCBHC and DCO providers must deliver youth-guided and
family-driven effective/comprehensive services and monitor child and family outcomes
through the utilization of Child and Family Team meetings. CCBHC and DCO providers
must also coordinate care for any child recipient under the jurisdiction of a state or county
child welfare agency with the relevant agency. The CCBHC must document this specific
coordination in the child recipient’s medical record.
D. Recipients receiving services from a CCBHC and/or DCO may receive services in
conjunction with or independent of other services. Services are based on an on-going
review of admission, continuing stay and discharge criteria. All services must be provided
according to the Federal requirements of a CCBHC as prescribed by SAMHSA.
CCBHC providers must be certified by the following DPBH bureaus: HCQC and Substance Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Agency (SAPTA). CCBHC providers must ensure timely access to
integrated, coordinated and responsive care, treatment, interventions and services under an
established CCBHC delivery model. This model is based on an integrated system of care that meets
the individually assessed biopsychosocial needs of recipients served. The provision of services is
based on medical necessity, clinical appropriateness and the emergent, urgent and stabilization
needs of each recipient in conjunction with their goals and choices. Individuals must be offered
entry into any service needed, regardless of the point of contact. All services must be coordinated
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
across the continuum of care and provided under this chapter and according to all relevant MSM
Chapters and Addendum.
3. Ensure recipients have access to the CCBHC grievance procedures outlined in the
certification criteria, including CCBHC services provided by a DCO;
6. Ensure locations are accessible and recipients have a safe and functional
environment;
7. Ensure outpatient clinic hours include night and weekend hours to meet the needs
of recipients in crisis. This includes informing recipients of these services and how
to access suicide/crisis hotlines and warm lines;
8. Provide outreach and engagement activities to assist recipients and their families in
accessing services;
12. Submit a cost report within six months after the end of the demonstration year;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
13. Submit quarterly reports on the CCBHC and State led measures;
15. Ensure all DCO services are evidenced-based and there are formal agreements with
their DCOs to obtain access to data needed to fulfill the reporting obligations for
the CCBHC demonstration program;
16. Comply with requests from the Qualified Improvement Organization (QIO)-like
vendor; and
A. CCBHCs must ensure services to U.S. Military and Veterans. CCBHCs must ask all
recipients inquiring about or requesting services whether they have ever served in the U.S.
Military. For those individuals who respond positively, the CCBHC must:
3. Ensure veterans and active duty military receive the required CCBHC services;
4. Assign a PBHP with specific cultural competence in military and veteran’s culture
to every veteran, unless the VHA has already assigned a PBHP;
5. Provide care and services for veterans that are recovery-oriented, and adhere to the
guiding principles of recovery as defined by the VHA and other VHA guidelines;
6. Ensure all staff who work with military or veteran recipients are trained in cultural
competence, and specifically military and veteran’s culture; and
A. CCBHCs and DCOs must ensure staff are competent and capable to provide CCBHC
services that are developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate as documented
by:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. Written policies and procedures to describe the methods used for assessing the
skills and competencies of providers;
a. This documentation must include verification to show that each staff has
completed the trainings required under the CCBHC demonstration program.
A. CCBHCs and DCOs must work on behalf of recipients in the coordination and management
of their care to ensure effective outcomes. This includes all providers of behavioral/mental
and physical health care and other agencies serving a joint recipient.
1. Coordination of care for recipients who present to the local emergency department
(ED) or who are involved with law enforcement when in a crisis;
2. A reduction in any delays in the initiation of services during and after a recipient
has experienced a psychiatric crisis;
3. Coordination with all State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
programs to maximize benefits to recipients served, eliminate duplication of efforts,
streamline processes and improve access to available community supports; and
4. Effective and timely care coordination by having appropriate consents in place that
meet HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements.
B. To ensure effective and timely care coordination, CCBHCs must also have agreements in
place which describe the mutual expectations and responsibilities related to care
coordination for each of the following providers unless the service is provided directly by
the CCBHC:
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. The recipient’s primary care provider and other recipient providers of health care
to ensure physical health care needs are addressed;
6. Acute-care and psychiatric hospitals, including, outpatient clinics and urgent care
centers;
7. Local law enforcement, criminal justice agencies and facilities including drug,
mental health, veterans and other specialty courts;
12. Services for children e.g., schools, child welfare agencies, juvenile justice
programs, youth regional treatment centers and state licensed and nationally
accredited child placement agencies for therapeutic foster care service, when
relevant;
13. Services for older adults, such as Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD);
14. The nearest Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical center, independent clinic,
drop-in center or other VA facility; and
15. Local human services programs (e.g., domestic violence centers, pastoral services,
grief counseling, ACA navigators, food and transportation programs and other
social and human services programs as identified by the recipient and/or their
family as integral to their stabilization and/or recovery success).
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
A. CCBHC and DCO providers must ensure access to high quality behavioral and physical
health care. This includes having policies in place that ensure:
1. Services cannot be refused due to the recipient’s residence which include protocols
to address services for those living out of state;
2. Initial services will not be denied to those who do not live in the CCBHC catchment
area (where applicable), including the provision of crisis services and other
services, and coordination and follow-up with providers in the recipient’s
catchment area. Telehealth services may be provided;
3. Services are available for recipients living in the CCBHC catchment area including
those residing in remote areas of the CCBHC’s location;
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
7. If the HIT is newly established, can also send and receive the full common data set
for all summary of care records to support capabilities including transitions of care,
privacy and security and to meet the Patient List Creation criterion (45 CFR
170.314(a)(14)) established by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for
ONC’s Health IT Certification Program.
A. CCBHCs must have in place a HCQC approved written Continuous Quality Improvement
(CQI) Plan. CCBHCs must:
1. Comply with this plan and all other HCQC requirements to ensure on-going quality
care;
2. Ensure the plan includes a description of how the public is made aware of the
availability of CCBHC services;
3. Submit all required and requested data, quality and fidelity measures reports to
comply with the requirements of the CCBHC demonstration program timely; and
4. Provide oversight and monitoring of all their DCOs to ensure services provided
meet the requirements of the CQI plan; they are enrolled as an Ordering,
Prescribing or Referring (OPR) provider, if relevant; they are compliant with the
requirements of this chapter and all relevant MSM Chapters and Addendum; and
the DCOs submit all required data reports timely which includes both CCBHC and
State led measures.
A. CCBHCs must operate under established bylaws and have board members that are
representatives of the individuals being served in terms of demographic factors such as
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
geographic area, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, disability, age and sexual orientation.
In terms of representation of behavioral health disorders, CCBHCs must incorporate
meaningful participation by adult consumers with mental illness, adults recovering from
substance use disorders and family members of CCBHC consumers i.e., 51 percent of the
board are families, consumers or people in recovery from behavioral health conditions to
provide meaningful input to the board about the CCBHC’s policies, processes and services.
1. An annual financial audit and correction plan with the relevant management letter
to address any deficiencies; and
b. Recipients seeking an appointment for an urgent need are seen and initial
evaluation completed within one business day; and
CCBHC providers must ensure all services are provided under medical and clinical supervision as
prescribed by this chapter and MSM Chapter 400. Non-compliance will result in the DHCFP
provider termination and/or suspension without cause.
CCBHC and DCO providers must demonstrate satisfaction of care by their recipients under the
CCBHC delivery model by ensuring this satisfaction is measured and any dissatisfaction is
responded to. This includes a satisfaction survey and the review of recipient responses by their
Board of Directors. The review is to be the foundation for opportunities to improve performance
by the CCBHC and perception by the recipients.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
support services to the recipients served. All direct care providers of CCBHC services must
be able to provide services under the CCBHC delivery model and meet the qualification as
specified in the relevant MSM chapter.
B. CCBHCs must also ensure all DCO providers are qualified and compliant with the
requirements of the CCBHC demonstration program, this chapter and all relevant MSM
Chapters and the Addendum.
The CCBHC target populations are the primary populations of focus. These groups include: COD,
Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED)/Non-SED, Severely Mentally Ill (SMI)/Non-SMI and
SUD. SED/Non-SED and SMI/Non-SMI are defined in the MSM Addendum. COD and SUD are
defined above.
A. Admission Criteria: To be eligible for CCBHC services, a recipient must meet criteria for
one of the six target groups.
B. Continuing Stay Criteria: The recipient continues to meet admission criteria and needs
restoration for the best possible functioning or is at risk of relapse and a higher level of
care.
C. Discharge Criteria: The recipient no longer meets admission and continuing stay criteria;
no longer wishes to receive services; or their care has been transferred, the discharge
summary has been provided and the coordination of care has been completed with the new
provider.
2703.16 SERVICES
This CCBHC demonstration program allows for the expansion of existing services and the
provision of integrated health care services. CCBHCs must provide the following required services
under this demonstration program: Crisis mental health services, including 24-hour mobile crisis
teams, emergency crisis intervention services and crisis stabilization; screening, assessment and
diagnosis, including risk assessment; patient-centered treatment planning or similar processes,
including risk assessment and crisis planning; outpatient mental health and substance use services;
outpatient clinic primary care screening and monitoring of key health indicators and health risk;
targeted case management; psychiatric rehabilitation services; peer support and counselor services
and family supports; intensive, community-based mental health care for members of the armed
forces and veterans, particularly those members and veterans located in rural areas, provided the
care is consistent with minimum clinical mental health guidelines promulgated by the VHA,
including clinical guidelines contained in the “Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook of such
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Administration.” In addition to the required services, CCBHCs are allowed to provide additional
services identified on the Allowable Services Grid at
http://dpbh.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dpbhnvgov/content/Reg/CCBHC/CCBHC%20Allowable%20S
ervices%20Grid%204-27-17.pdf.
CCBHC treatment and services are based on the individually assessed biopsychosocial needs of
the recipient and prescribed on a person- and family-centered integrated treatment plan. Services
must be provided under the philosophy of recovery and be informed by best practices for working
with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The treatment plan guides the
prescribed treatment and services and must reflect collaboration with and endorsement by the
recipient and their family, when appropriate. The treatment plan identifies the recipient’s needs,
strengths, abilities and preferences and includes the recipient’s goal(s) that is expressed in a
manner that captures their own words or ideas and, for children, those of their family/caregiver. In
addition, the treatment plan must indicate the recipient’s advance wishes related to treatment and
crisis management or reflects their decision not to discuss those preferences.
CCBHC services are projected to reduce the number of behavioral health emergency room (ER)
visits in communities, increase positive outcomes of treatment and reduce the negative impacts of
social determinants of health on recovery. Nevada Medicaid reimburses for the following services
provided under a CCBHC delivery model in accordance with this chapter, MSM Chapter 100,
MSM Addendum and all relevant MSM Chapters. The services describe below include criteria
specific to the CCBHC delivery model. Additional requirements are specified in the relevant MSM
Chapter and Addendum.
2. Telephonic crisis services. The CCBHC must ensure, once the emergency has been
resolved, the recipient is seen in-person at the next encounter and the initial
evaluation is reviewed;
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8. Care coordination and discharge planning for recipients needing referrals to higher
levels of care.
CCBHCs must appropriately screen, assess and diagnose recipients with behavioral health
disorders for their optimal success and to provide the foundation for treatment and services.
CCBHCs must also utilize standardized, validated evidenced-based screening and
assessment tools with developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate measures,
and, where appropriate, motivational interviewing techniques.
1. SCREENING
CCBHCs must:
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b. Source of referral;
c. Reason for seeking care, as stated by the recipient or other individuals who
are significantly involved;
g. Assessment of whether the recipient has other concerns for their safety;
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h. Assessment of the need for medical care (with referral and follow-up as
required);
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minimum clinical mental health guidelines promulgated by the VHA and the VHA’s
Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook. These integrated and coordinated care
services are provided by the CCBHC to:
1. U.S. Military members located 50 miles are more (or one hour’s drive time) from
a Military Treatment Facility; and
4. Diabetes screening for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who are using
antipsychotic medications;
8. Weight assessment and counseling for nutrition and physical activity for children
and adolescents.
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H. PEER AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES: Services to improve recipient and family
engagement by providing them support from individuals and families with lived experience
to bring meaningful insights into the journey of recovery.
All TCM services provided must comply with MSM Chapter 2500, Case Management.
Target groups for the CCBHC include those listed under MSM Chapter 2500, Non-
Seriously Mentally Ill (Non-SMI) Adults, Serious Mental Illness Adult, Non-Severely
Emotionally Disturbed (Non-SED Children and Adolescents), Severe Emotional
Disturbance (SED) Children and Adolescents and also include recipients with Co-
occurring Disorders (COD), and recipients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
A. CCBHCs must comply with the MSM Chapter 400 documentation requirements and must
also document:
2. The coordination of care for recipients with all providers of behavioral and physical
health care and, when relevant, with the VHA;
4. The tracking of and response to recipient’s accessing higher levels of care which
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A. The CCBHC delivery model expands access to crisis evaluation, ambulatory detoxification
services and outpatient stabilization for recipients who are appropriate for such services.
For recipients with needs that exceed outpatient treatment, CCBHCs are required to
provide coordinated referrals to higher levels of care in the community.
B. The role of the CCBHC includes follow-up after hospitalization for behavioral/mental
health issues within seven and 30 days. CCBHCs are required to focus care coordination
efforts towards recipients transitioning from inpatient behavioral health care to outpatient
community treatment settings.
C. The CCBHC must collaborate with the Health Care Guidance Program (HCGP) in the
coordination of services for beneficiaries enrolled in both programs to eliminate
duplication of services and ensure recipients with behavioral health and chronic/acute
health conditions are afforded all qualified benefits.
D. The CCBHC must provide utilization management and oversight of all services performed
by a DCO.
A. Nevada Medicaid reimburses for all CCBHC services listed in this chapter based on the
prospective payment system (PPS) rate methodology.
B. The CCBHC is responsible for submission of claims including those on behalf of the DCO.
Payments for DCO services will be made directly to the CCBHC.
A. The following services are not covered under the CCBHC program for Nevada Medicaid
and Nevada Check Up (NCU):
1. Services under this chapter for a recipient who does not have a covered, current
ICD diagnosis;
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6. Social model support group services (Peer/Family Support Services are based on a
medical model);
7. More than one provider seeing the recipient in the same therapy session; and
8. Respite.
A. CCBHCs must ensure recipients are informed of services, choices and their rights and
responsibilities prior to the provision of services.
2. Inform their Medicaid providers of any changes to their Medicaid eligibility; and
B. The CCBHC has the ultimate clinical responsibility for all services including those
provided by the DCO and must ensure the medical necessity and clinical appropriateness
of the services.
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2704 HEARINGS
~'I;
June 12,2014
Revisions to MSM Chapter 2800 are being proposed to reflect the requirement in 34 Code of
Federal Regulation (CFR) 300. 154(d)(2)(iv) that parental consent be on file and to add a parental
notification requirement as mandated by 34 CFR 300.154(d)(2)(v).
2803.1AA.p PolIcy - Coverage and Added language "WIthout parental consent and
Limitations - Non- notification documented servIces are not
Covered SBCHS covered."
2803.1B.13 Policy - Provider Added the words "Notification And" in the title
Responsibility - for parent notification and consent.
Parental Notification
and Consent Added language that includes parental
notification in accordance with the new federal
regulation and to meet the documentation
required to bill for Medicaid.
Page I of I
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
2802 DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................. 1
ATTACHMENT A .....................................................................................................................................................
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2800 INTRODUCTION
School Based Child Health Services (SBCHS) are medical services provided through a child’s
local school district that are designed to meet the health needs of a child toward the appropriate
reduction of the impact of a physical or mental impairment and restoration to the child’s best
possible functional level. SBCHS are provided to a Medicaid eligible student who meets the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) criteria. SBCHS are reimbursable under the
Medicaid program to recipients with special needs pursuant to an Individual Education Plan
(IEP). Services are provided in the school setting or other site in the community and may include
psychological counseling, nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech
therapy, audiology, and durable medical equipment.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) except for those listed
in Section 1003.14 of the Nevada Check Up Manual, Chapter 1000 are the same for Nevada
Check Up.
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2801 AUTHORITY
School Based Child Health Services (SBCHS) contain an element of early detection and
preventive service delivery. Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) is a
mandatory benefit authorized by 1905(a) and 1903(4)(c) of the Social Security Act.
SBCHS also contains a rehabilitative element of service delivery. These services are optional
benefits under the program and may include psychological counseling, nursing services, physical
therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and durable medical equipment supplies.
42 CFR 447.201
42 CFR 431.53
42 CFR 435
34 CFR 300.154(d)(2)(iv)
34 CFR 300.300
NAC 640A.020
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2802 DEFINITIONS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Supports or services provided to help a student access the general curriculum and facilitate
learning.
ADAPTIONS
Any procedure intended to meet an educational situation with respect to individual differences in
ability or purpose.
ANNUAL GOAL
A statement in a student’s IEP that describes what a child with a disability can reasonably be
expected to accomplish within a 12-month period in the student’s special education program.
There should be a direct relationship between the annual goals and the present levels of
educational performance.
Assistive communication device (ACD) is durable medical equipment which helps speech,
hearing and verbally impaired individuals communicate.
AUDIOLOGY TESTING
CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
The range of services which must be available to the students of a school district so that they may
be served in the least restrictive environment.
COUNSELING SERVICES
A short-term structured intervention with specific aims and objectives to promote the student’s
social, emotional, and academic growth within the school environment.
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DISABILITY
A physical, sensory, cognitive or affective impairment that causes the student to need special
education services.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services are a preventive health care
program, the goal of which is to provide to Medicaid eligible children under the age of 21 the
most effective, preventive health care through the use of periodic examinations, standard
immunizations, diagnostic and treatment services which are medically necessary and designed to
correct or ameliorate defects in physical or mental illnesses or conditions. 42 U.S.C. Section
1396.d (a)(4)(B). Nevada’s program is named Healthy Kids.
A federal statutory requirement that children and youth with disabilities receive a public
education appropriate to their needs at no cost to their families.
The federal law that mandates that a free and appropriate public education is available to all
school-age children with disabilities.
A written plan for every student receiving special education services that contain information
such as the student’s special learning needs and the specific education services required for the
student. The document is periodically reviewed and updated at least annually.
A public elementary or secondary school, or unit school district, or special education cooperative
or joint agreement.
A required gathering under IDEA; the only body that can make certain determinations,
specifically about a child’s eligibility for special education.
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PARENT
Natural, adoptive, or foster parent of a child (unless a foster parent is prohibited by State Law
from serving as a parent); a guardian, but not the State if the child is a ward of the State; an
individual acting in the place of a natural or adoptive parent (including a grandparent, stepparent
or other relative) with whom the child lives, or an individual who is legally responsible for the
child’s welfare.
An evaluation and a summary statement which describes the student’s current achievement in the
areas of need; an IEP required component.
PROGRESS MONITORING
A method of monitoring a student’s achievements that enables the IEP team to discern whether
changes need to be made in the IEP.
RELATED SERVICES
IDEA requires that school districts provide whatever related services (other than medical care,
which is not for diagnostic purposes) a child needs in order to benefit from his or her special
education program.
An annual meeting to review each eligible individual’s IEP and revise its provisions if
appropriate.
SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES/BENCHMARK
An IEP must contain a statement of annual goals, including a description of short term objectives
or benchmarks that are measurable and outcome oriented. Goals should be related to the child’s
unique needs to enable the child with a disability to participate and function in the general
curriculum.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Specifically designed instruction, provided at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of a
child with disabilities, including classroom instruction, instruction in physical education, home
instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions.
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SUPPORT SERVICES
Specifically designed instruction and activities, which augment, supplement, or support the
educational program.
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2803 POLICY
It is the policy of the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) to support the
unique health needs to Medicaid eligible students with a disability in the special education setting.
Medicaid covers school based services when they are primarily medical and not educational in
nature. This chapter establishes a Medicaid provision for medically necessary health care services
a school district may provide to students with special health care needs.
For a school district to receive reimbursement for services through the Medicaid School Based
Service program, each Medicaid eligible student must receive an Individualized Education
Program (IEP) that specifies the services required to treat his or her identified medical
condition(s) (through correction and amelioration of any physical and mental disability).
Only those services listed in the State Plan Amendment referring specifically to SBCHS
are covered benefits.
a. School Based Child Health Services (SBCHS) are available for eligible Medicaid
and Nevada Check Up children between 3 years of age and under the age of 21, in
both Fee-For-Service (FFS) and Managed Care. SBCHS for children who are
enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care are covered and reimbursed under the FFS
Medicaid. The student must be Medicaid eligible when services are provided;
b. DHCFP does not reimburse for any services considered educational or recreational
in nature;
c. Any Medicaid eligible child requiring SBCHS services may receive these services
from the local school district provided:
3. All services including the scope, amount and duration of service are
documented as part of the child’s school record, including the name(s) of
the health practitioner(s) actually providing the service(s);
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4. The treatment services are a part of the recipient’s written IEP on file with
the local school district. The plan may be subject to review by authorized
DHCFP personnel, and must include the signature by the school-based or
family designated physician, Advanced Practitioner of Nursing (APN) or
Physician’s Assistant substantiating that the treatment services are
medically necessary services.
2. LIMITATIONS
The Nevada Medicaid Program pays for SBCHS services conforming to accepted methods
of diagnosis and treatment directly related to the recipient’s diagnosis, symptoms or
medical history. Limitations are:
a. Only qualified health care providers will be reimbursed for their participation in
the IEP development for medical related services concerning each specific
discipline. Nevada Medicaid reimbursement for the participation time in the IEP
development meeting is only allowed for medical related services not educational
process and goals.
b. Services are limited to medical and related services described throughout the
Chapter and procedure codes listed on the DHCFP website Provider Type 60
SBCHS Fee Schedule at http://dhcfp.nv.gov/RatesUnit.htm.
c. Services can only be reimbursed when the results of the provided services correct
or ameliorate any current or discovered deficits and/or conditions through the
evaluation and diagnostic process as identified in the IEP.
d. Services may not be provided to students under the age of three years old or over
the age of 20.
3. COVERED SERVICES
SBCHS are medically necessary diagnostic, evaluative and direct medical services to
correct or ameliorate any physical or mental disability that meet the medical needs of
disabled children and youth. The services are provided as part of a local public school
district special education program to meet the health needs of a child and directed at
reducing physical or mental impairment and restoration of the child to his/her best
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possible functioning level. The evaluative and diagnostic services which establish the need
for treatment are determined through the IEP process.
SBCHS Covered Services include:
4. NON-COVERED SBCHS
a. Medical care not related or identified in the IEP e.g. illness, injury care, health
education classes and first aid classes;
b. Evaluation and/or direct medical service performed by providers who do not meet
Medicaid provider qualifications;
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for Medicaid purposes and are not to be covered since they do not require
performance by a licensed qualified health care provider;
f. When maximum benefits from any treatment program are reached, the service is
no longer covered. There is no payment for services providing maintenance at
maximum functional levels;
g. Dental or related services (these services are available through the Medicaid
Dental program);
h. Treatment of obesity;
j. Any examinations and laboratory tests for preventable diseases which are
furnished free of charge by the State Division of Health;
l. Textbooks or other such items that are educational in nature and do not constitute
medical necessity.
n. Covered medical service(s) listed in an IEP for those dates of service when the IEP
has expired.
p. Covered medical services listed in an IEP when parental notification and consent
are not documented.
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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The provider shall furnish psychological counseling, nursing services and other
therapeutic services such as, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.
as identified in the IEP.
All staff providing services to recipients under the SBCHS program must be licensed or
certified by the appropriate state entity or national organization and provide services
within their scope of practice.
To be enrolled in the Nevada Medicaid Program, a school district must enter into an Inter-
Local Agreement, signed by the school district and the DHCFP. Participating providers
must comply with Medicaid regulations, procedures and terms of the contract.
The provider must allow, upon request of proper representatives of the DHCFP, access to
all records which pertain to Medicaid recipients for regular review, audit or utilization
review. Refer to the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 100 for medical and fiscal
record retention timeframes.
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The referral/prescription services must be renewed at least annually and/or when the
scope, amount and frequency or duration of service(s) has changed. An IEP that includes
the required components of a referral/prescription for a service that has been reviewed and
signed by a Medicaid qualified provider operating within their scope of practice pursuant
to State law may serve as the referral/prescription for service(s).
“By or under the direction of” means that the Medicaid qualified staff providing direction
is a licensed practitioner of the healing arts qualified under State law and federal
regulations to diagnose and treat individuals with the disability or functional limitations at
issue and is operating within their scope of practice defined in State law and is supervising
each individual’s care.
The supervision must include, at a minimum, face to face contact with the individual
initially and periodically as needed, prescribing the services provided and reviewing the
need for continued services throughout the course of treatment. The Medicaid qualified
supervisor must also assume professional responsibility for the services provided and
ensure that the services are medically necessary. The Medicaid qualified supervisor must
spend as much time as necessary directly supervising the services to ensure the
recipient(s) are receiving services in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with
accepted standards of practice. Documentation must be kept supporting the supervision of
services and ongoing involvement in the treatment.
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The IEP can be used as the initial plan of care when certified by the school-based or
family-designated physician, an APN or Physician’s Assistant.
Each service is to be documented in the specific service area. The IEP serves as a
summary of progress documentation. Treatment is authorized during the period covered
by the written IEP only.
8. ASSESSMENT
a. Vision Screening;
b. Hearing Screening;
c. Audiological Evaluation;
e. Physical Therapy;
f. Psychological Evaluation;
h. Nursing Services.
The assessment should validate the need for medical services identified on the IEP.
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9. ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
Eligibility may be verified by accessing the Automated Response System (ARS) or the
Electronic Verification System (EVS) or using Health Insurance Portability
Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant electronic transaction. Refer to our QIO-like
vender’s website for additional information.
10. RECORDS
The evaluative and diagnostic services which determine the need for treatment and the IEP
which defines the treatment needs must be documented as part of the child's school record,
including the name(s) of the health practitioner(s) actually providing the service(s). The
written IEP must be on file with the participating local school district.
All medical and financial records which reflect services provided must be maintained by
the school district and furnished on request to the Department or its authorized
representative. A school, as a provider, must keep organized and confidential records that
detail all recipient specific information regarding all specific services provided for each
individual recipient of services and retain those records for review.
SBCHS providers must maintain appropriate records to document the recipient's progress
in meeting the goals of the therapy. Nevada Medicaid reserves the right to review the
recipient's records to assure the therapy is restorative and rehabilitative.
11. NON-DISCRIMINATION
School Districts must be in accordance with federal rules and regulations, the Nevada
State DHCFP and providers of Medicaid services may not discriminate against recipients
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or handicap.
In 1988, as a result of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act, Medicaid was authorized
by Congress to reimburse for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) related
medically necessary services for eligible children before IDEA funds are used. Medicaid
reimbursement is available for those services under Social Security Act, Section 1903(c)
to be the primary payer to the other resources as an exception. Federal legislation requires
Medicaid to be the primary payer for Medicaid services provided to eligible recipients
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under IDEA, Children with Special Health Care Needs, Women’s Infants and Children
(WIC) program, Title V programs, Indian Health Services (IHS), or Victims of Crimes
Act 1984.
Although Medicaid must pay for services before (or primary to) the U.S. Department of
Education (School Districts), it pays secondary to all other sources of payment. As such,
Medicaid is referred to as the “payer of last resort”.
Medicaid statutory provisions for TPL preclude Medicaid from paying for services
provided to Medicaid recipients if another payer (e.g. health insurer or other state or
Federal programs) is legally liable and responsible for providing and paying for services.
The Medicaid program is generally the payer of last resort; exceptions to this principle are
IEP and related services, Title V, and WIC, as mentioned previously.
Medicaid is required to take all reasonable measures to ascertain the legal liability of third
parties to pay for care and services available under the state Medicaid plan. If a state has
determined that probable liability exists at the time a claim for reimbursement is filed, it
generally must reject the claim and return it to the provider for a determination of the
amount of third-party liability (referred to as “cost avoidance”). If probable liability has
not been established or the third party is not available to pay the individual’s medical
expenses, the state must pay the claim and then attempt to recover the amount paid
(referred to as “pay and chase”). Nevada Medicaid has elected to pay and chase for
SBCHS found to have TPL.
Services provided through the Americans with Disability Act, Section 504 plans may not
be billed to Medicaid. Medicaid is the “payer of last resort”. Medicaid will not reimburse
for services that are provided free of charge to other students (the “free care” principal).
An exception to this principle is for Medicaid eligible children receiving services under
IDEA. Medicaid can be the primary payer for covered medical services under a child’s
IEP. Refer to Section 1902(a) (30) (A) of the Social Security Act.
Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check Up may cover medically necessary services that are
identified on the IEP. Reimbursement for services under the SBCHS does not interfere
with the IDEA program.
In order to assure parents of transparency in the use of Medicaid benefits for their child,
documentation demonstrating parental notification and parental consent to bill Medicaid is
required in accordance with Federal Regulation. This information is required to be kept on
file for review/audit purposes. The intent of parental notification is to inform the parent
that Nevada Medicaid may be billed for specific services that are identified through
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the IEP process. Parental consent allows the parent the opportunity to decline or accept
services rendered to be billed to Nevada Medicaid.
In order for children to remain eligible under the Katie Beckett eligibility category,
Medicaid must assure Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the per
capita expenditures under this program will not exceed the per capita expenditures for the
institutional level of care under the state plan. Parents with children eligible under the
Katie Beckett program may not want the SBCHS to be billed to Nevada Medicaid as this
may impact the child’s eligibility or may result in a cost to the parent for services outside
of the school arena. Parents with a child eligible under this benefit program are
encouraged to work closely with their Medicaid District Office (DO) case manager to
assure services do not impact their eligibility status.
Parental notification and consent must be obtained prior to billing for services that have
been identified through the IEP process. The annual IEP meeting provides the schools
with an opportunity to review services and request consent to bill services to Nevada
Medicaid. Refer to Section 2803.1C of this Chapter. Parents have the right to refuse
consent to have their Nevada Medicaid insurance billed at any time.
The Division expects that all Medicaid providers will be in compliance with all laws
relating to incident of abuse, neglect, or exploitation as it relates to students.
1. Provide the school district with a valid Medicaid card at the district’s request.
2. Provide the school district with accurate and current medical information, including
diagnosis, attending physician, medication, etc.
3. Notify the school district of all insurance information, including the name of other third
party insurance coverage.
5. Every student, their Legally Responsible Adult (LRA) or legal guardian is entitled to
receive a statement of students or parent/guardian rights from their school district. The
recipient, their LRA, or legal guardian should review and sign this document.
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1. Prior authorizations are not required for any School Based Health Services that may be
reimbursed for a Medicaid-eligible child. Refer to Section 2803.1A in this chapter
outlining service coverage and limitations. Services must be deemed medically necessary
and appropriate as defined in this chapter. The treatment services must be documented
through the IEP and substantiated that the services are medically necessary by a signature
by the school based or family designated physician, APN or Physician’s Assistant. A
referral and signature do not constitute medical necessity. Refer to MSM Chapter 100 for
the definition of medical necessity.
A referral for services must be from a physician or other licensed practitioner of the
healing arts operating within their scope of practice under State law to make a
determination. Proper documentation is required to show the referral/recommendation for
services. CMS recognizes an IEP as a referral for such services once reviewed and signed
by a physician.
As a method of protecting the integrity of the SBCHS program, Medicaid will perform
retro-review activities on claims data to evaluate medical necessity and billing procedures.
Services that have been reimbursed but are shown not to have been documented in the IEP
and progress notes of the recipient, as outlined in this chapter, may be subject to
recoupment.
2. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
a. All payments for SBCHS are made to the school district. Separate payment will
not be made to those individual practitioners who actually provide the services.
b. The school district can submit claims for reimbursement on a monthly basis
maintaining adherence to Medicaid’s timely filing requirements. Refer to MSM
Chapter 100, Eligibility, coverage and limitations.
In order to be reimbursed by Nevada Medicaid, all school based services must be provided by a
licensed health care provider working within their scope of practice under state and federal
regulations.
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Section:
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Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
It is the responsibility of the school district to assure all billed Medicaid covered services are
rendered by the appropriately licensed providers. Each school district must maintain
documentation of each rendering practitioner’s license, certifications, registration or credentials to
practice in Nevada. All documentation must be available, if requested by state or federal agencies.
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for covered medical services that are reasonable and medically
necessary, performed by a physician or under the personal supervision of a physician and that are
within the scope of practice of their prognosis as defined by State law. Services must be
performed by the physician or by a licensed professional working under the personal supervision
of the physician.
COVERED SERVICES
1. Evaluation and consultations with providers of covered services for diagnostic and
preventive services including participation in a multi-disciplinary team assessment;
4. IEP/IFSP meeting participation time for the development of medical related services.
Payment is excluded for participation time of IEP/IFSP development for educational
processes and goals.
Psychological services are diagnostic and treatment services involving mental, emotional, or
behavioral problems, disturbances, and dysfunction that meet DHCFP’s determination of medical
necessity. Performed by a Nevada Licensed Psychologist, services include the evaluation,
observation, diagnosis and treatment of general cognitive/intellectual functioning or social,
emotional or behavioral problems resulting in the student's inability to fully benefit from an
educational program. Medicaid State Plan for school based services does not allow these services
to be billed by a master’s level social worker, marriage family therapist or other mid-level
clinician.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2803
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
COVERED SERVICES
2. Individual services provided to a student and/or a student and his/her family in order to
remediate social, emotional and/or behavioral problems necessary to promote the student’s
ability to benefit fully from an educational program;
3. Group services provided to more than one student and/or students and their families
simultaneously in order to remediate social, emotional and/or behavioral problems
necessary to promote the student's ability to benefit fully from an educational program;
4. Psychological testing, assessment of motor language, social, adaptive and/or cognitive
functioning by standardized development instruments (non-educational cognitive); and
5. IEP/IFSP meeting participation time for the development of medical related services.
Payment is excluded for participation time of IEP/IFSP development for educational
processes and goals.
Skilled nursing services are a covered service when provided by a registered nurse (RN) or a
licensed practical nurse (LPN) under the supervision of a registered nurse in accordance with the
IEP, to be safe and effective. An LPN may participate in the implementation of the plan of care
for providing care to students under the supervision of a licensed RN, or physician, or advanced
nurse practitioner that meet the federal requirements at 42 CFR 440.166. Services considered
observational or stand-by in nature are not covered. Nursing Services are provided to an
individual on a direct, one-to-one basis, on site within the school district setting.
Nursing Services are provided by a RN or LPN licensed by the State of Nevada under the
supervision of an RN and acting within their scope of practice. These services may include, but
are not limited to:
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2803
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
5. Oxygen administration;
7. Tube feedings;
8. Ventilator Care; or
9. IEP/IFSP meeting participation time for the development of medical related services.
Payment is excluded for participation time of IEP/IFSP development for educational
processes and goals. (RN only)
Physical Therapy means services prescribed by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the
healing arts operating within the scope of practice under State law and provided to a student by or
under the direction of a qualified physical therapist to ameliorate or improve neuromuscular,
musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disabilities.
COVERED SERVICES
1. Evaluation and diagnosis to determine the existence and extent of motor delays,
disabilities and/or physical impairments effecting areas such as tone, coordination,
movement, strength, and balance;
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2803
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Group Therapy provided to more than one student, but less than seven, simultaneously in
order to remediate correct or ameliorate the effects of motor delays, disabilities, and/or
physical impairments;
4. Therapeutic exercise, application of heat, cold, water, air, sound, massage and electricity;
6. IEP/IFSP meeting participation time for the development of medical related services.
Payment is excluded for participation time IEP/IFSP development for educational
processes and goals.
COVERED SERVICES
1. Evaluation and diagnosis to determine the extent of a student's disabilities in areas such as
sensorimotor skills, self-care, daily living skills, play and leisure skills, and use of
adaptive or corrective equipment;
3. Group Therapy provided to more than one student but less than seven simultaneously to
correct or ameliorate and/or adapt skills necessary to promote the students' ability to
function independently;
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2803
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. IEP/IFSP meeting participation time for the development of medical related services.
Payment is excluded for participation time of IEP/IFSP development for educational
processes and goals.
Speech, hearing and language pathology services are those services necessary for the diagnosis
and treatment of speech and language disorders that result in communication disabilities and for
the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders with or without the presence of a
communication disability. The services must be of such a level of complexity and sophistication
or the condition of the student must be such that the services required can be safely and
effectively performed only by a qualified therapist.
The practice of audiology consists of rendering services for the measurement, testing, appraisal
prediction, consultation, counseling, research or treatment of hearing impairment for the purpose
of modifying disorders in communication involving speech, language and hearing. Audiology
services must be performed by a certified and licensed audiologist.
COVERED SERVICES
1. Speech and Language evaluation and diagnosis of delays and/or disabilities including, but
not limited to, voice, communication, fluency, articulation, or language development.
Audiological evaluation and diagnosis to determine the presence and extent of hearing
impairments that affect the student's educational performance. Audiological evaluations
include complete hearing and/or hearing aid evaluation, hearing aid fittings or re-
evaluations, and audiograms.
3. Group Therapy provided to one student, but less than seven, simultaneously in order to
correct or ameliorate delays and/or disabilities associated with speech, language, hearing,
or communication.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2803
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. IEP/IFSP meeting participation time for the development of medical related services.
Payment is excluded for participation time of IEP/IFSP development for educational
processes and goals.
The school district, as a Medicaid provider type 60, may be reimbursed for medically necessary
audiology supplies, equipment and medical supplies when shown to be appropriate to increase, or
improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Refer to the DHCFP website
for list of available HCPCS codes: Provider Type 60 SBCHS: Fee Schedule
http://dhcfp.nv.gov/RatesUnit.htm.
Such services must be reviewed and recommended by the presence of a signature on either the
IEP or a prescription by a licensed physician, APN or Physician’s Assistant providing services
within the scope of medicine as defined by state law and provided through the IEP.
2803.9A COVERAGE AND LIMITATIONS
1. Disposable medical supplies are items purchased for use at school or home which are not
durable or reusable, such as surgical dressings, disposable syringes, catheters, tracheotomy
dressings, urinary tray, etc. Provider Type 60 may dispense audiological supplies,
equipment and medical supplies by their qualified practitioners acting within the scope of
their practice under State law.
Refer to Chapter 1300 (DME, Prostheses and Disposable Supplies) for coverage and limitations
on durable medical equipment, prostheses and disposable medical supplies.
Refer to Chapter 2000 (Audiological Services) for coverage and limitations on audiological
supplies and equipment.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2804
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2804 HEARINGS
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2805
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES AND CROSS
REFERENCES
Specific information about each provider type can be found in the following MSM and Nevada
Check Up Manual Chapters:
Medicaid’s fiscal agent is responsible for provider training, claims adjudication, medical review,
provider audits, and handling disputed payments. Written correspondence and paper claims must
be sent to the following address:
October 21, 2010 SCHOOL BASED CHILD HEALTH SERVICES Section 2805 Page 1
ATTACHMENT A
Qualified Nevada Medicaid Providers Supervisor Supervisee
Bill “Under The
Direction of a
Supervisor”
PHYSICIAN SERVICES
Physician licensed by the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners acting
within their scope of practice
Physician Assistant licensed by the Nevada State Board of Medical
Examiners or certification by the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic
Medicine to perform medical services supervised by a licensed physician in
accordance with professional standards.
PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
A Doctorate Degree in Psychology and licensed by the State of Nevada Board N/A
of Psychological Examiners.
NURSING SERVICES
A Registered Nurse licensed by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
A licensed Practical Nurse licensed by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Supervised by a licensed Registered Nurse in accordance with professional
standards.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES
A Occupational Therapist licensed by the State of Nevada Board of
Occupational Therapy
An Occupational Therapy Assistant certified by the State of Nevada Board of
Occupational Board of Therapy. Supervised by a Licensed Occupational
Therapist in accordance with professional standards.
PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES
A Physical Therapist licensed by the State of Nevada Physical Therapy
Examiners Board
A Physical Therapist Assistant licensed by the State of Nevada Physical
Therapy Examiners Board. Supervised by a licensed Physical Therapist in
accordance with professional standards.
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST SERVICES
Nevada Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech Pathology NRS
637B.160 and has Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American
Speech and Hearing Association. CCC’s
Nevada Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech Pathology NRS
637B.160 with no CCC (has master’s)
Licensed Department of Education NAC 391.370
2(b) with CCC or licensed with NV Board of Examiners
Licensed by Department of Education NAC 391.370
2(a), (c), (d),(e)
Master’s degree with no CCC’s
Department of Education licensure + CCC + Board of Examiner Licensure
AUDIOLOGY SERVICES
Audiologist licensed by the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for N/A
Audiology and Speech Pathology
Durable Medical Equipment
Licensed with a Medical Device and Equipment and Gas by Nevada State N/A N/A
Board of Pharmacy and enrolled as a DME Nevada Medicaid Provider.
AUDIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Licensed with a Medical Device and Equipment and Gas by Nevada State N/A N/A
Board of Pharmacy and enrolled as a DME Nevada Medicaid Provider or
Local Education Agency enrolled as a Medicaid provider; or
Local Education Agency enrolled as a Medicaid provider being reimbursed N/A N/A
for supplies dispensed by qualified practitioners’ action within their scope of
practice under Federal and State regulations.
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
1
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2900
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are defined by the Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA) as health centers providing comprehensive, culturally competent, quality
primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations.
Nevada Medicaid reimburses for medically-necessary services provided at FQHCs and follows
State and Federal laws pertaining to them.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
2901 AUTHORITY
B. The State Legislature sets forth standards of practice for licensed professionals in the NRS
for the following Specialists:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
2902 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
A. The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) reimburses FQHCs an
outpatient encounter rate.
a. Physician or Osteopath;
b. Dentist;
d. Physician Assistant;
g. Psychologist;
j. Podiatrist;
k. Radiology;
l. Optometrist;
m. Optician;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
o. Clinical Laboratory
d. Home visits;
Up to two times a calendar year, the FQHC may bill for additional
reimbursement for family planning education on the same date of service as
the encounter. (See Billing Guide for more information).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
6. See MSM Chapter 1000 for all other covered and non-covered
dental services.
i. Telehealth
1. Group Therapy;
2. Eyeglasses;
3. Hearing Aids;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
5. Ambulance services.
A. Ancillary services are those services which are an approved Nevada Medicaid State Plan
service but are not included within an approved FQHC encounter.
2. The FQHC must enroll within the appropriate provider type and meet all the MSM
coverage guidelines for the specific ancillary service.
1. Medical.
2. Mental/behavioral health.
3. Dental.
B. An FQHC may be reimbursed for up to three service-specific visits per patient per day
provided that the FQHC has been approved for separate established rates for each
encounter type.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 2903
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
B. Ancillary services billed outside of an encounter must follow prior authorization policy
guidelines for the specific services provided.
For billing instructions for FQHCs, please refer to the Billing Manual for Provider Type 17.
For Indian Health Programs (IHP) policy, please refer to MSM Chapter 3000, Indian Health.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
2904 HEARINGS
A. Please reference Nevada Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) 3100 for hearings procedures.
3002 DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................1
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 3000
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
3000 INTRODUCTION
Medically necessary (as defined in Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 100 (Medicaid
Program) services are reimbursable when the services are provided by an Indian Health Program
to an eligible American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Medicaid or Nevada Check Up
recipient. Indian Health Programs may be operated by the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal
Organization, or an Urban Indian Organization – (I/T/U).
Numerous public laws guide federal and state interactions with tribal governments and AI/ANs.
A basic understanding of these laws is essential to help facilitate the collaborative relationship
between the DHCFP and the tribes within the State of Nevada. Below is a brief summation of
these laws.
WORCESTER V. GEORGIA (1832): The Supreme Court of the United States held that the
federal government, and not state governments, had exclusive “authority over American Indian
Affairs”.
The Act authorized the President of the United States to partial reservation lands into general
allotments. Federal trust land owned or possessed by an AI/AN may be exempt from Medicaid
estate recovery.
The Act made the federal government responsible for the health care of AI/ANs.
The Act reversed the General Allotment Act. The Act reinstated self-governance and returned
tribal lands to respective tribal governments.
Prior to this Act, the federal government managed, coordinated, and provided health care
services for AI/ANs. The Act authorized tribal governments to establish contracts and compacts
with the federal government. In general, tribal governments may plan, conduct, and administer
their own public programs – to include Indian Health Programs.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
The Act authorized 100 percent federal reimbursement to states for medical services provided to
AI/ANs when provided through the Indian Health Service (IHS) and/or tribal organizations.
Prohibitions of state Medicaid agencies from charging AI/AN premiums and cost shares
for services provided through Indian Health Programs or tribal organizations to AI/ANs;
Protections of certain properties held by AI/AN from federal or state recovery; and
Mandates that states seek ongoing advice from Indian Health Programs on issues that are
likely to have a direct effect on Indian Health Programs.
The Act reauthorized and made permanent the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
3001 AUTHORITY
Social Security Act (SSA), Title XIX (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs),
Chapter 1905 (Definitions), Section (b)
SSA, Title XIX, Chapter 1916A (State Option for Alternative Premiums and Cost
Sharing)
SSA, Title XIX, Chapter 1917 (Liens, Adjustments and Recoveries, and Transfers of
Assets)
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42 (Public Health), Chapter IV (Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services), Section 431.110
(Participation by Indians Health Service Facilities)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
3002 DEFINITIONS
In accordance with 25 USC, Section 1602: “The term [eligible] Indians or Indian, unless
otherwise designated, means any person who is a member of an Indian tribe, as defined in
subsection (d) hereof, except that, for the purpose of sections 1612 and 1613 of this title,
such terms shall mean any individual who:
B. Children, Eligible
2. is the natural or adopted child, stepchild, foster child, legal ward, or orphan of an
eligible Indian; and
3. is not otherwise eligible for health services provided by the Indian Health
Service (IHS), shall be eligible for all health services provided by IHS on the
same basis and subject to the same rules that apply to eligible Indians until such
individual attains 19 years of age.”
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
3. The recipient lives within the established contract health service delivery area.
Indian Health Programs include the IHS, Tribal Organizations and Urban Indian
Organizations (I/T/U):
1. Indian Health Service: IHS is a federal agency within the Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS).
Federally recognized tribes are sovereign governments. They may establish their own
governments, establish tribal membership guidelines, and create and enforce their own
laws.
Any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, which the
Federal government recognizes as eligible for programs and services provided by the
United States to AI/AN.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3003 POLICY
It is the policy of the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) to follow State and
Federal laws, uphold the tribal-state consultation process, and promote Indian Health Programs
(IHP).
A. The DHCFP reimburses Indian Health Services (IHS) and Tribal organizations an
outpatient encounter rate.
2. Service Limits: Eligible Indians may receive up to five face-to-face IHS and/or
Tribal Organization outpatient encounter/visits per day, per recipient, any
provider.
In accordance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the DHCFP
supports eligible Indians in selecting an Indian Health Program as their PCP. These
recipients may select an Indian Health Program as their PCP, whether they are enrolled in
managed care or fee-for-service (FFS). Indian Health Programs that become PCPs for
eligible Indians do not have to be, but may be, enrolled with either of the Managed Care
Organizations (MCOs). Services which are referred out by PCPs must follow the service
limitation and prior authorization requirements set forth by the applicable benefit plan
(i.e., managed care or FFS).
Eligible Indians are exempt from mandatory enrollment in managed care. In situations
where Indians voluntarily enroll in managed care, they may access health care services
from Indian Health Programs without restriction. Health care services provided to Indians
through the IHS and/or tribal organizations may be reimbursed FFS or through the MCO.
D. Prior Authorizations
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
E. Program Funding
a. Adults – Age 21 and older: Eligible Indians may not be charged premiums
or cost shares when they receive medical services through an Indian
Health Program.
3. Rates
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Health care professionals do not have to be licensed in the State of Nevada if:
H. Transportation
A. Consultations
The DHCFP will consult with Tribes and Indian Health Programs on Medicaid State Plan
Amendments (SPAs), waiver requests, waiver renewals, demonstration project proposals
and/or on matters that relate to Medicaid and Nevada Check Up programs.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. The notification will describe the purpose of the SPA, waiver request, waiver
renewal, demonstration project proposal and/or on matters relating to Medicaid
and Nevada Check Up programs and will include the anticipated impact on Tribal
members, Tribes and/or Indian Health Programs.
2. The notification will also describe a method for Tribes and/or Indian Health
Programs to provide official written comments and questions within a time-frame
that allows adequate time for State analysis, consideration of any issues that are
raised and the time for discussion between the State and entities responding to the
notification.
3. Tribes and Indian Health Programs will be provided a reasonable amount of time
to respond to the notification. Whereof, 30 days is considered reasonable.
4. In all cases where Tribes and/or Indian Health Programs request in-person
consultation meetings, the DHCFP will make these meetings available.
5. The tribe-state consultation process allows for an expedited process for
notification of policy changes due to budget cuts prior to changes being
implemented. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires
Medicaid SPAs, waiver requests and waiver renewals, which fall within this
category to have a notification process prior to these documents being submitted
to CMS. Due to this, the State is instituting an expedited process which allows for
notification to the Tribes and Indian Health Programs of at least one week notice
prior to the changes being implemented as agreed upon in the tribe-state
consultation process or two weeks prior to the submission of the SPAs, waiver
requests and/or waiver renewals, whichever date precedes.
HEARINGS
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
3100 INTRODUCTION
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) (also referred to as the “agency”)
makes a Fair Hearing process available to any Nevada Medicaid or Nevada Check Up (NCU)
recipient who disagrees with: any action resulting in the reduction, suspension, termination, denial
or denial-in-part of a Medicaid service; any recipient who makes a request for a service and
believes the request was not acted upon with reasonable promptness by the DHCFP and/or the
health plan. Also, the DHCFP makes available a Fair Hearing process for any Nursing Facility
(NF) resident eviction.
The DHCFP makes available a Fair Hearing process whereby providers may request a hearing for
any adverse action taken by the Division or its agents which affects the provider’s participation in
the Medicaid program, and/or reimbursement for services rendered to eligible Medicaid recipients’
recoupment of overpayments or disenrollment.
For purposes of this manual section, Medicaid and NCU are referred to as Medicaid. All Medicaid
policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for NCU, with the
exception of three areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ as referenced in the NCU
Manual, Section 1003.6.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
3101 AUTHORITY
The Fair Hearing process for recipients is a mandated service. The citation denoting the right to a
hearing is found in 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), §431, Subpart E and 42 CFR 457.1130
and Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 422.276. Please see CFR §431.244 for exceptions to the
Hearing decision due dates. In addition, the citation denoting the appeals procedure for NF and
Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) is found in 42
CFR §431, Subpart D.
The Fair Hearing process for providers is cited at NRS Chapter 422.306 – Hearing to review action
taken against provider of services under state plan for Medicaid regulations; appeal of final
decision.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
3102 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3103 POLICY
3103.1 The DHCFP provides the Fair Hearing process pursuant to Sections 3104 and 3105 of this Chapter
of the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM).
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
A recipient or his authorized representative may request a Standard Fair Hearing. A request
for a Fair Hearing can be submitted via the internet, telephonically, in person, through other
commonly available electronic means and in writing and signed by the recipient or the
recipient’s authorized representative.
2. DATE OF REQUEST
The date of the request for a Standard Fair Hearing is the date the request is received by the
DHCFP office. The request must be received by the DHCFP office within 90 calendar days
from the Notice Date, unless a recipient can substantiate “good cause” for not doing so.
When the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next
working day.
The request for hearing must contain the recipient’s name, address, telephone number and
Medicaid number as well as the name, telephone number and address of the authorized
representative, if applicable.
Recipients enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO) must request a Fair Hearing
no later than 120 days from the date on the MCO’s Notice of Decision (NOD) (Action).
3. SUBJECT MATTER
a. a recipient who requests it because his request for services is denied, reduced,
suspended or terminated;
b. a recipient who requests it because his request for services is not acted upon with
reasonable promptness;
c. a recipient who requests it because he believes the agency or managed health plan
has taken an action erroneously;
d. any resident of a nursing facility who believes the facility erroneously determined
that he must be transferred or discharged;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
e. any recipient who requests it because he believes the State has made an erroneous
determination with regard to the Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review
(PASRR) as outlined in Section 1917(e)(7) of the Social Security Act;
f. any recipient who is assigned (locked in) to using one pharmacy for all controlled
substance prescriptions.
This includes an adverse determination that the recipient does not require specialized
services as defined in 42 CFR §431.201, 431.206 and 431.220 as determined by a PASRR.
Pursuant to 42 CFR §483.204, the state will provide a system for a resident of a NF to appeal
a notice from the NF of intent to discharge or transfer the resident. Upon receipt of the
discharge notice, the resident may request a Fair Hearing via the internet, telephonically, in
person, through other commonly available electronic means or by submitting the request to
the DHCFP. The DHCFP will inform the Department of Administration of the residents
request for a Fair Hearing. The DHCFP does not take an adverse action against the resident;
rather the facility takes the action via the discharge. The DHCFP is not a party to the action.
2. DATE OF REQUEST
The date of the request for an Expedited Fair Hearing is the date the request is received by
the DHCFP office.
The request for an Expedited Fair Hearing must contain the recipient’s name, address,
telephone number and Medicaid number, as well as the name, telephone number and address
of the authorized representative and/or provider, if applicable, and must include all pertinent
medical information that supports the reason for the urgent need of the expedited timeframe.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
If the Expedited Hearing request is submitted without pertinent medical information, the
Hearing request will be treated as a Standard Fair Hearing request (90-day decision). If the
required documentation is submitted after the initial Expedited Hearing request is received,
the timeframe for the Expedited Fair Hearing will begin the day the required pertinent
medical documentation is received by the DHCFP.
3. SUBJECT MATTER
The DHCFP must grant an opportunity for an Expedited Fair Hearing to:
a. a recipient who requests it because his request for services is denied, reduced,
suspended or terminated and the time permitted for a Standard Fair Hearing could
jeopardize the individual’s life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain
maximum function;
b. a recipient who requests it because his request for services is not acted upon with
reasonable promptness and the time permitted for a Standard Fair Hearing could
jeopardize the individual’s life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain
maximum function;
c. a recipient who requests it because he believes the agency or managed health plan
has taken an action erroneously and the time permitted for a Standard Fair Hearing
could jeopardize the individual’s life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain
maximum function; or
d. any resident of a NF who believes the facility erroneously determined that he must
be transferred or discharged and the time permitted for a standard Fair Hearing could
jeopardize the individual’s life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain
maximum function;
This includes an adverse determination that the recipient does not require specialized
services as defined in 42 CFR §431.201, 431.206 and 431.220 as determined by a PASRR.
Pursuant to 42 CFR §483.204, the state will provide a system for a resident of a NF to appeal
a notice from the NF of intent to discharge or transfer the resident. Upon receipt of the
discharge notice, the resident may request an Expedited Fair Hearing over the phone,
electronically or in writing by submitting a letter to the DHCFP. The DHCFP will inform
the Department of Administration of the resident’s request for a Fair Hearing. The DHCFP
does not take an adverse action against the resident; rather the facility takes the action via
the discharge. The DHCFP is not a party to the action. A decision will be provided within
seven working days from when the Hearing request was received.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
a. The agency cannot reach a decision because the recipient, authorized representative
and/or provider request the delay.
c. If Medicaid services have been continued at unreduced levels per MSM Section
3104.4(C), the Expedited Fair Hearing process is not applicable and the Fair Hearing
request will be treated as a Standard Fair Hearing request.
A recipient may withdraw the request for a hearing at any time before a decision is
rendered via phone, written submission or electronically. Notification of the request
for withdrawal will be submitted to the Hearing Officer who will dismiss the hearing
request. Written confirmation will be sent to the recipient regarding the withdrawal.
3. Agency Action
Medicaid may reverse its NOD at any time during the hearing process. If a
Medicaid reversal occurs, a report shall be submitted by the person conducting the
review detailing the reason(s) for the reversal if a Fair Hearing has been calendared.
The report must be forwarded to the Hearing Officer within five business days
following the reversal decision date or review date if a fair hearing has been
scheduled. The Hearing Officer notifies the recipient the request for hearing is
dismissed because Medicaid will not take action or has reversed the decision.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
1. the sole issue is a Federal or State law requiring an automatic change adversely
affecting some or all recipients;
3. the agency and/or managed health plan has not taken any action affecting the
recipient, or made an Adverse Determination, nor denied a request for services or
failed to act upon the request within reasonable promptness;
5. the primary insurance policy and access (including appeal/hearing process) has not
been exhausted. As Medicaid is the payer of last resort, all remedies under other
insurance must be exhausted.
Within 10 calendar days of a request for a Standard Fair Hearing, the DHCFP Hearings
Office shall contact the recipient to offer an HPM. The purpose is to provide the recipient
an explanation of the action, which is the subject of the hearing request, and attempt to
resolve the matter. Every effort is made to reconcile the disagreement without the necessity
of a Fair Hearing. The right to a Fair Hearing is not affected by attendance at a HPM. The
recipient may allow participation in the HPM by legal counsel, a friend or other
spokesperson.
It is important the HPM be held at the earliest possible date, no later than 21 working days
after receipt of a hearing request. Rescheduling of an HPM shall be kept to a maximum of
two instances, assuring completion within 21 working days.
The Department of Administration Hearing Officer shall notify all parties by mail as to the
time, date and place the hearing has been scheduled. Recipients are given at least 10
calendar days advance notice of the scheduled hearing unless the recipient specifically
requests a hearing in a shorter period of time based on an emergency.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
At the discretion of the Hearing Officer, a Fair Hearing may be postponed if requested by
either party.
If the recipient requests a postponement, the number of days postponed will extend the
decision due date by an equal number of days.
Either party may request the Fair Hearing be conducted telephonically. If a telephone
hearing is held, the following procedures apply:
1. The recipient is advised at the time the hearing is scheduled that all other policies
and procedures relative to hearings and program requirements still apply.
2. The Hearing Officer may request the DHCFP, the managed health plan and the
recipient to provide copies of any evidence or exhibits to be presented during the
hearing to the Hearing Officer and the other parties prior to a scheduled telephone
hearing. This does not preclude additional information from being presented during
the hearing, or if requested, after the close of the hearing.
3. All telephone hearings must be tape recorded by the Hearing Officer over the
telephone. This recording is the official record.
All Expedited Fair Hearings are held telephonically due to time constraints.
A. RECOVERY
If Medicaid services are continued until a decision is rendered, such cost of services are
subject to recovery by the DHCFP if the agency's action is sustained or the hearing request
is withdrawn by the recipient.
If the agency mails the notice as required, and the recipient requests a hearing before the
Date of Action, the DHCFP or managed health plan will not terminate or reduce services
until a decision is rendered after the hearing unless:
1. the Hearing Officer makes a determination the sole issue is one of Federal or State
law or policy and the agency promptly informs the recipient in writing that services
are to be terminated or reduced pending the hearing decision; or
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
2. the recipient requests in writing that benefits not be continued pending a hearing
decision; or
1. Discretionary:
When a recipient requests a hearing no more than the 10th calendar day after the
Date of Action, the agency may reinstate benefits if requested by the recipient. The
reinstated services will continue until a hearing decision is rendered unless, at the
hearing, it is determined that the sole issue is one of Federal or State law or policy.
2. Mandatory:
The agency must reinstate and continue services until a decision is rendered after a
hearing if:
b. the agency mails the 10-day or 5-day notice as required under 42 CFR
§431.211 or 42 CFR §431.214, and the recipient requests a hearing before
the date of action, the agency may not terminate or reduce services until a
decision is rendered after the hearing unless:
A. ATTENDANCE
Attendance at a hearing is limited to those directly concerned; namely, the Hearing Officer,
recipient(s), and/or their witnesses, counsel or authorized representative(s), interpreter,
witnesses and representatives of the DHCFP, and if applicable, representatives from the
managed health plan. Counsel for the agency and/or managed health plan may also attend
as necessary.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
Medicaid assures the availability for recipients, their authorized representatives and
witnesses of necessary transportation to and from the hearing.
B. GROUP HEARINGS
A series of recipient requests for a hearing may be consolidated upon agreement of all
parties by conducting a single group hearing in cases in which the sole issue involved is
one of State and/or Federal law, regulation or policy.
3104.6 PREPARATION/PRESENTATION
B. RECIPIENT
1. Before the date of the hearing and during the hearing, the recipient may examine
and request copies of their own case information. Authorized representatives must
provide a current signed release from the recipient to permit release of records. The
DHCFP and/or managed health plan will provide the copies free of charge. The
recipient shall not have access to confidential information.
Recipients are allowed to bring witnesses and submit evidence to establish all
pertinent facts and circumstances relative to the issue and to present arguments
without undue interference. They are also allowed to question or refute any
testimony or evidence and confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses. New
evidence not previously provided to the DHCFP or managed health plan, but which
is believed to have a bearing on the action taken, must be provided to the DHCFP
prior to the hearing for evaluation and any necessary action.
3. Recipients are provided a copy of all evidence presented at the hearing by the
DHCFP.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
A. CONTROL
The Hearing Officer controls the hearing and ensures only relevant issues are considered.
Disrespectful language or contemptuous conduct, refusal to comply with directions or
continued use of dilatory tactics by any person at the hearing constitutes grounds for
immediate exclusion of such person from the hearing by the Hearing Officer and the
hearing decision will be based on evidence submitted. The Hearing Officer shall record
hearing proceedings. The Hearing Officer’s Transcripts of Evidence constitutes the sole
official record.
2. Explain the reason for the hearing and the role of the Hearing Officer;
3. Assure all persons in attendance at the hearing are identified by name and purpose
of attendance;
C. ADMINISTERING OATHS
Testimony under oath shall be required at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.
Nevada Rules of Evidence do not apply in the hearing. The Hearing Officer:
At the close of the hearing, the Hearing Officer advises persons in attendance:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
2. That the decision will be made based on program policy and exclusively on the
testimony and evidence presented at the hearing; and
A. If, prior to the hearing, it becomes apparent the recipient has received an incorrect NOD
for Prior Authorization Request from the DHCFP or the managed health plan, a corrected
notice must be sent to the recipient if the proposed action remains unchanged.
B. If, after a hearing has begun, it becomes apparent the recipient received an incorrect NOD
for Prior Authorization Request (i.e., the notice quotes incorrect factual and legal reason(s)
or omits additional factual and legal reason(s) pertinent to the issue), the Hearing Officer
may offer the recipient the choice of either accepting the incorrect notice, with the
necessary corrections noted for the record and continuing with the hearing; or setting the
hearing to a later date to allow the DHCFP or the managed health plan time to prepare and
serve the corrected NOD.
During a hearing, additional evidence related to the hearing issue may be submitted. The Hearing
Officer, recipient, the DHCFP or managed health plan may request additional evidence be
submitted which is not available at the hearing.
A. Recess the hearing if additional evidence has been submitted, to allow for review by the
recipient, the DHCFP or managed health plan; or
B. Continue the hearing to a later date and order further investigation or request either party
to review or produce the additional evidence; or
C. Close the hearing, but hold the record open to permit submission of any additional
evidence.
When the hearing involves medical issues such as those concerning a diagnosis or an examining
physician's report, the Hearing Officer may require an additional medical assessment other than
that of the person involved in making the original assessment. The request is directed to the
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
DHCFP or the managed health plan for evaluation and follow-up. Any additional assessment
determined to be necessary is obtained at the DHCFP or the managed health plan’s expense. The
hearing may be held open for a specified length of time pending receipt of such requested
information. This additional assessment must be made part of the record.
The Hearing Officer’s decision must be in writing and comply with Medicaid program policy. The
decision is based exclusively on evidence introduced at the hearing. Changed physical or social
factors following the DHCFP or managed health plan action being appealed cannot be considered
in rendering the hearing decision.
A. BASIS
2. Comply with applicable regulations in effect at the time of the agency or managed
health plan’s action;
B. APPEAL IS DENIED
Denied decisions are adverse to the recipient. When the appeal is denied, the Hearing
Officer will notify the DHCFP or the managed health plan and the recipient of the right to
judicial review.
Recipient withdrawals and abandonments are equivalent to a denied appeal. The DHCFP
may institute recovery procedures against the recipient to recoup the cost of any services
furnished by Medicaid.
C. APPEAL IS SUSTAINED
Sustained decisions are favorable to the recipient. The DHCFP or the managed health plan
must take corrective action promptly, retroactive to the date an incorrect action was taken.
If appropriate, the agency must provide for admission or readmission of a recipient to a
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
facility if the hearing decision is favorable to the recipient or if the DHCFP decides in the
recipient's favor before the hearing.
Within 90 calendar days after the date of the request for a hearing has been received by the
DHCFP office, the recipient and the Hearings Unit must be notified of the Hearing
Officer’s decision specifying the factual and legal reasons for the decision and identifying
the supporting evidence relied upon to reach the decision. A copy of the decision must be
delivered by certified mail to each party and to their attorney or other authorized
representative.
The time period for a hearing decision may be extended for a period equal to the total delay
if the recipient requests a delay or postponement of the hearing proceedings and waives his
right to have a decision rendered within 90 days after the date of the request for a hearing.
Decisions on Expedited Fair Hearing requests will be made expeditiously as the recipient’s
health condition requires, but no later than three working days after the date the request for
a hearing has been received by the DHCFP office.
The Decision of the Hearing Officer is final. The Hearing Decision may be appealed by any party,
within 90 days after the date on which the written notice of decision is mailed, to the appropriate
District Court of the State of Nevada. The day after the mailing is the first day of the 90-day period.
A. CONTENT
Administrative hearing files and taped recordings must be retained no less than six years
from the date the hearing decision was rendered.
If a hearing decision is appealed, the hearing record must be retained until the court action
is resolved or the designated retention period, whichever is later.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RECIPIENT HEARINGS
1. The requestor may secure a copy of the recording and/or transcript of a Fair Hearing
by written request to the Department of Administration. Please note that the
requestor shall be invoiced from the Department of Administration for this service
and the requestor is responsible for the payment of these records.
2. An official typed transcription of the recording of the hearing is prepared for the
District Court and recipient when a hearing decision is appealed. Within 90 days
after the service of the petition for judicial review, the DHCFP or its designee shall
transmit to the court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the
proceeding under review, including, without limitation, a transcript of the evidence
resulting in the final decision of the Hearing Officer.
* The requested recording and/or transcript is free of charge to the recipient in the
event that the recipient appeals to District Court.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
A Nevada Medicaid provider may request a Fair Hearing when they disagree with an
adverse determination taken against them by the agency, the Quality Improvement
Organization (QIO)-like vendor/fiscal agent, managed health plan or other third-party plan
or Program Administrator. An adverse determination may include, but is not limited to:
4. recoupment of an overpayment; or
6. ineligible determination for the Incentive Payment Program for Electronic Health
Record (EHR) enrollment.
The provider must exhaust any internal grievance process available through the QIO-like
vendor/Fiscal Agent, managed health plan or third-party plan or Program Administrator
prior to a DHCFP Fair Hearing.
B. DATE OF REQUEST
The date of request for a hearing is the date the request is received by the DHCFP Hearings
Office. A request for a Fair Hearing must be received by the DHCFP Hearings Office
within 90 calendar days from the date of the adverse determination notification. When a
determination notification provides a specific timeframe in which a Fair Hearing may be
requested, the timeframe specified in the notification is the applicable timeframe. When
the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next working
day.
A request for a Fair Hearing must be submitted to the DHCFP Hearing Office in writing
and must include the provider name, Medicaid provider number, correspondence address,
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
contact telephone number, the reason(s) why the provider disagrees with the determination
and a copy of the determination notification from the agency, Fiscal Agent, managed health
plan or third-party plan or Program Administrator. A request for a Fair Hearing must be
signed by the provider or the provider’s authorized representative.
A provider may withdraw a request for a Fair Hearing at any time before a decision
is rendered. A request to withdraw a hearing must be submitted in writing to the
Hearing Officer who may dismiss the hearing request.
The agency, Fiscal Agent or managed health plan may reverse its adverse action
determination at any time during the hearing process. If a determination reversal
occurs, notification of the reversal must be made to the Hearing Officer, if a Fair
Hearing had been scheduled. The Hearing Officer notifies the provider the request
for hearing is dismissed because Medicaid, the Fiscal Agent or managed health plan
will not take the action or has reversed the decision.
1. the sole issue is a Federal suspension or ban of regulation at the Federal level
affecting providers.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
3. the provider has not exhausted the Appeal process available through the Fiscal
Agent, the managed health plan or a third-party plan administrator.
Nevada Medicaid Hearings Office will offer an HPM with the provider to allow an
opportunity to have an informal discussion regarding the determination being disputed, and
to attempt to resolve the disputed matter. A provider may refuse an HPM if they choose.
The right to a Fair Hearing is not affected by attendance at an HPM. A provider may
designate participation in the HPM by legal counsel or a representative.
The Department of Administration Hearing Officer shall notify all parties by mail as to the
date, time and location of the Fair Hearing.
At the discretion of the Hearing Officer, a Fair Hearing may be postponed if requested by
either party.
C. HEARINGS BY TELEPHONE
3. Telephonic testimony is recorded by the Hearing Officer and is part of the official
record.
A. ATTENDANCE
1. Hearing Officer;
2. provider;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
4. interpreter;
B. GROUP HEARINGS
At the discretion of the Hearing Officer, a series of provider requests for a hearing may be
consolidated by conducting a single group hearing in cases in which the sole issue involved
is one of State and/or Federal law, regulation or policy.
3105.5 PREPARATION/PRESENTATION
2. The agency or the managed health plan must provide testimony and/or evidence
regarding the agency's and/or managed health plan's action. This includes the
organization of oral and written evidence and preparation of a Basis of Action
summary substantiating the decision to be presented at the Fair Hearing. This
summary becomes part of the record at the conclusion of the Fair Hearing. Witness
testimony may be provided telephonically at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.
3. All documents being presented at a Fair Hearing by the agency or managed health
plan must be made available to the provider or representative and to the Hearing
Officer at least five days prior to the Fair Hearing.
B. PROVIDER
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
a bearing on the action taken, must be provided to all parties prior to the hearing
for evaluation and any necessary action.
A. CONTROL
The Hearing Officer controls the hearing and ensures only relevant issues are considered.
Disrespectful language or contemptuous conduct, refusal to comply with directions or
continued use of dilatory tactics by any person at the hearing constitutes grounds for
immediate exclusion of such person from the hearing by the Hearing Officer and the
hearing decision will be based on evidence submitted. A recorder shall be used by the
hearing officer to record hearing proceedings. The Hearing Officer’s Transcripts of
Evidence constitutes the sole official record.
2. explain the reason for the hearing and the role of the Hearing Officer;
3. assure all persons in attendance at the hearing are identified by name and purpose
of attendance; and
C. ADMINISTERING OATHS
Testimony under oath shall be required at the discretion of the Hearing Officer.
Nevada Rules of Evidence do not apply in the hearing. The Hearing Officer shall:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
At the close of the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall advise persons in attendance:
2. that the decision will be made based on program policy and exclusively on the
testimony and evidence presented at the hearing; and
If the agency, fiscal agent or managed health plan recognizes an incorrect or inaccurate
determination Notice has been issued, a corrected Amended Notice will be issued by the agency,
Fiscal Agent or managed health plan. The action and effective date remain unchanged unless
otherwise notified in the Amended Notice.
During a hearing, additional evidence related to the hearing issue may be submitted. The Hearing
Officer, provider, the DHCFP or managed health plan may request additional evidence be
submitted which is not available at the hearing. The Hearing Officer may:
A. recess the hearing if additional evidence has been submitted, to allow for review by the
provider, the DHCFP or managed health plan;
B. continue the hearing to a later date and order further investigation or request either party to
review or produce the additional evidence; or
C. close the hearing, but hold the record open to permit submission of any additional evidence.
The Hearing Officer’s decision must be in writing and comply with Nevada Medicaid or the
managed health plan’s program policy. The decision is based exclusively on evidence introduced
at the hearing.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
A. BASIS
2. comply with applicable regulations in effect at the time of the agency’s or managed
health plan’s action;
B. APPEAL IS DENIED
Denied decisions are adverse to the provider. When an appeal is denied, the Hearing Officer
will notify the DHCFP or the managed health plan and the provider of their right to judicial
review.
Provider withdrawals and abandonments are equivalent to a denied appeal. The DHCFP
may institute recovery procedures against the provider to recoup the cost of any services
furnished.
C. APPEAL IS SUSTAINED
Sustained decisions are favorable to the provider. The DHCFP or the managed health plan
must take corrective action promptly, retroactive to the date an incorrect action was taken.
If appropriate, the agency must provide for admission or readmission of a recipient to a
facility if the hearing decision is favorable to the provider or if the DHCFP decides in the
provider's favor before the hearing.
Within 30 calendar days following the Fair Hearing, or the date the record is closed,
whichever is later, the Hearing Officer shall issue a final Decision.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL PROVIDER HEARINGS
HOSPICE
3209 DETERMINING TERMINAL STATUS - Local Coverage Determination (LCD) - Adults .........1
3209.1 NON-CANCER TERMINAL ILLNESSES ....................................................................................1
3209.2 HOSPICE CRITERIA FOR ADULT CANCER ...........................................................................14
1
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
2
MTL 02/14
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 3200
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
3200 INTRODUCTION
The Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) Medicaid Hospice Services
program is designed to provide support and comfort for Medicaid eligible recipients who have a
terminal illness and have decided to receive end of life care. Covered hospice services address the
needs of the individual, their caregivers and their families while maintaining quality of life as a
primary focus. The hospice philosophy provides for the physical needs of recipients as well as
their emotional and spiritual needs. This care is provided in the recipient’s place of residence,
which could be a specialized hospice facility, an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) or in his or her
own home. Hospice care incorporates an interdisciplinary team approach which is sensitive to the
recipient and family’s needs during the final stages of illness, dying and the bereavement period.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ as
documented in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000. Refer to Medicaid Services Manual (MSM)
Chapter 3600 for Managed Care recipients for differences in Hospice enrollment, claims and
payment.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
3201 AUTHORITY
Hospice Services are an optional program under the Social Security Act XVIII Sec.
1905.(o)(1)(A), and are governed by The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 42, Part 418
and Title 42 Part 489.102, Subpart I.
Effective October 1, 1997, the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 422.304 mandated
reimbursement for hospice care under the Medicaid State Plan.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
3202 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3203 POLICY
Hospice services must be identified in the established plan of care; maintain a high standard of
quality and be reasonable and necessary to palliate or manage the terminal illness and related
illnesses. Hospice must include a comprehensive set of services identified and coordinated by an
Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) to provide for the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and emotional
needs of a terminally ill recipient and/or family members, as delineated in a specific recipient plan
of care.
All services must be provided in accordance with recognized professional standards of practice
and within the limitations and exclusions hereinafter specified, as described in the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – State Operations Manual (SOM) and the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 42, Part 418 which sets forth the Conditions of Participation
(COP). The COP is the eligibility, health and safety requirements that all hospices are required to
meet. COPs also provide a guide for continuous quality improvement and current standards of
practice.
All Nevada Medicaid recipients electing Hospice services, including those with primary insurance
such as Medicare or a private insurance, must be enrolled in Nevada Medicaid's Hospice Program
regardless of where hospice services are provided.
Nevada Medicaid shall be available to assist hospice providers in coordinating the services and
shall require that the other service providers cooperate in these coordination efforts and understand
that the hospice provider is the lead case coordinator.
NOTE: Enrollment paperwork for hospice recipients who are pending a Nevada Medicaid
eligibility determination should not be submitted until Medicaid benefits have been approved. All
enrollment forms must be received by the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor
within 60 days of the date of decision of eligibility determination.
Should a terminally ill adult recipient elect to receive hospice care, he or she must waive all rights
to Medicaid payments for the duration of the election of hospice care for any Medicaid services
that are related to the treatment of the terminal illness for which hospice care was elected or a
related illness or that are equivalent to hospice care except for services:
2. Provided by the individual’s attending physician if that physician is not an employee of the
designated hospice or receiving compensation from the hospice for those services;
3. Provided as room and board by a Nursing Facility (NF) if the individual is a resident, or
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
A hospice program may arrange for another individual or entity to furnish services to the hospice’s
recipients. If services are provided under arrangement, the hospice must meet the following
standards:
1. Continuity of Care: The hospice program assures the continuity of recipient/family care in
home, outpatient, and inpatient settings;
2. Written Agreement: The hospice has a legally binding written agreement for the provision
of arranged services. The agreement includes at least the following:
b. A stipulation that services may be provided only with the express authorization of
the hospice;
c. The manner in which the contracted services are coordinated, supervised, and
evaluated by the hospice;
d. The delineation of the role(s) of the hospice and the contractor in the admission
process, recipient/family assessment, and the interdisciplinary group care
conferences;
The hospice retains professional management responsibility for those services and ensures that
they are furnished in a safe and effective manner by persons meeting the qualifications, and in
accordance with the recipient’s Plan of Care (POC) and other requirements.
Recipients under the age of 21 are entitled to concurrent care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA);
that is curative care and palliative care at the same time while an eligible recipient of the Medicaid
Hospice Program, and shall not constitute a waiver of any rights of the child to be provided with,
or to have payment made for services that are related to the treatment of the child's terminal illness.
Upon turning 21 years of age, the recipient will no longer have concurrent care benefits and will be
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
subject to the rules governing adults who have elected Medicaid hospice care. Upon turning 21
years of age, the recipient must sign a Nevada Medicaid Hospice Program Election Notice-Adult
(FA-93), continuing in the certification period currently in place.
Pediatric hospice care is both a philosophy and an organized method for delivering competent,
compassionate and consistent care to children with terminal illnesses and their families. This care
focuses on enhancing quality of life, minimizing suffering, optimizing function and providing
opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, planned and delivered through the collaborative
efforts of an interdisciplinary team with the child, family and caregivers as its center.
As part of the admission procedure it is the responsibility of the hospice agency to obtain
information regarding recipient enrollment in HCBW programs.
When a Waiver recipient is enrolled in the hospice program there can be no duplication of hospice
covered services, such as PCA services, homemaker services, home health services, respite, or
companion services. Close case coordination between the hospice agency and the waiver case
manager is required to prevent any duplication of services.
Pediatric waiver recipients are entitled to continue to receive Waiver services that are related to
their terminal illness, but are not covered by the hospice benefit because they are curative not
palliative in nature. Close coordination between the hospice agency and the waiver case manager
is required to avoid any unnecessary duplication of services.
This also includes all HCBW recipients who have Medicare as their primary insurance and
Medicare is paying for the hospice services. The hospice agency must immediately notify the QIO-
like vendor of any new hospice admissions who are receiving services through a Medicaid HCBW.
Managed care participants who elect hospice care must be disenrolled from their managed care
program.
1. The hospice is responsible for notifying the QIO-like vendor in such situations.
2. The recipient electing the hospice benefit will then return to Fee-for-Service (FFS)
Medicaid.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Nursing services, physician services, and drugs and biologicals must be routinely available on a
24-hour basis; all other covered services must be available on a 24-hour basis to the extent
necessary to meet the needs of individuals for care that is reasonable and necessary for the
palliation and management of terminal illness and related conditions and provide these services in
a manner consistent with accepted standards of practice.
The hospice must designate a Registered Nurse (RN) to: coordinate the implementation of the
POC; to ensure that the nursing needs of the recipient are met as identified in the recipient’s initial
assessment, comprehensive assessment, and updated assessments; and coordinate and oversee all
services for each recipient.
The following services are included in the hospice reimbursement when consistent with the POC.
The services must be provided in accordance with recognized professional standards of practice.
1. Nursing Services: Nursing services must comply with the following: The hospice must
provide nursing care and services by or under the supervision of a qualified RN; a qualified
RN is one who is authorized to practice as an RN by the Nevada State Board of Nursing or
the licensing board in the state in which the RN is employed. Recipient care responsibilities
of nursing personnel must be specified.
2. Medical Social Services: Medical Social Services (MSS) must be provided by a qualified
social worker, under the direction of a physician. A qualified social worker is a person who
has at least a bachelor’s degree from a school accredited or approved by the Council on
Social Work Education and is licensed to practice social work in the State of Nevada or the
state in which the social worker is employed.
3. Physician Services: In addition to palliative care and management of the terminal illness
and related conditions, physician employees of the hospice, including the physician
member(s) of the interdisciplinary group, must also meet the general medical needs of the
recipients to the extent these needs are not met by the attending physician.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
4. Counseling Services: Counseling services are available to both the individual and the
family. Counseling includes bereavement counseling, dietary, spiritual and any other
counseling services for the individual and family provided while the individual is enrolled
in the hospice. Bereavement counseling for the client’s family and significant others, as
identified in the POC, must be provided for up to one year after the recipient’s death and
is not reimbursable per 42 CFR 418.204.(c).
a. Medical supplies include those that are part of the written POC. Only drugs which
are used primarily for the relief of pain and symptom control related to the
individual’s terminal illness are covered. Appliances may include covered durable
medical equipment as well as other self-help and personal comfort items related to
the palliation or management of the client’s terminal illness. Equipment is provided
by the hospice for use in the recipient’s home while he or she is under hospice care
and the reimbursement for this is included in the rates calculated for all levels of
hospice care.
b. Drugs, supplies and durable medical equipment prescribed for conditions other than
for the palliative care and management of the terminal illness are not covered
benefits under the Nevada Medicaid hospice program and are to be billed in
accordance with the appropriate Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) chapter for
those services.
6. Home Health Aide (HHA), Personal Care Aide (PCA) and Homemaker Services: HHA
services and homemaker services when provided under the general supervision of an RN.
Services may include personal care services and such household services which may be
necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in the areas of the home used by the
recipient.
7. Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Respiratory Therapy and Speech-
Language Pathology Services: PT, OT, respiratory therapy and speech-language pathology
when provided for the purpose of symptom control, or to enable the recipient to maintain
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and basic functional skills.
1. Routine Home Care: The reimbursement rate for routine home care is made without regard
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to the intensity or volume of routine home care services on any specific day.
a. Continuous home care is only furnished during brief periods of crisis, described as
a period in which a recipient requires continuous care to achieve palliation or
management of acute medical symptoms, and only as necessary to maintain the
terminally ill recipient at home.
c. The hospice payment on a continuous care day varies depending on the number of
hours of continuous services provided. The continuous home care rate is divided
by 24 to yield an hourly rate. The number of hours of continuous home care day is
then multiplied by the hourly rate to yield the continuous home care payment for
that day.
a. The appropriate inpatient rate (general or respite) is paid depending on the category
of care furnished on any day on which the recipient is an inpatient in an approved
facility. The inpatient rate (general or respite) is paid for the date of admission and
all subsequent inpatient days, except the day on which the recipient is discharged.
For the day of discharge, the appropriate home care rate is paid unless the recipient
is deceased; the discharge day is then paid at the general or respite rate.
b. Inpatient care must be provided by a facility that has a written contract with the
hospice. This may be an approved Nursing Facility (NF), hospital or hospice
capable of providing inpatient care.
c. Respite care is short-term inpatient care provided to the recipient only when
necessary to relieve the family members or other persons caring for the recipient.
Respite care may be provided on an occasional basis and may not be reimbursed
for more than five consecutive days at a time. Payment for the sixth and any
subsequent day of respite care is made at the routine home care rate.
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recipients during that same period. Refer to the 42 CFR 418.302 for further
information on the calculation of the inpatient limitation.
The DHCFP may limit overall aggregate payments made to a hospice during a hospice cap period.
The cap period runs from November 1st of each year through October 31st of the next year. The
total payment made for services furnished to Medicaid beneficiaries during this period is compared
to the “cap amount” for this period. Any payments in excess of the cap must be refunded by the
hospice.
The hospice recipient residing in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) must not experience any lack
of services or personal care because of his or her status as a hospice recipient. The NF must offer
the same services to its residents who have elected the hospice benefit as it furnishes to its residents
who have not elected the hospice benefit. The recipient has the right to refuse any services.
The NF must continue to still comply with all requirements for participation in Medicare and/or
Medicaid for hospice-enrolled Nevada Medicaid residents.
Refer to MSM Chapter 500 for specific guidelines regarding NF pre-admission screenings.
A hospice that provides hospice care to residents of a SNF/NF or ICF/IID must abide by the
following additional standards:
1. Resident eligibility, election and duration of benefits. Recipients receiving hospice services
and residing in a SNF, NF or ICF/IID are subject to the Medicaid/Medicare hospice
eligibility criteria set out at Title 42 CFR 418.20 through CFR 418.30.
2. Written agreement. The hospice and SNF/NF or ICF/IID must have a written agreement that
specifies the provision of hospice services in the facility. The agreement must be signed by
authorized representatives of the hospice and the SNF/NF or ICF/IID before the provision
of hospice services. The written agreement must include at least the following:
a. The manner in which the SNF/NF or ICF/IID and the hospice are to communicate
with each other and document such communications to ensure that the needs of
recipients are addressed and met 24 hours a day.
b. A provision that the SNF/NF or ICF/IID immediately notifies the hospice when:
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(2) Clinical complications appear that suggest a need to alter the plan of care;
(3) A need to transfer a recipient from the SNF/NF or ICF/IID, and the hospice
makes arrangements for, and remains responsible for, any necessary
continuous care or inpatient care necessary related to the terminal illness and
related illnesses; or
c. A provision stating that the hospice assumes responsibility for determining the
appropriate course of hospice care, including the determination to change the level
of services provided.
f. A delineation of the hospice's responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to,
the following: Providing medical direction and management of the recipient;
nursing; counseling (including spiritual, dietary and bereavement); social work;
provision of medical supplies, durable medical equipment and drugs necessary for
the palliation of pain and symptoms associated with the terminal illness and related
illnesses; and all other hospice services that are necessary for the care of the
resident's terminal illness and related illnesses.
g. A provision that the hospice may use the SNF/NF or ICF/IID nursing personnel
where permitted by State law and as specified by the SNF/NF or ICF/IID to assist
in the administration of prescribed therapies included in the plan of care only to the
extent that the hospice would routinely use the services of a hospice recipient's
family in implementing the plan of care.
h. A provision stating that the hospice must report all alleged violations involving
mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including
injuries of unknown source, and misappropriation of recipient property by anyone
unrelated to the hospice to the SNF/NF or ICF/IID administrator within 24 hours of
the hospice becoming aware of the alleged violation.
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In accordance with Title 42 CFR 418.56, a written hospice plan of care must be established and
maintained in consultation with SNF/NF or ICF/IID representatives. All hospice care provided must
be in accordance with this hospice plan of care.
1. Designate a member of each interdisciplinary group that is responsible for a recipient who
is a resident of a SNF/NF or ICF/IID. The designated interdisciplinary group member is
responsible for:
2. Ensure that the hospice IDG communicates with the SNF/NF or ICF/IID medical director,
the recipient's attending physician and other physicians participating in the provision of
care to the recipient as needed to coordinate the hospice care of the hospice recipient with
the medical care provided by other physicians.
b. Hospice election form and any advance directives specific to each recipient;
d. Names and contact information for hospice personnel involved in hospice care of
each recipient
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g. Hospice physician and attending physician (if any) orders specific to each recipient.
4. The hospice agency and the NF must have a written agreement under which the hospice is
responsible for the professional management of the recipient's hospice care. The NF is
responsible to provide room and board to the recipient.
(6) Supervising and assisting in the use of Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
and prescribed therapies.
The DHCFP may conduct a review of a hospice provider to ensure appropriateness of care and
accuracy of claims. The hospice provider being reviewed must comply with the DHCFP staff on
providing all information requested in a timely manner.
The methods of review may include, but are not limited to:
Medicaid hospice benefits are reserved for terminally ill recipients who have a medical prognosis
to live no more than six months if the illness runs its normal course.
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When an adult recipient (21 years of age or older) reaches 12 months in hospice care, an
independent face-to-face physician review is required. Independent reviews are subsequently
required every 12 months thereafter if the recipient continues to receive extended hospice care.
Hospice agencies should advise recipients of this requirement and provide The Nevada Medicaid
Independent Physician Review for Extended Care form (FA-96) to take with them to each
independent review.
Prior authorization requests for extended hospice care will be denied if this form is not submitted
along with the PA request or if this form indicates the recipient does not continue to meet program
eligibility requirements.
The following medical professionals may conduct the Independent Physician Review:
1. Physician (MD)
The Independent Physician Review can occur at a physician's office or at the recipient’s place of
residence, whether it be a private home or a nursing facility. The review must be completed no
sooner than 30 days before the end of the recipient's 12-month certification period. In cases when
the independent physician reviewer claims the recipient should no longer be appropriate for hospice
services, the hospice provider will be notified. The hospice physician has seven days to submit a
narrative update on the recipient to staff at LTSS for further review. The Independent Physician
review is not required for dual-eligible recipients. Due to concurrent care allowed for the pediatric
recipient of hospice services, the Independent Physician Review is required for the pediatric hospice
recipient who has elected not to pursue curative treatment.
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1. Nevada Medicaid recipients continue to be eligible for applicable state benefits for services
unrelated to the terminal illness and related conditions for which hospice was elected.
Pediatric recipients continue to be eligible for the applicable State benefits for services that
are curative in nature and related to the terminal illness for which hospice was elected. The
hospice provider is expected to be the lead case coordinator and maintain communication
with other services including those listed below:
PCS may be provided for recipients enrolled in hospice when the need for PCS is
unrelated to the terminal illness and related conditions, and the personal care needs
exceed the personal care services provided under the hospice benefit. If a recipient
enrolls in hospice, the DHCFP or its designee will conduct an evaluation of an
individual’s comprehensive personal and skilled care needs. The evaluation will
differentiate between personal care needs unrelated to the terminal illness and those
needs directly related to hospice, clearly documenting total personal care needs. PCS
provided under hospice will be subtracted from total PCS needs to document any
personal care needs not met by hospice services and which may be provided by the
Personal Care Agency. The PCS provided by a personal care agency to a recipient
because of needs unrelated to the terminal illness may not exceed State Plan program
limitations. Refer to MSM Chapter 3500 for regulations regarding PCS.
HHA Services may be provided for recipients enrolled in hospice when the need for
HHA Services is unrelated to the terminal illness and related conditions. The HHA
Services provided to a recipient for needs unrelated to the terminal illness may not
exceed State Plan program limitations. Refer to MSM Chapter 1400 for HHA
Services policy.
PDN may be provided for recipients enrolled in hospice when the need for PDN is
unrelated to the terminal illness and related conditions. PDN provided to a recipient
for needs unrelated to the terminal illness may not exceed State Plan program
limitations. Refer to MSM Chapter 900 for PDN policy.
2. Typical services available that are not covered by the hospice benefit but payable by the
DHCFP may include, but are not limited to:
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b. Optometric services;
c. Any services, drugs, equipment or supplies for an illness other than the recipient’s
terminal illness.
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Neither the hospice nor Nevada Medicaid is responsible for payment for curative services related
to an adult’s terminal illness.
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All Nevada Medicaid recipients, including those with primary insurance such as Medicare or a
private insurance, must be enrolled in Nevada Medicaid’s Hospice Program regardless of where
hospice services are provided.
NOTE: Enrollment paperwork for hospice recipients who are pending a Nevada Medicaid
eligibility determination should not be submitted until Medicaid benefits have been approved. All
enrollment forms must be received by the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor
within 60 days of the date of decision of eligibility determination.
For the initial election period, the DHCFP requires the following documentation be received by
the QIO-like vendor within eight working days of the hospice admission:
1. Nevada Medicaid Hospice Program Election Notice for Adults or a Nevada Medicaid
Hospice Program Election Notice for Pediatrics.
The hospice must obtain written certification of terminal illness, within two calendar days of
initiation of services, signed by the medical director of the hospice or the physician member of the
hospice interdisciplinary group and the individual’s attending physician. If the recipient does not
have an attending physician, this must be indicated on the Hospice Medicaid Information Form. If
the hospice cannot obtain a written certification within two days, a verbal certification may be
obtained within these two days, and a written certification obtained no later than eight days after
care is initiated. If these requirements are not met, no payment will be made for days prior to the
certification. Both the certification and election of hospice services statement must be in place for
payment to commence. Ideally, the dates on the certification statement and the election statement
should match, but if they differ, the earliest date will be the date payment will begin.
1. The recipient must have a face-to-face encounter with any of the following within 15
business days from date of planned admission to Hospice Services. This face-to-face is not
for certification of hospice services, but to ensure that recipient has been seen, examined
and deemed appropriate for admission to Hospice. This encounter can occur in any setting
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b. Nursing Facility
c. Private residence
The medical professional will make a note in their progress notes or discharge summaries when in
the acute care setting:
a. Physician
c. Physician Assistant
2. The Certification of Terminal Illness (CTI) must specify that the recipient’s prognosis is
terminal and life expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
3. Clinical information and other documentation that supports the medical prognosis must
accompany the certification and must be filed in the medical record with the written
certification. Initially, the clinical information may be provided verbally, and must be
documented in the medical record and included as part of the recipient’s eligibility
assessment.
4. The physician must include a brief narrative explanation of the clinical findings that
supports a life expectancy of six months or less as part of the certification and re-
certification. The content of the narrative must support the terminal illness diagnosis by
adhering to the Local Coverage Determination for Hospice (LCD) Guidelines and the
Medicare Non-Cancer and Cancer Diagnosis Determination Guidelines for Hospice (see
Section 3209, Determining Terminal Status).
5. Pediatric patients may not meet LCD criteria given that the criteria is largely geared toward
adult prognosis and diseases. Hospices providing services to pediatric recipients must
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submit clinical narratives describing the signs and symptoms that support the terminal
illness and life expectancy prediction of six month or less without taking into account
whether the patient is receiving concurrent care services.
1. All hospice care and services furnished to recipients and their families must follow an
individualized written plan of care established by the hospice interdisciplinary group in
collaboration with the attending physician (if any), the recipient or representative and the
primary caregiver in accordance with the recipient's needs if any of them so desire. The
hospice must ensure that each recipient and the primary care giver(s) receive education and
training provided by the hospice as appropriate to their responsibilities for the care and
services identified in the plan of care.
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An individual who is a designated Nevada Medicaid recipient, and has been certified as terminally
ill, may file a Nevada Medicaid Hospice Election form (FA-92 for adults and FA-93 for pediatrics)
with a licensed hospice provider who is contracted with the DHCFP. If the recipient is physically
or mentally incapacitated, his or her representative may file a signed hospice election statement
which must include the following:
1. Identification of the particular hospice and of the attending physician that will provide care
to the individual. The individual or representative must acknowledge that the identified
attending physician was his or her choice;
3. Acknowledgment that certain otherwise covered Medicaid services are waived by the
election, except for children under the age of 21;
4. The effective date of the election, which may be the first day of hospice care or a later date,
but may be no earlier than the date the election statement was executed and the date
certification was made; and
5. The signature of the recipient or representative. In cases where a recipient signs the Hospice
Election Statement with an "X", there must be two witnesses to sign next to his/her mark.
The witnesses must also indicate relationship to the recipient and daytime phone numbers.
Hospice provider representatives, employees or subcontractors cannot sign as witnesses.
Verbal elections are prohibited.
The hospice agency will not be reimbursed for hospice services unless all signed paperwork has
been submitted to the QIO-like vendor and prior authorization has been obtained. It is the
responsibility of the hospice provider to ensure that prior authorization is obtained for services
unrelated to the hospice benefit. Authorization requests for admission to Hospice Services must be
submitted as soon as possible, but not more than eight business days following admission. Please
note: if the authorization request is submitted after admission, the Hospice Provider is assuming
responsibility for program costs if the authorization request is denied. Prior Authorization only
approves the existence of medical necessity, not recipient eligibility.
1. An eligible recipient may elect to receive hospice care during one or more of the following
election periods:
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c. The practitioner certifies that the recipient has a life expectancy of six months or
less if the illness runs its normal course;
e. The recipient in the care of a hospice remains appropriate for hospice care.
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The hospice must develop and maintain a system of communication and integration, in accordance
with the hospice's own policies and procedures, to:
1. Ensure that the interdisciplinary group maintains responsibility for directing, coordinating
and supervising the care and services provided.
2. Ensure that the care and services are provided in accordance with the plan of care.
3. Ensure that the care and services provided are based on all assessments of the recipient and
family needs.
4. Provide for and ensure the ongoing sharing of information between all disciplines
providing care and services in all settings, whether the care and services are provided
directly or under arrangement.
5. Provide for an ongoing sharing of information with other non-hospice healthcare providers
furnishing services unrelated to the terminal illness and related illnesses.
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Pediatric recipients may not meet LCD criteria given that the criteria is geared toward adult
prognosis and diseases. Hospices providing services to pediatric recipients need to ensure all
narratives and clinical documentation address all body systems, showing clinical data supporting
the recipient's terminally ill status and decline in condition if curative care were no longer being
pursued.
1. CMS acknowledges that the primary diagnoses of hospice recipients have shifted from
cancers to non-cancer terminal illnesses.
2. CMS clarifies that "debility" and "adult failure to thrive" SHOULD NOT be used as
principal hospice diagnoses on the hospice claim form. When reported as a principal
diagnosis, these would be considered questionable encounters for hospice care.
3. Claims would be returned to the provider (RTPd) for a more definitive principal diagnosis.
"Debility" and "adult failure to thrive" could be listed on the hospice claim as other,
additional or coexisting diagnoses. CMS expects providers to code the most definitive,
contributory terminal diagnosis in the principal diagnosis field with all other related
illnesses in the additional diagnoses fields for hospice claims reporting.
4. All recipients must have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the
illness runs its normal course.
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prognosis that his or her life expectancy is six months or less if the terminal
illness runs its normal course. Recipients must meet a) and b) below:
(1) Criteria for initial certification: Criteria below must be present at the time
of initial certification for hospice. Recipients will be considered to be in the
terminal stage of their illness (life expectancy of six months or less) if they
meet the following criteria: HIV Disease a) and b) must be present; factors
from (3) will add supporting documentation.
1) CNS lymphoma.
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8) Cryptosporidium infection.
6) Toxoplasmosis
(1) Criteria for initial certification: Criteria below must be present at the time
of initial certification for hospice. Recipients will be considered to be in the
terminal stage of pulmonary disease (life expectancy of six months or less)
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if they meet the following criteria. The criteria refer to recipients with
various forms of advanced pulmonary disease who eventually follow a final
common pathway for end stage pulmonary disease: a) and b) must be
present; documentation of c), d) and/or e) will lend supporting
documentation:
d. Hospice Criteria for Adult Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Related Disorders:
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(1) Criteria below must be present at the time of initial certification and
recertification for hospice. The medical criteria listed below would support
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(1) Criteria for initial certification: Criteria below must be present at the time
of initial certification for hospice. ALS tends to progress in a linear fashion
over time. The overall rate of decline in each Recipient is fairly constant
and predictable, unlike many other non-cancer diseases. No single variable
deteriorates at a uniform rate in all recipients. Therefore, multiple clinical
parameters are required to judge the progression of ALS. Although ALS
usually presents in a localized anatomical area, the location of initial
presentation does not correlate with survival time. By the time recipients
become end-stage, muscle denervation has become widespread, affecting
all areas of the body, and initial predominance patterns do not persist. In
end-stage ALS, two factors are critical in determining prognosis: ability to
breathe, and to a lesser extent, ability to swallow. The former can be
managed by artificial ventilation, and the latter by gastrostomy or other
artificial feeding, unless the recipient has recurrent aspiration pneumonia.
While not necessarily a contraindication to hospice care, the decision to
institute either artificial ventilation or artificial feeding will significantly
alter six-month prognosis. Examination by a neurologist within three
months of assessment for hospice is required, both to confirm the diagnosis
and to assist with prognosis. Recipients will be considered to be in the
terminal stage of ALS (life expectancy of six months or less) if they meet
the following criteria (must fulfill a), b) or c)):
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1) Clinical Status
3) Signs
(a) Ascites.
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(b) Edema.
(c) Weakness.
b) End stage liver disease is present and the recipient shows at least
one of the following:
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1) Progressive malnutrition.
4) Hepatocellular carcinoma.
When an individual elects Hospice care for end stage renal disease or for a
condition to which the need for dialysis is related, the Hospice agency is financially
responsible for the dialysis. In such cases, there is no additional reimbursement
beyond the per diem rate. The only situation in which a recipient may access both
the hospice benefit and ESRD benefit is when the need for dialysis is not related to
the patient's terminal illness, or if the pediatric recipient is pursuing concurrent care.
(1) Criteria for initial certification: Criteria below must be present at the time
of initial certification for hospice. Recipients will be considered to be in the
terminal stage of renal disease (life expectancy of six months or less) if they
meet the following criteria:
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1. Criteria for initial certification or recertification: Criteria below must be present at the time
of initial certification or re-certification for hospice. Recipients will be considered to be in
the terminal stage of cancer (life expectancy of six months or less) if (a) or (b) below are
present:
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3. Failure to document terminal status of six months or less if the illness runs its normal
course.
5. A person who reaches a point of stability and is no longer considered terminally ill must not
be recertified for hospice services. The individual must be discharged to traditional
Medicaid benefits.
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The Medicaid recipient is responsible for signing the election statement to receive hospice care.
The election statement may be signed by the recipient’s representative.
The recipient is responsible to comply with the POC as established by the hospice interdisciplinary
group.
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An individual or representative may change, once in each election period, the designation of the
particular hospice from which hospice care will be received.
1. The change of the designated hospice is not a revocation of the hospice election for the
period in which it was made.
2. To change the designation of hospice agencies, the individual or representative must file,
with the hospice agency from which care has been received and with the newly designated
hospice, a Nevada Medicaid Hospice Action Form that includes the following:
a. The name of the hospice from which the individual has received care;
b. The name of the hospice from which he or she plans to receive care;
3. The transferring hospice agency files the notice in the medical record and faxes one copy
to the receiving hospice and faxes one copy to the QIO-like vendor along with a Hospice
Medicaid Information form.
4. The receiving hospice agency must fax an updated Hospice Medicaid Information form,
Hospice Ancillary Information form, a signed election statement and a signed copy of the
physician's certification of terminal illness to the QIO-like vendor.
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An individual or representative may revoke the election of hospice care at any time during an
election period.
1. To revoke the election of hospice care, the recipient or representative must file with the
hospice a Nevada Medicaid Hospice Action Form to be placed in the medical record that
includes the following information:
a. Signed statement that the recipient or representative revokes the recipient’s election
for coverage of hospice care for the remainder of that election period with the date
that the revocation is to be effective. (An individual or representative may not
designate an effective date earlier than the date that the revocation is made);
b. The hospice agency is required to fax the QIO-like vendor the signed copy of the
revocation notice and a Medicaid Hospice Information form/Notice of Revocation
within 72 hours, once the revocation notice has been signed.
2. If the hospice recipient is residing in an NF, the hospice agency is required to immediately
submit to the NF a signed copy of the notice of revocation for their medical records.
3. An individual, upon revocation of the benefit election of hospice care for a particular
election period:
b. Resumes eligibility for all Medicaid covered services as before the election to
hospice; and
c. May at any time elect to receive hospice coverage for any other hospice election
periods for which he or she is eligible to receive.
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2. The hospice must have policies in place to address disruptive, abusive or uncooperative
behavior, on the part of the recipient or other individuals in the home, to the extent that
delivery to the recipient or the ability of the hospice to operate is seriously impaired. The
hospice must do the following prior to discharge for cause:
b. Ascertain that the recipient’s proposed discharge is not due to the recipient’s use of
necessary services; and
c. Document the problem(s) and efforts made to resolve the problems(s) and enter this
documentation into its medical records.
3. Prior to discharge, the hospice must obtain a written discharge order from the hospice
medical director. If a recipient has an attending physician, the physician must be consulted
and his/her recommendation or decision must be included in the discharge note.
4. A copy of the signed discharge notice, physician’s discharge order and the Nevada
Medicaid Hospice Action Form are required to be faxed to the QIO-like vendor within 72
hours of the discharge. A copy is retained in the client's record at the hospice.
5. If the hospice recipient is residing in an NF, the hospice is required to immediately submit
a copy of the signed discharge notice to the facility for their records the day the discharge
notice has been signed. The hospice agency is required to also verbally inform the NF staff
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of the discharge.
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3215 HEARINGS
All Medicaid recipients and providers have rights to hearings regarding reimbursement and
treatment issues. Please refer to Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 3100, Hearings for the
hearing process
PROGRAM INTEGRITY
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3300 INTRODUCTION
The Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) is responsible for the fiscal integrity
of the Medicaid and Nevada Check Up programs and is committed to a program that identifies and
reduces fraud, abuse and improper payments. The DHCFP must ensure Medicaid and Nevada
Check Up recipients have access to quality care and claims are paid appropriately and in
accordance with state statutes and federal laws and regulations, program policies and billing
manuals. The DHCFP has three distinct programs to assist in ensuring the fiscal integrity of the
programs it administers: the Surveillance and Utilization Review (SUR) program, the Payment
Error Rate Measurement (PERM) program and the Financial and Compliance Audit program.
Federal regulations require the DHCFP to operate a statewide SUR program to safeguard against
unnecessary or inappropriate use of services and prevent excess payments in an efficient,
economical and effective manner. The DHCFP has methods in place to: identify, investigate and
refer suspected cases of provider and recipient fraud and abuse; methods and processes to review
provider over-utilization of services and in the case of managed care providers, under-utilization
of services and recover improper payments. The DHCFP will conduct reviews to determine if
services were billed in accordance with applicable policies and/or regulations. Providers are
selected for review based on complaints, referrals and through the use of fraud detection and other
analysis. All providers are at risk for review.
The DHCFP must refer all cases of suspected fraud and abuse, pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes
(NRS) 422.540 to 422.570, to the Office of the Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
(MFCU). The MFCU has the primary authority and responsibility to fully investigate and
prosecute, for civil and/or criminal action, violations of fraud and abuse in the Medicaid and
Nevada Check Up programs.
The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) is responsible for all recipient related
Medicaid fraud and abuse, including unlawful acts relating to Medicaid cards. To report any
fraudulent activity related to Medicaid recipients contact the Investigations and Recovery Unit
within the DWSS or fill out a fraud report on-line at http://welfare.state.nv.us/I&R/ir.htm.
The DHCFP must ensure the exclusion of certain individuals and entities from participation in the
Medicaid and Nevada Check Up programs. For the DHCFP policies and applicable state and
federal statutes and regulations relating to this process, refer to the Medicaid Services Manual
(MSM) Chapter 100.
The DHCFP must ensure all entities receiving payments of $5 million or more from the Medicaid
program establish policies for the entity’s employees providing detailed information about: the
entity’s procedures for detecting and preventing fraud, waste and abuse; false claims; civil and
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criminal penalties; and whistle blower protections. For the DHCFP policy relating to this provider
requirement, refer to MSM Chapter 100.
The Improper Payments Act of 2002 (IPIA) requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) to estimate improper payments in all state Medicaid and State Children’s Health
Insurance Programs (SCHIP) (Nevada Check Up). CMS must annually calculate and report to
Congress the national error rates in each of these programs and the actions it is taking to reduce
improper payments in these health care programs. To meet the requirements of the federal
mandate, CMS requires each state to undergo a PERM review once every three years. Nevada will
be reviewed in federal fiscal year 2008 and every third year thereafter.
PERM reviews consist of a thorough analysis of recipient eligibility, claims processing and
medical record or service documentation. Recipient eligibility reviews will be conducted by the
DWSS. The claims processing and medical record or service documentation reviews for the
mandated PERM program will be conducted by federal contractors.
The DHCFP will conduct regular financial and policy compliance audits of programs and services
provided under the Medicaid and Nevada Check Up programs. These audits consist of a thorough
review of program policy, claims processing and/or medical or service record documentation.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
Provider and recipient fraud, abuse and improper payments are regulated by federal law and state
statute, specifically, the Social Security Act (SSA), United States Code (USC) (Title 42), Code of
Federal Regulation (42 CFR) and the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). Specific authorities include,
but are not limited to:
B. Section 1128A outlines civil monetary penalties for acts involving federal health care
programs.
C. Section 1128B outlines criminal penalties for acts involving federal health care programs.
D. Section 1902 and Section 2103 govern the amount, duration and scope of medical
assistance for Medicaid and Nevada Check Up recipients, respectively.
E. Section 1902(a)(68) describes the requirements for false claims education for entities
receiving $5 million in payments from the Medicaid program. Refer to the Deficit
Reduction Act of 2005, Section 6032.
F. Section 1903 and Section 2105 govern federal and other payments to states for Medicaid
and Nevada Check Up programs, respectively.
B. 42 CFR 431.54(e) – Regulates recipient lock-in for recipients over utilizing services.
D. 42 CFR 455 Subpart A – Describes the requirements of Medicaid Agency Fraud Detection
and Investigation Programs.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
E. 42 CFR 456 Subpart A – Describes the general provisions for utilization control in state or
federal health care programs.
G. 42 CFR 457.915-.935 – Pertains to fraud detection and investigation associated with the
SCHIP.
H. 42 CFR 1001 – Regulates the mandatory and permissive provider exclusions for state or
federal health care programs.
I. 42 CFR 1002 – Includes regulations for state-initiated exclusions from Medicaid programs.
J. 42 CFR 1003 – Provides for the imposition of civil money penalties and other applicable
regulations regarding exclusion of individuals or entities from federal or state health care
programs.
K. 42 CFR 1005 – Regulates appeals of exclusions, civil money penalties and assessments.
A. NRS 193.120-193.150 – Details the types of crimes and punishments associated with
fraudulent acts.
B. NRS 228.410 – Established the MFCU, including their duties and powers. The MFCU is
responsible for the investigation and prosecution of violations of NRS 422.540-422.570.
D. NRS 422.2374 – Details the required cooperation between the DHCFP and the MFCU
involving the suspension or exclusion of provider services under Medicaid.
G. Unlawful acts; fraud by person authorized to provide care to holder of stolen, forged,
expired or revoked card; penalties are regulated by NRS 422.369.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
H. NRS 422.410-422.590 – Covers unlawful acts and penalties related to services provided
by or through the DHCFP.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
3302 DEFINITIONS
Definitions apply to this chapter and do not supersede applicable state or federal law.
3302.1 ABUSE
Abuse means provider practices that are inconsistent with sound fiscal, business or medical
practices, and result in an unnecessary cost to the Medicaid or Nevada Check Up programs, or in
reimbursement for services that are not medically necessary or fail to meet professionally
recognized standards for health care. It also includes recipient practices that result in unnecessary
cost to the Medicaid or Nevada Check Up programs. (42 CFR 455.2)
Administrative Action is an action taken by the DHCFP which includes but is not limited to: the
recovery of improper payments; issuance of educational letters; issuance of warning letters;
issuance of recoupment/recovery letters; special claims reviews or on-site audits; requests for
provider corrective action plans; requests for provider self audits; referral to appropriate civil
agencies (licensing bodies); referral to the MFCU; denial of provider applications; suspension and
termination of provider status; payment suspensions; and other actions as stated in policy 3303.3A.
See the SSA Sections: 1128, 1128A, 1128B, and 1903.
3302.3 FRAUD
Fraud is an intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that
the deception could result in some unauthorized benefit to himself/herself or some other person. It
includes any act that constitutes fraud under applicable federal or state law. (42 CFR 455.2)
An improper payment is any payment that is billed to or paid by the DHCFP that is not in
accordance with: The Medicaid or Nevada Check Up policy governing the service provided; fiscal
agent billing manuals; contractual requirements; standard record keeping requirements of the
provider discipline; and federal law or state statutes. An improper payment can be an overpayment
or an underpayment. Improper payments include but are not limited to: improper payments
discovered during federal PERM reviews or Financial and Policy Compliance Audits; payments
for ineligible recipients; payments for ineligible, non-covered or unauthorized services; duplicate
payments; payments for services that were not provided or received; payments for unbundled
services when an all-inclusive bundled code should have been billed; payments not in accordance
with applicable pricing or rates; data entry errors resulting in incorrect payments; payments where
the incorrect procedure code was billed (up-coding); payments over Medicaid allowable amounts;
payments for non-medically necessary services; payments where an incorrect number of units were
billed; submittal of claims for unauthorized visits; and payments that cannot be substantiated by
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
appropriate or sufficient medical or service record documentation. Improper payments can also be
classified as fraud and/or abuse.
3302.5 KICKBACKS
The offering or receiving of any payments or incentives by/from a provider for referring patients,
including illegal cash reimbursements, vacations, merchandise or personal services. (NRS
422.560)
3302.6 OVERPAYMENT/UNDERPAYMENT
This is an amount paid by the DHCFP, to a provider, which is in excess of or less than the amount
that is allowable for services furnished under applicable policy, rate or regulation.
These are payment errors discovered during the course of PERM medical record, processing or
eligibility reviews.
3302.8 RECOUPMENT/RECOVERY
Recoupment or recovery is an administrative action by the DHCFP or its fiscal agent to initiate re-
payment of an overpayment, with or without advance official notice. Recoupment or recovery can
be made by reducing future payments to a provider or by direct reimbursement from the provider.
3302.9 UNBUNDLING
Unbundling is the billing of separate procedure codes rather than one all-inclusive code when an
all-inclusive code is required to be billed.
3302.10 UP-CODING
Up-coding is billing using procedure codes that overstate the level or amount of health care or
other service provided.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3303 POLICY
The DHCFP has methods and criteria to identify and track suspected cases of fraud, abuse and/or
improper payments. These methods or criteria must not infringe on the legal rights of persons
involved; must afford due process of law; and must comply with federal law and state statutes.
c. Refer suspected fraud and abuse cases to the MFCU in accordance with the
Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the DHCFP and the MFCU and
state statutes;
f. Assist with assuring Medicaid recipients receive necessary health or other care
services at an appropriate level and quality;
j. Assist in assuring provider compliance with the DHCFP program policy, MSM,
Medicaid Operations Manual (MOM), provider billing manuals and federal law and
state statutes;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
approximately 500 notices each month to a random sample of Medicaid and Nevada
Check Up recipients receiving services. This is the Verification of Service (VOS)
program. Recipients are asked to notify the DHCFP if the services listed were not
received. All recipient responses received by the DHCFP are reviewed and if
warranted, investigations are conducted;
l. Take all necessary steps to ensure the fiscal integrity and effectiveness of the
programs administered by the DHCFP.
2. Fraudulent acts, false claims or abusive billing practices include, but are not limited to:
h. Soliciting, receiving, offer or pay any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe
or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, in return for
or to induce any person to make:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
k. Submitting repeated claims for services that are not reimbursable by the DHCFP;
m. Violating any provision in the DHCFP provider agreement (contract between the
DHCFP and the provider);
n. Acts which result in termination, suspension or exclusion of the provider from other
governmental programs;
o. Any acts which violate professional conduct standards adopted by state medical
licensure boards and other medical professional organizations;
p. Submitting a duplicate claim for services or items for which the provider has
already received or claimed reimbursement from a source;
q. Submitting a claim for services or items which were not rendered by the provider
or were not rendered to an eligible recipient;
r. Submitting a claim for services or items which includes costs or charges which are
not related to the cost of the services or items;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
w. Reporting or billing for hours or services when services were not provided to the
extent reported or billed;
3. Up-coding;
4. Unbundling;
3. Confidentiality of information.
a. All material gathered during an inquiry of fraud, abuse or improper payment will
only be used for the purpose for which it was gathered and will not be distributed
to any individual(s) or organization(s), with the exception of MFCU and/or the
Office of the Inspector General, the CMS or their sub-contractors.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
d. The identity of any person reporting fraud, abuse or improper payments is not
disclosed unless mandated by court order or the person agrees to the disclosure of
their identity.
e. The DHCFP is a covered entity, as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations (45 CFR Parts 160, 162 and 164), and as
such, must comply with all aspects of this federal regulation.
1. Providers have an obligation to report to the DHCFP any suspicion of fraud or abuse in the
DHCFP programs, including fraud or abuse associated with recipients or other providers.
e. Any other guidance furnished by the DHCFP or their fiscal agent regarding
provider requirements and responsibilities.
Recipients have an obligation to report to the DHCFP any suspicion of fraud, abuse or improper
payment in the DHCFP programs or concerning the DHCFP recipients or providers.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The DHCFP conducts investigations of all suspected cases of fraud, abuse or improper payments.
Investigations continue until an appropriate action is taken or the case is closed.
PERM reviews are done in accordance with the requirements mandated by CMS. PERM reviews
are completed by CMS or their sub-contractors every three years starting in FY 2008.
Financial and Policy Compliance audits are performed regularly by the DHCFP and follow the
standards and guidelines developed by CMS for the PERM reviews.
Suspected fraud or abuse discovered during the course of a PERM review or a Financial and Policy
Compliance Audit will be referred to the MFCU for further investigation or action.
3. The MFCU of the Attorney General’s Office is the single state agency responsible for the
investigation and prosecution of violations of NRS 422.540 to 422.570, inclusive (NRS
228.410). All suspected cases of provider fraud and/or abuse are referred to the MFCU in
accordance with the MOU between the DHCFP and the MFCU.
a. FFS claims or line items will undergo a medical record or service documentation
review and a claims processing review.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. Duplicate claims billed for same service, same recipient and same
date of service.
c. FFS claim paid although the recipient was enrolled in managed care.
b. Managed care payments will undergo a claims processing review only. The
managed care claims reviewed will include monthly capitation payments and
condition specific payments such as maternity payments and re-insurance
payments. At a minimum, the following items will be considered PERM Review
Errors resulting from managed care reviews:
2. Recipient not enrolled in the HMO that received the capitation or other
payment.
3. Incorrect capitation or other payment – either the wrong rate cell was used
to pay the claim or the rate was not consistent with the rate in the HMO
contract.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
5. Financial and Policy Compliance Audits may utilize random sampling techniques or may
target specific provider types, procedures or services. These audits will utilize the
guidelines for PERM reviews addressed in 4. of Section 3303.2A above.
1. Providers are bound by both federal and state statutes and regulations, the DHCFP policy
and the DHCFP provider agreement to cooperate and provide any and all documentation
(e.g., medical records, charts, billing information and any other documentation) requested
by the DHCFP or other state and/or federal officials or their authorized agents for the
purpose of determining the validity of claims and the reasonableness and necessity of all
services billed to and paid by the DHCFP.
2. The DHCFP providers are required to keep records sufficient and necessary to establish
medical necessity and to fully disclose the basis for the type, extent and level of the services
provided to recipients. All services billed to and paid by the DHCFP which cannot be
validated by appropriate documentation are subject to recovery.
4. Records, documentation and information must be available regarding any service for which
payment has been or will be claimed to determine if payment has or will be made in
accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.
5. Providers must make all documentation requested by the DHCFP readily available for
review by state and/or federal officials or their authorized agents. Readily available means
the records shall be made available at the provider’s place of business or, upon written
request, forwarded without charge to the state or federal official requesting the
documentation.
6. For medical record requests associated with the DHCFP audits or investigations, providers
are required to submit documentation to support the claims under review within 15 calendar
days after receipt of a letter from the DHCFP requesting such information.
7. For medical record requests associated with the mandated federal PERM reviews,
providers are required to submit documentation to support the claim or line item under
review within the timeframes specified in the PERM Final Rule (released in the Federal
Register on August 31, 2007) or any subsequent policy instruction issued by CMS.
8. All records subject to audit or review must be produced at no cost to the DHCFP.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
9. Providers must adhere to both federal and state statutes and regulations and the DHCFP
policy concerning the appropriate and adequate documentation of services billed to the
DHCFP.
10. Providers are required to keep patient records that adhere to basic standards of practice and
in accordance with the DHCFP operations or services manuals and state and federal statutes
and regulations.
11. Providers must retain patient records in accordance with state and or federal statutes and
regulations or at a minimum for six years from the date of payment for the specified service.
The DHCFP is required and authorized to review identified cases of suspected fraud, abuse and
improper payments and impose appropriate actions upon offending parties. The DHCFP is able to
impose a variety of Administrative Actions including referral to the MFCU at the Attorney
General’s Office. The MFCU has the authority to impose civil monetary and other penalties as
well as criminally prosecute offenders.
B. Action(s) necessary to eliminate fraud or abuse and to recover payments related to the
fraud, abuse or improper payment;
2. In response to the discovery of fraud, abuse or improper payments in the Medicaid and
Nevada Check Up programs, the DHCFP may initiate more than one Administrative Action
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
a. Issuance of educational letters. The DHCFP or the DHCFP fiscal agent may issue
an educational letter to a provider if the results of an investigation indicate the
provider was only in need of policy or billing clarification and an improper payment
did not occur. This action is used primarily when minor billing errors are detected.
The provider Fair Hearing process is not available to dispute an educational letter.
b. Issuance of warning letters. The DHCFP may issue a warning letter to a provider if
the provider has taken an action which violates or is not in accordance with policy,
state statutes, federal laws or regulations or the terms of the provider contract with
the DHCFP. Warning letters will be sent by certified mail with a return receipt
requested. Warning letters are to assist the provider in rectifying improper billing
practices and will give notice to the provider that continuation of the activity in
question will result in further action. Warning letters may request submittal of
sufficient and appropriate documentation to substantiate claims billed to and paid
by the DHCFP. Failure of providers to submit appropriate documentation within
timeframes specified by the DHCFP in a warning letter may result in payment
recoupments/recovery without additional notice. The provider Fair Hearing process
is not available to dispute a warning letter.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
the DHCFP, the associated payments for the service are subject to recovery. All
improper payments discovered during the course of mandated federal PERM
reviews are subject to recovery.
e. Special claims reviews or on-site audits. The DHCFP can perform special claims
reviews or on-site audits of any provider billing claims for Medicaid or Nevada
Check Up programs. The reviews or audits can be conducted with or without prior
notice to the provider under review. The provider Fair Hearing process is not
available to dispute special claims reviews or on-site audits.
f. Corrective Action Plan. After the DHCFP conducts an investigation or audit and
determines improper payments have been made, the DHCFP may require the
provider to complete a Corrective Action Plan (CAP), specifying how, as well as
when, the provider expects to achieve compliance. The provider Fair Hearing
process is not available to dispute requests for Corrective Action Plans.
g. Provider self audits. The DHCFP may request a provider or group of providers to
perform self audits. This action can be taken with or without the discovery of
improper payments, or fraud or abusive billing practices. The DHCFP will accept
reimbursement for improper payments, discovered during provider self audits,
without penalty, if the improper payment was disclosed voluntarily by the provider
and the acts that led to the improper payment were not the result of fraudulent
conduct on the part of the provider, its employees or agents. Provider self audits do
not relieve the provider of any liability for civil or criminal action by the MFCU, if
improper payments were the result of fraud or fraudulent acts. The provider Fair
Hearing process is not available to dispute requests for provider self audits.
i. Referrals to the MFCU. The DHCFP is required to refer all suspected cases of fraud
and abuse to the MFCU. Providers are never notified about this action.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3. Any administrative action taken by the DHCFP does not eliminate any civil or criminal
liability from the provider.
4. Payment suspensions to the provider. The DHCFP may implement a payment suspension
and withhold payments to the provider, in whole or in part, upon determining there is a
credible allegation of fraud or willful misrepresentation under the Medicaid or Nevada
Check Up programs. The DHCFP may suspend payment without first notifying the
provider. The DHCFP will send notice to the provider in accordance with 42 CFR 455.23.
a. Set forth the general allegations as to the nature of the payment suspension action,
but need not disclose any specific information concerning an ongoing investigation;
c. Cite the circumstances under which the payment suspension will be terminated;
e. Inform the provider of the right to submit written evidence for consideration by the
DHCFP;
f. Set forth the applicable State administrative appeals process and corresponding
citations to State law; and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
g. Cite that payments are being withheld in accordance with 42 CFR 455.23.
5. Repayment Requirements. The DHCFP will determine the repayment method for all
overpayments or improper payments to providers. Repayment can be made by either direct
reimbursement by the provider or the provider may be allowed to make repayment through
deductions from future payments. To be acceptable, repayment through reductions to future
payments or direct reimbursement must ensure the total overpayment amount will be repaid
to the DHCFP within 60 days from the date the provider was first notified of the improper
payment, as required by Section 1903(d)(2)(c) of the SSA. The provider’s request for a
Fair Hearing does not suspend the provider’s obligation to repay the amount of the
overpayment.
The SSA and the NRS identify certain activities as misdemeanors or felonies and provide
for fines and/or imprisonment upon conviction.
a. The MFCU of the Nevada Attorney General’s Office can assess civil monetary
penalties and criminally prosecute violations of NRS 422.540 to 422.570, inclusive.
This includes offenses regarding: false claims; mis-statements or mis-
representations; and sale, purchase or lease of goods, service materials or supplies
associated with payments under the State Plan for Medicaid or the SCHIP (Nevada
Check Up). Providers can be liable at both the state and federal level and prosecuted
by both. Additionally, the provider may be excluded from state and federal health
care programs based on a conviction.
b. State civil monetary penalties are not less than $5,000 and can equal three times the
amount unlawfully obtained in addition to expenses incurred by the State for
investigation activities.
c. State criminal penalties, in addition to the civil monetary penalties, range from a
gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
d. In addition to State penalties, there are federal penalties associated with false or
fraudulent acts involving federal health care programs. Civil monetary and criminal
penalties are sought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) according to Section
1128A and Section 1128B of the SSA. Providers who are convicted by a federal
court of willfully defrauding the Medicaid or Nevada Check Up program may be
subject to a $25,000 fine or up to five years imprisonment or both.
e. Any action brought pursuant to NRS 422.540 through 422.580, inclusive, must be
commenced within four years of discovery by the aggrieved party.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES AND CROSS
REFERENCES
The DHCFP will not provide any information regarding actions taken by the DHCFP or
others on any allegations reported, even to the person making the referral or allegation.
Once the allegation is received, there will be no further communication with the person
making the referral.
B. To Report Medicaid Fraud or Abuse to the Medicaid Fraud Unit in the Attorney’s Office:
C. To report fraud in all federal health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and
Nevada Check Up contact the Office of Inspector General:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL REFERENCES AND CROSS
REFERENCES
The following is the link to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline website, where
there is more information regarding how to make alleged fraud and abuse referrals:
http://oig.hhs.gov/hotline.html
1. For policy information governing services covered under Medicaid and Nevada Check Up
programs consult the MSMs located on the DHCFP Website: http://www.dhcfp.nv.gov
2. For billing manuals, web announcements and other information governing services
covered under Medicaid and Nevada Check Up programs consult the DHCFP fiscal agent
Website: https://nevada.fhsc.com/
TELEHEALTH SERVICES
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 3400
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
3400 INTRODUCTION
Telehealth is the use of a telecommunications system to substitute for an in-person encounter for
professional consultations, office visits, office psychiatry services and a limited number of other
medical services.
All providers participating in the Medicaid and Nevada Check Up (NCU) programs must offer
services in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Division of Health Care Financing and
Policy (DHCFP).
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for NCU.
For further clarification, please refer to the NCU Manual, Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
3401 AUTHORITY
The State Legislature grants authority to the relevant professional licensure boards to set the
standard of practice for licensed professionals in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) for the
following specialists:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
3402 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The DHCFP reimburses for telehealth services. The originating site must be located within the
state. "Telehealth" is defined as the delivery of service from a provider of health care to a patient
at a different location through the use of information and audio-visual communication technology,
not including standard telephone, facsimile or electronic mail. Services provided via telehealth
must be clinically appropriate and within the health care professional's scope of practice as
established by its licensing agency. Services provided via telehealth have parity with in-person
health care services. Health care professionals must follow the appropriate Medicaid Services
Manual (MSM) policy for the specific service they are providing.
A. Photographs must be specific to the patient’s condition and adequate for rendering or
confirming a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Dermatologic photographs (e.g., photographs
of a skin lesion) may be considered to meet the requirement of a single media format under
this instruction.
B. Reimbursement for the DHCFP covered telehealth services must satisfy federal
requirements of efficiency, economy and quality of care.
C. All participating providers must adhere to requirements of the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The DHCFP may not participate in any medium not
deemed appropriate for protected health information by the DHCFP’s HIPAA Security
Officer.
The originating site is defined as the location where a patient is receiving telehealth services from
a provider of health care located at a distant site (via a HIPAA-compliant telecommunications
system).
A. In order to receive coverage for a telehealth facility fee, the originating site must be an
enrolled Medicaid provider.
C. Facilities that are eligible for encounter reimbursement (e.g. Indian Health (IH) programs,
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Centers (RHCs)) may bill for
an encounter in lieu of an originating site facility fee, if the distant site is for ancillary
services (i.e. consult with specialist). If, for example, the originating site and distant site
are two different encounter sites, the originating encounter site must bill the telehealth
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
originating HCFA Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) code and the distant
encounter site may bill the encounter code.
The distant site is defined as the location where a provider of health care is providing telehealth
services to a patient located at an originating site. The distant site provider must be an enrolled
Medicaid provider.
A. The medical examination of the patient is under the control of the health care professional
at the distant site.
B. While the distant physician or provider may request a telepresenter, a telepresenter is not
required as a condition of reimbursement.
C. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and
clinical staff employed and determined by a state mental health agency to meet established
class specification qualifications of a Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Social Worker or
Psychological Assistant may bill and receive reimbursement for psychotherapy (via a
HIPAA-compliant telecommunication system), but may not seek reimbursement for
medical evaluation and management services. Refer to MSM Chapter 400, Mental Health
and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, for medical coverage requirements.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. ESRD visits must include at least one in-person visit to examine the vascular access
site by a provider; however, an interactive audio/video telecommunications system
may be used for providing additional visits.
2. Medical records must indicate that at least one of the visits was furnished in-person
by a provider. Refer to MSM Chapter 600, Physician Services, for medical
coverage requirements.
A. Telephone calls;
C. Text messages;
E. The following services must be provided in-person and are not considered appropriate
services to be provided via telehealth:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Telehealth services follow the same prior authorization requirements as services provided in
person. Utilization of telehealth services does not require prior authorization, however, individual
services delivered via telehealth may require prior authorization. It is the provider’s responsibility
to refer to the individual medical coverage policies through the MSM for coverage requirements.
3403.8 HEARINGS
Please reference MSM Chapter 3100, Hearings, for Medicaid recipient hearing procedure.
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 3500
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
3500 INTRODUCTION
The objective of the PCS program is to assist, support and maintain recipients living independently
in their homes. PCS include a range of human assistance provided to persons with disabilities and
chronic conditions of all ages, which enables accomplishment of tasks that they would normally
do for themselves if they did not have a disability or chronic condition. These services are provided
where appropriate, medically necessary and within service limitations. Services may be provided
in settings outside the home, including employment sites.
PCS are available to recipients who are not inpatients or residents of a hospital, Nursing Facility
(NF), Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) or
institutions for mental disease or other excluded settings.
Nevada Medicaid offers two distinct PCS delivery models: the Provider Agency Model or the Self-
Directed Model.
This Medicaid Services Manual (MSM), Chapter 3500, contains Nevada Medicaid’s policy for PCS
provided through the Provider Agency service delivery model. For policy pertaining to the Self-
Directed service delivery model, refer to MSM Chapter 2600.
All providers must be contracted with the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP)
in accordance with MSM Chapter 100 and meet certain qualifications and criteria as discussed later
in this chapter.
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization, etc.) are the same for Nevada
Check Up (NCU), with the exception of the areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ as
documented in the NCU Manual Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
3501 AUTHORITY
Personal Care Services (PCS) are an optional Medicaid benefit under the Social Security Act.
Regulatory oversight:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL DEFINITIONS
3502 DEFINITIONS
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3503 POLICY
PCS provide assistance to support and maintain recipients living independently in their homes.
Services may be provided in the home, locations outside the home or wherever the need for the
service occurs. Assistance may be in the form of direct hands-on assistance or cueing the individual
to perform the task themselves, and related to the performance of Activities of Daily Living
(ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Services are based on the needs of
the recipient being served, as determined by a Functional Assessment Service Plan (FASP)
approved by the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP). All services must be
performed in accordance with the approved service plan and must be prior authorized. The time
authorized for services is intended to meet the recipient needs within program limits and
guidelines, facilitate effective and efficient service delivery, and to augment unpaid and paid
supports currently in place. Services are not intended to replace or substitute services and/or
supports currently in place, or to exchange unpaid supports for paid services.
Legally Responsible Individuals (LRIs) may not be reimbursed for providing PCS.
1. The recipient must have ongoing Medicaid or Nevada Check Up (NCU) eligibility for
services;
2. The recipient is not in a hospital, Nursing Facility (NF), Intermediate Care Facility for
Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), an institution for the mentally ill or a
licensed residential facility for groups;
3. The recipient does not have an LRI who is available and capable of providing the necessary
care;
5. The recipient is capable of making choices about ADLs or has a PCR who assumes this
responsibility;
6. PCS must be determined to be medically necessary as defined by the DHCFP or its designee.
1. Covered Services
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a. Assistance with the following ADLs is a covered service when no LRI is available
and/or capable of providing the necessary service. Services must be directed to the
individual recipient and related to their health and welfare.
1. Bathing/dressing/grooming.
b. Assistance with the following IADLs is a covered service when no LRI is available
and/or capable of providing the necessary service. Services must be directed to the
individual recipient and related to their health and welfare. See the service
limitations section of this chapter for specific eligibility criteria to be considered
eligible to receive additional time for assistance with IADLs.
2. Service Limitations
To be considered eligible to receive additional time for assistance with IADLs, the recipient
must be eligible to receive PCS for ADLs and have deficits which directly preclude the
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individual from completing IADLs. The FASP must demonstrate that the recipient meets
the following criteria:
a. The recipient has extensive impairments, Level 2 or higher on the FASP in two or
more areas of ADLs; and
Assistance with the IADLs may only be provided in conjunction with services for
ADLs, and only when no LRI is available and/or capable.
3. Non-Covered Services
Duplicative services are not considered medically necessary and will not be covered by
Nevada Medicaid. An inquiry or referral for services does not determine the medical
necessity for services.
The following are not covered under PCS and are not reimbursable:
a. A task that the DHCFP or its designee determines could reasonably be performed
by the recipient.
d. Services to maintain an entire household, such as cleaning areas of the house not
used solely by the recipient(s).
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f. Skilled care services requiring the technical or professional skill that State statute
or regulation mandates must be performed by a health care professional licensed or
certified by the State. Services include, but are not limited to, the following:
2. Irrigation of any body cavity. This includes both sterile and non-sterile
procedures such as ear irrigation, vaginal douches and enemas;
6. Physical assessments;
10. Massage;
14. Any task identified within the Nurse Practice Act as requiring skilled
nursing, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) services.
g. Chore services.
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i. Care of pets except in cases where the animal is a certified service animal.
k. A task the DHCFP determines is within the scope of services provided to the
recipient as part of an assisted living contract, a supported living arrangement
contract or a foster care agreement.
LRIs are individuals who are legally responsible to provide medical support. These individuals
include spouses of recipients, legal guardians, and parents of minor recipients, including
stepparents, foster parents and adoptive parents. LRIs may not be reimbursed for providing PCS.
If the LRI is not capable of providing the necessary services/supports, he or she must provide
verification to the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor, from a physician, that they are not capable of
providing the supports due to illness or injury. If not available, verification that they are unavailable
due to hours of employment and/or school attendance must be provided. Without this verification,
PCS will not be authorized. Additional verification may be required on a case by case basis.
A recipient who is unable to provide direction in the delivery of their own care may opt to utilize a
PCR. This individual is directly involved in the day-to-day care of the recipient, is available to
direct care in the home, acts on behalf of the recipient when the recipient is unable to direct his or
her own personal care services and assumes all medical liability associated with directing the
recipient’s care. A PCR must be a responsible adult.
1. Effectuate, as much as possible, the decision the individual would make for himself/herself;
2. Accommodate the individual, to the extent necessary that they can participate as fully as
possible in all decisions that affect them;
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3. Give due consideration to all information including the recommendations of other interested
and involved parties;
4. Understand that provision of services is based upon mutual responsibilities between the
PCR and the provider agency.
A PCR is not eligible to receive reimbursement from Medicaid for this activity. A recipient’s paid
PCA cannot be the recipient’s PCR. The PCR must meet all criteria outlined in Section 3503.1I of
this chapter. In addition, this individual must be present for the provision of care on a consistent
basis, as well as sign daily records. For this reason, it is not allowable for individuals such as a paid
PCA, care coordinator or case manager to assume this role.
The PCR may reside outside the home if frequent contact can be made by the recipient, the provider
agency and other care providers. The PCR must be available to the recipient, the provider agency
and other care providers as necessary to fulfill the regular elements of Section 3503.1I of this
chapter.
Additionally, if a change in PCR becomes necessary, a new personal care representative agreement
must be completed and kept in the recipient’s provider file. Contact the provider agency to make
the necessary changes and obtain necessary form(s).
PCS authorization requests must be submitted to the QIO-like vendor using the following
procedures:
The recipient, LRI, PCR or an individual covered under the confidentiality requirements
of HIPAA may contact the QIO-like vendor to request PCS. Initial requests may not be
made by the PCS Agency provider.
The QIO-like vendor validates that the recipient meets PCS criteria, and if so, an enrolled
and trained physical or occupational therapist will then complete an in-home assessment
of the recipient’s functional abilities.
Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the in-home
visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate the recipient’s
need for PCS.
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If the recipient’s request for PCS is approved, the QIO-like vendor will issue a prior
authorization number to the recipient’s chosen PCS Provider Agency.
Upon receipt of a request for an initial FASP, the QIO-like vendor will first
complete a risk assessment over the phone to identify those recipients for whom
PCS are urgent to avoid institutionalization, or for whom the service need is the
result of an acute medical condition or loss of a primary caregiver or LRI. The intent
of the telephonic risk assessment is to determine if a recipient is at risk of losing or
being unable to return to a community setting because of the need for PCS.
When a recipient is determined “at risk,” the QIO-like vendor will provide a
temporary service authorization.
An enrolled and trained physical or occupational therapist will then complete an in-
home assessment of the recipient’s functional abilities.
Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the
in-home visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate
the recipient’s need for PCS. After completion, the FASP is forwarded to the QIO-
like vendor to process.
The selected Provider Agency is notified when a recipient is at risk and agrees, by
accepting the case, to initiate needed services within 24 hours of case acceptance.
The approved service plan and authorization document are faxed to the provider
upon acceptance.
To prevent a break in service, reassessment requests for ongoing services are recommended
to be submitted to the QIO-like vendor at least 60 days, but not greater than 90 days, prior
to the expiration date of the current authorization. The request must be submitted on the
Authorization Request for PCS form (FA-24). The form must include all required recipient
and provider information, as well as the units requested and the dates of service for the
service interval requested.
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The QIO-like vendor validates that the request meets PCS criteria. An enrolled and trained
physical or occupational therapist will then complete an in-home assessment of the
recipient’s functional abilities.
The physical or occupational therapist contacts the recipient to schedule an appointment for
the completion of the FASP. The recipient is responsible for keeping the scheduled
appointment.
Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the in-home
visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate the recipient’s
need for PCS. After completion, the FASP is forwarded to the QIO-like vendor to process.
If the request is approved, the QIO-like vendor will issue a prior authorization number to
the PCS Provider Agency submitting the request.
The QIO-like vendor validates that the request meets PCS criteria and if so, an enrolled
and trained physical or occupational therapist will then complete an in-home assessment
of the recipient’s functional abilities.
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The physical or occupational therapist contacts the recipient to schedule an appointment for
the completion of the FASP. The recipient is responsible for keeping the scheduled
appointment.
Taking into account the physical or occupational therapists’ clinical judgment, the in-home
visit may be followed by an in-clinic visit in order to accurately evaluate the recipient’s
need for PCS. After completion, the FASP is forwarded to the QIO-like vendor to process.
If the request is approved, the QIO-like vendor will issue a prior authorization number to
the PCS Provider Agency submitting the request.
When the recipient has an unexpected change in condition or circumstance which requires
short-term (less than eight weeks) modification of the current authorization, a new FASP
is not required.
Such a modification is considered when additional PCS are required for a short time as the
result of an acute medical episode or during a post-hospitalization period.
The following procedure must be followed for all short-term modifications of the approved
service plan:
c. Upon expiration of the modified service plan, the recipient’s original approved
service plan is automatically reinstated unless a new FASP is completed due to a
significant change in the recipient’s condition or circumstance.
The recipient’s Provider Agency may submit a single-service authorization request when
the recipient requires an extra visit for an unanticipated need, such as bowel or bladder
incontinence. The Provider Agency must document the medical necessity of the service
requested and be the designated provider for the current authorization period. The request
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should be submitted to the QIO-like vendor no later than seven business days after the
service is provided. A new FASP is not required in these single-service situations.
Mileage for travel to and from a recipient’s home or for shopping is not reimbursable to
PCS Agency providers, except in hardship situations in remote or rural areas of the state
where failure to reimburse mileage expenses would severely limit available PCS Agency
providers. Mileage authorization requests must be submitted in advance to the local
DHCFP District Office for review and may be approved on a case-by-case basis. If
approved, the DHCFP District Office will notify the QIO-like vendor to issue an
authorization number for the approved mileage to the provider.
The total weekly authorized hours for PCS may be combined and tailored to meet the needs of the
recipient, as long as the plan does not alter medical necessity. The recipient will determine how to
use the weekly authorized hours on an ongoing basis. Any changes that do not increase the total
authorized hours can be made, for the recipient’s convenience, within a single week without an
additional authorization. Flexibility of services may not take place solely for the convenience of
the provider or PCA.
1. Upon receipt of an initial service plan from the QIO-like vendor, the provider must meet
with the recipient in person to determine how the total weekly authorized hours will be
provided to meet the individual’s needs.
2. Written documentation of the contact with the recipient regarding provision of services
must be maintained in the recipient’s file.
3. Any change to the approved service plan must be discussed between the provider and the
recipient. This may be done either in person or via the telephone in order to determine how
the hours and tasks will be provided.
4. Changes may be requested on a daily and/or weekly basis when necessary to meet a change
in circumstance or condition.
5. The PCS provider must follow their established policies and procedures in order to timely
meet recipient requests for changes in service delivery.
6. Written documentation of the contact with the recipient regarding any change to the
approved service plan must be maintained in the recipient’s file.
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The DHCFP assures the independence of contracted providers completing the FASPs. Physical
and occupational therapists who complete the FASPs must be an independent third party and may
not be:
1. Related by blood or marriage to the individual or to any paid caregiver of the individual;
4. Related by blood or marriage to the Provider who provides PCS to the individual.
The therapist completing the FASP must not have an interest in or employment by a Provider.
Note: To ensure the independence of individuals completing the FASP, providers are prohibited
from contacting the physical or occupational therapists directly.
PCS providers shall furnish qualified PCAs to assist eligible Medicaid and NCU recipients with
ADLs and IADLs, as identified on the individual recipient’s approved service plan and in
accordance with the conditions specified in this Chapter and the Medicaid Provider Contract.
1. Licensure
In order to enroll as a Nevada Medicaid PCS Provider, a provider must be licensed by the
Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) as an Agency to Provide Personal Care
Services in the Home (personal care agency).
2. Provider Enrollment
To become a Nevada Medicaid PCS provider, the provider must enroll with the QIO-like
vendor as a Personal Care Services – Provider Agency (Provider Type 30).
3. Time Parameters
The Provider will implement PCS in a timely manner. The Provider agrees to furnish
qualified staff to provide PCS to eligible Medicaid recipients within five working days of
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an accepted referral and within 24 hours of an accepted referral if the recipient is identified
as “at risk” by the DHCFP or its designee.
PCS providers must meet the conditions of participation as stated in the MSM Chapter 100.
The Provider must comply with all local, state and federal regulations, and applicable
statutes, including, but not limited to, Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 449, Nevada
Administrative Code Chapter 449, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Insurance
Contributions Act (FICA), Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
4. 24-Hour Accessibility
The Provider shall maintain an available telephone line 24 hours per day, seven days per
week for recipient contact.
5. Backup Mechanism.
The Provider shall have a backup mechanism to provide a recipient with his or her
authorized service hours in the absence of a regular caregiver due to sickness, vacation or
any unscheduled event.
The Provider shall maintain, and utilize as necessary, written referral source agreements
with other DHCFP contracted PCS-provider agencies to ensure continuity of care and
service coverage for any at risk recipients (on a prospective or back- up basis), who cannot
be timely served by the Provider in order to reasonably avoid institutionalization or serious
injury to the recipient.
7. Prior Authorization
The Provider shall obtain prior authorization prior to providing services. All initial and
ongoing services must be prior authorized by the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor. Services
which have not been prior authorized will not be reimbursed.
8. Provider Liability
Provider liability responsibilities are included in the Nevada Medicaid and NCU Provider
Contract.
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9. Direct Marketing
Providers shall not engage in any unsolicited direct marketing practices with any current
or potential Medicaid PCS recipient or their LRI. All marketing activities conducted must
be limited to the general education of the public or health care providers about the benefits
of PCS. Such literature may be printed with the company’s logo and contact information,
however, this literature may not be distributed, unsolicited, to any current or potential
Medicaid PCS recipient(s)/or their LRI. The agency may not, directly or indirectly, engage
in door-to-door, telephone, direct mail, email or any other type of cold-call marketing
activities.
The agency must ensure that marketing, including plans and materials, are accurate and do
not mislead, confuse or defraud current or potential recipients. Statements considered
inaccurate, false or misleading include, but are not limited to, any assertion or statement
that:
a. The recipient must enroll with the agency in order to obtain benefits or in order not
to lose benefits; or
Prior to initiation of services and periodically as needed, the supervisory staff must review
with the recipient or PCR the following:
a. Advanced Directive, including the right to make decisions about health care, and
the right to execute a living will or grant power of attorney to another individual.
2. Agency responsibilities;
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8. The requirement that each approved service plan must also be reviewed with
the PCA;
c. The recipient’s approved service plan or any changes in the service plan, including
the following:
2. PCA’s schedule;
The Provider is responsible to ensure that all PCAs work within their scope of service and
conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
The following are some of the activities that are not within the scope of PCS and are not
permitted. This is not an all-inclusive list.
a. Skilled Care Services requiring the technical or professional skill that State statute
or regulation mandates must be performed by a health care professional licensed or
certified by the State, are not permitted to be provided by employees of a PCS
Agency. PCS services must never be confused with services of a higher level that
must be performed by persons with professional training and credentials.
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d. Purchasing alcoholic beverages for use by the recipient or others in the home unless
prescribed by the recipient’s physician;
i. Accepting or retaining money or gratuities for any reason other than that needed
for the purchase of groceries or medications for the recipient;
j. Care of pets except in the case where the animal is a certified service animal.
13. Supervision
A supervisor (or other designated agency representative) must review with the PCA the
recipient's approved service plan. This must be done each time a new service plan is
approved. Documentation of the approved service plan’s review must be maintained in the
recipient's record.
The supervisor (or other designated agency representative) must clarify with the PCA the
following:
b. Any recipient specific procedures including those which may require on-site
orientation;
The supervisor (or other designated agency representative) must review and approve all
service delivery records completed by the PCA. The provider will only be paid for the
hours and tasks which are provided according to the approved service plan and are
documented on the service delivery records.
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The Provider must investigate and respond in writing to all complaints in a reasonable and
prompt manner. The Provider must maintain records that identify the complaint, the date
received, the outcome of the investigation and the response(s) to the complaint.
The Provider must report all serious occurrences involving the recipient, the PCA, or
affecting the provider’s ability to deliver services. The Nevada DHCFP Serious Occurrence
Report must be completed within 24 hours of discovery and submitted to the local DHCFP
District Office. If the recipient is on a Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW), the
notification shall be made directly to the HCBW case manager’s Aging and Disability
Services (ADSD) office.
Reportable serious occurrences involving either the recipient or PCA include, but are not
limited to the following:
d. Exploitation;
j. Loss of contact with the recipient for three consecutive scheduled days;
k. Medication errors;
l. Theft;
m. Medical Emergency;
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State law requires that persons employed in certain capacities make a report to a child
protective service agency, an aging and disability services agency or law enforcement
agency immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours after there is reasonable cause to
believe a child, adult or older person has been abused neglected, exploited, isolated or
abandoned.
For recipients under the age of 18, the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or
the appropriate county agency accepts reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. For
adults age 60 and over, the ADSD accepts reports of suspected abuse, neglect or self-
neglect, exploitation or isolation. For all other individuals (other age groups) contact local
law enforcement.
The DHCFP expects that all providers be in compliance with the intent of all applicable
laws.
a. The Provider may terminate services for any of the following reasons:
1. The recipient or other person in the household subjects the PCA to physical
or verbal abuse, sexual harassment and/or exposure to the use of illegal
substances, illegal situations or threats of physical harm;
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9. The recipient requires a higher level of services than those provided within
the scope of a PCA;
10. The recipient refuses services of a PCA based solely or partly on the basis
of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability (including
AIDS and AIDS related conditions), political beliefs or sexual orientation
of the PCA. A Provider’s inability to provide services for a specific recipient
does not constitute termination or denial from Nevada Medicaid’s PCS. The
recipient may choose another provider.
b. Notification Requirements - The Provider must notify the recipient and all other
appropriate individuals and agencies of the date when services are to be terminated.
The DHCFP District Office Care Coordination Unit should be notified by telephone
one business day prior to the date services will be terminated. If the recipient is on
an HCBW the notification should be made directly to the HCBW case manager’s
ADSD office.
The Provider must submit written notice, within five working days, advising the
DHCFP District Office Care Coordination Unit or the waiver case manager of the
effective date of the action of the termination of service, the basis for the action and
intervention/resolution(s) attempted prior to terminating services.
The provider is not required to send a written notice if the recipient has chosen to
terminate services.
18. Records
a. The provider must maintain medical and financial records, supporting documents
and all other records relating to PCS provided. The provider must retain records for
a period pursuant to the State record retention policy, which is currently six years
from the date of payment for the specified service.
If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period
provided by the DHCFP, records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit
findings have been finally determined.
1. The Provider must maintain all required records for each PCA employed by
the agency, regardless of the length of employment.
2. The Provider must maintain the required record for each recipient who has
been provided services, regardless of length of the service period.
b. At a minimum, the Provider must document the following on all service records:
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c. The PCA’s supervisor (or other designated agency representative) must review and
approve all service delivery records completed by the PCA. The provider will only
be paid for the hours and tasks authorized on the approved service plan, which are
clearly documented as being provided on the service delivery records.
19. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Privacy and Confidentiality
Information on HIPAA, privacy and confidentiality of recipient records and other protected
health information is found in MSM Chapter 100.
a. In the event that a Provider decides to discontinue providing PCS to any of their
service areas, the Provider shall:
2. Provide the DHCFP with a copy of the written notice of intent to discontinue
services, including a list of the affected recipients, at least 30 calendar days
in advance of service discontinuation;
3. Continue to provide services through the notice period or until all recipients
are receiving services through another Provider, whichever occurs sooner.
b. In the event that the DHCFP discontinues the contractual relationship with a
Provider, for any reason, the Provider shall:
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1. Recipient Responsibilities
The recipient must be able to make choices about ADLs, understand the impact of these
choices and assume responsibility for the choices. If this is not possible, the recipient must
have a PCR willing to assist the recipient in making choices related to the delivery of PCS.
If the recipient utilizes a PCR, the recipient and the PCR must understand that the provision
of services is based upon mutual responsibilities between the PCR and the PCS Provider.
The recipient or PCR is responsible for reviewing and signing all required documentation
related to the PCS. The recipient or PCR will:
b. Notify the provider of current insurance information, including the carrier of other
insurance coverage, such as Medicare;
c. Notify the provider of changes in medical status, service needs, address and
location or in changes of status of LRI(s) or PCR;
e. Verify services were provided by, whenever possible, signing or initialing the PCA
documentation of the exact date and time the PCA was in attendance and providing
services;
f. Notify the Provider when scheduled visits cannot be kept or services are no longer
required;
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j. Establish a backup plan in case a PCA is unable to provide services at the scheduled
time;
k. Not request a PCA to work more than the hours authorized on the approved service
plan;
m. Not request a PCA to provide services not on the approved service plan.
2. Recipient Rights
Every Medicaid and NCU recipient receiving PCS, or their PCR, has the right to:
a. Receive considerate and respectful care that recognizes the inherent worth and
dignity of each individual;
d. Contact the local DHCFP District Office with questions, complaints or for
additional information;
e. Receive assurance that privacy and confidentiality about one's health, social,
domestic and financial circumstances will be maintained pursuant to applicable
statutes and regulations;
g. Expect all providers, within the limits set by the approved service plan and within
program criteria, to respond in good faith to the recipient's reasonable requests for
assistance;
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h. Receive information upon request regarding the DHCFP’s policies and procedures,
including information on charges, reimbursements, FASP determinations and the
opportunity for a fair hearing;
j. Request a change in service delivery method from the Provider Agency model to
the Self-Directed model through an Intermediary Service Organization (ISO);
l. Request a Fair Hearing if there is disagreement with the DHCFP’s action(s) to deny,
terminate, reduce or suspend services;
m. Receive, upon request, the telephone number of the Office for Consumer Health
Assistance.
An LRI of a minor child has a duty/obligation to provide the child necessary maintenance,
health/medical care, education, supervision and support. Necessary maintenance includes, but is
not limited to, the provisions of ADLs and IADLs. Payment will not be made for the routine care,
supervision or services normally provided for the child without charge as a matter of course in the
usual relationship among members of the nuclear family.
PCS are not a substitute for natural and informal supports provided by family, friends or other
available community resources; however, PCS are available to supplement those support systems
so the child is able to remain in the home. LRIs may not be reimbursed by Medicaid.
PCS for children with disabilities may be appropriate when there is no legally responsible,
available and capable parent or LRI, as defined by the DHCFP, to provide all necessary personal
care. Documentation verifying that the recipient’s parent or LRI is unavailable or incapable must
be provided upon request.
In authorizing PCS services to Medicaid eligible children, the FASP factors in the age and
developmental level of the child as well as the parent or LRI’s availability and capability to provide
the child’s personal care needs.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) services are available to children
under the age of 21. EPSDT may provide a vehicle for receiving medically necessary services
beyond the limitations of the PCS benefit. Services must be deemed medically necessary.
Authorization of additional services under EPSDT must take into account the responsibilities of
the LRI and age-appropriate service provision as discussed above.
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Housekeeping tasks are limited directly to the provision of PCS, such as cleaning the
bathtub/shower after a bath/shower has been given. Time is allocated under the bathing task and
is not an additional service. When a recipient lives with an LRI, it is the responsibility of the LRI
to perform specific housekeeping tasks, other than those which are incidental to the performance
of Personal Care tasks. This includes, but is not limited to, other housekeeping tasks, meal
preparation, essential shopping and escort services.
A child’s LRI must be present during the provision of services. If the LRI cannot be present during
the provision of services, a PCR designated by the LRI, other than the PCA, must be present during
the time services are being provided.
PCS may be provided for recipients enrolled in hospice when the need for PCS is unrelated to the
terminal condition and the personal care needs exceed the PCS provided under the hospice benefit.
If a recipient enrolls in hospice, the DHCFP or its designee will conduct an evaluation of an
individual's comprehensive personal care needs to document any needs not met by hospice and
which may be provided by the PCA. The evaluation will differentiate between personal care needs
unrelated to the terminal condition and those needs directly related to hospice, clearly documenting
total personal care needs. PCS provided under hospice will be subtracted from the total authorized
PCS.
The PCS provided by a PCA to a recipient because of needs unrelated to the terminal condition
may not exceed program limits and guidelines.
Recipients on the Home and Community Based Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities and receiving residential support services through a supported living arrangement
(SLA) may receive State Plan PCS if the services are determined to be medically necessary and
are non-duplicative of the residential support services being provided.
Escort services may be authorized in certain situations for recipients who require a PCA to perform
an approved PCS task en route to or while obtaining Medicaid reimbursable services.
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Escort services may be authorized as a separate billable service when all the following conditions
are met:
1. The needed PCS is currently an authorized task on the approved service plan and will be
provided during the course of the visit.
2. The PCS required are an integral part of the visit. Covered personal care tasks would
include undressing/dressing, toileting, transferring/positioning, ambulation and eating. For
example, transferring a recipient on and off an examination table is an integral part of a
physician visit.
3. An LRI is unavailable or incapable of providing the personal care task en route to or during
the appointment.
4. Staff at the site of the visit (surgery center, physician’s office, clinic setting, outpatient
therapy site or other Medicaid reimbursable setting) is unable to assist with the needed
personal care task.
1. The provider must contact the QIO-like vendor, the ADSD or Waiver for Persons with
Physical Disabilities DHCFP case manager, as appropriate, for prior authorization for
escort services.
2. Service should be requested as a single service authorization request. The provider must
document the medical necessity of the services.
1. The provider must verify that all conditions above are met when asking for an escort
services authorization.
2. The provider must include all the above information when submitting the prior
authorization request, including the date of service and the amount of time requested. The
provider must comply with all other policies in Section 3503.1E.
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3503.6 TRANSPORTATION
Transportation of the recipient in a provider’s vehicle, the PCA’s private vehicle or any other
vehicle is not a covered service and is not reimbursable by the DHCFP. Recipients who choose to
be transported by the PCA do so at their own risk.
Refer to MSM Chapter 1900, Transportation Services, for requirements of the DHCFP medical
transportation program. Nevada Medicaid provides necessary and essential medical transportation
to and from medical providers.
3503.7 REIMBURSEMENT
Medicaid reimbursement is made directly to the Provider Agency for services billed using service
code T1019. The reimbursement rate is based on a contracted rate which takes into consideration
and includes the costs associated with doing business. Consequently, separate reimbursement is
not available for the following:
4. The cost of basic training, in-service requirements and the CPR and First Aid requirement;
and/or
5. Routine supplies customarily used during the course of visits, including but not limited to
non-sterile gloves.
Providers must bill only for the dates when services were actually provided, in accordance with the
appropriate billing manual.
Any Provider found by the State or its agent(s) to have engaged in improper billing practices,
without limitations, may be subject to sanctions including recoupment, denial or termination from
participation in Nevada Medicaid.
The findings and conclusions of any investigation or audit by the DHCFP shall not be construed
as prohibiting any criminal or civil investigations, actions or other claims for relief that may be
available to any party under applicable federal, state or local laws.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Improper billing practices may include, but are not limited to:
2. Submitting claims for services not provided, for example billing a visit when the recipient
was not at home but the PCA was at the recipients residence;
3. Submitting claims for visits without documentation to support the claims billed.
a. Acceptable documentation for each visit billed shall include the nature and extent
of services, the care provider’s signature, the month, day, year and exact time in
and out of the recipients home. Providers shall submit or produce such
documentation upon request by the DHCFP staff;
4. Submitting claims for unnecessary visits or visits that are in excess of amount, scope and
duration necessary to reasonably achieve its purpose;
5. Billing for the full authorized number of units when they exceed the actual amount of
service units provided; or
Any PCS or other provider who improperly bills the DHCFP for services rendered is subject to all
administrative and corrective sanctions and recoupments listed in the MSM Chapter 3300. All
Medicaid overpayments are subject to recoupment.
Any such action taken against a provider by the DHCFP has no bearing on any criminal liability
of the provider.
The DHCFP and/or ADSD may conduct reviews, announced or unannounced, to evaluate the
provider’s compliance with this chapter and any other regulatory requirements.
These reviews may consist of, but are not limited to, a desk review by the DHCFP and/or ADSD
staff and/or an onsite review. Providers must cooperate with the review process. Additionally,
reviews may be conducted to verify that providers meet the requirements established for each
service, to ensure services are being provided and billed for accordingly, and that claims for those
services are paid in accordance with the State Plan, this chapter and all federal and state
regulations.
Reviews may also be conducted to ensure the health and welfare, service satisfaction, and freedom
of choice of the recipients receiving PCS.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
For the purposes of this Chapter, the DHCFP or their designee may take adverse action when:
3. The recipient, their PCR or LRI refuses services or is non-cooperative in the establishment
or delivery of services;
4. The recipient, their PCR or their LRI refuses to accept services in accordance with the
approved service plan;
7. The recipient’s parent and/or legal guardian is responsible for the maintenance, health care,
education and support of their child;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL HEARINGS
3504 HEARINGS
Reference MSM Chapter 3100, Hearings, for Medicaid recipient hearing procedures and Medicaid
provider hearing procedures.
Page 1 of 1
MTL 10/13
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 3600
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
3600 INTRODUCTION
In 1992, the Nevada State Department of Human Resources (now called the Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS)) initiated the development of a fully capitated, risk based
Managed Care Program. The capitated, risk-based Managed Care Program was implemented
under a Section 1915(b) Waiver which established a mandatory Managed Care Program, serving
recipients in urban Clark County and Washoe County. The mandatory program became effective
on January 1, 1996 and served eligible recipients in the programs that were then known as “Aid
to Families with Dependent Children/Aid to Dependent Children (AFDC/ADC)” and related
programs as well as the Child Health Assurance Program (CHAP) and other child welfare
programs. On April 1, 1997, the voluntary Medicaid Managed Care Program was also
implemented in Nevada.
Subsequent to the close of the 1997 Nevada Legislature, the U.S. Congress passed the Balanced
Budget Act (BBA) of 1997. Under the BBA, states are given the ability to implement managed
care programs without a waiver. This generally simplified approval at the federal level. On
October 1, 1998, Nevada’s Managed Care Program was approved by the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS), which was formerly known as the Health Care Financing
Administration (HCFA) as a state plan amendment.
The State of Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) oversees the
administration of all Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the state. Nevada
Medicaid operates a Fee-for-Service (FFS) and a managed care reimbursement and service
delivery system with which to provide covered medically necessary services to its eligible
population. MCO contracts are comprehensive risk contracts and are paid a risk-based capitated
rate for each eligible, enrolled recipient on a Per-Member, Per-Month (PMPM) basis. These
capitated rates are certified to be actuarially sound. There is also a formula for Stop Loss, when
costs of inpatient care exceed a threshold during a specified time period; Very Low Birth Weight
Newborns (VLBW); and the Primary Care Physician (PCP) enhancements, according to the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and as approved by the CMS.
The mandatory Managed Care Program is currently available to Medicaid and Nevada Check Up
(NCU) recipients in urban Clark and Washoe counties. The DHCFP may, at a future date,
designate other geographical locations as mandatory managed care areas in accordance with
Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 695C.160.
All MCOs must be in compliance with all applicable Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), NAC, the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the United States Code (USC), and the Social Security Act
(SSA) which assure program and operational compliance as well as assuring services that are
provided to Medicaid and NCU recipients enrolled in an MCO are done so with the same
timeliness, amount, duration, and scope as those provided to FFS Medicaid and NCU recipients.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
Participating MCOs shall provide to enrolled Medicaid and NCU recipients a benefits package
covering inpatient and outpatient hospital care, ambulatory care, physician services, a full range
of preventive and primary health care services, and such other services as the DHCFP determines
to be in the best interests of the State and eligible recipients to include in benefits package. The
MCO is responsible for reimbursing claims of eligible enrollees for services covered under the
contract or for each month a capitated payment is made. The DHCFP will continue to provide,
on a FFS basis, certain services that are not contained in the MCO contracts or the capitated
benefits package.
Currently, the DHCFP contracts with two Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) as MCOs
for the State of Nevada. Enrollment in an MCO is mandatory for the Family Medical Category
(FMC) categories of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (Section 1931) and
Child Health Assurance Program (CHAP) (poverty level pregnant women, infants, and children)
recipients when there is more than one MCO option from which to choose in a geographic
service area. Enrollment in an MCO is mandatory for all NCU recipients when there is at least
two MCO options in the recipient’s geographic service area. The eligibility and aid code
determination functions for Medicaid and NCU applicants and eligible populations are the
responsibility of the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). The enrollment
function is the responsibility of Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).
All Medicaid policies and requirements (such as prior authorization) are the same for NCU, with
the exception of the certain areas where Medicaid and NCU policies differ as documented in the
NCU Manual Chapter 1000.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
3601 AUTHORITY
The rules set forth below are intended to supplement, and not to duplicate, supersede, supplant or
replace other requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to Medicaid managed care
programs as a matter of federal statute, regulation, or policy, or that are generally applicable to
the activities of Managed Care Organizations (MCO) and their providers under applicable laws
and regulations. In the event that any rule set forth herein is in conflict with any applicable
federal law or regulation, such federal law or regulation shall control. Such other applicable
requirements include, but are not limited to:
b. Section 1932, provisions relating to managed care, (including Section (a)(1)(A)) of the
Act, 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1396(a) governing state plans for medical assistance
and 42 CFR 438.10 for the State's option to limit freedom of choice by requiring
recipients to receive their benefits through managed care entities;
c. MCO licensure and financial solvency requirements, as set forth in Title XIX of the
Social Security Act, Part 2 of the State Medicaid Manual, CMS Publication 45-2, and the
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS);
d. Independent external quality review requirements, as set forth in Part 2 of the State
Medicaid Manual, CMS Publication 45-2, and 42 CFR 438;
f. Composition of enrollment requirements for MCOs, as set forth in 42 CFR 438 and Part 2
of the State Medicaid Manual, CMS Publication 45-2;
g. The requirement that MCOs maintain written policies and procedures with respect to
Advance Directives (ADs), as set forth in 42 CFR 438, 42 CFR 431.20 and Section
1902(w)(1);
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
i. The requirement that certain entities be excluded from participation, as set forth in §1128
and §1902(p) of the Social Security Act and Part 2 of the State Medicaid Manual, CMS
Publication 45-2;
j. The requirement of prior CMS approval for risk comprehensive contracts, as set forth in
42 CFR 438 and Part 2 of the State Medicaid Manual, CMS Publication 45-2;
k. The requirements of access to and reimbursement for federally qualified health center
services, as set forth in §4704(b) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and
Part 2 of the State Medicaid Manual, CMS Publication 45-2;
l. Confidentiality and privacy requirements as set forth in the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA);
m. The requirement of freedom of choice for family planning services and supplies, as set
forth in 42 CFR 431.51 and as defined in Section 1905 (a)(4)(C) and Part 2 of the State
Medicaid Manual, CMS Publication 45-2;
p. The requirements for health information technology under the Health Information
Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH); and
q. Any other requirements that are imposed as a matter of applicable federal statutes or
regulations, or under applicable CMS requirements with respect to Medicaid managed
care programs.
These rules are issued pursuant to the provisions of NRS Chapter 422. The Nevada State
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), acting through the Nevada Division of
Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) has been designated as the single state agency
responsible for administering the Nevada Medicaid program under delegated federal authority
pursuant to 42 CFR 431. Accordingly, to the extent that any other state agency rules are in
conflict with these rules, the rules set forth herein shall control.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
3602 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3603 POLICY
The State of Nevada Managed Care Program requires the mandatory enrollment of
recipients found eligible for Medicaid program coverage under specific categories under
the Family Medical Category (FMC) when there are two or more Managed Care
Organizations (MCOs) in the geographic service area. These specific categories include
the following:
4. TANF – Post Medical (pursuant to Section 1925 of the Social Security Act (the
Act);
8. Aged-out Foster Care (Young adults who have “aged out” of foster care); and
9. New Medicaid Newly Eligibles, defined as childless adults ages 19 – 64, and the
expanded parent and caretakers ages 19 – 64, who are made eligible as part of the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) expansion population and
who are receiving the Alternative Benefit Plan.
In addition, the mandatory enrollment of recipients found eligible for Medicaid program
coverage include the following categories when there are two or more MCOs in the
geographic service:
The State of Nevada Managed Care Program makes ineligible the following Medicaid
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. Children under the age of 19 years, who are eligible for Supplemental Security
Income under Title XVI;
3. Children under the age of 19 years who are eligible under Section 1902(e)(3) of
the Act;
4. Children under the age of 19 years who are foster care or other out-of-the-home
placement;
5. Children under the age of 19 years who are receiving foster care or adoption
assistance under Title IV-E; and
The State of Nevada Managed Care Program allows that although the following Medicaid
recipients are exempt from mandatory enrollment, they are allowed to voluntarily enroll
in an MCO if they choose:
1. American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) who are members of federally
recognized tribes except when the MCO is the Indian Health Service (IHS); or an
Indian Health program or Urban Indian program operated by a tribe or tribal
organization under a contract, grant, cooperative agreement or compact with the
IHS;
2. Children under the age of 19 years who are receiving services through a family-
centered, community based, coordinated care system that receives grant funds
under section 501(a)(1)(D) of Title V, and is defined by the state in terms of either
program participation or special health care needs (also known as Children with
Special Health Care Needs – CSHCN);
3. TANF and CHAP adults diagnosed as Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI); and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The State assures individuals will have a choice of at least two MCOs for the Medicaid Managed
Care recipients in each geographic area. When fewer than two MCOs are available for choice in
the geographic areas listed, the Managed Care Program will be voluntary.
No enrolled recipient shall receive fewer services in the Managed Care Program than they would
receive in the current Nevada State Plans, except as contracted or for excluded services noted in
Section 3603.4 below.
Any new services added or deleted from the Medicaid benefit package will be analyzed for
inclusion or exclusion in the MCO benefit package.
The following services are either excluded as an MCO covered benefit or have coverage
limitations. Exclusions and limitations are identified as follows:
AI/AN may access and receive covered medically necessary services at IHS facilities and
Tribal Clinics. If an AI/AN voluntarily enrolls with an MCO and seeks covered services
from IHS, the MCO should request and receive medical records regarding those covered
services/treatments provided by IHS. If treatment is recommended by IHS and the
enrollee seeks the recommended treatment through the MCO, the MCO must either
provide the service or must document why the service is not medically necessary. The
documentation may be reviewed by the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy
(DHCFP) or other reviewers. The MCO is required to coordinate all services with IHS. If
an AI/AN recipient elects to disenroll from the MCO, the disenrollment will commence
no later than the first day of the next administratively possible month and the services
will then be reimbursed by Fee-For-Service (FFS).
b. Non-emergency transportation
A contracted vendor will authorize and arrange for all medically necessary non-
emergency transportation. The MCO must verify medical appointments upon request by
the DHCFP or their designee.
The MCO is required to cover the first 45 days of a Nursing Facility admission, pursuant
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
to the Medicaid Services Manual (MSM). The MCO is also required to collect any
patient liability (pursuant to 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 435.725) for each
month a capitated payment is received, pursuant to the MSM. The MCO shall notify the
DHCFP by the 40th day of any nursing facility stay expected to exceed 45 days. The
enrollee will be disenrolled from the MCO and the stay will be covered by FFS
commencing on the 46th day of the facility stay.
The MCO is required to cover the first 45 days of a swing bed admission pursuant to the
MSM. The MCO is also required to collect any patient liability (pursuant to 42 CFR
435.725) for each month a capitated payment is received, pursuant to the MSM. The
MCO shall notify the DHCFP by the 40th day of any swing bed stay expected to exceed
45 days. The enrollee will be disenrolled from the MCO and the stay will be covered by
FFS commencing on the 46th day of the facility stay.
The DHCFP has an agreement with several school districts to provide selected medically
necessary covered services through SBCHS to eligible Title XIX Medicaid and Title XXI
Nevada Check Up (NCU) recipients.
Eligible Medicaid enrollees, who are three years of age and older, can be referred to an
SBCHS for an evaluation by their private physician, school physician, special education
teacher, school nurse, school counselor, parent or guardian, or social worker. If the child
is found eligible for these services, then an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed
for the child. The IEP specifies services needed for the child to meet educational goals. A
copy of the IEP will be sent to the child’s Primary Care Physician (PCP) within the
managed health care plan, and maintained in the enrollee’s medical record.
The school districts provide, through school district employees or contract personnel, the
majority of specified medically necessary covered services. Medicaid reimburses the
school districts for these services in accordance with the school district contract. The
MCO will provide covered medically necessary services beyond those available through
school districts, or document why the services are not medically necessary. The
documentation may be reviewed by the DHCFP or its designees. Title XIX Medicaid and
Title XXI NCU eligible children are not limited to receiving health services through the
school districts. Services may be obtained through the MCO rather than the school
district, if requested by the parent/legal guardian. The MCO case manager shall
coordinate with the school district in obtaining any services which are not covered by the
plan or the school district.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Residents of ICF/ID facilities are not eligible for enrollment with the MCO. If a recipient
is admitted to an ICF/ID after MCO enrollment, the recipient will be disenrolled from the
MCO and the admission, bed day rate, and ancillary services will be reimbursed through
FFS.
It is the MCO’s responsibility to provide reimbursement for all ancillary services (i.e.,
physician services, optometry, laboratory, dental and x-ray services, and similar services)
for enrollees under the Title XXI, NCU, throughout their RTC admission. These
enrollees will remain enrolled with the MCO throughout their RTC stay. The RTC bed
day rate will be covered by FFS for NCU enrollees commencing the first day of
admission.
Enrollees who are covered under Title XIX Medicaid will be disenrolled from the MCO
the first day of the next administratively possible month following the RTC admission. It
is the MCO’s responsibility to provide reimbursement for all RTC charges including
admission, bed day rate, and ancillary services until properly disenrolled from managed
care. The RTC admission, bed day rate, and ancillary services will be reimbursed through
FFS thereafter for Title XIX Medicaid recipients.
h. Hospice
Recipients who are receiving Hospice Services are not eligible for enrollment with the
MCO. Hospice Services are an optional program under the Social Security Act XVIII
Section 1905(o)(1)(A) and are governed by 42 CFR 418 and 489.102(I). Once admitted
into hospice care, Medicaid members will be disenrolled immediately. NCU recipients
will not be disenrolled. However, payment for NCU hospice services will be billed as
FFS. It is the responsibility of the MCOs to provide reimbursement for all ancillary
services until properly disenrolled from managed care.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Recipients who are receiving Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) (Provider Type 39)
services are not eligible for enrollment with the MCO. ADHC Services are optional
Medicaid State Plan services and authorized under State Plan authority titled “Nevada
1915(i) State Plan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)”. If a recipient is made
eligible for ADHC after MCO enrollment, the recipient will be disenrolled and the
ADHC will be reimbursed through FFS. It is the responsibility of the MCOs to provide
reimbursement for all ancillary services until properly disenrolled from managed care.
Recipients who are receiving HCBW Services are not eligible for enrollment with the
MCO. If a recipient is made eligible for HCBW Services after MCO enrollment, the
recipient will be disenrolled and the HCBW Services will be reimbursed through FFS.
l. All Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) and Level of Care (LOC)
Assessments are performed by the State’s Fiscal Agent.
Conducting a PASRR and LOC will not prompt MCO disenrollment, however, if the
recipient is admitted to a nursing facility as the result of a PASRR and LOC, the MCO is
responsible for the first 45 days of admission (see #c above).
m. SED/SMI
The MCO must ensure enrollees who are referred for evaluation for SED/SMI or who
have been determined SED/SMI by the health plan are obtaining the medically necessary
evaluations by an in-network provider and that enrollees are transitioned, as necessary, to
another provider in order to obtain their mental health services if such services are not
available within the network. The MCO is required to notify the DHCFP if a Title XIX
Medicaid recipient elects to disenroll from the MCO following the determination of
SED/SMI and forward the enrollee’s medical records to the provider from whom the
enrollee will receive the covered mental health services. However, in the event the
Medicaid enrollee who has received such a determination chooses to remain enrolled
with the MCO, the MCO will be responsible for providing all patient care.
The MCO is required to adhere to MSM Chapter 400 and 2500 for all SED and SMI
referrals and determinations and must reimburse providers of these services pursuant to
the referenced MSM Chapters. Such services include, but are not limited to: case
management; lab work; prescription drugs; acute in-patient; and, other ancillary medical
and mental health services required by the plan of treatment. Title XIX Medicaid eligible
recipients have the option of disenrolling from the MCO, if determined to be SED or
SMI. Title XXI, NCU recipients must remain enrolled with the MCO who is responsible
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
for on-going patient care. If a Title XIX eligible recipient elects to disenroll from the
MCO following a determination of SED or SMI, the disenrollment will commence the
first day of the next administratively possible month and the services will then be
reimbursed by FFS.
Nevada Medicaid Newly Eligibles cannot opt out of managed care, where available,
based on a determination of Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
A. Out-of-Network Providers
B. Emergency Services
The MCO must cover and pay for emergency services regardless of whether the provider
who furnished the services has a contract with the MCO. The MCO must pay the out-of-
network provider for emergency services applying the “prudent layperson” definition
according to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) of an
emergency, rendered at a rate limited to the amount that would have been paid if the
service had been provided under the state’s FFS Medicaid program, unless a lower
amount is mutually agreed to between the MCO and the party(ies) rendering service.
Pursuant to 1932 (b)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act, a non-contracting provider of
emergency services must accept as payment in full no more than it would receive if the
services were provided under the state’s FFS Medicaid program. This rule applies
whether the non-contracting provider is within the State or outside of the State in which
the managed care entity has a contract.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
immediate medical attention would not have resulted in placing the health of the enrollee
in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily function, or serious dysfunction of any
bodily part or organ. The MCO may not deny payment for emergency services treatment
when a representative of the MCO instructs the enrollee to seek emergency services care.
Pursuant to 42 CFR 438.114, the MCO may not limit what constitutes an emergency
medical condition as defined in this section on the basis of lists of diagnoses or symptoms
nor refuse to cover emergency services based on the emergency room provider, hospital,
or fiscal agent not notifying the enrollee’s PCP, MCO, or the DHCFP of the enrollee’s
screening and treatment within ten calendar days of the presentation for emergency
services.
An enrollee who has an emergency medical condition may not be held liable for payment
of subsequent screening and treatment needed to diagnose the specific condition or
stabilize the patient. The attending physician or the provider actually treating the enrollee
is responsible for determining when the enrollee is sufficiently stabilized for transfer or
discharge and that determination is binding on the MCO.
C. Post-Stabilization Services
1. Post-stabilization services obtained within or outside the network that are pre-
approved by a network provider or MCO representative;
2. Post-stabilization services obtained within or outside the network that are not pre-
approved by a network provider or other organization representative, but
administered to maintain the enrollee's stabilized condition within one hour of a
request to the MCO for pre-approval of further post-stabilization care services;
3. Post-stabilization care services obtained within or outside the network that are not
pre-approved by a network provider or other MCO representative but
administered to maintain, improve, or resolve the enrollee's stabilized condition if
the MCO does not respond to a request for pre-approval within one hour or the
MCO cannot be contacted or the MCO and the treating physician cannot reach an
agreement concerning the enrollee's care and a network provider or other
organization representative is not available for consultation. In this situation, the
MCO must give the treating physician the opportunity to consult with a network
physician and the treating physician may continue with care of the enrollee until a
network physician is reached or one of the criteria in 42 CFR 422.113(c)(3) is
met.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
D. Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Rural Health Clinic (RHC)
The MCO must pay for services provided by an FQHC or an RHC. MCOs may enter into
Error! Bookmark not defined. contracts with FQHCs or RHCs, provided that payments
must be at least equal to the amount paid other providers for similar services and no
lower than the Medicaid FFS rates. If the MCO does not have a contract with an FQHC
or RHC, the MCO must pay at a rate equivalent to that paid by the DHCFP FFS rate
schedule. This does not apply to out of network providers of emergency services. See
Section 3603.5.b. The MCO must make a good faith effort to negotiate a contract with
these providers. The MCO must report to the DHCFP payments and visits made to
FQHCs and/or RHCs.
E. Out-Of-State Providers
F. Obstetrical/GYN Services
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The MCO is also responsible for referring enrolled pregnant women identified
with specified social needs to the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
(DWSS). The DWSS staff is available to provide information regarding available
community support programs to enrollees identified as experiencing any of the
specified high risk social issues. The DHCFP District Office staff is available to
assist in limited care coordination. The DHCFP will verify that appropriate
coordination and communication by the MCO case managers/staff with the
DWSS and the DHCFP District Office care coordination staff is occurring and
that such coordination and communication is effective in intervening on behalf of
these enrollees.
Length of time that the pregnant woman is enrolled in the health plan is not a
determining factor in payment to the obstetrician. Payment to the delivering
obstetrician for a normal routine pregnancy shall be based upon the services and
number of visits provided by the obstetrician to the pregnant woman through the
course of her pregnancy. Payments are determined by Current Procedural
Terminology (CPT) codes submitted by the provider. The MCO must provide
separate payment for covered medically necessary services required as a result of
a non-routine pregnancy.
a. Network Providers
For all cases, the MCO must have policies and procedures in place for
transitioning the Medicaid or NCU eligible pregnant recipient to a network
provider.
b. Non-network Providers
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
A pregnant woman who is enrolled with the MCO within the last trimester
of pregnancy must be allowed to remain in the care of a non-network
provider, if she so chooses. The MCO must have policies and procedures
for this allowance.
d. Prior Authorization
The MCO must make certified nurse midwife services available to enrollees, if
such services are available in the MCO's service area. If the MCO does not have a
contract for said services, the MCO must pay the certified nurse midwife provider
according to the Medicaid FFS schedule for services rendered to the recipient.
The MCO will receive a maternity kick payment from the DHCFP to cover the
maternity costs of any birth, still born, or miscarriage occurring in the third
trimester of pregnancy for which an obstetrical payment has been made and there
is an accompanying provider claim for the delivery. The third trimester
commences at 27 weeks of gestation. Maternity kick payments will be generated
upon submission of encounter data confirming the delivery.
The maternity kick payment is intended to offset most of the costs to the health
plans for costs associated specifically with the covered delivery of a child,
including prenatal and postpartum care. Ante partum care is included in the
capitation rate paid for the mother. Costs of care for the newborn are included in
the capitation rate.
The DHCFP will not pay a SOBRA payment in a situation where there is no
accompanying provider claim for the delivery.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Federal regulations grant the right to any enrollee of child-bearing age to receive
family planning services from any qualified provider, even if the provider is not
part of the MCO’s provider network. The MCO may not require family planning
services to be prior authorized. Family planning services are provided to enrollees
who want to control family size or prevent unwanted pregnancies. Family
planning services may include education, counseling, physical examinations, birth
control devices, supplies and Norplant.
Pursuant to MSM Chapter 600, tubal ligations and vasectomies are a covered
benefit for recipients 21 years of age or older. In accordance with federal
regulations, the recipient must fill out a consent form at least 30 days prior to the
procedure. The physician is required to send the consent form to the fiscal agent
with the initial claim. Tubal ligations and vasectomies to permanently prevent
conception are not covered for any recipient under the age of 21 or any recipient
who is adjudged mentally incompetent or is institutionalized.
The MCO must, at a minimum, pay qualified out-of-network providers for family
planning services rendered to its enrollees at the FFS rate paid by the DHCFP.
The MCO will be responsible for coordinating and documenting out-of-network
family planning services provided to its recipients and the amounts paid for such
services.
6. Coordination of Care
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Section 2301 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires coverage of services
furnished at freestanding birth centers. The MCO is required to provide services
at freestanding obstetric/birth centers.
Refer to the Maternity Care section of MSM Chapter 600 – Physician Services,
for comprehensive maternity care coverage provided by physicians and/or nurse
midwives. Refer to Attachment A, Policy #02-01, of MSM Chapter 200 for
comprehensive birth center covered services and provider requirements.
As defined by the ACA and Section 340(B)(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act, ECPs
are providers that have historically provided services to underserved populations and
demonstrate a commitment to serve low income, underserved populations who make up a
significant portion of its patient population or, in the case of a sole community provider,
serves underserved patients within its clinical capability; and (b) waives charges or
charges for services on a modified sliding fee scale based on income and does not restrict
access or services because of a client’s financial limitations. The MCOs must make a
good faith effort to negotiate a contract with the ECPs who are located in the plan’s
geographic service area. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
provides a non-exclusive list of ECPs; however, the DHCFP reserves the right to modify
this list at any time.
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Dental services are included in the MCO benefit package in geographic areas designated as
mandatory managed care areas. The MCO will be responsible for all covered medically
necessary dental services pursuant to MSM Chapter 1000 and the State Plan, Section 3.1-A.
Private duty nursing services (42 CFR 440.80) are included in the MCO package for recipients
who require more individual and continuous care. These services are provided:
Pharmacy services are included in the MCO benefit package. The MCO may design its own
pharmacy formulary based on clinical guidelines. Medications not covered in the MCO's
formulary must be available through a non-formulary request process based on physician
certification and justification of medical necessity. Pharmacy coverage benefits are based on the
State Plan.
The MCO may use generic substitutions unless the physician/dentist justifies the medical
necessity of the brand name pharmaceutical.
The MCO must have a policy for transitioning a recipient's prescriptions from FFS, another
MCO or the HIX, to the MCO, vendor or HIX. The MCO will not be allowed to terminate a
current prescription without first conducting a medical examination of the recipient. The MCO
then must document why a drug is not medically necessary, if a current prescription is
terminated.
The DHCFP shall approve the MCO’s formulary prior to implementation. The MSM Chapter
1200 stipulates the conditions with which a prescriber must comply to certify that a specific
brand of medication is medically necessary for a particular patient. The physician should
document in the patient’s medical record the need for the brand name product in place of the
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generic form. The procedure of the certification must comply with the following: certification
must be in the physician’s own handwriting; and, certification must be written directly on the
prescription blank and a phrase indicating the need for a specific brand is required (an example
would be “Brand Medically Necessary”). Substitution of generic drugs prescribed by brand name
must also comply with NRS 639.2583.
3603.10 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS (CSHCN) AND MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES FOR ADULTS
The MCO benefit package includes certain services for CSHCN and mental health services for
adults for which the MCO must reimburse certain types of providers with whom formal contracts
may not be in place and coordinate these services with other services in the MCO benefit
package.
The MCO must implement mechanisms to assess each enrollee, identified to the MCO as an
individual with special health care needs, in order to identify any ongoing special conditions of
the enrollee that require a course of treatment or regular care monitoring. The assessment
mechanisms must use appropriate health care professionals.
The MCO must produce a treatment plan for enrollees with special health care needs who are
determined through an assessment to need a course of treatment or regular care monitoring. The
treatment plan must be:
a. Developed by the enrollee’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) with enrollee participation, and
in consultation with any specialists caring for the enrollee;
b. Approved by the MCO in a timely manner, if approval is required by the MCO; and,
c. In accordance with any applicable State quality assurance and utilization review
standards.
For children with special health care needs who are determined through an assessment by
appropriate health care professionals to need a course of treatment or regular care monitoring,
the MCO must have a mechanism in place to allow these enrollees access to a specialist, through
a standing referral or an approved number of visits, as appropriate for the enrollee’s condition
and identified needs.
The MCO is required to adhere to MSM Chapters 400 and 2500 for all SED and SMI referrals
and determinations and must reimburse providers of these services pursuant to the referenced
MSM Chapters. Title XIX Medicaid eligible recipients have the option of disenrolling from the
MCO, if determined to be SED or SMI, with the exception of the Nevada Medicaid Newly
Eligible childless adults ages 19 – 64 and the expanded parent and caretakers ages 19 - 64. Title
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XXI NCU recipients must remain enrolled with the MCO who is responsible for ongoing patient
care.
These services are covered, with limitations, when medically necessary. Coverage limitations for
these services are defined in the Title XIX State Plan. The DHCFP via its Title XIX State Plan
Attachment 3.1.E covers corneal, kidney, liver and bone marrow transplants and associated fees
for adults. For children up to age 21 any medically necessary transplant that is not experimental
will be covered. The health plan may claim transplant case reimbursement from the DHCFP for
in-patient medical expenses above the threshold of $100,000 in a one-year period (State Fiscal
Year). 75% of the expenses above $100,000 are reimbursed to the health plan.
At the discretion of the DHCFP administration, an enrollee may be assigned to another MCO at
any time and the DHCFP may reimburse the MCO for claims and waive stop loss. The DHCFP
may also assign an otherwise FFS child to the MCO for care management. The MCO will be
expected to administer these FFS payments with no added markup.
TCM has a specific meaning for Nevada Medicaid and NCU. TCM, as defined by the MSM
Addendum, is carved out of the managed care contracts. Case management, which differs from
TCM, is required from the contracted MCO.
3603.13 IMMUNIZATIONS
The MCO shall require its network providers to enroll in the Vaccines for Children Program
(VFC) which is administered by the Nevada State Health Division. Providers licensed by the
state to prescribe vaccines may request to be enrolled in the Nevada State Health Division’s VFC
Program. The immunization program will review and approve provider enrollment requests. The
MCO shall require VFC enrolled providers to cooperate with the Nevada State Health Division
for purposes of performing orientation and monitoring activities regarding VFC Program
requirements.
Upon successful enrollment in the VFC Program, providers may request state supplied vaccine to
be administered to enrollees through 18 years of age in accordance with the most current
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule and/or recommendation and
following VFC program requirements as defined in the VFC Provider Enrollment Agreement.
The MCOs shall require VFC enrolled network providers to participate in the Nevada State
Health Division’s Immunization Registry to ensure the DHCFP’s goal to fully immunize
children up to the age of two years. The MCO shall provide appropriate technical support in
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instances where the provider does not have the capability to meet these requirements. The MCO
must work within the Health Division to interface directly with the Immunization Registry.
The MCO is required to conduct Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT)
screenings of its enrolled recipients under the age of 21 years. The screening must meet the
EPSDT requirements found in the MSM as well as 1902(a)(43), 1905(a)(4)(B), and 1905(r) of
the Social Security Act, and 42 CFR 441.50 through 441.62. The MCO must conduct all
interperiodic screening on behalf of eligible enrolled recipients, as defined in the MSM.
The services which need to be provided through the MCO include, but are not limited to the
following in accordance with 1905(r) of the Social Security Act and the MSM:
d. Laboratory tests (including blood lead level assessment appropriate to age and risk as
directed by current federal requirements);
e. Health education;
f. Vision services;
g. Dental services;
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i. Such other necessary health care, diagnostic services, treatment, and other measures
described in Section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act to correct or ameliorate defects
and physical and mental illnesses and conditions discovered by the screening services,
whether or not such services are covered under the State Medicaid Plan.
The MCO is not required to provide any items or services which are determined to be unsafe or
ineffective, or which are considered experimental. Appropriate limits may be placed on EPSDT
services based on medical necessity.
The MCO is required to provide information and perform outreach activities to eligible enrolled
children for EPSDT services. These efforts may be reviewed and audited by the DHCFP or its
designee.
The eligibility and enrollment functions are the responsibility of the DHCFP and the
Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). The MCO shall accept each
recipient who is enrolled in or assigned to the MCO by the DHCFP and/or its enrollment
sections and/or for whom a capitation payment has been made or will be made by the
DHCFP to the MCO. The first date a Medicaid or NCU eligible recipient will be enrolled
is not earlier than the applicable date in the MCO’s specified contract.
The MCO must accept recipients eligible for enrollment in the order in which they apply
without restriction, up to the limits set under the contract. The MCO acknowledges that
enrollment is mandatory except in the case of voluntary enrollment programs that meet
the conditions set forth in 42 CFR 438.50(a). The MCO will not, on the basis of health
status or need for health services, discriminate against recipients eligible to enroll. The
MCO will not deny the enrollment nor discriminate against any Medicaid or NCU
recipients eligible to enroll on the basis of race, color or national origin and will not use
any policy or practice that has the effect of discrimination on the basis of race, color or
national origin. If the recipient was previously disenrolled from the MCO as the result of
a grievance filed by the MCO, the recipient will not be re-enrolled with the MCO unless
the recipient wins an appeal of the disenrollment. The recipient may be enrolled with
another MCO.
The State reserves the right to recover pro-rated capitation whenever the MCO’s
responsibility to pay medical claims ends in mid-month. A situation where a mid-month
capitation recovery may occur includes, but is not limited to:
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The MCO is not financially responsible for any services rendered during a period of
retroactive eligibility except in the specific situation(s) described in this Chapter. The
MCO is responsible for services rendered during a period of retroactive enrollment in
situations where errors committed by the DHCFP or the DWSS, though corrected upon
discovery, have caused an individual to not be properly and timely enrolled with the
MCO. In such cases, the MCO shall only be obligated to pay for such services that would
have been authorized by the MCO had the individual been enrolled at the time of such
services. For in-state providers in these circumstances, the MCO shall pay the providers
for such services only in the amounts that would have been paid to a contracted provider
in the applicable specialty. Out-of-state providers in these circumstances will be paid
according to a negotiated rate between the MCO and the out-of-state provider. The
timeframe to make such corrections will be limited to 180 days from the incorrect
enrollment date. The DHCFP is responsible for payment of applicable capitation for the
retroactive coverage. As described in Section 3603.15 (B) (1) of the MSM, the Vendor is
responsible for Medicaid newborns as of the date of birth, provided the mother was
actively enrolled or retro-actively enrolled at the date of birth.
The MCO must notify a recipient that any change in status, including family size and
residence, must be immediately reported by the recipient to the DWSS eligibility worker.
The MCO must provide the DHCFP with weekly electronic notification of all births and
deaths.
The eligibility of Medicaid applicants is determined by the DWSS. DWSS notifies the
state’s fiscal agent who enrolls the applicant. Letters are sent to the new recipients
requiring them to select an MCO or an MCO will be automatically assigned. The MCO
will be notified of the pregnant woman’s choice by the State’s fiscal agent. The MCO
shall be responsible for all covered medically necessary obstetrical services and
pregnancy related care commencing on the date of enrollment.
C. Enrollment of Program Newborns
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The MCO must have written policies and procedures for newborns of enrolled recipients.
The MCO is required to electronically report births on a weekly basis to the DHCFP via
the Provider Supplied Data file located on the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). The MCO
will be responsible for all covered medically necessary services included in the MCO
benefit package to the qualified newborn.
All Title XIX Medicaid eligible newborns born to enrolled recipients are enrolled
effective the date of birth if the mother of the newborn was enrolled with the
MCO as of the newborn’s date of birth.
The MCO is not financially responsible for any services rendered during a period
of retroactive eligibility except in specific situation(s) described in this Chapter.
As described herein, the MCO will be responsible for all Medicaid newborns as of
the date of birth if the mother of the newborn was enrolled with, or was retro-
actively enrolled with, the MCO as of the newborn’s date of birth. In situations
where it is determined that eligibility decisions were made that caused incorrect
enrollment decisions, the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)
may be corrected to show correct enrollment and all payments due the vendor
reconciled accordingly. In this situation, the MCO will be responsible for
services rendered during this retro-active enrollment timeframe. In such cases, the
MCO shall only be obligated to pay for such services that would have been
authorized by the MCO had the individual been enrolled at the time of such
services. For in-state providers in these circumstances, the MCO shall pay the
providers for such services only in the amounts that would have been paid to a
contracted provider in the applicable specialty. Out-of-state providers in these
circumstances will be paid according to a negotiated rate between the MCO and
the out-of-state provider. The timeframe to make such corrections will be limited
to 180 days from the incorrect enrollment date.
2. NCU Newborns
The head of household/mother must notify the MCO and NCU of the pregnancy
prior to and within 14 days following the delivery in order to qualify to receive
coverage from the date of birth. For all qualified newborns, the MCO shall
receive a capitation payment for the month of birth and for all subsequent months
that the child remains enrolled with the MCO. If notification is not received as
required herein, the newborn will be enrolled as of the first day of the next
administrative month from the date of notification.
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If reporting a birth, the transfer file must contain the following information:
d. Mother’s Name;
h. Sex;
i. Ethnicity;
If the mother has other health insurance coverage that provides for 30 days of
coverage of the newborn and she has other children enrolled in the NCU program,
the newborn will be enrolled in the MCO as of the first day of the next
administrative month.
For Medicaid recipients who do not select a MCO, the DHCFP will assign the recipient
to an MCO based upon federally required enrollment default criteria that include:
E. Automatic Re-enrollment
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Recipients disenrolled solely due to the loss of Medicaid or NCU eligibility will be auto-
assigned to their last known MCO upon re-entry if that MCO remains under contract.
Should the MCO no longer be under contract, recipient(s) will be provided with 30 days
in which to choose an MCO. After selecting an MCO, recipient(s) have an additional 90
days in which to exercise the option of selecting an alternative MCO.
NCU enrollees may request disenrollment from the MCO without cause during
the first 90 days of enrollment and are required to contact the NCU office if they
request disenrollment from the MCO and if he/she is a mandatory recipient, must
select another MCO. After the first 90 days of enrollment, the enrollee will be
locked into an MCO for the remainder of the current open enrollment period.
There will be one open enrollment period annually. If the enrollee wishes to
disenroll at any time during the 12 month lock-in period, they must contact the
appropriate MCO and provide good cause for doing so. The MCO will determine
if it is good cause using the same criteria as for Medicaid.
The MCO may request disenrollment of a recipient if the recipient has been seen
by at least three of the MCO’s PCPs and each PCP provides a written statement to
the DHCFP confirming their inability to treat the enrollee due to the enrollee’s
serious behavioral non-compliance or disruptive behavior. In addition, the MCO
must confirm the enrollee has been referred to the MCO’s Enrollee Services
Department and has either refused to comply with this referral or refused to act in
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good faith to attempt to resolve the problem. The MCO may also request
disenrollment of an enrollee if the MCO can provide documentation the enrollee
has, on at least three separate occasions, demonstrated serious behavioral non-
compliance or disruptive behavior toward the MCO’s or subcontractor’s staff.
Prior approval by the DHCFP of a MCO’s request for the enrollee’s disenrollment
is required. If approval is granted, the enrollee will be given notice by the MCO
that disenrollment will occur effective the first day of the next month following
administrative cut off.
The MCO may request disenrollment of an enrollee for a combination of PCP and
MCO serious, behavioral non-compliance or disruptive behavior by an enrollee
for a total of at least three separate instances. The same documentation and
procedure applies as in the separate PCP or MCO instances. Prior approval of
these disenrollments by the DHCFP is required.
The DHCFP reserves the right to review and act upon an MCO’s request for
disenrollment without the recipient exhibiting the serious, behavioral non-
compliance or disruptive behavior three times. The DHCFP will make a
determination on such a request within five days. If approval is granted, the
enrollee will be given notice by the MCO that disenrollment will occur effective
the first day of the next month following administrative cut off.
An MCO may not request disenrollment of an enrollee for any of the following
reasons:
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The MCO must have written policies and procedures for receiving monthly updates from
the DHCFP of recipients enrolled in, and disenrolled from, the MCO, and other updates
pertaining to these recipients. The updates will include those newly enrolled with the
MCO. The MCO must incorporate these updates into its management information
system.
H. Enrollment Interface
Upon initiation of the implementation process, the MCO must furnish the technical
means by which the DHCFP Enrollment Sections can:
1. Determine the number of recipients each enrolled PCP will accept as new
patients; and,
The MCO must establish and implement a mechanism to inform each PCP about any
newly MCO enrolled recipients assigned to the PCP on at least a monthly basis. Written
or electronic notice to each PCP regarding patient rosters effective for each month must
be provided to the provider within five business days of the MCO receiving the recipient
file from the enrollment sections. The enrollment sections will pass the membership file
through the system for verification of eligibility prior to distribution to the MCO, who
will in turn be responsible for keeping individual participating providers informed. The
MCO may elect to update its membership file more frequently to keep PCPs informed of
the enrollment activity, but this must be done with the understanding that only the
membership file that has been confirmed through the DHCFP eligibility system is the
accurate version.
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Within seven calendar days of becoming aware of any changes in a recipient's status, including
changes in family size and residence, the MCO must electronically report the change(s) to the
DHCFP.
The MCO will be responsible for recipients as soon as they are enrolled and the MCO is
aware of the enrollee in treatment. The MCO must have policies and procedures for
transitioning recipients currently receiving services in the FFS program into the MCO’s
plan.
The MCO must have policies and procedures including, without limitation, the following
to ensure a recipient's smooth transition from FFS to the MCO:
c. Chronic illness;
e. Intractable pain.
d. Other services not included in the State Plan but covered by Medicaid
under EPSDT for children.
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c. Have prior authorization for procedures and/or therapies for dates after
their enrollment; and/or,
It may be necessary to transfer a recipient from one MCO to another or to FFS for a
variety of reasons. When notified by the DHCFP that an enrollee has been transferred to
another plan or to FFS, the MCO must have written policies and procedures for
transferring/receiving relevant patient information, medical records and other pertinent
materials to the other plan or current FFS provider. Prior to transferring a recipient, the
MCO (via their subcontractors when requested by the MCO) must send the receiving
plan or provider information regarding the recipient’s condition. This information shall
include, without limitation, whether the recipient is:
1. Hospitalized;
2. Pregnant;
3. Receiving dialysis;
6. On an apnea monitor;
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11. Scheduled for prior authorized procedures and/or therapies on a date subsequent
to transition;
18. Receiving case management (including the case manager’s name and phone
number).
When a recipient changes MCOs or reverts to FFS while hospitalized, the transferring
MCO shall notify the receiving MCO, the receiving provider, or the DHCFP Quality
Improvement Organization (QIO-like vendor) as appropriate, of the change within five
calendar days.
The MCO must have written information about its services and access to services available upon
request to enrollees and potential enrollees. This written information must also be available in
the prevalent non-English languages, as determined by the State, in its particular geographic
service area. “Prevalent” is determined as the primary language spoken by 1,000 or 5%
(whichever is less) of the MCO’s members. The MCO must make free, oral interpretation
services available to each enrollee and potential enrollee. This applies to all non-English
languages, not just those that the State identifies as prevalent.
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The MCO is required to notify all enrollees and potential enrollees that oral interpretation
services are available for any language and written information is available in English and all
prevalent non-English languages. The MCO must notify all enrollees and potential enrollees how
to access this information.
The MCO’s written material must use an easily understandable format. The MCO must also
develop appropriate alternative methods for communicating with visually and hearing-impaired
enrollees, and accommodating physically disabled recipients in accordance with the revised
regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), ADA Amendments Act of
2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All enrollees and potential enrollees
must be informed that this information is available in alternative formats and how to access those
formats. The MCO will be responsible for effectively informing Title XIX Medicaid enrollees
who are eligible for EPSDT services.
If the MCO elects not to provide, reimburse for, or provide coverage of, a counseling or referral
service because of an objection on moral or religious grounds, it must furnish information about
the services it does not cover to the State with its application for a Medicaid contract and
whenever it adopts the policy during the term of the contract. The information provided must be
consistent with the provisions of 42 CFR 438.10 and must be provided to potential enrollees
before and during enrollment.
Such information must also be provided within 90 days after adopting the policy with respect to
any particular service.
a. Enrollee Handbook
The MCO must provide all enrollees with an Enrollee Handbook. The handbook must be
written at no higher than an eighth grade reading level and must conspicuously state the
following in bold print:
“This Handbook is not a certificate of insurance and shall not be construed or interpreted
as evidence of insurance coverage between the MCO and the Enrollee.”
The MCO must submit the Enrollee Handbook to the DHCFP before it is published
and/or distributed. The DHCFP will review the handbook and has the sole authority
approve or disapprove the handbook and the MCO’s policies and procedures therein. The
MCO must agree to make modifications in handbook language if requested to do so in
order to comply with the requirements as described above or as required by CMS or State
law. In addition the MCO must maintain documentation that the handbook is updated at
least once per year. These annual updates must be submitted to the DHCFP before
publication and/or distribution.
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The MCO must furnish the handbook to all recipients within five business days of
receiving notice of the recipient’s enrollment and must notify all enrollees of their right to
request and obtain this information at least once per year or upon request. The MCO will
also publish the Enrollee Handbook on the MCO’s internet website upon contract
implementation and will update the website, as needed, to keep the Enrollee Handbook
current. The MCO shall issue updates to the Enrollee Handbook, 30 days before the
intended effective date, as described in 42 CFR 438.10(f)(4), when there are material
changes that will affect access to services and information about the Managed Care
Program.
3. A list of current network PCPs who are and who are not accepting new patients in
the enrollee’s service area, with their board certification status, addresses,
telephone numbers, availability of evening or weekend hours, all languages
spoken and information on PCPs, specialists, and hospitals. This list must be
updated monthly by the MCO;
7. The amount, duration and scope of benefits available under the contract in
sufficient detail to ensure that enrollees understand the benefits to which they are
entitled;
9. The extent to which, and how, enrollees may obtain benefits, including family
planning services, from out-of-network providers;
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11. The extent to which, and how, after hours and emergency coverage are provided
including: what constitutes an emergency medical condition, emergency and post
stabilization services with reference to the definitions in 42 CFR 438.114; the fact
that prior authorization is not required for emergency services; the process and
procedures for obtaining emergency services, including the 911-telephone system
or its local equivalent; the locations of any emergency settings and other locations
at which providers and hospitals furnish emergency and post stabilization services
under the contract; the fact that, subject to regulatory limitations, the enrollee has
a right to use any hospital or other setting for emergency care;
12. Policy on referrals for specialty care and for other benefits not furnished by the
enrollee’s PCP, including explanation of authorization procedures;
13. How and where to access any benefits that are available under the Title XIX and
Title XXI State plans but are not covered under the contract, including any cost
sharing, and how transportation is provided.
For a counseling or referral service that the MCO does not cover because of moral
or religious objections, the MCO need not provide the information on how or
where to obtain the service. The MCO must notify the State regarding services
that meet this criteria and in those instances, the State must provide the
information on where and how to obtain the service;
14. Procedures for accessing emergency and non-emergency services when the
recipient is in and out of the MCO service area;
15. Information on grievance, appeals, and fair hearing procedures and information as
specified in 42 CFR 438.10(g);
17. The MCO must provide adult enrollees with written information on Advance
Directives (AD) policies and include a description of applicable State law. This
information must reflect changes in State law as soon as possible but no later than
90 days after the change. The MCO must ensure that a signed copy of the
DHCFP’s “Acknowledgment of Patient Information on Advance Directives” form
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18. To the extent available, quality and performance indicators, including enrollee
satisfaction;
19. The MCO is also required to provide, to the enrollee upon request, information on
the structure and operation of the MCO and information about physician incentive
plans as set forth in 42 CFR 438.6(h);
20. The enrollee handbook must include a distinct section for eligible recipients
which explains the EPSDT program and includes a list of all the services
available to children; a statement that services are free and a telephone number
which the enrollee can call to receive assistance in scheduling an appointment;
23. Notification of the enrollee’s responsibility to report any third party payment
service to the MCO and the importance of doing so; and
The MCO must give each enrollee written notice of any significant change, as defined by
the State, in any of the enumerations noted above. The MCO shall issue updates to the
Enrollee Handbook on a monthly basis when there are material changes that will affect
access to services and information about the Managed Care Program; this includes
additions and changes to the provider network.
The MCO shall also provide such notices in its semi-annual recipient newsletters and
shall maintain documentation verifying handbook updates.
The MCO must give written notice of termination of a contracted provider within 15 days
after receipt or issuance of the termination notice. This notice shall be provided to each
enrollee who received his/her primary care from, or was seen on a regular basis by, the
terminated provider.
b. Identification Cards
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The MCO may choose to issue an identification card to enrollees. The identification card
must clearly state that the card does not constitute evidence of insurance coverage or
eligibility. The card may include the following information: enrollee’s billing number;
the MCO’s name and member services department telephone number; and, date of issue.
The MCO must educate its providers regarding the card issued to enrolled recipients. The
MCO may, at its discretion, include a unique member identification number on the card.
The MCO must annotate on the card that the number is to be used by its network
providers only.
The MCO must provide information regarding contracted MCOs to potential enrollees
pursuant to CFR 438.10. The information is to be furnished at the time the potential
enrollee first becomes eligible to enroll in a voluntary program or is first required to
enroll in a mandatory program and, at that time, must be provided within a timeframe
which enables the potential enrollee to use the information in choosing among available
MCOs. The required information for potential enrollees will be provided to the MCO by
the DHCFP and will include:
1. General information about the basic features of managed care, including which
populations are excluded, subject to mandatory enrollment, or free to enroll
voluntarily in the program, and the responsibilities for coordination of enrollee
care;
a. Benefits covered;
b. Service area;
f. Benefits that are available under the State Plan but are not covered under
the contract, including how and where the enrollee may obtain those
benefits, any cost sharing, and how transportation is provided. For a
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counseling or referral service that the MCO does not cover because of
moral or religious objections, the State will provide information about
where and how to obtain the service.
d. Medical Records
Complete medical records shall be maintained by the MCO’s contracted providers, for
each enrolled recipient. The records shall be available for review by duly authorized
representatives of the State and CMS upon request of the State, CMS and other federal
agencies.
The MCO shall have written policies and procedures to maintain the confidentiality of all
medical records; provide accessibility and availability of medical records; ensure
adequate record keeping and record review processes. Not more than ten calendar days
after submitting a request, the State shall have access to an enrollee’s medical record,
whether electronic or paper, and has the right to obtain copies at the MCO’s expense.
The recipient’s medical record is the property of the provider who generates the record.
The MCO shall assist the enrollee or the parent/legal guardian of the enrollee in obtaining
a copy of the enrollee’s medical records, upon written request, from the provider.
Records shall be furnished in a timely manner upon receipt of such a request but not more
than 30 days from the date of request. Each enrollee or parent/legal guardian of the
enrollee is entitled to one free copy of the requested medical records. The fee for
additional copies shall not exceed the actual cost of time and materials used to compile
copy and furnish such records.
When an enrolled recipient changes primary care providers and/or health plans, the
MCO’s contracted provider must forward all medical records in their possession to the
new provider within ten working days from receipt of the request.
The MCO shall allow each enrolled recipient the freedom to choose from among its
participating PCPs and change PCPs as requested.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Each enrolled recipient must be assigned to a PCP or PCS, within five business days of
the effective date of enrollment. The MCO may auto-assign a PCP or PCS to an enrolled
recipient who does not make a selection at the time of enrollment. If the enrolled
recipient desires, the MCO shall allow him or her to remain with his or her existing PCP
if the PCP is a member of MCO’s primary care network.
If an enrolled recipient does not choose a PCP, the MCO shall match enrolled recipients
with PCPs by one or more of the following criteria:
3. Assigning all children within a single family to the same PCP; and/or,
The MCO shall ensure that enrolled recipients receive information about where they can
receive care during the time period between enrollment and PCP selection/assignment.
The MCO shall notify the enrolled recipient of his or her assigned PCP within five
business days of assignment.
1. An enrolled recipient may change a PCP or PCS for any reason. The MCO shall
notify enrolled recipients of procedures for changing PCPs. The materials used to
notify enrolled recipients shall be approved by the DHCFP prior to publication
and/or distribution.
2. In cases where a PCP has been terminated, the MCO must notify enrolled
recipients in writing and allow recipients to select another primary care provider,
or make a re-assignment within 15 business days of the termination effective date,
and must provide for urgent care for enrolled recipients until re-assignment.
3. The MCO may initiate a PCP or PCS change for an enrolled recipient under the
following circumstances:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
b. The enrolled recipient’s residence has changed such that distance to the
PCP is greater than 25 miles. Such change will be made only with the
consent of the enrollee;
d. Legal action has been taken against the PCP which excludes provider
participation.
The recipient will be given the right to select another PCP or PCS within the
MCO network.
4. The MCO shall document the number of requests to change PCPs and the reasons
for such requests.
The MCO will publish their provider directory via an internet website upon contract
implementation and will update the website on a bi-weekly basis for all geographic service areas.
The MCO will provide the DHCFP with the most current provider directory upon contract award
for each geographic service area. Thereafter, the MCO will provide monthly electronic updates
(including additions/deletions to the network) to the DHCFP.
4. Discipline/termination
B. The MCO must have written policies and procedures for monitoring its network
providers, and for disciplining those who are found to be out of compliance with the
MCO’s medical management standards.
C. The MCO must take appropriate action related to dual FFS and managed care network
providers, as follows:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. Upon the MCO’s awareness of any disciplinary action, sanction taken against a
network provider, or any suspected provider fraud or abuse, the MCO shall
immediately inform the DHCFP.
2. If the MCO is notified that the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the DHCFP
or another state, federal or local agency has taken an action or imposed a sanction
against a network provider, the MCO shall review the provider’s performance
related to the DHCFP Managed Care Contract and take any action or impose any
sanction, including disenrollment from the MCO’s Provider Network.
Capitation payments are subject to several types of error. Most often, a capitation payment error
is introduced due to an inaccuracy in eligibility or enrollment status. Some errors are corrected
automatically by the MMIS, others by manual financial transaction. Depending upon the nature
of the error in a particular instance, capitation may be paid or recovered from the MCO.
Capitation is also reconciled periodically, typically for a three-month period.
The MMIS automatically adjusts up to three months of capitation for newborns when
updated Welfare eligibility data for the current month also includes previously unreported
eligibility.
In those instances where an eligibility agent has corrected an estimated date of birth
forward in time, the MMIS automatically recovers the incorrectly paid capitation.
Should an error extend beyond three months, the instance must be researched and
corrected manually by financial transaction.
The MCO, in order to recover unpaid capitation, is required to submit such instances on a
periodic basis via the process described in the Contract (Forms and Reporting Guide).
The Business Lines unit reconciles and authorizes payment of these retro-capitation
payment requests on a quarterly basis with sufficient lag time (typically three months) to
allow automated MMIS corrections to occur.
The Business Lines unit also reconciles and authorizes capitation recovery in instances
where it is discovered that capitation has been incorrectly paid. This may occur on either
a periodic or per-instance basis.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The Business Lines unit determines the validity of retro-capitation requests or may use an
appropriate sample for a large number of payment requests.
For the DHCFP’s contracts with MCOs, TPL refers to any individual, entity (e.g., insurance
company) or program (e.g., Medicare) including group health plans, as defined in Section 607(1)
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 USC and 1167 (1)) service
benefits plans and Section 6035 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that is or may be liable to
pay all or part of the expenditures for medical assistance furnished under a State (Medicaid)
Plan. TPL also includes the Coordination of Benefits (COB) cost avoidance and COB recovery.
Under Section 1902(a)(25) of the Social Security Act, the DHCFP is required to take all
reasonable measures to identify legally liable third parties and treat verified TPL as a resource of
the Medicaid and CHIP recipient.
For the DHCFP’s contracts with MCOs, subrogation is the principle under which an insurer that
has paid a loss under an insurance policy is entitled to all the rights and remedies belonging to
the insured against a third party with respect to any loss covered by the policy.
The MCO shall act as the State’s authorized agent for the limited purpose of TPL collection,
within the limitation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC § 1692, of all TPL
pursuant to 42 CFR § 433.135 et seq and 42 CFR 433.147. The MCO's capitated payments
include an offset in the rates for these collections. The MCO shall vigorously pursue billing prior
resources and report their TPL and subrogation collection results to the DHCFP quarterly, as
these amounts are considered part of their capitation.
MCOs are required to secure signed acknowledgements from enrolled Medicaid recipients or
their authorized representative for any prior resources (Medicare, worker’s compensation, private
insurance, and similar resources). The MCO must pursue TPL in accordance with 42 CFR
433.139. The MCO must also determine if casualty claims are filed and recover costs through
subrogation on behalf of both Medicaid and CHIP recipients. The MCO is responsible for not
only pursuing third party resources that it identifies but also for pursuing third-party resources
identified and communicated to the MCO by the DHCFP. All information on the third party,
including collections and collection attempts, are to be reported to the DHCFP (including
circumstances under which the third party refuses to pay) on the Third Party Quarterly Report
Form.
The DHCFP will monitor and evaluate the MCO’s TPL and subrogation collection reports to
validate collection activities and results. The MCO will then be expected to meet or exceed
baseline target collections as determined by the DHCFP and its actuaries. If the MCO does not
meet or exceed baseline TPL and subrogation collections, the DHCFP will conduct a review to
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
The vendor is required to obtain TPL information independently of the DHCFP for the purpose
of avoiding claim payments or recovering payments made from liable third parties. TPL recovery
may be incorporated into the capitated rate development by the DHCFP and its actuary. The
vendor has 365 days from claim paid date to recover the TPL payment; after 365 days, the
vendor forfeits the right to recovery to the State unless the vendor can provide evidence that the
recovery effort is active and/or in dispute.
Pursuant to Section 6505 of the ACA, which amends Section 1902(a) of the Social Security Act
(the Act), the vendor shall not provide any payments for items or services provided under the
State Plan or under a waiver to any financial institution or entity located outside of the United
States (U.S.).
Payments for items or services provided under the State Plan to financial institutions or entities
such as provider bank accounts or business agents located outside of the U.S. are prohibited by
this provision. Further, this Section prohibits payments to telemedicine providers located outside
of the U.S. Additionally; payments to pharmacies located outside of the U.S. are not permitted.
Any payments for items or services provided under the State Plan or under a waiver to any financial
institution or entity located outside of the U.S. may be recovered by the State from the Vendor.
For purposes of implementing this provision, Section 1101(a) (2) of the Act defines the term “United
States” when used in a geographical sense, to mean the “States.” Section 1101(a)(1) of the Act
defines the term “State” to include the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, when used under Title XIX.
The phrase, “items or services provided under the State Plan or under a waiver” refers to medical
assistance for which the State claims Federal funding under section 1903(a) of the Act. Tasks that
support the administration of the Medicaid State Plan that may require payments to financial
institutions or entities located outside of the U.S. are not prohibited under this statute. For example,
payments for outsourcing information processing related to Plan administration or outsourcing call
centers related to enrollment or claims adjudication are not prohibited under this statute.
A. The MCO shall operate the MIS capable of maintaining, providing, documenting, and
retaining information sufficient to substantiate and report MCO’s compliance with the
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
B. The MCO shall have an MIS capable of documenting administrative and clinical
procedures while maintaining the privacy and confidentiality requirements pursuant to
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The MCO shall
provide the DHCFP with aggregate performance and outcome data, as well as its policies
for transmission of data from network providers. The MCO shall submit its work plan or
readiness survey assessing its ability to comply with HIPAA mandates in preparation for
the standards and regulations.
C. The MCO shall have internal procedures to ensure that data reported to the DHCFP are
valid and to test validity and consistency on a regular basis.
D. Eligibility Data
1. The MCO enrollment system shall be capable of linking records for the same
enrolled recipient that are associated with different Medicaid and/or NCU
identification numbers; e.g., recipients who are re-enrolled and assigned new
numbers.
2. At the time of service, the MCO or its subcontractors shall verify every enrolled
recipient’s eligibility through the current electronic verification system.
3. The MCO shall update its eligibility database whenever enrolled recipients
change names, phone numbers, and/or addresses, and shall notify the DHCFP of
such changes.
4. The MCO shall notify the DHCFP of any enrolled recipients for whom accurate
addresses or current locations cannot be determined and shall document the action
that has been taken to locate the enrolled recipients. The MCO shall immediately
notify the DHCFP of the births and known deaths of all enrolled recipients.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
2. The MCO shall collect and submit service specific encounter data in the
appropriate CMS 1500, UB04 and the appropriate ADA Dental Claim format or
an alternative format if prior approved by the DHCFP. The data shall be
submitted in accordance with the requirements set forth by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), Accredited Standards Committee (ASC), Electronic
Data Interchange (EDI) standards in current use and in the Reporting Guide of the
current DHCFP Managed Care Contract. The data shall include all services
reimbursed by Medicaid.
The MCO shall operate a system that tracks EPSDT activities for each enrolled Medicaid
eligible child by name and Medicaid identification number. The system shall allow the
MCO to report annually on the CMS 416 reporting form. This system shall be enhanced,
if needed, to meet any other reporting requirements instituted by CMS or the DHCFP.
3603.26 REPORTING
Adequate data reporting capabilities are critical to the ability of CMS and the DHCFP to
effectively evaluate the DHCFP’s Managed Care Programs. The success of the Managed Care
Program is based on the belief that recipients will have better access to care, including preventive
services, and will experience improved health status, outcomes, and satisfaction with the health
care delivery system. To measure the program's accomplishments in each of these areas, the
MCO must provide the DHCFP and/or its contractors with uniform utilization, cost, quality
assurance, and recipient satisfaction and grievance/appeal data on a regular basis. It must also
cooperate with the DHCFP in carrying out data validation steps.
The MCO is required to certify the data including, but not limited to, all documents specified by
the State as required in the Reporting Guide of the current DHCFP Managed Care Contract,
enrollment information, encounter data, and other information contained in contract proposals, as
provided in 42 CFR 438.606. The data must be certified by the MCO’s Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), the MCO’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or an individual who has delegated authority
to sign for, and who reports directly to, the MCO’s CEO or CFO. The certification must attest,
based on best knowledge, information, and belief as to the accuracy, completeness and
truthfulness of the documents and data.
The MCO must meet all reporting requirements and timeframes as required in the Reporting
Guide of the current DHCFP Managed Care Contract unless otherwise agreed to in writing by
both parties. Failure to meet all reporting requirements and timeframes as contractually required
and all attachments thereto may be considered to be in default or breach of said contract.
a. Encounter Reporting
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Contracted MCOs must submit encounter data for all recipients and all claims paid and
denied in accordance with current ANSI, ASC, EDI standards and requirements in the
Reporting Guide of the current DHCFP Managed Care Contract, to include any revisions
or additions which contain information regarding encounter data, including the DHCFP’s
media and file format requirements, liquidated damages and submittal timeframes. The
MCO must assist the DHCFP in its validation of encounter data.
The contracted MCO shall produce reports using the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and
Information Set (HEDIS), as specified in the current DHCFP Managed Care Contract.
The MCO must submit these reports to the DHCFP in a timely manner pursuant to
contract requirements in addition to the other reports required by this contract.
Contracted MCOs must provide the DHCFP with monthly reports documenting the
number and types of provider disputes, recipient grievances, appeals and fair hearing
requests received. Reports must be submitted within 45 business days after close of the
quarter to which they apply.
These reports are to include, but not be limited to, the total number of recipient
grievances, the total number of notices provided to recipients, the total number of
recipient and appeals requests, and provider disputes filed, including reporting of all
subcontractor’s recipient grievances, notices, appeals and provider disputes. The reports
must identify the recipient grievance or appeal issue or provider dispute received; and
verify the resolution timeframe for recipient grievances and appeals and provider
disputes.
Comprehensive recipient grievance and appeal information, fair hearing requests, and
provider dispute information, including, but not limited to, specific outcomes, shall be
retained for each occurrence for review by the DHCFP.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
Each contracted MCO must collect and submit to the DHCFP a statistically valid uniform
data set measuring recipient satisfaction prior to the third quarter of each contract year,
unless the requirement is waived by the DHCFP due to an EQRO performed survey. This
may be done in conjunction with the MCO’s own satisfaction survey. The DHCFP may
request a specific sample, and/or survey tool, such as the Consumer Assessment of
Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey.
Survey results must be disclosed to the State, and, upon State’s or enrollee’s request,
disclosed to enrollees.
f. Financial Reporting
The MCO must meet the financial reporting requirements set forth in the Reporting
Guide of the current DHCFP Managed Care Contract including any revisions or additions
to the document.
The MCO must have administrative and management arrangements or procedures, and a
mandatory compliance plan, that are designed to guard against fraud and abuse. These
arrangements or procedures must include the following:
3. Effective training and education for the compliance officer and the organization’s
employees and subcontractors;
4. Effective lines of communication between the compliance officer and the
organization’s employees and the rights of employees to be protected as
whistleblowers must be included in any employee handbook;
7. Provision for prompt response to detected offenses and for the development of
corrective action initiatives relating to the MCO’s contract; and
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
8. Instructions and details of how to report Fraud and Abuse in the Member
Handbook.
The MCO and its subcontractors must provide immediate notification to the DHCFP
regarding all suspected recipient and provider fraud and abuse.
Upon the MCO’s awareness of any disciplinary action or sanction taken against a
network provider or any suspected fraud or abuse, the MCO shall immediately inform the
DHCFP.
h. Other Reporting
The MCO shall be required to comply with additional reporting requirements upon the
request of the DHCFP. Additional reporting requirements may be imposed on the MCO if
the DHCFP identifies any area of concern with regard to a particular aspect of the MCO’s
performance under the current DHCFP Managed Care Contract. Such reporting would
provide the DHCFP with the information necessary to better assess the MCO’s
performance.
A. The MCO will be required to provide compatible data in a DHCFP prescribed format for
the following functions:
1. Enrollment;
2. Eligibility;
4. PCP Assignment;
6. Encounter Data.
The MCO must provide an interface with all applicable systems to provide the DHCFP,
providers and recipients access to appropriate data.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
1. Enrollment;
2. Eligibility;
4. PCP Assignment;
6. Encounter Data.
C. The MCO must provide encounter data report files in prescribed data fields to the
DHCFP’s encounter data processing agent on a monthly basis. The DHCFP will provide
the required data fields and data transfer instructions upon execution of the contract.
D. The MCO is required to provide encounter data from all providers. It is the MCO’s
responsibility to require this data and enforce the requirement from their providers.
3603.28 SANCTIONS
Pursuant to 42 CFR 438.726, the State has developed a plan to monitor MCO acts and failures to
act as specified in Subpart I, 42 CFR 438 and to implement provisions of this subpart. The State
will monitor MCO activities to validate:
a. the extent to which the MCO provides the covered medically necessary services required
under the contract with the State;
d. the accuracy of information furnished by the MCO to CMS or the State and its designees;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
g. prior approval of marketing materials and the accuracy of information provided therein;
and
The State’s monitoring activities include contract requirements which include, but are not limited
to, recipient and provider satisfaction surveys, review and confirmation of all financial reports
and encounter data, the collection of enrollment and disenrollment reporting data, State prior
approval of all MCO policies/procedures as well as all marketing materials proposed by the
MCO for distribution, and review and approval of all base provider contracts. If the State
determines the MCO violates any prohibition listed in 42 CFR 438.700, the State will provide
written notice to CMS of any imposition of sanctions or remedies taken against the MCO
pursuant to 42 CFR 438.724(b).
The State will implement provisions of this Subpart through remedies under the MCO contract,
which include:
k. granting enrollees the right to terminate enrollment without cause and notifying the
affected enrollees of their right to disenroll;
l. suspensions of all new enrollments, including default enrollment, after the effective date
of the sanction;
m. suspension of payment for recipients enrolled after the effective date of the sanction until
CMS or the State is satisfied that the reason for the sanction no longer exists and is not
likely to recur; or
n. any additional sanctions allowed under State statute or State regulations that address
areas of non-compliance specified in 42 CFR 438.700 as well as additional areas of non-
compliance. Additional sanctions may include liquidated damages and imposition of
plans of correction in addition to its remedies at law.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL GRIEVANCES, APPEALS AND
HEARINGS
The Managed Care Organization (MCO) shall establish a system for enrollees that include a
grievance process, an appeal process, and access to the State Fair Hearing system.
The MCO’s grievance and appeal system must be in writing and submitted to the
Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) for review and approval at the
time the MCO policies and procedures are submitted. The DHCFP will refer all enrollee
grievances and appeals to the MCO for resolution. The MCO must provide information
about the grievance and appeal system to all providers and subcontractors at the time they
enter into a contract. The MCO is required to provide access to state fair hearings in the
event an enrollee’s MCO appeal is not resolved wholly in favor of the enrollee. An
enrollee may file for an MCO appeal or grievance either orally or in writing. A provider,
acting on behalf of the enrollee and with the enrollee’s written consent, may also file an
appeal.
1. Action
For cases in which a provider indicates or the MCO determines that following the
standard timeframe could seriously jeopardize the enrollee’s life or health or
ability to attain, maintain, or regain maximum function, the MCO must make an
expedited authorization decision and provide a Notice of Decision (NOD) as
expeditiously as the enrollee’s health condition warrants and no later than three
working days after receipt of the request for service. The MCO may extend the
three working days time period by up to 14 calendar days if the enrollee requests
an extension or if the MCO justifies (to the State, upon request) a need for
additional information and how the extension is in the enrollee’s interest.
The MCO must provide a NOD to the requesting provider and the enrollee when
the MCO takes adverse action or makes an adverse determination. Pursuant to 42
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 438.404(b) and §438.210(c) the NOD must
explain:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL GRIEVANCES, APPEALS AND
HEARINGS
a. The action the MCO or its contractor has taken or intends to take; for
expedited appeal resolution requests, the MCO is required to make a good
faith effort to provide an oral notice of the disposition in addition to the
required written notice.
The State Fair Hearing process is described in Medicaid Services Manual (MSM)
Chapter 3100. An enrollee, enrollee’s representative or the representative of a
deceased enrollee’s estate has the right to request a State Fair Hearing when they
have exhausted the MCO’s appeal system without receiving a wholly favorable
resolution decision. The request for a State Fair Hearing must be submitted in
writing within 90 calendar days from the date of the MCO’s final NOD. The
MCO will participate as the State Contractor in the State fair hearing process
requested by their enrollees. The MCO is bound by the decision of the Fair
Hearing Officer or the court system if the hearing officer’s decision is appealed.
4. Continuation of Benefits While the MCO and the State Fair Hearing are Pending
The MCO must continue the enrollee’s benefits if the enrollee or provider files
the appeal in a timely manner. Timely means filing the appeal on or before the
later of the following: within ten days of the MCO mailing the NOD or not more
than ten days after the date of action or intended effective date of the MCO’s
proposed action according to 42 CFR 431.231. In addition, pursuant to 42 CFR
438.420, the MCO must continue benefits if the appeal involves the termination,
suspension, or reduction of a previously authorized course of treatment; and if the
services were ordered by an authorized provider; and if the original period
covered by the original authorization has not expired; and, if the enrollee requests
an extension of benefits.
If, at the enrollee’s request, the MCO continues the enrollee’s benefits, the
benefits must be continued until one of the following occurs:
b. Ten calendar days after the MCO mails the NOD, providing the resolution
of the appeal against the enrollee, unless the enrollee, within the ten day
timeframe has requested a State Fair Hearing with continuation of benefits
until a State Fair Hearing decision is reached;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL GRIEVANCES, APPEALS AND
HEARINGS
If the final resolution of the appeal is adverse to the enrollee, the MCO may
recoup the cost of the services furnished to the enrollee, from the recipient or
beneficiary, while the appeal is pending, to the extent that they were furnished
solely because of the requirements of this section and in accordance with policy
set forth in 42 CFR431.230 (b).
If the MCO or Fair Hearing Officer reverses an action to deny, limit, or delay
services that were not furnished while the appeal was pending, the MCO must
authorize or provide the disputed services promptly and as expeditiously as the
enrollee’s health condition requires. If the MCO or State Fair Hearing Officer
reverses a decision to deny authorization of services, and the enrollee received the
disputed services while the appeal was pending, the MCO or the State must pay
for those services in accordance with State policy and regulations.
The MCO must have an alternative dispute resolution process to dispose of provider disputes
including, but not limited to, quality of plan service, policy and procedure issues, denied claims,
claim processing time, and other disputes. The written procedures must be submitted to the
DHCFP for review and approval at the time the MCO policies and procedures are submitted. The
process must include, but not be limited to:
a. The MCO’s final decision to be issued, in writing, no later than 30 days after the provider
files the dispute;
b. A written record in the form of a file or log is to be maintained by the MCO for each
provider dispute to include a description of the dispute, date filed, dates and nature of
actions taken and final resolution; and,
c. The MCO shall refer provider appeals to the DHCFP for fair hearings on matters of
Medicaid provider enrollment or termination. Matters other than Medicaid provider
enrollment or terminations may not be referred for fair hearings until the MCO’s dispute
resolution process has been exhausted. The DHCFP will not provide fair hearings for
contract disputes between the provider and the MCO.
MSM Chapter 3900 has been revised to update language regarding criminal background checks.
References to NRS 449.176 to 449.188 were removed as these references do not include waiver
providers. This requirement was re-worded to be consistent with the background check policy
noted in MSM Chapter 100.
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
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Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY 3900
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL INTRODUCTION
3900 INTRODUCTION
The Home and Community-Based Waiver for Assisted Living (AL Waiver) recognizes that many
individuals at risk of being placed in hospitals or nursing facilities can be cared for in their homes
or communities, preserving independence and ties to family and friends at a cost no higher than
that of institutional care.
Division of Health Care Financing and Policy’s (DHCFP) AL Waiver originated in 2006. The
provision of the AL Waiver services is based on the identified needs of the waiver recipient.
Every biennium, the service needs and the funded slot needs of the AL Waiver are reviewed by
the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) and the DHCFP, and presented to the Nevada
State Legislature for approval. The state of Nevada is committed to the goal of providing the
elderly with the opportunity to remain in a community setting in lieu of institutionalization and to
be self sufficient. The state of Nevada also understands that people who are elderly are able to
lead satisfying and productive lives when appropriate services and supports are provided.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
3901 AUTHORITY
Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act permits states to waive certain Medicaid statutory
requirements in order to offer an array of home and community-based services that an individual
requires to remain in a community setting and avoid institutionalization. The Home and
Community-Based Waiver for Assisted Living (AL Waiver) is an optional program approved by
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The AL Waiver is designed to provide
Medicaid State Plan services and certain extended Medicaid covered services unique to this
waiver to eligible Medicaid waiver recipients. The goal is to allow recipients to live in a
community setting when appropriate.
Nevada has the flexibility to design the AL Waiver and select the mix of Home and Community-
Based Waiver (HCBW) services that best meet the goal to keep people in the community. Such
flexibility is predicated on administrative and legislative support as well as federal approval.
• Social Security Act: 1916(e) (No denial for inability to share costs)
• State Medicaid Manual, Section 4440 (Home and Community-Based Waiver, Scope, and
Purpose
• Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 431, Subpart B (General Administrative
Requirements)
• Title 42 CFR Part 431, Subpart E (Fair Hearings for Applicants and Recipients)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL AUTHORITY
• Title 42, CFR Part 441, Subparts G and H (Home and Community-Based Services:
Waiver Requirements; Home and Community-Based Services Waivers for Individuals
Age 65 or Older: Waiver Requirements)
• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapters 200 ( Crimes Against the Person); 232
(Department of Health and Human Services); 319 (Assistance to Finance Housing); 422,
(Health Care Financing and Policy); 427A (Services to Aging Persons); 439 (Fund for a
Healthy Nevada); 449 (Medical and Other Related Facilities); 616A (Industrial Insurance
Administration); 629 (Healing Arts Generally)
• Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapters 427A (Services to Aging Persons), 449
(Medical and Other Related Facilities); 441A.375 (Tuberculosis)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL RESERVED
3902 RESERVED
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL POLICY
3903 POLICY
The Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBW) for Assisted Living (AL Waiver) waives
certain statutory requirements and offers HCBW services to all recipients enrolled in this waiver
to assist them to remain in the community.
Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) must provide assurance to Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the state’s total expenditures for HCBW services
and other Medicaid State Plan services for all recipients will not exceed, in any waiver year, 100
percent of the amount that would be incurred by Medicaid for all these recipients in an
institutional setting in the absence of the waiver. DHCFP must also document that there are
safeguards in place to protect the health and welfare of recipients.
Administrative case management activities are performed by the Aging and Disability Services
Division (ADSD) case managers and refer to data collection for eligibility verification, Level of
Care (LOC) evaluation, Plan of Care (POC) development, and other case management activities
that are not identified on the POC.
1. Intake referral;
2. Facilitating Medicaid eligibility, which may include assistance with the Medical
Assistance to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MAABD) application, obtaining documents
required for eligibility determination;
6. Monitor Assisted Living providers to assure compliance with the AL Waiver provider
goals and provision of services;
7. Preliminary and ongoing assessments, evaluations and completion of forms required for
service eligibility:
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b. The POC identifies the waiver services as well as other ongoing community
support services that the recipient needs in order to live successfully in the
community. The POC must reflect the recipient’s service needs and include both
waiver and non-waiver services in place at the time of POC completion, along with
informal supports that are necessary to address those needs.
8. Arrange for the relocation of the recipient, if necessary, when an alternative placement is
requested or needed;
9. Issuance of Notices of Actions (NOA) to DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit staff, to
issue a Notice of Decision (NOD) when a waiver application is denied;
10. Outreach activities to educate recipients or potential recipients on how to enter into care
through a Medicaid program;
12. Case closure activities when the recipient’s waiver eligibility is terminated; and
13. If the POC is approved by the applicant/recipient and the case manager, but the
applicant/recipient’s signature cannot be obtained due to extenuating circumstances,
services can commence or continue with verbal approval from the applicant/recipient.
Case managers must document the applicant/recipient’s verbal approval in the case notes
and obtain the applicant/recipient signature on the POC as soon as possible.
1. Possess current licensure as a social worker or associate in Social Work from the Nevada
Board of Examiners for Social Workers, or meet the criteria for licensure as a social
worker but currently licensed in another capacity which qualifies for exemption per NRS
641.040, or who has licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Nevada State Board of
Nursing.
2. Have, or be supervised by someone who has one year of experience working with seniors
in a home-based environment.
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Recipients must meet and maintain all criteria to be eligible during the period of time the
recipients receive services under the auspices of the AL Waiver.
Eligibility for the AL Waiver is determined by the combined efforts of the DHCFP, ADSD, and
the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). These three state agencies
collaboratively determine eligibility.
B. Applicant/recipient must meet and maintain a level of care category for admission to a
nursing facility. If the AL Waiver services or other supports were not available, the
applicant/recipient would require imminent placement in a nursing facility (within 30
days). The administrative case manager assesses a LOC according to the guidelines
specified in Medicaid Services Manual Chapter 500.
D. Applicants who are currently in an acute care facility, a nursing facility, in another
HCBW, or in the community may be evaluated for the AL Waiver services.
F. Recipients must be Medicaid eligible each month in which AL Waiver services are
provided.
G. DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit reviews and authorizes all waiver applications prior
to the start of service provision.
H. Services cannot be provided nor be reimbursed by DHCFP until and unless the applicant
is found eligible in all three determination areas, as established by ADSD, DHCFP, and
DWSS.
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1. Services are offered to eligible applicants who, without waiver services, would require
institutional care provided in a hospital or nursing facility within 30 days or less.
4. The Wait List is managed based on priority, slot availability, available budget authority,
and date the waiver application is received by ADSD.
Applicants who, at the time of application, are in a nursing facility or an acute care setting
will be prioritized and processed before those applicants placed on the Wait List by date of
application. This priority facilitates the provision of services in the most integrated setting
appropriate to the needs of the applicant.
5. Waiver services may not be provided while a recipient is an inpatient of any institution.
6. Applicants must require the provision of one waiver service at least monthly to be
determined eligible for the AL Waiver.
7. Recipients of the AL Waiver who are enrolled or elect to enroll in a hospice program may
be eligible to remain on the waiver if they require waiver services to remain in the
community. Close case coordination between the hospice agency and the waiver case
manager is required to prevent any duplication of services. Refer to Medicaid Services
Manual (MSM) Chapter 3200 for additional information on hospice services.
8. If an applicant is determined eligible for more than one HCBW program, the individual
cannot receive services under two or more programs at the same time. The applicant must
choose one HCBW program and receive services provided by that program.
1. All waiver service providers, including case managers, are responsible for verifying the
Medicaid and the AL Waiver eligibility monthly.
2. Providers are responsible for maintaining all required provider qualifications per DHCFP
and ADSD policy.
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3. Providers are responsible for assuring prior authorization is established prior to initiating
services.
Recipients/applicants must meet and maintain all eligibility criteria to be eligible for and to
remain on the AL Waiver.
DHCFP determines which services will be offered under the AL Waiver. Providers and recipients
must agree to comply with the requirements for service provision.
Under this waiver, the following services are provided as necessary to avoid institutionalization:
Direct service case management is a service which assists individuals who receive waiver
services in gaining access to needed waiver and other State Plan services, as well as
needed medical, social, educational services regardless of the funding source for the
services to which access is gained.
1. All providers may only provide services identified in the recipient's POC. For those
services requiring prior authorization, a prior authorization must be obtained before
service provision.
2. Payment for services will be based on the level of care and the specific tasks identified on
the POC.
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3. Payments will not be made for services provided by a recipient’s legally responsible
individual.
4. Providers must have a file for each recipient. In the recipient’s file, the provider must have
a copy of the current POC and maintain daily records, fully documenting the scope and
frequency of services as specified on the POC. The daily record is documentation
completed by a provider, indicating the scope and frequency of services provided. The
documentation will include the recipient’s initials daily with a full signature of the
recipient on each record. If the recipient is unable to provide a signature due to cognitive
and/or physical limitations, this will be clearly documented in the recipient file. The
provider will initial after the daily services are delivered, with a full signature of the
provider on each daily record. Providers may use electronic signatures on the daily record
documentation, but using an electronic signature does not remove the provider’s
responsibility for providing accurate and verifiable documentation indicating the scope
and frequency of the services provided. If a provider elects to use electronic signatures,
they must have weekly printouts of the daily record in the recipient’s file. Periodically, the
DHCFP Central Office staff may request this documentation to compare it to billings
submitted. These records must be maintained by the provider for at least six years after the
date the claim is paid.
a. The DHCFP policy requires all waiver providers have State and Federal criminal
history background checks completed. The DHCFP fiscal agent will not enroll any
provider agency whose owner or operator has been convicted of a felony under
State or Federal law for any offense which the DHCFP determines is inconsistent
with the best interest of recipients. Additional information may be found in MSM
Chapter 100, Section 102.2.
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13. conduct inimical to the public health, morals, welfare and safety of the
people of the State of Nevada in the maintenance and operation of the
premises for which a provider contract is issued;
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15. any other offense that may be inconsistent with the best interests of all
recipients.
d. Providers are required to initiate diligent and effective follow up for results of
background checks within 90 days of submission of prints and continue until
results are received. An “undecided” result is not acceptable. If an employee
believes that the information provided as a result of the criminal background check
is incorrect, the individual must immediately inform the employing agency in
writing. Information regarding challenging a disqualification is found on the DPS
website at: http://dps.nv.gov under Records and Technology.
Providers are required to initiate diligent and effective follow up for results of background
checks within 90 days of submission of prints and continue until results are received. This
is particularly important when an “undecided” result is received. Documentation must be
maintained in the employee’s personnel file and submitted to the DHCFP upon request.
Providers must report any recipient incidents, or issues regarding the provider/employee’s
ability to deliver services to the ADSD case manager by telephone/fax within 24 hours of
discovery. A completed Serious Occurrence Report (SOR) form must be made within five
(5) working days and maintained in the agency’s recipient record.
b. Unplanned hospitalization;
c. Neglect of recipient;
d. Exploitation;
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j. Medication error;
k. Loss of contact with the recipient for three consecutive scheduled days.
Maintains compliance with the Interlocal Agreement with DHCFP to operate the AL
Waiver.
a. Providers are responsible for maintaining certification, including the use of tax
credits, as an assisted living facility in accordance with the provisions of NRS
319.147.
b. Training:
1. Assisted Living providers must arrange training for employees who have
direct contact with the AL Waiver recipients. Assisted Living staff
providing direct care and support to residents will be trained in the
functional care skills needed to care for each recipient. Training will
include, but not be limited to, techniques such as transfers, mobility,
positioning, use of special equipment, identification of signs of distress,
First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
2. Within 60 days of employment, the Assisted Living staff must receive not
less than 4 hours of training related to the care of the residents.
Additionally, Assisted Living staff must receive annually not less than
eight (8) hours of training related to providing for the needs of the residents
of the Assisted Living facility.
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d. Assisted Living staff providing direct care and support to recipients must: be at
least 18 years of age, be responsible, mature, and have the personal qualities
enabling him or her to understand the problems of the aged and disabled;
demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language;
possess the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the needs of the
residents of the Assisted Living facility; and must be knowledgeable about the use
of any prosthetic devices or dental, vision, or hearing aids that the recipient is
using.
e. Tuberculosis Testing:
Providers are responsible for ensuring that their employees complete either a
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold blood test (QFT-G) or a two step (TB) Tuberculin skin
test prior to initiation of services for the AL Waiver recipients. Thereafter, each
employee must receive a QFT-G blood test or a one step TB skin test annually,
prior to the expiration of the initial test. If the employee has a documented history
of a positive QFT-G or TB skin test (+10 mm induration or larger), the employee
must have clearance by a chest X-ray prior to initiation of services for the AL
Waiver recipients.
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4. Has a fever which is not associated with a cold, flu or other apparent
illness;
7. Has been in close contact with a person who has active tuberculosis.
Annual screening for signs and symptoms of active disease must be completed
prior to the one year anniversary of the last screening. Documentation of the
annual screening and the results must be maintained in the employee’s file.
1. Notify the Assisted Living provider and case manager of any change in Medicaid
eligibility;
2. Notify the provider and case manager of current insurance information, including the
name of the insurance coverage, such as Medicare;
3. Notify the provider and case manager of changes in medical status, service needs, address
or location changes, and/or any change in status of legally responsible individual or
authorized representative;
5. Notify the provider and/or case manager of any unusual occurrences or complaints
regarding delivery of services, specific staff, or to request a change in caregiver or
provider agency;
7. Not request any provider to perform services not outlined and authorized in the POC; and
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Direct service case management is provided to eligible recipients in the AL Waiver when case
management is identified as a service on the POC. The recipient has a choice of direct service
case management provided by ADSD staff, an agency or an independent private provider, who
are enrolled as Medicaid providers with the QIO-like vendor. These services include:
1. Identification of resources and assisting recipients in locating and gaining access to waiver
services, as well as medical, social, educational and other services regardless of the
funding source;
2. Monitoring the overall provision and quality of care of waiver services, in order to protect
the health, welfare and safety of the recipient, and to determine that the POC goals are
being met;
3. Making certain that the recipient retains freedom of choice in the provision of services;
4. Notifying all affected providers of changes in the recipient’s medical status, services’
needs, address and location or changes on the status of legally responsible individual or
authorized representative;
5. Notifying all affected providers of any unusual occurrence or change in the recipient’s
health status;
6. Notifying all affected providers of any recipient complaints regarding delivery of service
or specific provider staff;
7. Notifying all affected providers if a recipient requests a change in the provider staff or
provider agency;
9. Case Managers must provide recipients with an appropriate amount of case management
services to ensure the recipient is safe and receives sufficient services. Case management
is considered an “as needed” service. The case manager is to have monthly contact with
each recipient or recipient’s authorized representative or legally responsible individual at
least 15 minutes per recipient, per month. The amount of case management services billed
to the DHCFP must be adequately documented and substantiated by the case manger’s
notes. This may be a telephone contact;
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10. There must be a face to face contact in the place of residence where services are provided
to each recipient at least every three months or more often if the recipient has indicated a
significant change in his or her health care status or if he or she is concerned about health
or safety issues. When a recipient service needs increase due to a temporary condition or
circumstance, the case manager must thoroughly document the increased service needs in
their case notes. The POC does not need to be revised for temporary conditions or
circumstances. A temporary condition or circumstance is defined as an increase or
decrease in service needs for a period not to exceed 30 days;
11. During the monthly contact, the case manager assesses the recipient’s satisfaction with
services and determines if there are any issues with the service provision. The case
manager also assesses the need for any changes in services or providers and determines
whether the services are promoting the goal(s) stated on the POC, and communicates this
information to the ADSD administrative case manager.
1. Providers must meet and maintain the minimum qualifications per the State of Nevada
Board of Examiners for Social Workers and the Nevada Board of Nursing for Registered
Nurses.
2. Providers must have the ability to conduct home visits. If applicable, Provider Agency
must have a business license as required by city, county or state government.
3. Case managers must have one year of experience working with seniors in a home based
environment. The case manager does not have to have this experience if the agency
supervisor or administrator who supervises the case manager meets these qualifications.
1. Each recipient and/or his or her authorized representative must cooperate with the
implementation of services and the implementation of the POC.
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b. ADSD;
c. DWSS;
d. DHCFP; and
e. AL Waiver.
1. Augmented personal care services provided in an AL facility include assistance with the
basic self-care and ADLs, homemaker, chore, companion services, medication oversight
(to the extent permitted under state law), therapeutic social and recreational programming,
and services which will ensure that the residents of the facility are safe, secure, and
adequately supervised.
2. The AL facility provides 24 hour on-site response staff to meet scheduled or unpredictable
needs in a way that promotes maximum dignity and independence, and provides
supervision, safety and security.
3. Other individuals or agencies may also furnish care directly, or under arrangement with
the assisted living facility, but the care provided by these other entities supplements that
provided by the assisted living facility and does not supplant it. The AL facility is the only
entity that can enroll as a Medicaid provider and bill for the AL Waiver services.
4. There are three levels of augmented personal care. The level provided is based on the
recipient’s functional needs to ensure his or her health, safety and welfare in the assisted
living facility. Qualified administrative case managers determine the service level and
prior authorization for services as an administrative function.
a. Level One - Provides supervision and cueing to monitor the quality and
completion of basic self-care and activities of daily living. Some basic self-care
services may require minimal hands-on assistance. This is not a skilled level
service, so the ability of the recipient to swallow must be intact. This service level
provides laundry services once a week, basic weekly homemaking, assistance with
grocery shopping, and community access. This service also provides access to
social and recreational programs. This service provides indirect supervision when
direct care tasks are not being completed.
b. Level Two - Provides minimal physical assistance with completion of basic self-
care and activities of daily living. Some basic self-care may require a moderate
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level of assistance. This service level provides laundry services twice a week if
needed, daily assistance with homemaking related to self-care, assistance with
grocery shopping, and community access. This service provides once daily
assistance with in-apartment meal preparation if requested. This service also
provides access to and physical assistance with social and recreational programs,
and provides indirect supervision with regularly scheduled checks when direct care
tasks are not being completed.
c. Level Three - Provides moderate physical assistance with all basic self-care needs.
Some basic self-care may require a maximal level of assistance. This service
includes assistance with feeding, if needed. This is not a skilled level service, so
the recipient’s ability to swallow must be intact. This service level provides
laundry service, including changing of linens daily if needed. It includes daily
homemaking for clean up after basic self-care tasks and weekly homemaking for
general cleaning. This service provides completion of or assistance with grocery
shopping and community access. If requested, this service provides up to twice
daily assistance with in-apartment meal preparation, access to and physical
assistance with social and recreational programs, and direct supervision or safety
systems to ensure participant safety when supervision is not direct.
5. Federal Financial Participation (FFP) is unavailable to subsidize the cost of room and
board.
1. Maintain licensure and standards as outlined by the Health Division, HCQC under NRS
449.037 (Adoption of Standards, Qualifications and other Regulations).
2. Maintain certification from the Department of Business and Industry, Nevada Housing
Division.
3. An AL provider may not impose additional fees on the recipient for services covered by
Medicaid.
a. Before authorizing a recipient to move into the facility, the facility must make a
full written disclosure to the recipient, regarding what services of personalized care
will be available to the recipient and the amount that will be charged for those
services throughout the resident’s stay at the facility.
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c. The residents of the facility reside in their own living units which:
4. are shared with another occupant only upon consent of both occupants.
d. The facility provides personalized care to the residents of the facility and the
general approach to operating the facility incorporates these core principles:
1. Notify the case manager within three working days when the recipient
states that he or she wishes to leave the facility;
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3. Notify the case manager within one working day if the recipient’s living
arrangements or eligibility status has changed or if there has been a change
in his or her health status that could affect his or her health, safety or
welfare;
8. Provide care to a newly placed recipient for a minimum of thirty (30) days
unless the recipient’s condition deteriorates and warrants immediate
discharge;
10. Comply with rules and regulations for providers as set forth in Medicaid
Services Manual Chapter 100;
12. Not use or disclose any information concerning a recipient for any purpose
not directly connected with the administration of the AL Waiver except by
written consent of the recipient, his or her authorized representative or
legally responsible individual;
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14. Provide at least one caregiver on the premises of the facility if one or more
residents are present;
15. Not use Medicaid waiver funds to pay for the recipient’s room and board.
The recipient’s income is to be used to cover room and board costs;
17. Not bill for services when the recipient is not in the facility or is in
suspended status with the AL Waiver ; and
18. Comply with ADSD Assisted Living provider qualifications and standards
per Appendix C-1/C-3: “Provider specification for Service” of the
approved waiver.
2. Recipients are to report any problems with the delivery of AL services to the AL facility
administrator and the case manager.
ADSD has developed procedures to ensure fair and adequate access to the AL Waiver services.
1. Slot Provision:
a. The allocation of waiver slots is maintained by ADSD Central Office, with sub-
lists maintained at each local ADSD office. ADSD determines the number of slots
allocated to each local ADSD office.
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1. If the termination took place 90 days or less prior to the request for
reinstatement, the recipient will be reinstated on the AL Waiver providing:
2. If the termination took place in a prior waiver year, the following is taken
into consideration for reinstatement onto the AL Waiver:
a. Slot availability;
2. Referral To AL Waiver:
c. Even if the applicant does not appear to meet the functional eligibility criteria for
the AL Waiver, he or she must be informed of the right to continue the Medicaid
application process through DWSS and, if still deemed ineligible, the right to a fair
hearing through DWSS.
3. Wait List:
a. If the case manager informs ADSD that the applicant appears to meet functional
eligibility criteria and no waiver slots are available, the applicant is placed on the
AL Waiver Wait List.
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b. At the time of Wait List placement, applicants are notified by ADSD of other
options that may be available, such as other HCBW services.
c. If it has been determined that no slot is expected to be available within the 90 day
determination period, ADSD will notify DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit to
deny the application due to no slot available and send out a NOD stating the reason
for the denial. The applicant will remain on the waiting list.
Once a waiver slot is available, the applicant is allowed the right to choose waiver services
in lieu of placement in a nursing facility. If the applicant or authorized representative or
legally responsible individual prefers placement in a nursing facility, the case manager
will assist the applicant in arranging for nursing facility placement. The applicant has the
right to request a hearing if not given a choice between AL Waiver services and nursing
facility placement.
The effective date for AL Waiver service approval is the completion date of all the
required forms in the application packet, the Assisted Living facility move-in date, or the
Medicaid eligibility date, whichever date is last. If the applicant is in an institution, the
effective date cannot be before the date of discharge from the institution.
DHCFP must assure CMS that the average per capita expenditures under the waiver will
not exceed 100 percent of the average per capita expenditures for the institutional level of
care under the Medicaid State Plan that would have been made in that fiscal year, had the
waiver not been granted.
2. The applicant does not meet the level of care criteria for nursing facility placement, i.e. the
applicant would not require nursing facility placement if AL Waiver services were not
available.
3. The applicant has withdrawn his or her request for waiver services.
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4. The applicant fails to cooperate with his or her case manager in establishing the POC or
verifying eligibility for waiver services.
5. The applicant fails to cooperate with his or her administrative case manager or assisted
living service provider in implementing the POC.
6. The case manager, ADSD, DHCFP, or DWSS has lost contact with the applicant.
10. ADSD has filled the number of slots allocated to the AL Waiver. The applicant will be
placed on the waiver wait list and will be contacted when a slot is available.
11. There is no Assisted Living facility where the applicant can be placed appropriately and
safely. The applicant will be referred to other services.
12. The applicant is in an institution (e.g. hospital, nursing facility, ICF/MR) and discharge
within 45 days is not anticipated.
13. The applicant has been placed in an Assisted Living facility that does not have a provider
agreement with the DHCFP.
When an application for waiver services is denied, the case manager will send a Notice of Action
(NOA) to the DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit will
then send a NOD to the applicant or the applicant’s authorized representative or legally
responsible individual, via the DHCFP Hearings Unit, informing them that waiver services have
been denied and the reason for the denial.
1. If it is likely the recipient will be eligible again for waiver services within the next 60 days
(for example, if a recipient is admitted to a hospital or nursing facility), a recipient’s case
is suspended and not closed.
2. An Assisted Living facility is not paid for services on the days that a recipient’s case is
suspended.
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3. If at the end of 45 days the recipient has not been removed from suspended status, the case
is closed and the recipient is removed from the waiver.
When waiver services are suspended, the case manager will send a NOA to the DHCFP
Central Office Waiver Unit. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit will then send a
NOD to the recipient or the recipient’s authorized representative or legally responsible
individual, via the DHCFP Hearings Unit, informing them that waiver services have been
suspended and the reason for the suspension.
If a recipient has been released from the hospital or nursing facility before 60 days of
suspension of waiver services, within five working days, the administrative case manager
must:
a. Complete a new LOC assessment if there has been a significant change in the
recipient’s condition;
c. Complete a new POC if there has been a change in medical, social or waiver
services expected to last longer than 30 days.
d. ADSD will coordinate with the case manager and contact the Assisted Living
facility to reestablish services.
1. The recipient no longer needs the previously provided level of waiver service(s).
3. The recipient has failed to cooperate with the case manager or the Assisted Living
provider in establishing and/or implementing the POC, implementing waiver service(s) or
verifying eligibility for waiver service(s).
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When waiver services are reduced, the case manager will send a NOA to the DHCFP Central
Office Waiver Unit. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit will then send a NOD to the
recipient or the recipient’s authorized representative or legally responsible individual, via the
DHCFP Hearings Unit, informing them that waiver services have been reduced and the reason for
the service reduction.
1. The recipient does not meet the level of care criteria for nursing facility placement;
2. The recipient would not require nursing facility placement if home and community-based
services were not available;
4. The recipient fails to cooperate with the case manager or the Assisted Living provider in
establishing and/or implementing waiver services;
5. The recipient’s swallowing ability is not intact and requires skilled service for safe
feeding/nutrition;
9. The recipient has been placed in an Assisted Living facility that is not a Medicaid
provider;
11. The recipient does not qualify for the AL Waiver services because of institutionalization
(e.g. hospital, nursing facility, correctional, ICF/MR), and discharge within 60 days is not
anticipated at this time; and
12. The case manager, ADSD, DHCFP or DWSS has lost contact with the recipient.
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When waiver services are terminated, the case manager will send a NOA to the DHCFP Central
Office Waiver Unit. The DHCFP Central Office Waiver Unit will then send a NOD to the
recipient or the recipient’s authorized representative or legally responsible individual, via the
DHCFP Hearings Unit, informing them that the waiver services have been terminated and the
reason for the termination.
When a termination of waiver services is due to the death of a recipient, any agency receiving this
information will notify appropriate agencies of the date of death. No NOD is sent.
3903.7 BILLING PROCEDURES
The State assures that claims for payment of waiver services are made only when an individual is
Medicaid eligible, when the service is included in the approved POC or Service Plan, and prior
authorization is in place when indicated.
All providers (Provider Type 59) for the AL Waiver must submit claim forms to DHCFP’s Fiscal
Agent. Claims must meet the requirements in the CMS 1500 Claim Form. Claims must be
complete and accurate. Incomplete or inaccurate claims will be returned to the provider by
DHCFP’s fiscal agent. If the wrong form is submitted it will also be returned to the provider by
DHCFP’s fiscal agent.
1. Providers must refer to the QIO-like vendor Provider Billing Procedure Manual for
detailed instructions for completing the CMS 1500 form.
2. Providers must maintain documentation to support claims billed for a minimum of 6 years
from the date of service.
Section 1902(w) of the Social Security Act requires licensed agencies providing personal care
services to give their clients information about their decision-making rights about health care,
declarations (living wills), and durable powers of attorney for health care decisions. Refer to
MSM Chapter 100.
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DHCFP has in place a formal system in which an annual review of all AL Waiver service
providers is conducted, assuring the health and welfare of the individuals served by AL Waiver
service providers, the recipient’s satisfaction with services, and the cost effectiveness of these
services.
The review:
a. Provides CMS annually with information on the impact of the waiver on the type, amount,
and cost of services provided under the AL Waiver and the Medicaid State Plan. Through
an ongoing process of discovery, remediation and improvement, the State assures the
health and welfare of the recipients served on the waiver;
b. Assures financial accountability for funds expended for home and community-based
services;
c. Evaluates all provider standards are continuously met, and the POC are reviewed to assure
that the services furnished are consistent with the documented needs of the recipients;
e. Further assures that all problems identified by the review will be addressed in an
appropriate and timely manner, consistent with the severity and nature of any deficiencies.
Recipients and/or legally responsible individual must cooperate with DHCFP’s annual review
process.
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Refer to MSM, Chapter 3100, for specific instructions regarding notice and recipient hearings.
All members of the ADSD staff, waiver services case managers, and employees of the Assisted
Living facility are mandatory reporters of suspected elder abuse. NRS 200.5093 states that anyone
“who, in his professional or occupational capacity, knows or has reasonable cause to believe that
an older person has been abused, neglected, exploited or isolated…” must report the abuse,
exploitation, neglect (including self-neglect) or isolation to the Elder Rights Unit of the ADSD,
the local police department or the county’s protective services unit in Clark County (if the
suspected action occurred in Clark County). This applies to all employees of the ADSD. This
report must be made as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the Division employee
knows or has reasonable cause to believe that an older person has been abused, neglected,
exploited or isolated. NRS 200.5093(1)(b).
1. A person who has assumed legal responsibility or a contractual obligation for caring
for an older person, or who has voluntarily assumed responsibility for his or her
care, to provide food, shelter, clothing or services which are necessary to maintain
the physical or mental health of the older person, or
2. An older person to provide for his or her own needs because he or she is unable to
do so. (NRS 200.5091-200.50995 et seq.)
c. Exploitation means any act taken by a person who has the trust and confidence of an older
person or any use of the power of attorney or guardianship of an older person to obtain
control, through deception, intimidation or undue influence, over the older person’s
money, assets, or property with the intention of permanently depriving the older person of
the ownership, use, benefit or possession of his or her money, assets or property. As used
in this subsection, undue influence does not include the normal influence that one member
of a family has over another. (NRS 200.5091-200.50995 et seq.)
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL APPEALS AND HEARINGS
d. Isolation means willfully, maliciously and intentionally preventing an older person from
having contact with another person by:
1. Intentionally preventing the older person from receiving his or her visitors, mail or
telephone calls, including, without limitation, communicating to a person who
comes to visit the older person or a person who telephones the older person that the
older person is not present or does not want to meet with or talk to the visitor or
caller, knowing that the statement is false, contrary to the express wishes of the
older person and intended to prevent the older person from having contact with the
visitor; or,
2. Physically restraining the older person to prevent the older person from meeting
with a person who comes to visit.
The term does not include an act intended to protect the property or physical or mental welfare of
the older person or an act performed pursuant to the instructions of a physician who is treating the
older person. (NRS 200.5091-200-50995)
It is Division policy that any life-threatening elder abuse must be reported by Division staff to the
Elder Rights Unit immediately, either by telephone, in person, or in writing.
Any person making a good faith report of suspected elder abuse is immune from civil or criminal
liability for reporting. (NRS 200.5096)
NRS 200.5093 (9) provides that anyone who knowingly and willfully violates the mandatory
reporting law is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Recipient safeguards include initiation of investigation by local law enforcement and/or Elder
Protective agency, provision of protective services to the older person if they are able and willing
to accept them. If the person who is reported to have abused, neglected, exploited or isolated an
older person or a vulnerable person is the holder of a license or certificate issued pursuant to
chapters 449, 630 to 641B, inclusive, or 654 of NRS, information contained in the report must be
submitted to the board that issued the license.
Any employee of the ADSD who knows or should have known that an elderly person is being
abused, neglected, exploited or isolated and does not report this to the Elder Rights Unit, Clark
County Protective Services (if the suspected action occurred in Clark County), or to law
enforcement is subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination. Additionally, the
licensing board for any professional employee who fails to report suspected elder abuse would be
notified.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL APPEALS AND HEARINGS
The HCQC also receives complaints regarding the facilities they license. ADSD staff receives
training regarding the role of the HCQC and how to make appropriate referrals for investigation
when events occur that may be considered licensing infractions.
ADDENDUM – DEFINITIONS
A ABUSE ............................................................................................................................................1
ACCESS ..........................................................................................................................................1
ACCOMODATIONS ......................................................................................................................1
ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY (ABI) ..............................................................................................1
ACT..................................................................................................................................................1
ACTION ..........................................................................................................................................2
ACTIVE TREATMENT ..................................................................................................................2
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLs) ....................................................................................3
ACTUAL ACQUISITION COST (AAC) .......................................................................................3
ADAPTIONS ...................................................................................................................................3
ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR ................................................................................................................3
ADMINISTRATION FEE ...............................................................................................................4
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION .......................................................................................................4
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY ...............................................................................................4
ADMINISTRATIVE CASE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES .......................................................5
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ..........................................................................................................5
ADMINISTRATIVE CUT-OFF DATE ..........................................................................................6
ADMINISTRATIVE DAYS ...........................................................................................................6
ADMISSION ...................................................................................................................................6
ADULT ............................................................................................................................................6
ADULT COMPANION SERVICES ...............................................................................................6
ADULT DAY CARE .......................................................................................................................6
ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY ...................................................................................................7
ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE (ADHC) FACILITY ...................................................................7
ADVANCED PRACTITIONER OF NURSING (APN) .................................................................7
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (ALS) ASSESSMENT .................................................................7
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (ALS) INTERVENTION .............................................................7
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT LEVEL 1 (ALS-1) ........................................................................8
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT LEVEL 2 (ALS-2) ........................................................................8
ADVANCE NOTICE OF ACTION (NOA) ....................................................................................8
ADVERSE DETERMINATION .....................................................................................................9
AGE/SEX RATES ...........................................................................................................................9
AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES DIVISION (ADSD) ......................................................9
AIR AMBULANCE ........................................................................................................................9
ALL INCLUSIVE RATE ................................................................................................................9
AMBULANCE ................................................................................................................................9
AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS (ASCs).........................................................................9
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY (AAPD) ...........................................10
AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION (ADA) .........................................................................10
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AMOUNT ......................................................................................................................................10
ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES.........................................................................................................10
ANNUAL .......................................................................................................................................10
ANNUAL GOAL...........................................................................................................................10
APPEAL ........................................................................................................................................10
APPLICANT..................................................................................................................................10
APPROPRIATE .............................................................................................................................11
ASSESSMENT ..............................................................................................................................11
ASSESSMENT REFERENCE DATE (ARD) ..............................................................................11
ASSISTED LIVING (AL) FACILITY ..........................................................................................11
ASSISTED LIVING (AL) SERVICES .........................................................................................11
ASSISTIVE COMMUNICATION DEVICE (ACD) ....................................................................11
AT RISK RECIPIENT ...................................................................................................................11
ATTENDANCE RECORD ...........................................................................................................12
ATTENDANT CARE (AC) .........................................................................................................12
ATTENDING PHYSICAN ...........................................................................................................12
AUDIOGRAM ...............................................................................................................................12
AUDIOLOGIST ............................................................................................................................12
AUDIOLOGY TESTING ..............................................................................................................13
AUDITORY BRAINSTEM IMPLANT ........................................................................................13
AUGMENTED PERSONAL CARE .............................................................................................13
AUGMENTED PERSONAL CARE SERVICES (PCS) ..............................................................13
AUTHORIZATION .......................................................................................................................13
AUTHORIZATION NUMBERS ..................................................................................................13
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ..........................................................................................14
AVAILABLE .................................................................................................................................14
B
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) .......................................................................................................1
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMMUNITY NETWORK (BHCN) .................................................1
BENEFIT .........................................................................................................................................1
BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING .................................................................................................1
BILLING AUTHORIZATION ........................................................................................................1
BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID (BAHA) .............................................................................1
BUDGET AUTHORITY .................................................................................................................1
BURDEN OF PROOF .....................................................................................................................1
BUREAU OF HEALTH CARE QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE (HCQC) ................................2
BUS ..................................................................................................................................................2
C CAPABLE .......................................................................................................................................1
CAPITAL RENOVATIONS/REMODELING PROJECT ..............................................................1
CAPITATION PAYMENT .............................................................................................................1
CARDHOLDER ..............................................................................................................................1
CARE COORDINATION ...............................................................................................................1
CARE COORDINATOR .................................................................................................................2
CAREGIVER ...................................................................................................................................2
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
DURATION .....................................................................................................................................7
E EAR IMPRESSIONS.......................................................................................................................1
EAR MOLDS...................................................................................................................................1
EARLY ............................................................................................................................................1
EARLY AND PERIODIC SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT (EPSDT) .............1
ELECTION PERIOD.......................................................................................................................1
ELECTION STATEMENT .............................................................................................................1
ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC TESTING/NEUROPHYSICOLOGICAL STUDIES ..........................1
ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION OF SERVICES (EVS) ..............................................................2
ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................2
ELIGIBILITY NOTICE OF DECISION (NOD) ............................................................................2
ELIGIBILITY STAFF .....................................................................................................................2
EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE ....................................................................................................2
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITION ......................................................................................2
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION .........................................................................2
EMERGENCY SERVICES .............................................................................................................3
EMPLOYEE ....................................................................................................................................3
EMPLOYER AUTHORITY ............................................................................................................3
EMPLOYER OF RECORD.............................................................................................................3
ENCOUNTER .................................................................................................................................3
ENCOUNTER DATA .....................................................................................................................3
END STAGE RENAL DISEASE ....................................................................................................3
ENROLLEE .....................................................................................................................................3
ENTITY ...........................................................................................................................................4
ENVIRONMENTAL ACCESSIBILITY ADAPTATIONS ...........................................................4
ESCORT ..........................................................................................................................................4
ESCORT SERVICE.........................................................................................................................4
ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY PROVIDERS ...................................................................................4
ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS ........................................................................................................4
ESSENTIAL SHOPPING ................................................................................................................4
ESTIMATED ACQUISITION COST (EAC) .................................................................................5
EXCEPTION TO ADVANCE NOTICE .........................................................................................5
EXISTING PROVIDER-RECIPIENT RELATIONSHIP ...............................................................6
EXPERIMENTAL ...........................................................................................................................6
EXPERIMENTAL SERVICES .......................................................................................................6
EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS (EOB) ........................................................................................6
EXTERNAL QUALITY REVIEW ORGANIZATION (EQRO) ...................................................6
F FACTOR ..........................................................................................................................................1
FAMILY ..........................................................................................................................................1
FAMILY INVOLVMENT...............................................................................................................1
FAMILY MEMBER ........................................................................................................................1
FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES .................................................................................................1
FEDERAL FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION (FFP) .......................................................................2
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
K KICKBACKS ..................................................................................................................................1
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
O OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................................1
OBSERVATION SERVICES .........................................................................................................1
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ....................................................................................................1
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY .......................................................................................................1
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (OTA).....................................................................1
OCULAR SERVICES .....................................................................................................................1
OCULARIST ...................................................................................................................................1
OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT (OBRA) 90 DRUG REBATE .........................2
OPHTHALMOLOGIST ..................................................................................................................2
OPTICIAN .......................................................................................................................................2
OPTOMETRIST ..............................................................................................................................2
ORTHOSIS ......................................................................................................................................2
OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER.................................................................................................2
OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL ............................................................................................................3
OUTPATIENT SERVICES .............................................................................................................3
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
OVERPAYMENT ...........................................................................................................................3
P PALLIATIVE CARE.......................................................................................................................1
PALLIATIVE SERVICES ..............................................................................................................1
PARATRANSIT ..............................................................................................................................1
PARENT ..........................................................................................................................................1
PART TIME.....................................................................................................................................1
PARTICIPANT-DIRECT BUDGET...............................................................................................1
PARTICIPANT DIRECTION .........................................................................................................1
PATIENT LIABILITY (PL) ............................................................................................................2
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...................................................................................................2
PERIOD OF CRISIS........................................................................................................................2
PERIODIC .......................................................................................................................................2
PERM REVIEW ERRORS..............................................................................................................2
PERSON-CENTERED TREATMENT PLANNING .....................................................................2
PERSONAL ASSISTANT ..............................................................................................................2
PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT (PCA).....................................................................................3
PERSONAL CARE REPRESENTATIVE (PCR)...........................................................................3
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES (PCS)...........................................................................................3
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES (PCS) PROVIDER AGENCY ....................................................3
PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM (PERS) ........................................................3
PERSONAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE .............................................................................................3
PHARMACEUTICALS ..................................................................................................................3
PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS (P&T) COMMITTEE ......................................................4
PHYSICAL DISABILITY...............................................................................................................4
PHYSICAL EVALUATION ...........................................................................................................4
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ...............................................................................................................4
PHYSICAL THERAPY...................................................................................................................4
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA) .................................................................................5
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT ..............................................................................................................5
PHYSICIAN OFFICE LABORTARY ............................................................................................5
PHYSICIANS IN TEACHING HOSPITALS .................................................................................5
PICTURE DATE .............................................................................................................................5
PLAN OF CARE (POC) ..................................................................................................................5
PLAN OF CORRECTION ..............................................................................................................6
POINT OF SALE (POS) ..................................................................................................................6
POLYSOMNOGRAM/POLYSOMNOGRAPHY (PSG) ...............................................................6
POST-STABILZATION SERVICES ..............................................................................................6
PRACTITIONER OF RESPIRATORY CARE ..............................................................................6
PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING AND RESIDENT REVIEW (PASRR) ....................................6
PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING AND RESIDENT REVIEW (PASRR) LEVEL II ...................6
PREFABRICATED ORTHOSIS.....................................................................................................7
PREFERRED DRUG LIST (PDL) ..................................................................................................7
PREGNANCY RELATED SERVICES ..........................................................................................7
PREPAID BENEFIT PACKAGE....................................................................................................7
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S SANCTION .....................................................................................................................................1
SCHEDULED EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION ...................................................................1
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ...............................................................................................................1
SCOPE .............................................................................................................................................1
SCREENING ...................................................................................................................................1
SELF DETERMINATION ..............................................................................................................1
SELF-DIRECTED (SD) SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL ............................................................1
SELF-DIRECTED (SD) SKILLED SERVICES .............................................................................2
SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS (SMI) ...........................................................................................2
SERVICE AREA .............................................................................................................................2
SERVICE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST (SAR).........................................................................2
SERVICE LEVELS .........................................................................................................................2
SERVICE PLAN .............................................................................................................................3
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DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY
X X-RAY .............................................................................................................................................1
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MTL 23/15
Section:
DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE FINANCING AND POLICY #
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
In the absence of the primary caregiver due to medical need of the caregiver or of a family member, a recipient
under 21 years of age may receive 24-hour care at home through an Early Periodic Screening and Diagnostic
Testing (EPSDT) screening referral. Please refer to Medicaid Services Manual (MSM) Chapter 900.
The “1915(i) HCBS Universal Needs Assessment Tool” is a needs based assessment that is completed by an
independent third party. It is person-centered and focuses on the level of support needed, not deficits in skill.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
ABUSE
Abuse means provider practices that are inconsistent with sound fiscal, business or medical practices and result
in an unnecessary cost to the Medicaid or Nevada Check Up (NCU) programs, or in reimbursement for services
that are not medically necessary or fail to meet professionally recognized standards for health care. It also includes
recipient practices that result in unnecessary cost to the Medicaid or NCU programs. (42 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) 455.2)
ACCESS
A recipient's ability to obtain medical care. The ease of access is determined by components such as:
3. transportation;
5. cost of care.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Supports or services provided to help a student access the general curriculum and facilitate learning.
ABI refers to impaired brain functioning due to a medically verifiable incident including, but not limited to:
2. a ruptured aneurysm;
3. anoxia; or
Not all acquired brain injuries require or meet criteria for comprehensive rehabilitation services.
ACT
Refers to the Social Security Act which governs Title XIX of the Social Security Act governs the federal Medicaid
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
program.
ACTION
An action is a termination, suspension, reduction or denial of Medicaid covered services or disenrollment from
NCU. An action also means determinations by Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and Nursing Facilities (NFs) to
transfer or discharge residents and adverse determinations made by the State with regard to the Pre-Admission
Screening And Resident Review (PSARR II) requirements of Section 1919(e)(17) of the Social Security Act. It
includes changes in types, amount of service or a change in Level of Care (LOC).
ACTIVE TREATMENT
All services provided by the facility directly or under contract are part of the active treatment program including:
1. evaluations;
4. behavior modification;
7. nutrition services;
8. medical services;
9. dental services;
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
Active treatment is directed toward acquiring the behaviors necessary for the recipient to function with as much
self-determination and independence as possible and preventing or slowing the regression or loss of current
optimal functional status.
A continuous Active Treatment Program consists of needed interventions and services in sufficient intensity and
frequency to support the achievement of IPP objectives.
Active treatment does not include services to maintain generally independent recipients who are able to function
with little supervision or without a continuous active treatment program.
ADLs are self-care activities routinely performed on a daily basis, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting,
transferring, mobility/ambulation and eating.
ADAPTIONS
Any procedure intended to meet an educational situation with respect to individual differences in ability or purpose.
ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Adaptive behavior is the collection of conceptual, social and practical skills that are learned and performed by
people in their everyday lives.
• Conceptual skills: language and literacy; money, time and number concepts; and self-direction.
• Social skills: interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem, gullibility, naïveté (i.e., lack of
wariness), social problem solving and the ability to follow rules/obey laws and to avoid being victimized.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
• Practical skills: activities of daily living (personal care), occupational skills, healthcare,
travel/transportation, schedules/routines, safety, use of money and use of the telephone.
ADMINISTRATION FEE
The administration fee is the dollar amount established for administering covered pharmaceuticals.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Administrative Action is an action taken by the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) which
includes but is not limited to:
See the Social Security Act Sections 1128, 1128A, 1128B, and 1903.
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY
The DHCFP has administrative authority over three Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
3. HCBS Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions.
The DHCFP issues policy rules and regulations related to the waivers in addition to overseeing the performance
of the operating agency.
Administrative case management activities include activities such as collecting data for eligibility verification,
evaluating the recipient’s LOC, developing a Plan of Care (POC) or a service plan, and performing reassessments
of the recipient’s needs at mandated intervals or as needed. Administrative case management activities may not
be billed as direct service case management activities.
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
1. Non-Medical Administrative Costs: Those costs (both direct and indirect) necessary to administer the
Medicaid managed care program.
a. Direct Expenses: Those expenses that can be charged directly as a part of the overall administrative
costs; and
b. Indirect Expenses: Those elements of costs necessary in the performance of administering the
program that are of such a nature that the amount applicable to the program cannot be determined
accurately or readily (i.e., rent, heat, electrical power, salaries and benefits of management
personnel which are allocated to different programs, etc.).
Costs, either direct or indirect, related to recipient medical care management (i.e., development of physician
protocols for disease management, utilization review activities, case management costs and medical
information management systems).
The DHCFP will review Medical Administrative Costs for reasonability and in the context of the benefit
received by the client and the DHCFP (i.e., is the cost of developing physician protocols for disease
management less than or equal to the fiscal and health outcome benefit received).
3. Non-Medical Costs
The following are not considered administrative costs. They are, however, included in the overall
percentage of non-medical costs and will be reviewed for reasonableness by the DHCFP:
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
a. Profit: The percentage of profit which the Contractor anticipates receiving after expenses (net
income, revenues less expenses, divided by total revenues received from the DHCFP); and
b. Risk and contingencies: That amount which the Contractor anticipates setting aside (as a percentage
of the revenues received) for potential unknown risks and contingencies.
A date each month selected by the DHCFP. Changes made to the Medicaid recipient eligibility system prior to this
date are effective the next month and are shown on the recipient’s Medicaid card. Changes made to the computer
system after this date become effective the first day of the second month after the change was made.
ADMINISTRATIVE DAYS
Inpatient hospital days reimbursed at a lower per diem rate when a recipient’s status does not meet an acute level
of care and if discharged, placement in an alternative appropriate setting is not available despite a hospital’s
documented, comprehensive discharge planning efforts. Reference the Skilled Administrative Days and
Intermediate Administrative Days definitions.
ADMISSION
Nevada Medicaid considers a recipient admitted to the inpatient facility as an inpatient when the:
2. admission has been certified by Nevada Medicaid’s Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like vendor.
ADULT
For purpose of hospice services, an adult is defined as an individual 21 years of age or older.
Non-medical care, supervision and socialization, provided to a functionally impaired adult. Companions may assist
or supervise the participant with such tasks as meal preparation, laundry and shopping. The provision of companion
services does not entail hands-on nursing care. Providers may also perform light housekeeping tasks that are
incidental to the care and supervision of the participant. This service is provided in accordance with a goal in the
POC and is not purely diversional in nature.
Adult Day Care provides socialization in a safe environment for frail, socially isolated, physically or cognitively
impaired seniors in order for them to remain in the community. Services are provided for four or more hours per
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
day on a regularly scheduled basis, for one or more days per week, in an outpatient setting. Adult Day Care services
include, supervision, monitoring of general well-being and social interaction through scheduled activities and peer
contact.
Adult Day Care does not provide elements of health care, which differentiate Adult Day Care from Adult Day
Health Care (ADHC).
Adult Day Care Facility is defined by Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 449.004 as an establishment operated and
maintained to provide care during the day, temporary or permanent, for aged or infirm persons, but does not include
halfway houses for recovering alcoholics or drug abusers. The emphasis is social interaction in a safe environment.
Adult Day Care Facilities are required by NRS to be licensed by the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance
(HCQC), Nevada State Health Division. Refer to MSM Chapter 2200.
ADHC Facilities provide medical services on a regularly scheduled basis as specified in the POC. Services must
be provided in a non-institutional community-based setting, encompassing both health and social services needed
to ensure the optimal functioning of the participant. The inclusion of health in a day care setting should indicate
they provide elements of health care and are not just a model of socialization for seniors. Facilities providing these
services are licensed by HCQC, Nevada State Health Division. ADHC Facilities meet the criteria set forth by
Medicaid for reimbursement for Adult Day Health Services.
2. been authorized by the Board of Nursing to provide services in addition to those that other RNs are
authorized to provide (NRS 632.012).
ALS Assessment is performed by an ALS crew as part of an emergency response that was necessary due to the
recipient’s reported condition at the time of dispatch and was such that only an ALS crew was qualified to perform
the assessment. An ALS assessment does not necessarily result in a determination that the recipient requires an
ALS level of service.
ALS Intervention is a procedure that is, in accordance with State and local laws, beyond the scope of practice of
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
ALS-1 is the service level of transportation by ground or air ambulance and the provision of medically necessary
supplies and services, including the provision of an ALS assessment or at least one ALS intervention, which must
be performed by personnel trained to the level of an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or
paramedic, in accordance with State and local laws.
ALS-2 is the service level of transportation by ground or air ambulance and the provision of medically necessary
supplies and services, including:
2. the provision of at least one of the ALS-2 procedures defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS).
These procedures must be performed by personnel trained to the level of an AEMT-Intermediate or paramedic, in
accordance with State and local laws, and may include:
1. manual defibrillation/cardioversion;
2. endotracheal intubation;
4. cardiac pacing;
5. chest decompression;
7. intraosseous line.
A written notice mailed to the individual when the DHCFP or the Health Plan propose to take an Action at least
10 days before the Date of Action (DOA). Advance Notice of Action (NOA) and Notice of Decision (NOD) may
be used interchangeably.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
ADVERSE DETERMINATION
Adverse determination means a determination made in accordance with Sections 1919(b)(3)(f) or 1919(e)(7)(B)
of the Act that the individual does not require the level of services provided by a NF or that the individual does or
does not require specialized services.
AGE/SEX RATES
A set of rates for a given group product in which there is a separate rate for each grouping of age and sex categories.
A State agency that is part of Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is the operating
agency for the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers which includes the HCBS Waiver for the
Frail Elderly, HCBS Waiver for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Related Conditions and the HCBS
Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities.
AIR AMBULANCE
Air ambulance means an aircraft (fixed or rotary wing) specially designed, constructed, modified or equipped to
be used for the transportation of injured or sick persons. Air Ambulance does not include any commercial aircraft
carrying passengers on regularly scheduled flights.
The daily rate which is paid to a facility during the course of a covered Medicaid stay. This daily rate is to include
services and items such as, but not limited to, nursing services, dietary services, activity programs, laundry
services, room/bed maintenance services, medically related social services, routine personal hygiene supplies,
active treatment program and day training programs.
AMBULANCE
Ambulance is defined as a medical vehicle that is specially designed, constructed, staffed and equipped to provide
basic, intermediate or advanced services for one or more sick or injured person or persons whose medical
condition may require special observation during transportation or transfer.
A Medicare certified freestanding or hospital-based medical facility operating exclusively for the purpose of
providing surgical services when the expected duration of services does not exceed 24 hours following admission
and the individual does not require hospitalization.
Subject:
MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
AAPD is the membership organization representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Their members work in
private offices, clinics and hospital settings and serve as primary care providers for millions of infants, children,
adolescents and patients with special health care needs. In addition, AAPD members serve as the primary
contributors to professional education programs and scholarly works concerning dental care for children. (Refer
to Appendix A)
The ADA is a national professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science
and professional advancement the purpose of which is to lead a unified profession through initiatives in advocacy,
education, research and the development of standards.
AMOUNT
ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES
Ankle-foot orthoses extend well above the ankle (usually to near the top of the calf) and are fastened around the
lower leg above the ankle. These features distinguish them from foot orthotics, which are shoe inserts that do not
extend above the ankle.
ANNUAL
For the purpose of annual Level of Care (LOC) assessments for HCBS Waivers, annual means in the same month
each year.
ANNUAL GOAL
A statement in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) that describes what a child with a disability
can reasonably be expected to accomplish within a 12-month period in the student’s special education program.
There should be a direct relationship between the annual goals and the present levels of educational performance.
APPEAL
APPLICANT
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APPROPRIATE
Refers to the DHCFP’s ability to provide coverage for medically necessary services to a recipient based on
regulations and the Division’s available resources and utilization control procedures.
ASSESSMENT
An assessment is a written evaluation that is conducted by Nevada Medicaid and/or its contractors to evaluate the
medical necessity of an individual’s request for a Nevada Medicaid covered service.
(NOTE: the definition of assessment may differ in intent between some program chapters. For specific types of
assessments refer to the specific chapters.)
The ARD is the common date on which all MDS observation periods end. The ARD is the last day of the MDS
observation period and controls what care and services are captured on the MDS assessment. Anything that
happens after the ARD will not be captured on that MDS. The ARD is located on the MDS 2.0, Section A3a.
An AL Facility is a residential facility that provides AL services to low or moderate income individuals who are
65 years of age or older. The facility must qualify as affordable housing for a period of at least 15 years and must
be certified by the Housing Division of the Department of Business and Industry pursuant to NRS 319.147.
AL Services, as specified in the AL Waiver, include an array of services offered which are determined necessary
to allow the recipient to remain in a community setting. AL services include homemaker, chore, augmented
personal care, companion services, medication oversight (to the extent permitted under state law), therapeutic
social and recreational programming, transportation and services which will ensure that the residents of the facility
are safe, secure and adequately supervised. Also included is 24-hour on-site response staff to meet scheduled or
unpredictable needs, and to provide supervision, safety and security.
ACD is Durable Medical Equipment (DME) which helps speech, hearing and verbally impaired individuals
communicate.
AT RISK RECIPIENT
The At Risk Recipient is a recipient for whom the absence of Personal Care Services (PCS) would likely result in
medical deterioration, medical complications or might jeopardize the recipient’s personal safety if PCS is not
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ATTENDANCE RECORD
The attendance record is documentation by a facility, indicating the time the recipient arrived at the facility and
the time the recipient left the facility. The recipient and a facility staff member must sign each record. If the
recipient is unable to provide a signature due to cognitive and/or physical limitation, this must be clearly
documented in the recipient file. An authorized representative may sign on behalf of the recipient.
For the purposes of the HCBS Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities, AC is defined as extended
State Plan Personal Care Attendant (PCA) service may include assistance with eating, bathing, dressing,
personal hygiene, ADLs, shopping, laundry, meal preparation and accompanying the recipient to
appointments as necessary to enable the individual to remain in the community. The service may include
hands-on care, of both a supportive and health-related nature, specific to the needs of a medically stable,
physically disabled individual. Supportive services are those which substitute for the absence, loss,
diminution or impairment of a physical or cognitive function. This service may include skilled or nursing
care to the extent permitted by State law. This service may include an extension of task completion time
allowed under the state plan with documented medical necessity.
ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
A physician who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy and is identified by the recipient, at the time he or she elects
to receive hospice care, as having the most significant role in the determination and delivery of the recipient’s
medical care. Attending physicians who provide services to Medicaid Hospice recipients must be contracted
Medicaid providers.
AUDIOGRAM
AUDIOLOGIST
Audiologist means any person who engages in the practice of Audiology (NRS 637B.030). An Audiologist must
be licensed by the Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech Pathology and meet the requirements of NRS
637.160.
The practice of audiology consists of rendering services for the measurement, testing, appraisal, prediction,
consultation, counseling, research or treatment of hearing and hearing impairment for the purpose of modifying
disorders in communication involving speech, language and hearing.
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AUDIOLOGY TESTING
Audiology testing is evaluation/testing performed by an audiologist licensed by the appropriate licensure board of
the state to determine extent of hearing impairments that affect the student's ability to access education. Audiology
testing includes hearing and/or hearing aid evaluations, hearing aid fitting or reevaluation and audiograms.
Auditory Brainstem Implant is similar to a cochlear implant, but the electrode is implanted in the brainstem, rather
than the cochlear in the ear. The brainstem electrode is placed next to the cochlear nuclei. The electrode is
connected to an external microphone and processor which allows the patient to identify sound.
Assistance for the functionally impaired individual with basic self-care needs and ADLs such as personal care
services, homemaker, chore, companion services, medication oversight (to the extent permitted under State Law),
therapeutic social and recreational programming and services that ensure that the residents of the facility are safe,
secure and adequately supervised. This service includes 24-hour in home supervision to meet scheduled or
unpredictable needs.
There are three levels of augmented PCS. The service level provided by an assisted living facility is based on the
recipient’s functional needs to ensure his/her health, safety and welfare in the community. ADSD determines the
service level and Prior Authorizations (PAs) for services as an administrative function of the AL Waiver.
AUTHORIZATION
The word authorization is used synonymously with PA of payment. EPSDT services and adult emergency services
(emergency extractions and palliative care) do not require PA. All orthodontia services require a PA. A PA is
required for partials and/or full dentures provided to recipients residing in NFs or receiving Hospice services. PA
of payment for procedures does not confirm eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Medicaid allows post-service
authorization of payment in special circumstances involving life-threatening health complications and NF
recipients.
AUTHORIZATION NUMBERS
Authorization numbers are the assigned numbers issued by Nevada Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor for authorizing
medically necessary services. Authorization numbers are used for submitting claims to the DHCFP’s fiscal agent
for reimbursement. An approved authorization does not confirm a recipient’s eligibility or guarantee claims
payment.
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AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
An authorized representative is an individual who has been designated by a recipient as having authority to act on
behalf of the recipient. A written and signed request sent to the DHCFP, to allow representation by a designated
person as their legal representative. The request would include the designated person’s name and relationship to
the requestor.
AVAILABLE
Available refers to an LRI who is physically present in the recipient’s home or is physically present with the
recipient while in settings outside the home (including employment sites) at the time necessary maintenance,
health/medical care, education, supervision, support services and/or assistance with ADLs and IADLs is needed
by a Medicaid recipient.
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BLS is transportation by air or ground ambulance to facilitate the provision of medically necessary supplies and
services. The ambulance must be staffed by an individual qualified, at least as an EMT, in accordance with State
and local laws.
A public or private provider organization, under contractual affiliation through the provider enrollment process,
with the State of Nevada, the DHHS, the DHCFP which operates under medical and clinical supervision and
utilizes practices consistent with professionally recognized standards of good practice and are considered to be
effective by the relevant scientific community. The BHCN provides outpatient mental health services and may
provide Rehabilitative Mental Health (RMH) services for persons with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders.
BENEFIT
BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING
Counseling services provided to the recipient’s family after the recipient’s death.
BILLING AUTHORIZATION
Billing Authorization is a notification sent to a provider giving authorization to bill for services within a specified
time frame.
A BAHA system is a small titanium implant placed in the bone behind the ear where it osseointegrates. The
vibrations from the sound processor are transmitted to the implant via a percutaneous abutment.
BUDGET AUTHORITY
The participant direction opportunity through which a waiver participant exercises choice and control over a
specified amount of waiver funds (participant-directed budget).
BURDEN OF PROOF
At a Fair Hearing, the recipient or provider must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the agency’s
denial of the request was not correct. Except where otherwise established by law or regulation, in Fair Hearings
concerning the termination, reduction or suspension of medical assistance previously received by a recipient, the
agency must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that its actions were correct.
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Preponderance of the evidence is that evidence which, in light of the record as a whole, leads the Hearing Officer
to believe that the finding is more likely to be true than not true. Except where otherwise established by law or
regulation, in provider Fair Hearings concerning claims, recoupments, suspensions, non-renewals or terminations,
the agency must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that its actions were correct. In all other provider
Fair Hearings, the provider must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the agency’s actions were
incorrect.
The HCQC is a state agency located within the Health Division within the DHHS. The HCQC provides both state
licensure and Medicare/Medicaid certification to all health facilities in Nevada. They conduct routine surveys and
investigate complaints against health facilities. The HCQC monitors the quality of care and quality of life issues
related to NF residents based on state and federal regulations.
BUS
Bus is defined as public or private fixed-route, fixed-schedule, intra-city or inter-city congregate transportation.
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CAPABLE
An LRI who is able to safely manage carrying out necessary maintenance, health/medical care, education,
supervision, support services and/or the provision of needed ADLs and IADLs.
Capital Renovation/Remodeling Project [hereinafter “Project”] shall mean a series of activities and investments
which materially:
3. ensure the operating efficiency and/or extend the useful economic life of a fixed asset.
Said Project may involve new construction, reconstruction and/or renovation. Allowable costs include, but are not
limited to, the costs of land, buildings, machinery, fixtures, furniture and equipment. Certain cost for repairs may
be included but only when such costs are incidental to and necessitated by the Project. In no event shall costs for
ordinary repairs and maintenance of an ongoing nature be included in a Project.
Pursuant to the Nevada State Plan for Medicaid, the cost of such Projects may include expenditures incurred over
a period not to exceed 24 months. Further, in order to be considered as part of the Fair Rental Value rate setting
process for a given facility in a given rate year, the sum of the costs for all Projects submitted for consideration must
exceed $1,000 per licensed bed.
CAPITATION PAYMENT
A payment the DHCFP makes periodically to a contractor on behalf of each recipient enrolled under a contract for
the provision of medical and/or transportation services under the State Plan. The DHCFP makes the payment
without regard to individual utilization of services during the period covered by the payment.
CARDHOLDER
Cardholder means the person named on the face of a Medicaid and NCU card to whom or for whose benefit the
Medicaid and NCU card is issued.
CARE COORDINATION
A formal process that ensures ongoing coordination of efforts on behalf of Medicaid-eligible recipients who meet
the care criteria for a higher intensity of needs. Care coordination includes: facilitating communication and
enrollment between the recipient and providers and providing for continuity of care by creating linkages to and
monitoring transitions between intensities of services. Care coordination is a required component of case
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CARE COORDINATOR
A care coordinator is a professional who assesses plans, implements, coordinates, monitors and evaluates options
to meet an individual’s health needs. Care coordination links persons who have complex personal circumstances
or health needs that place them at risk of not receiving appropriate services to those services. It also ensures
coordination of these services.
CAREGIVER
The LRI (e.g. birthparents, adoptive parents, spouses, legal guardians, paid foster parents) and/or other adults who
are not (legally) responsible or paid to provide care, who participate in providing care to a recipient.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Case management is a process by which an individual's needs are identified and social and medical services to
meet those needs are located, coordinated, and monitored. Case management may be targeted to certain
populations and in certain areas of the state under the authority of Section 1905(a)(19) of the Social Security Act.
Case management services are services which assist an individual in gaining access to needed medical, social,
educational and other supportive services and must include the following components:
3. Referral and related activities to help the individual obtain needed services.
Case management services involve the following activities to assist the eligible recipient in obtaining needed
services:
5. Assessment and periodic reassessment of individual needs, to determine the need for any medical,
educational, social or other services. The assessment activities include the following:
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c. Gathering information from other sources, such as family members, medical providers, social
workers and educators (if necessary) to form a complete assessment of the eligible recipient.
6. Development (and periodic revision) of a specific care plan based on the information collected through the
assessment, that includes the following:
a. Specifies the goals and actions to address the medical, social, educational and other services needed
by the eligible recipient.
b. Includes activities such as ensuring the active participation of the eligible recipient and working
with the recipient (or the individual’s authorized health care decision maker) and others to develop
those goals.
c. Identifies a course of action to respond to the assessed needs of the eligible recipient.
7. Referral and related activities (such as scheduling appointments for the recipient) to help the eligible
individual obtain needed services, including activities that help link the individual with medical, social,
and educational providers or other programs and services that are capable of providing needed services to
address identified needs and achieve goals specified in the care plan.
8. Monitoring and follow-up; activities include activities and contacts that are necessary to ensure that the
care plan is effectively implemented and adequately address the needs of the eligible individual and may
be with the individual, family members, service provider or other entities or individuals. The monitoring
should be conducted as frequently as necessary, and include at least one annual monitoring, to help
determine whether the following conditions are met:
a. Services are being furnished in accordance with the individual’s care plan.
Monitoring and follow-up activities include making necessary adjustments in the care plan and service
arrangements with providers. Monitoring may involve either face-to-face or telephone contact, at least annually.
CASE MIX
Case Mix means a measure of the intensity of care and services used by similar residents in a facility. Case Mix
measures the relative resources required to care for a given population of NF residents. Within and between NFs,
resident needs may vary widely, from residents requiring near full-time skilled nursing assistance to residents
requiring only minimal assistance.
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CASE-MIX INDEX
Case-Mix Index means a numeric score within a specific range that identifies the relative resources used by similar
residents and represents the average resource consumption across a population or sample.
A case record documentation shall be maintained for each recipient and shall contain the following items:
1. The name of the individual receiving services, the dates of case management services, the name of the
provider agency and person chosen by the recipient to provide services.
3. Whether the goals specified in the care plan have been achieved.
4. If an individual declines services listed in the care plan, this must be documented in the individual’s case
record.
6. The need for and occurrences of coordination with case managers of other programs.
The case manager shall make available to Nevada Medicaid or Medicaid’s QIO-like vendor, upon request, copies
of the medical record, progress notes, care plan, case record or summary documents which reflect the ongoing
need for case management services and support any additional services requested.
CENSUS INFORMATION
Census information must be based on a NF’s occupancy as of midnight (00:00 hour) on the first day of every
month.
Medicaid programs are administered by the states with the CMS, DHHS, having responsibility for monitoring state
compliance with federal requirements and providing Federal Financial Participation (FFP). CMS monitors state
programs to assure minimum levels of service are provided, as mandated in the 42 CFR.
An individual is considered to be terminally ill if the individual has a medical prognosis that his or her life
expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
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A certified sleep study technologist is an individual trained in the diagnostic techniques and evaluation of a
recipient’s response.
CHILD
For the purpose of hospice services, a child is defined as an individual under the age of 21.
A family-driven, child-centered, collaborative service team, focusing on the strengths and needs of the child and
family. The team consists of the child recipient (as appropriate), parents, service professionals and may also consist
of family members, care providers and other individuals identified as being integral to the child’s environment or
mental health rehabilitation.
Children with special health care needs are all children who have, or are at increased risk for physical
developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions and who also require health and related services of a type or
amount beyond that required by children generally. This program is operated by the State’s Health Division.
CHIP serves children ages zero through 18 years and is designed for families who do not qualify for Medicaid and
whose incomes are at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). NCU is the Nevada version of CHIP. NCU
insurance is comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, vision care, mental health services,
therapies and hospitalization.
CHORE SERVICES
Chore services are those tasks that exceed light housekeeping. Chore services include, but are not limited to, heavy
household chores such as cleaning windows and walls, shampooing carpets, moving heavy furniture, packing and
unpacking, minor home repairs and yard work.
A clinically significant disorder requiring professionally qualified and supervised levels of care. Persons with CMI
have mental, emotional and/or behavioral difficulties which impair their memory, orientation comprehension,
calculation, learning and/or judgment. Persons with CMI are seriously limited in their capacity to perform ADL.
CMI does not include any person whose capacity is diminished by epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, pervasive
developmental disorders, dementia, traumatic brain injury, intoxication or dependency to alcohol or drugs, unless
a co-occurring mental illness is present which contributes to the diminished capacity of the person.
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CLAIM
“Claim” is further defined as communication, whether oral, written, electronic or magnetic, which is used to
identify specific goods, items or services as reimbursable pursuant to the plan, or which states income or expense
and is or may be used to determine a rate of payment pursuant to the plan.
CLINIC SERVICES
As amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984, Section 1905(a)(9) describes clinic services as “services
furnished by or under the direction of a physician without regard to whether the clinic itself is administered by a
physician.” Regulations at 42 CFR 440.90 define clinic services as preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic,
rehabilitative or palliative items or services that:
2. are provided by a facility that is not part of a hospital but is organized and operated to provide medical care
to outpatients; and
3. except in the case of nurse-midwife services, as specified in 42 CFR 440.165, are furnished by or under
the direction of a physician or dentist.
CLINICAL LABORATORY
1. microbiological;
2. serological;
3. immunohematological;
4. cytological;
5. histological;
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6. chemical;
7. hematological;
8. biophysical;
9. toxicological; or
10. other methods for “in-vitro” examination of tissues, secretions or excretions of the human body for the
diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease or for the assessment of a medical condition.
The term does not include forensic laboratory operated by a law enforcement agency.
The CMS regulates all laboratory testing (except research) performed on humans in the United States through the
CLIA. The objective of the CLIA program is to ensure quality laboratory testing. Although all clinical laboratories
must be properly certified to receive Medicare and Medicaid payments, CLIA has no direct Medicare or Medicaid
program responsibilities.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION
Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP), operating within the scope of their practice under state law, may
function as Clinical Supervisors. Clinical Supervisors must have the specific education, experience, training,
credentials and licensure to coordinate and oversee an array of mental and behavioral health services. Clinical
Supervisors must assure that the mental and/or behavioral health services provided are medically necessary and
clinically appropriate. Clinical Supervisors assume professional responsibility for the mental and/or behavioral
health services provided. Clinical Supervisors can supervise QMHPs, Qualified Mental Health Associates
(QMHA) and Qualified Behavioral Aides (QBA). Clinical Supervisors may also function as Direct Supervisors.
Individual RMH providers, who are QMHPs, may function as Clinical Supervisors over RMH services. However,
Independent Mental Health Rehabilitative providers, who are QMHPs, may not function as Clinical Supervisors
over Outpatient Mental Health assessments or therapies. Clinical Supervisors must assure the following:
2. A comprehensive mental and/or behavioral health assessment and diagnosis is accomplished prior to
providing mental and/or behavioral health services (with the exception of Crisis Intervention services);
3. A comprehensive and progressive Treatment Plan and/or Rehabilitation Plan is developed and approved
by the Clinical Supervisor and/or a Direct Supervisor, who is a QMHP;
4. Goals and objectives are time specific, measurable (observable), achievable, realistic, time-limited,
outcome driven, individualized, progressive, and age and developmentally appropriate;
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5. The recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors) participate in all aspects of care
planning, that the recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors) sign the Treatment
and/or Rehabilitation Plan(s), and that the recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal
minors) receive a copy of the Treatment and/or Rehabilitation Plan(s);
6. The recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors) acknowledge in writing that they
understand their right to select a qualified provider of their choosing;
7. Only qualified providers provide prescribed services within scope of their practice under state law; and
8. Recipients receive mental and/or behavioral health services in a safe and efficient manner.
A clinical decision support guide adopted by the DHCFP to provide a standardized tool in determining appropriate
services for both the adult and pediatric recipient in the area of skilled nursing and therapies, including physical
therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
COCHLEAR IMPLANT
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic hearing device designed to produce useful hearing
sensations to a person with severe to profound nerve deafness by electrically stimulating nerves inside the inner
ear. External components of the cochlear implant include a microphone, speech processor and transmitter.
The CFR is a codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive
departments and agencies of the Federal government. The Code is divided into 50 titles which represent broad
areas subject to federal regulation. SNFs and NFs are required to be in compliance with the requirements in 42
CFR Part 482, Subpart B to receive payment under either Medicare or Medicaid program.
COLD-CALL MARKETING
Any unsolicited personal contact by a provider, Managed Care Organization (MCO) or any other vendor directed
specifically toward a Medicaid or NCU recipient for the purpose of marketing or selling a product or service to
that individual.
A transportation provider who subcontracts with the Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) broker to supply
transportation services for compensation.
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COMMON OWNERSHIP
An individual possesses ownership of, or equity in, a facility and in an entity serving that same facility.
Government-affiliated agency, which is defined by NRS 433.144 and operates under the guidelines of the State of
Nevada, DHHS. For purposes of Nevada Medicaid’s provider qualifications, a CMHC is recognized as a BHCN.
Non-medical care, supervision and socialization provided, in accordance with the POC, in a recipient’s home or
place of residence. The provider may assist or supervise the recipient with such tasks as meal preparation, laundry,
essential shopping or light housekeeping tasks.
COMPARABILITY OF SERVICES
Comparability of services refers to the regulatory mandate that provides that services available to any categorically
needy recipient under a state plan must not be less in amount, duration and scope than those services available to
a medically needy recipient. Comparability requirements ensure that coverage of services for the categorically
needy continue to be the primary objective of the Medicaid program and prevent the coverage of selected services
for the medically needy from diverting resources from the categorically needy. Also, these requirements ensure
that each Medicaid recipient receives fair and equitable service once determined to be a member of an eligible
coverage group.
COMPOUND DRUGS
Compound means to form or make up a composite product by combining two or more different ingredients.
2. Specific functional and adaptive social skills the recipient needs to acquire;
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CONCURRENT CARE
Concurrent care allows for the provision of Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services by a single nurse to care for more
than one recipient simultaneously. A single nurse may provide care for up to three recipients if care can be provided
safely.
CONCURRENT REVIEW
A review of a Nevada Medicaid or Nevada Check Up eligible recipient’s clinical information performed by the
DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor or a Managed Care Organization. The review is performed during a period of time that
services are being rendered, to determine if a requested service will be authorized, based on medical necessity,
appropriateness and compliance with applicable policies.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality pertains to all safeguards required to protect all information which concerns Medicaid and NCU
applicants and recipients, Medicaid providers and any other information which may not be disclosed by any party
pursuant to federal and state law, and Medicaid Regulations, including, but not limited to: NRS Chapter 422, and
42 CFR 431, 45 CFR 160 and 164 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996
(P.L. 104-191).
CONTENTS OF NOTICE
3. The specific regulations that support, or the change in Federal or State law that requires the action;
4. An explanation of:
a. The individual’s right to request an evidentiary hearing if one is available, or a State agency hearing;
or
b. In cases of an action based on a change in law, the circumstances under which a hearing will be
granted; and
5. An explanation of the circumstances under which services are continued if a hearing is requested.
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CONTINUITY OF CARE
The hospice program assures the continuity of patient/family care in home, outpatient and inpatient settings.
CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
The range of services which must be available to the students of a school district so that they may be served in the
least restrictive environment.
CONTRACT
A legal agreement entered into between the DHCFP, based on the Request for Proposals (RFP) and on the MCO’s
response to the RFP.
CONTRACT PERIOD
The State-certified contract period will be the defined effective and termination dates of the contract inclusive of
any renewal period.
CONTRACTOR
Pursuant to the CFRs, an MCO is any entity that contracts with the State agency under the State Plan, in return for
a payment to process claims, to provide or pay for medical services or to enhance the State agency’s capability for
effective administration of the program. For the purposes of this RFP, a contractor must be a MCO as defined in
the Medicaid State Plan which holds a certificate of authority from the Insurance Commissioner for the applicable
contract period and throughout the contract period, or has a written opinion from the Insurance Commissioner that
such a certificate is not required, who has a risk-basis contract with the DHCFP.
COST
1. Necessary Cost: A cost incurred to satisfy an operation need of the facility in relation to providing resident
care.
2. Proper Cost: An actual recorded cost, clearly identified as to source, nature and purpose, and reasonably
related to resident care in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
(ICF/IID).
3. Reasonable Cost: A reasonable cost is one that does not exceed that incurred by a prudent and cost-
conscious facility operator.
COUNSELING SERVICES
A short-term structured intervention with specific aims and objectives to promote the student’s social, emotional
and academic growth within the school environment.
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COVERED SERVICES
Covered services are those for which Nevada Medicaid may reimburse when determined to be medically
necessary, and which meet utilization control procedures as provided in the State Plan, MSM and Provider
Bulletin/Medicaid Policy News.
A credible allegation of fraud may be an allegation which has been verified by the State from any source, including
but not limited to:
3. Patterns identified through provider audits, civil false claims cases and law enforcement investigations.
Allegations are considered to be credible when they have indicia of reliability and Nevada Medicaid has
reviewed all allegations, facts and evidence carefully and acts judiciously on a case-by-case basis.
CRIMINAL CLEARANCE
A criminal background check must be completed as a condition of employment. All providers and employees of
both Divisions must have a State and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history clearance obtained
from the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History through the submission of fingerprints and
receiving the results.
A Medicare certified and state licensed hospital established under the State Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility
Program.
CUEING
Any spoken instructions or physical guidance which serves as a signal to do something. Cueing is typically used
when caring for individuals who have a cognitive impairment.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE
An approach to the delivery of mental health services grounded in the assumption that services are more effective
provided within the most relevant and meaningful cultural, gender-sensitive and age-appropriate context for the
people being served. The Surgeon General defines cultural competence in the most general terms as “the delivery
of services responsive to the cultural concerns of racial and ethnic minority groups, including their languages,
histories, traditions, beliefs and values." In most cases, the term cultural competence refers to sets of guiding
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principles, developed to increase the ability of mental health providers, agencies or systems to meet the needs of
diverse communities, including racial and ethnic minorities.
Refers to the coding system used for dental procedures developed by the American Dental Association and used
by Nevada Medicaid.
CUSTODIAL CARE
Custodial care is LOC involving medical and non-medical services that are not intended to cure. This care is
provided when the recipient’s medical condition remains unchanged and when the recipient does not require the
services of trained medical personnel.
Custom fabricated orthosis is one which is individually made for a specific patient starting with basic materials
including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, leather or cloth in the form of sheets, parts, etc. It involves substantial
work such as cutting, bending, molding, sewing, etc. It may involve the incorporation of some prefabricated
components. It involves more than trimming, bending or making other modifications to a substantially
prefabricated item.
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DAILY RECORD
The daily record is documentation completed by a provider, indicating the type of service provided and the time
spent providing those services. The documentation must be initialed by the recipient and the individual providing
the services, on a daily basis, after services are delivered. The daily record must also be signed by the recipient
and the individual providing the services. If the recipient is unable to provide a signature due to cognitive and/or
physical limitations, this must be clearly documented in the recipient’s Plan of Care (POC) or Individual Support
Plan (ISP).
Providers may use electronic signatures on the daily record documentation, but using an electronic signature does
not remove the provider’s responsibility for providing accurate and verifiable documentation of services provided
and the time spent providing those services.
If a provider elects to use electronic signatures, they must have weekly printouts of the daily record in the
recipient’s file, or have the ability to make them available upon request.
Is the intended date on which a termination, suspension, reduction, transfer or discharge becomes effective. It also
means the date of the determination made by a State with regard to the PASARR requirements of Section
1919(e)(7) of the Social Security Act.
DAY HABILITATION
Day Habilitation services provide meaningful day and individualized activities that support the recipient’s
definition of a meaningful day. Day habilitation services enable the recipient to increase or maintain their capacity
for independent functioning and decision making.
DAYS
DENIED SERVICE
Any medical service requested by a provider for a Medicaid or NCU recipient for whom the Contractor denies
approval for payment.
DENTAL CONSULTANT
Identifies and promotes best practices and advances education for consistent, evidence based plan and claims
evaluations.
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DENTAL DIRECTOR
The Contractor’s director of dental services, who is required to be a Doctor of Dental Science or a Doctor of
Medical Dentistry and licensed by the Nevada Board of Dentistry, designated by the Contractor to exercise general
supervision over the provision of dental services by the Contractor.
DENTAL HYGIENIST
These may include radiology, physician, anesthesiologist, outpatient facility and pharmacy related to a covered
medically necessary dental services or procedures.
DENTAL SERVICES
Dental services are any diagnostic, preventive or corrective procedures that include:
1. treatment of the teeth and associated structures of the oral cavity for disease, injury or impairment that may
affect the oral or general health of persons up to age 21 years old; and
2. dentures, emergency extractions and Palliative care for 21 years old and over.
DENTIST
A dentist is a person licensed to practice dentistry or dental surgery as defined in NRS 631.215.
DENTURES
Dentures include both complete and partial prostheses replacing missing teeth.
In 2000, the US DOJ and the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU) determine that
some drug manufacturers were reporting inaccurate Average Wholesale Prices (AWPs) for some of their products.
As a result, the DOJ and the NAMFCU compiled new pricing data gathered from several wholesale drug catalogs
for approximately 400 national drug codes. The State Medicaid programs had the option to implement this revised
pricing from the investigation. Nevada Medicaid chose to implement the pricing algorithm at the time of its
inception. The pricing is reflective of the data file from the First Data Bank.
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DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis means determination of the nature or cause of physical or mental disease or abnormality through the
combined used of health history, physical and developmental examination, and laboratory tests.
The latest text revision of the DSM of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
The determination of a mental or emotional disorder for a childbirth through 48 months of age as described in the
latest text version of the Manual for DC:0-3 published by the National Center for Clinical Infant Programs.
DIALYSIS
A process of removing waste products from the body by diffusion from one fluid compartment to another across
a semi-permeable membrane.
Direct care component means the portion of Medicaid reimbursement rates that are attributable to the salaries and
benefits of RNs, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants, rehabilitation nurses and
contracted nursing services.
Direct service case management assists individuals who receive waiver services in gaining access to needed waiver
and other State plan services, as well as needed medical, social, educational and other services, regardless of the
funding source for the services to which access is gained.
DIRECT SERVICES
Direct services assist in the acquisition, retention and improvement of skills necessary for the person to
successfully reside in the community. Direct services are individualized hours that are not shared. Direct services
providers participate in the ISP meetings.
DIRECT SUPERVISION
QMHP or QMHA may function as Direct Supervisors. Direct Supervisors must have the practice specific
education, experience, training, credentials and/or licensure to coordinate an array of mental and/or behavioral
health services. Direct Supervisors assure servicing providers provide services in compliance with the established
treatment/rehabilitation plan(s). Direct Supervision is limited to the delivery of services and does not include
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Treatment and/or Rehabilitation Plan(s) modification and/or approval. If qualified, Direct Supervisors may also
function as Clinical Supervisors. Direct Supervisors must document the following activities:
a. These meetings must occur before treatment begins and periodically thereafter;
b. The documentation regarding this supervision must reflect the content of the training and/or clinical
guidance; and
a. These meetings must occur before treatment/rehabilitation begins and, at a minimum, every 30 days
thereafter;
b. The documentation regarding this supervision must reflect the content of the training and/or clinical
guidance; and
3. Assist the Clinical Supervisor with Treatment and/or Rehabilitation Plan(s) reviews and evaluations.
DIRECT SUPPORTS
Direct supports are the hours allocated in the participant’s ISP for protective oversight. Protective oversight is
supervision hours provided to ensure the health, safety and welfare of an individual who cannot be left alone for
an extended period of time. Direct support is funded to individuals residing in a non-family host home that may
not have a second person or 24-hour homes which require that the hours be shared with two or more individuals
unless the person requires the one to one direct hours as a result of medical or clinical necessity, as determined by
the Regional Center Psychologist and Regional Center Nurse.
DISABILITY
1. a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the
person;
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DISABILITY DETERMINATION
The DHCFP’s physician consultant and medical professional staff make up the disability determination team. The
team reviews medical documentation and determines if the applicant qualifies as physically disabled.
DISCHARGE CRITERIA
The diagnostic, behavioral and functional indicators that must be met to complete service provision as documented
in the Treatment Plan and/or Rehabilitative Plan. Discharge criteria are developed as part of the discharge planning
process, which begins on the date of admission to services.
DISCHARGE PLAN
A written component of the Treatment Plan and/or Rehabilitation Plan which ensures continuity of care and access
to needed support services upon completion of the Treatment Plan and/or Rehabilitation Plan goals and objectives.
2. discharge criteria;
4. the identified agency(ies) or Independent Provider(s) to provide the aftercare services; and
DISCHARGE SUMMARY
Written documentation of the last service contact with the recipient, the diagnosis at admission and termination,
and a summary statement that describes the effectiveness of the treatment modalities and progress, or lack of
progress, toward treatment goals and objectives, as documented in the mental health Treatment and/or
Rehabilitation Plan(s). The Discharge Summary also includes the reason for discharge, current level of functioning
and recommendations for further treatment. Discharge summaries are completed no later than 30 calendar days
following a planned discharge and 45 calendar days following an unplanned discharge. In the case of a recipient’s
transfer to another program, a verbal summary must be given at the time of transition and followed with a written
summary within seven calendar days of the transfer. The Discharge Summary is a summation of the results of the
Treatment Plan, Rehabilitation Plan and the Discharge Plan.
DISENROLLMENT
Process of terminating individuals or groups from enrollment with a Managed Care Plan. Except where expressly
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required by federal or state regulations, disenrollment may not occur mid-month. Under most circumstances,
requests for disenrollment are effective the first day of the month following receipt of the request, provided that
the request is within policy/contract guidelines and is submitted before the administrative cutoff date.
DISPENSING FEE
The dispensing fee is the dollar amount established for dispensing covered pharmaceuticals.
Disposable medical supplies are those items which are not reusable, and are primarily and customarily used to
serve a medical purpose, and generally are not useful to a person in the absence of an illness or injury.
DISTRICT OFFICES
The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) District Office staff interfaces with the
Medicaid program by advising the Medicaid applicant and recipient of all aspects of Medicaid eligibility at the
time of application for assistance and at the time of eligibility redetermination. This responsibility extends to foster
parents and to adoptive parents whose children are subject to an Adoption Assistance Agreement (AAA),
particularly those children who are living out of state.
The Nevada Medicaid District Office staff assists Medicaid recipients in locating Medicaid providers, arranging
for medical services, if appropriate, and acting as liaison between recipients and providers and the Medicaid office.
Certain District Office staff are also assigned case management responsibilities. District Office staff also have a
responsibility to report suspected fraud or abuse of the program by recipients or providers.
A DUR program that consists of prospective DUR, the application of explicit predetermined standards, and an
educational program. The purpose of the DUR program is to improve the quality of pharmaceutical care by
ensuring that prescriptions are appropriate, medically necessary, and that they are not likely to result in adverse
medical results. (CFR 456 I.B) The board consists of pharmacists and physicians.
DRUGS
DME is defined as equipment, devices and gases which can withstand repeated use, and is primarily and
customarily used to serve a medical purpose, and generally is not useful to a person in the absence of disability,
illness or injury and is appropriate for use in the home.
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The CMS utilize four insurance companies to process DME, Prosthetic, Orthotic and disposable medical supply
claims for Medicare in four distinct jurisdictions. Nevada is in Jurisdiction D. This was formerly referred to as
Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier (DMERC).
Aggregate term used under the Medicare program and by some Medicaid programs, which incorporates all DME,
prosthetics, orthotics and disposable medical supplies. The acronym is pronounced “demipose.”
DURATION
The length of time to provide a service and the anticipated or actual time of treatment.
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EAR IMPRESSIONS
All custom made hearing aids and ear molds are made from a cast of the ear. The cast is referred to as an ear
impression.
EAR MOLDS
Ear molds form the connection between the ear and hearing aid.
EARLY
Early means as soon as possible in the child’s life after the child is determined eligible.
EPSDT is a preventive health care program, the goal of which is to provide to Medicaid eligible children under
the age of 21 the most effective, preventive health care through the use of periodic examinations, standard
immunizations, diagnostic and treatment services which are medically necessary and designed to correct or
ameliorate defects in physical or mental illnesses or conditions. 42 U.S.C. Section 1396.d (a)(4)(B). Nevada’s
program is named Healthy Kids.
EPSDT excludes females, under age 21, whose Medicaid eligibility benefit is for pregnancy-related services only.
ELECTION PERIOD
A time period for which hospice care may be provided when elected by a recipient and the recipient is deemed
appropriate as evidenced by a certification of terminal illness signed by an attending physician and/or a hospice
physician.
ELECTION STATEMENT
A signed statement by a terminally ill recipient or his or her representative indicating the election of hospice care
and filed by the individual with a particular hospice which maintains the certification statement.
The neurologic system controls and manages most body functions needed for survival through the central nervous
system, peripheral nervous system and the sensory organs. A sequence of tests may be essential to complete
neurological evaluation. The outcome of the physical examination will dictate what tests or sequence of testing is
required to confirm the diagnosis or promote disease management.
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EVS is a means to verify an individual's eligibility for services covered by the State of Nevada's Medicaid program,
via an Internet access account.
ELIGIBILITY
The term eligibility is used to reference to a recipient’s status of being approved to receive Medicaid program
benefits.
An individual’s Medicaid eligibility status should not be confused with authorization for the services a provider
has requested. Conversely, providers who receive written Prior Authorization of payment for services must still
check the recipient’s monthly Medicaid/Managed Care eligibility status.
Eligibility NOD is the notification sent to an individual by the Nevada State DWSS giving eligibility decisions
regarding their application for Medicaid services.
ELIGIBILITY STAFF
Eligibility staff are state employees who are responsible for determining financial and/or categorical need for
Medicaid and NCU.
Emergency dental services do not require PA. For those persons under 21 years of age, emergency care involves
those services necessary to control bleeding, relieve significant pain and/or eliminate acute infection, and those
procedures required to prevent pulpal death and/or the imminent loss of teeth. For persons 21 years and older,
emergency care consists of emergency extractions and palliative care.
A medical condition (including labor and delivery) manifesting itself by the sudden onset of acute symptoms of
sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably
be expected to result in either placing an individual's health (or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of
the woman or her unborn child) in serious jeopardy, resulting in serious impairment to bodily functions, serious
dysfunction of any bodily organ or part, or serious physical harm to another.
Emergency medical transportation is ground or air ambulance, as medically necessary, to transport a recipient with
an emergency medical condition. A ground or air ambulance resulting from a “911” communication is included
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
Emergency services means, with respect to an individual enrolled with an organization, covered inpatient and
outpatient services that are furnished by a provider qualified to furnish such services and are needed to evaluate or
stabilize an emergency medical condition. The Contractor must not require the services to be prior or post-
authorized.
EMPLOYEE
An employee of the agency or organization who is appropriately trained and assigned to the hospice unit.
“Employee” also refers to a volunteer under the jurisdiction of the hospice.
EMPLOYER AUTHORITY
The participant direction opportunity by which the waiver participant exercises choice and control over individuals
who furnish waiver services authorized in the service plan.
EMPLOYER OF RECORD
Refers to the ISO that provides all fiscal and supportive tasks related to PCA employment in the self-directed
service delivery option. The employer of record ensures compliance with legal requirements related to employment
(e.g., manages payroll and taxes and processes employment documents) and the supportive requirements (e.g.,
assist with training materials, training, background checks, etc.).
ENCOUNTER
A covered service or group of services delivered by a provider to a recipient during a visit, or as a result of a visit
(e.g., pharmacy) between the recipient and provider.
ENCOUNTER DATA
Data documenting a contact or service delivered to an eligible recipient by a provider for any covered service.
Irreversible and permanent destruction of normal kidney function resulting in kidney failure that requires a regular
course of dialysis or a kidney transplant.
ENROLLEE
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ENTITY
A governmental agency, organization, unit, corporation, partnership or other business arrangement (including any
Medicaid MCOs, irrespective of the form of business structure or arrangement by which it exists), whether for-
profit or not-for-profit, which receives or makes payments under a State Plan, approved under Title XIX or under
any waiver of such plan, totaling at least $5,000,000 annually.
Physical adaptations to the home, which must be identified in the individual's POC, and are necessary to ensure
the health, welfare and safety of the individual, or which enable the individual to function with greater
independence in the home, and without which, the individual would require institutionalization.
ESCORT
An escort is defined as an individual whose presence is needed to assist the recipient or to perform an approved
task en route to or while obtaining Medicaid reimbursable services.
ESCORT SERVICE
A service that may be authorized for PCS recipients who require a PCA to perform an approved PCS task en route
to or while obtaining Medicaid reimbursable services.
1. has historically provided services to underserved populations and demonstrates a commitment to serve
low-income, underserved populations who make up a significant portion of its patient population or, in the
case of a sole community provider, serves underserved patients within its clinical capability; and
2. waives charges or charges for services on a modified sliding fee scale based on income and does not restrict
access or services because of a client’s financial limitations.
ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS
Essential medications are those which are medically necessary to counteract severe pain and/or to sustain life, limb
or eyesight. Restorative, rehabilitative, preventive and maintenance medications must have appropriate
corresponding diagnoses in the resident's chart to be considered medically necessary.
ESSENTIAL SHOPPING
Essential shopping is shopping to meet the recipient's health care or nutritional needs. Essential shopping includes
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brief occasional trips in the local community to shop for food, medical necessities and household items required
specifically for the health and care of the recipient.
EAC is defined by Nevada Medicaid as AWP as indicated on the current listing provided by the First Data Bank
less than 15% (AWP - 15%). EAC is based upon the original package or container size from which the prescription
is dispensed.
Pursuant to 42 CFR §431.213, the agency may mail a notice not later than the DOA if:
b. Gives information that requires termination or reduction of services and indicates that he/she
understands that this must be the result of supplying that information.
3. The recipient has been admitted to an institution where he/she is ineligible under the plan for further
services;
4. The recipient’s whereabouts are unknown and the post office returns agency mail directed to him/her
indicating no forwarding address (see §431.231(d) of this subpart for the procedure if the recipient’s
whereabouts become known);
5. The agency establishes the fact that the recipient has been accepted for Medicaid services by another local
jurisdiction, State, territory or commonwealth;
7. The notice involves an adverse determination made with regard to the preadmission screening requirements
of Section 1919(e)(7) of the Act; or
8. The DOA will occur in less than 10 days, in accordance with §483.12(a)(5)(ii), which provides exceptions
to the 30 days’ notice requirements of §483.12(a)(5)(i).
Pursuant to 42 CFR §431.214, the agency may shorten the period of advance notice to five days before the DOA
if:
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9. The agency has facts indicating that action should be taken because of probable fraud by the recipient; and
10. The facts have been verified, if possible, through secondary sources.
This relationship is one in which the provider was the main source of Medicaid services for the recipient during
the previous year. This may be established through State records of previous managed care enrollment or Fee-for-
Service experience or through contact with the recipient.
EXPERIMENTAL
A drug prescribed for a use that is not a medically accepted indication. The term medically accepted indication
means any use of a covered outpatient drug which is approved under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act,
or the use of which is supported by one or more citations included or approved for inclusion in any of the following
compendia: American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information, United States Pharmacopeia-Drug
Information, the DRUGDEX Information System or American Medical Association Drug Evaluations.
EXPERIMENTAL SERVICES
Experimental services are drugs and services and will not be considered medically necessary for the purpose of
the medical assistance program. Experimental services are not paid by Nevada Medicaid.
Statement from a third party payer/health plan to a beneficiary that lists the services that have been provided, the
amount that was billed for each service, and the amount that was paid.
An independent entity which performs annual external reviews of the quality of services furnished under State
contracts with MCO to render Medicaid services.
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FACTOR
Means an individual or an organization, such as a collection agency or service bureau, that advances money to a
provider for accounts receivable that the provider has assigned, sold or transferred to the individual organization
for an added fee or a deduction of a portion of the accounts receivable.
FAMILY
An individual who is a LRI for a child. Family for both children and adults may also include siblings and/or other
individuals identified by the recipient or legal guardian as integral in their home/community environment or mental
health stabilization.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
The family’s active input, guidance and participation in treatment planning, implementation, monitoring and
follow up. Family involvement must be documented on the Treatment Plan anytime there is a LRI for a child and
when a recipient identifies a family member as being integral to their mental health stabilization. Required family
involvement in treatment planning must be documented on the Treatment Plan when the plan is reviewed every
90 days and at any time the plan is revised. If is deemed clinically appropriate, family involvement may occur for
adult recipients.
FAMILY MEMBER
42 CFR 440.167(b) and State Medicaid Manual Section 4480: D define family member, for the purposes of PCS,
as a LRI.
Section 1905(a)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act requires states to provide family planning services and supplies
(directly or under arrangements with others) to individuals of childbearing age (including minors who can be
considered to be sexually active) who are eligible under the State plan and who desire such services and supplies.
Section 1902(a)(10)(A) specifies family planning services be made available to categorically needy Medicaid
recipients while §1902(a)(10)(C) indicates the services may be provided to medically needy Medicaid recipients
at the State’s option.
The term "family planning services" is not defined in the law or in regulations. However, Congress intended that
emphasis be placed on the provision of services to "aid those who voluntarily choose not to risk an initial
pregnancy," as well as those families with children who desire to control family size. In keeping with congressional
intent, these services may be defined as narrowly as services which either prevent or delay pregnancy, or they may
be more broadly defined to also include services for the treatment of infertility. However, the Medicaid definition
must be consistent with overall state policy and regulation regarding the provision of family planning services.
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The amount of federal money a state receives for expenditures under its Medicaid program.
Under the authority of 45 CFR, Part 19, the Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Board of the U.S. DHHS has
determined the maximum allowable ingredient costs. These limits apply to all Medicaid prescriptions unless
exempted as "Medically necessary" by the prescriber. The FUL for multiple source drugs which and upper limit
has been set does not apply if a physician certifies in his or her own handwriting that a specific brand is medically
necessary for a particular recipient, and the statement “brand medically necessary” appears on the face of the
prescription.
The upper limit for multiple source drugs meets the criteria set forth in federal regulations. The FUL price list will
be updated approximately every six months. This listing is now available at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/FederalUpperLimits.
Means an entity as defined in 42 CFR 405.240(b). An FQHC is located in a rural or urban area that has been
designated as either a shortage is or an area that has a medically underserved population and has a current provider
agreement with the DHCFP.
FEE-FOR-SERVICE (FFS)
One method of payment reimbursement whereby the State of Nevada may reimburse Medicaid providers for a
service rendered to a recipient.
FMS is a critical support and important safeguard for participants self-directing their waiver services. The FMS
acts as the fiscal agent and manages payroll and employment tasks, and pays invoices for goods and services listed
in the individual budget. The FMS also ensures service providers meet the qualifications and training requirements,
submit background checks, purchase worker’s compensation insurance and submit required quality management
and utilization reports. FMS are an administrative activity.
FISCAL AGENT
The program's fiscal agent is an entity under contract to the DHCFP with responsibility for the prompt and proper
processing of all claims for payment of covered services in accordance with policies and procedures established
by Nevada Medicaid.
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3. trace, identify and apply any and all prior resources, including third-party liability and subrogation;
FOR CAUSE
For cause terminations are terminations related to fraud, integrity or quality issues which run counter to the overall
success of the Medicaid Program.
FRAUD
Fraud is an intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that the deception
could result in some unauthorized benefit to himself/herself or some other person. It includes any act that
constitutes fraud under applicable federal or state law. (42 CFR 455.2)
A federal statutory requirement that children and youth with disabilities receive a public education appropriate to
their needs at no cost to their families.
Working at least 30 hours per week for wages/salary, or attending school at least 30 hours per week.
FUNCTIONAL ABILITY
Functional ability is defined as a measurement of the ability to perform ADLs progressing from dependence to
independence. This includes, but may not be limited to: personal care, grooming, self-feeding, transferring from
bed to chair, ambulation or wheelchair mobility, functional use of the extremities with or without the use of
adaptive equipment, effective speech or communication and adequate function of the respiratory system for
ventilation and gas exchange to supply the individual's usual activity level.
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The FASP is an assessment tool used by an enrolled and trained physical or occupational therapist, to complete an
in-home assessment, to identify the ability/inability of a recipient to perform ADLs and IADLs. This assessment
identifies an applicant’s/recipient’s unmet needs and provides a mechanism for determining the appropriate
amount of personal care service hours, based on the recipient’s needs and functional ability. The FASP also
evaluates the environment in which services are provided and the availability of support systems.
FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT
Functional impairment is a temporary or permanent disability (resulting from an injury or sudden trauma, aging,
disease or congenital condition) which limits a person's ability to perform one or more ADLs or IADLs including,
but not limited to, dressing, bathing, grooming, mobility, eating, meal preparation, shopping, cleaning,
communicating and performing cognitive tasks such as problem solving, processing information and learning.
FURNISHED
Furnished refers to items and services provided directly by, or under the direct supervision of, or ordered by a
practitioner or other individual (either as an employee or in his or her own capacity), a provider or other supplier
of services.
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Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the masculine gender includes the feminine gender. The singular
number includes the plural number, and the plural number includes the singular. The present tense includes the
future tense. The use of masculine noun or pronoun in conferring a benefit or imposing a duty does not exclude a
female person from that benefit or duty. The use of a feminine noun or pronoun in conferring a benefit or imposing
a duty does not exclude a male person from that benefit or duty.
GENERAL PUBLIC
General Public is defined as the patient group accounting for the largest number of non-Medicaid prescriptions
from a pharmacy. This excludes patients who purchase or receive prescriptions through third party payers such as
Blue Cross, Aetna, PAID, PCS, etc. If a pharmacy discounts prices to specified customers, (e.g. 10% discount to
senior citizens) these lower prices should be excluded from usual and customary calculations unless they represent
more than 50% of the store's prescription volume.
The MCO can elect to offer health care services to recipients residing in any or all towns, cities and/or counties in
Nevada for which the MCO has been certified by the Nevada State Insurance Commissioner. The MCO must meet
the requirements of NAC 695C.160.
GOALS
Goals are components of Treatment and/or Rehabilitation Plans. Goals are outcome driven. Goals are created
during the treatment/rehabilitation planning process and must include the involvement and agreement of the
recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors). Treatment/rehabilitation goals are written
statements that specify anticipated treatment/rehabilitation outcomes and provide indicators of
treatment/rehabilitation success. Goals must be specific, measurable (observable), achievable, realistic and time-
limited. Goals must clearly address specific behaviors and/or problems and they must evolve in conjunction with
the recipient’s functional progress.
GRIEVANCE
Any oral or written communications made by an enrollee, or a provider acting on behalf of a recipient with the
recipient’s written consent, to any of the Contractor’s employees or its providers expressing dissatisfaction with
any aspect of the Contractor’s operations, activities or behavior, regardless of whether the communication requests
any remedial actions.
An establishment that furnishes food, shelter, assistance and limited supervision to a person with intellectual
disabilities or with a physical disability or a person who is aged or infirm. The term includes, without limitation,
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an assisted living facility as defined in NRS 449.017. These are entities that have provider agreements with
Medicaid and are licensed by the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) as Residential Facilities
for Groups.
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HABILITATION SERVICES
Services designed to assist individuals in acquiring, retaining and improving the self-help, socialization and
adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in a home and community-based setting.
The HLD is a scoring tool used by orthodontic providers to determine "medically necessary handicapping
malocclusion" for orthodontia. A score of 26 or higher is required for Nevada Medicaid to consider reimbursement
for orthodontics.
An arrangement whereby any person undertakes to provide, arrange for, pay for or reimburse any part of the cost
of any health care services, and at least part of the arrangement consists of arranging for, or the provision of, health
care services paid for by, or on behalf of, the recipient on a periodic prepaid basis (according to NRS 695C.030.4).
A physician or any of the following: a podiatrist, optometrist, chiropractor, psychologist, dentist, physician
assistant, physical or occupational therapist, therapist assistant, speech-language pathologist, audiologist,
registered or practical nurse (including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse
anesthetist and certified nurse midwife) licensed clinical social worker, registered respiratory therapist and
certified respiratory therapy technician. States may, at their sole discretion, expand this list to include other health
care professionals.
Health care records refer to any reports, notes, orders, photographs, x-rays or other recorded data or information
whether maintained in written, electronic or another form which is received or produced by a physician of health
care, or any person employed by him/her, and contains information relating to the medical history, examination,
diagnosis or treatment of the recipient.
Any services included in the furnishing to any natural person of medical or dental care or hospitalization or incident
to the furnishing of such care or hospitalization, as well as the furnishing to any person any other services for the
purpose of preventing, alleviating, curing or healing human illness or injury (according to NRS 695C.030.5).
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HEALTH EDUCATION
Health education means the guidance, including anticipatory, offered to assist in understanding what to expect in
terms of a child’s development and to provide information about the benefits of healthy lifestyles and practices as
well as accident and disease prevention.
The HIPAA of 1996 is a law to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system. HIPAA included
a series of “administrative simplification: procedures that establish national standards for electronic health care
transactions, and requires health plans (i.e. Medicaid and NCU) and health care providers that process claims and
other transactions electronically to adopt security and privacy standards in order to protect personal health
information.
An HMO, by Nevada Medicaid standards, is an entity that must provide its Medicaid or NCU enrollees inpatient
hospital, outpatient hospital, laboratory, x-ray, family planning, physician, dental and home health services. The
HMO provides these services for a premium or capitation fee, whether or not the individual enrollee receives
services.
HEDIS consists of a standardized set of measures to assess and continuously improve the performance of MCOs
and allow comparison of Contractors.
HEALTHY KIDS
Health Kids is the Nevada name for EPSDT. Please refer to definition for EPSDT.
HEARING
A hearing is an orderly, readily available proceeding before a hearing officer, which provides for an impartial
process to determine the correctness of an agency action.
HEARING OFFICER
The Hearing Officer is an impartial fact-finder who may or may not be an employee of the DHCFP. The Hearing
Officer is an individual who has not been directly involved in the investigation or initial determination of the action
in question.
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HEMODIALYSIS
A process of cleansing blood of waste products (e.g. urea, creatinine) as the blood passes through an artificial
kidney machine, diffuses across a man-made membrane into a specific cleansing solution (a dialysate solution)
and returns to an individuals’ body.
Section 1915(c) of the Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive certain
Medicaid statutory requirements to enable states to cover a broad array of HCBS as an alternative to
institutionalization. These waivers include state wideness, comparability and categorical eligibility of institutional
Medicaid which allows states to offer a wide array of services, defined by the state, to those recipients who may
otherwise require institutionalization.
HOME ENVIRONMENT
The residence of the recipient whether it is the natural environment or a substitute setting.
An HHA is a health care provider licensed, certified or authorized by state and federal laws to provide health care
services in the home. An HHA provides skilled services in the home. An HHA provides skilled services and non-
skilled services to recipients on an intermittent and periodic basis. The HHA must meet the conditions of
participation as stated in the MSM Chapters 100 and 1400. To participate in the Medicaid program, an HHA must
meet the conditions of participation of Medicare.
A home health aide is an attendant certified by the State Board of Nursing who provides care to individuals under
the supervision of a RN and in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act.
Home health services are a mandatory benefit for individuals entitled to NF services under the state's Medicaid
plan. Services must be provided at a recipient's place of residence and must be ordered by a physician as part of a
POC that the physician reviews every sixty days. Home health services must include nursing services, as defined
in the state's Nurse Practice Act, that are provided on a part-time or intermittent basis by an HHA, home health
aide services provided by an HHA, and medical supplies, equipment and appliances suitable for use in the home.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and audiology services are optional services States may
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choose to provide. To participate in the Medicaid program, an HHA must meet the conditions of participation for
Medicare.
HOMEBOUND
Recipients are considered homebound if he/she has a condition due to an illness or injury that restricts his/her
ability to leave his/her place of residence except with the aid of supportive devices such as crutches, canes,
wheelchairs and walkers, the use of special transportation, or the assistance of another person, or if leaving the
home is medically contraindicated. Nevada Medicaid does not require beneficiaries of HHA service to be
homebound.
HOMEMAKER SERVICES
Services consisting of light housekeeping tasks including cleaning, laundry, essential shopping and meal
preparation.
HOSPICE
A public or private organization or subdivision primarily engaged in providing care to terminally ill individuals is
Medicare certified, is licensed as a hospice in the State of Nevada by Nevada's HCQC and has an approved provider
agreement with the DHCFP.
Formally organized services designed to provide and coordinate hospice interdisciplinary team services to
recipient/family in the place of residence.
HOSPICE PROGRAM
A coordinated program of home and/or inpatient care, available 24 hours a day, that utilizes an interdisciplinary
team of personnel trained to provide services to a patient/family unit experiencing a life limiting disease with a
terminal prognosis.
HOSPICE SERVICES
Hospice services are an optional benefit provided under Nevada Medicaid. A hospice is a public agency or private
organization, or a subdivision of either, that primarily engaged in providing care to terminally ill individuals. A
participating hospice must meet the Medicare conditions of participation for hospices and have a valid provider
agreement. In order to be eligible to elect hospice care under Nevada Medicaid, and individual must be certified
as being terminally ill. An individual is considered to be terminally ill if the individual has a medical prognosis
that his or her life expectancy is six months or less.
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HOSPITAL
A hospital (other than tuberculosis or psychiatric) is a state-licensed, Medicare-certified inpatient medical facility
primarily engaged in providing services, by or under the supervision of a physician or dentist, for the diagnosis,
care, and treatment or rehabilitation of sick, injured or disabled individuals, and is not primarily for the care and
treatment of mental disease.
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IMMEDIATE RELATIVE
1. husband or wife;
IMPROPER PAYMENT
An improper payment is any payment that is billed to or paid by the DHCFP that is not in accordance with:
3. contractual requirements;
An improper payment can be an overpayment or an underpayment. Improper payments include, but are not limited
to:
6. improper payments discovered during federal PERM reviews or Financial and Policy Compliance Audits;
9. duplicate payments;
11. payments for unbundled services when an all-inclusive bundled code should have been billed;
13. data entry errors resulting in incorrect payments; payments where the incorrect procedure code was billed
(up-coding);
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18. payments that cannot be substantiated by appropriate or sufficient medical or service record documentation.
INCAPABLE CAREGIVER
2. documented physical limitations (unable to render care such as inability to lift patient);
3. significant health issues (with physical or mental health), as documented by the caregiver’s treating
physician, that prevents or interferes with the provision of care.
A clinical laboratory independent of an attending or consulting physicians’ office or of a hospital that, at least,
meets the requirements to qualify as an emergency hospital as defined in 1861 of the Social Security Act.
An individual who independently contracts with the DHCFP to provide personal care services or skilled services
to a recipient where no Personal Care Services (PCS) Agency or Intermediary Service Organization (ISO) is
available. The independent contractor holds a Medicaid provider number and receives all payments from Medicaid
and must meet the conditions of participation as stated in MSM Chapter 100, Chapter 2600 and in a specific
provider agreement for waiver services.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary source of medical and other health services for American Indian
and Alaska Native people living on federal Indian reservations and in other communities served by the IHS. IHS
services are services that the United States Government provides to federally recognize American Indian tribes
and Alaska Native villages based on a special government-to-government relationship. This relationship is the
result of treaties between the federal government and Indian tribes and federal legislation. The IHS delivery system
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includes over 500 health care facilities, including 51 hospitals, operated directly by the IHS or by Indian tribes or
tribal organizations under agreements (contracts, grants or compacts) authorized by Title I or III of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (Public Law 93-638, as amended).
INDIVIDUAL BUDGET
An amount of waiver funds that is under the control and direction of the waiver participant when a waiver makes
available the Budget Authority participant direction opportunity. Also referred as the “Participant-Directed
Budget.”
An IPP is developed for each recipient by an IDT utilizing Person-Centered-Planning. The plan is based on
accurate, comprehensive, functional assessments to identify the recipient’s needs. It includes specific, measurable
objectives to meet the recipient’s needs and written programs to implement the objectives.
INDIVIDUAL PROVIDERS
Refers to an individual contracting with the DHCFP to provide AC, Homemaker, Chore or Respite services to
Nevada Medicaid recipients. The individual provider holds a Medicaid provider number and receives all payments
from Medicaid. The individual provider must meet the conditions of participation as stated in MSM Chapter 100
and Chapter 2300 and in a specific provider agreement for waiver services.
2. personal goals;
4. agreed upon support services that are to be provided through the waiver by contracted providers.
The ISP also identifies natural supports and state plan services. The ISP is developed by the Regional Service
Coordinators (Case Managers), in partnership with the recipient and their support team, who utilize approved
assessment tools to identify the recipient’s interests, personal goals, health status and current skills in order to
determine the level and type of service and supports required to adequately address health and welfare needs,
promote skill acquisition and independence and facilitate achievement of personal goals.
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A written plan for every student receiving special education services that contain information such as the student’s
special learning needs and the specific education services required for the student. The document is periodically
reviewed and updated at least annually.
The federal law that mandates that a free and appropriate public education is available to all school-age children
with disabilities.
42 CFR, Section 483.102(b)(3) states an individual is considered to have intellectual disability if he or she has a
level of retardation (mild, moderate, severe or profound) described in the American Association on Intellectual
Disability’s Manual on Classification in Intellectual Disability (1983).
A person with an intellectual disability demonstrates significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in
adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the
age 18.
As defined in 42 CFR, Section 435.1009, "persons with related conditions" means individuals who have a severe,
chronic disability that meets all of the following conditions:
Attributable to:
1. Cerebral palsy or epilepsy; or any other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to
intellectual disability, resulting in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior
similar to that of intellectually disabled persons, and requiring similar treatment and services.
4. Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
a. Self-care;
c. Learning;
d. Mobility;
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e. Self-direction; or
INFORMED CONSENT
A hospice must demonstrate respect for a recipient’s rights by ensuring that an informed consent form specifying
the type of care and services that may be provided as hospice care during the course of the illness has been obtained
for every individual, either from the recipient or designated representative.
A signed consent form that meets all of the federal sterilization consent form requirements specified in 42 CFR
441.250 through 441.259 and in 42 CFR 482.24 (c)(4)(v).
INHERENT COMPLEXITY
A service that by nature of its difficulty requires the skills of a trained professional to perform, monitor or teach.
This definition is used by HHA’s to determine the need for skilled services and the type of provider.
An innovator multi-source drug was the original single-source drug before generic drug introduction into the
market. The remainder of the manufacturers produce only generic (multi-source) drugs.
INPATIENT
An inpatient is an individual receiving room, board and medical care in an acute, critical access, psychiatric or
specialty hospital or nursing facility.
Services ordered by a physician or dentist primarily for the care and treatment of individuals with disorders other
than mental illness, admitted to a Medicare-certified and state licensed hospital that has a utilization review plan
in effect that meets the requirements of 42 CFR 482.30, 42 CFR 456.50, and 42 CFR 440.10. Inpatient hospital
services do not include skilled nursing services furnished in a swing-bed.
A Medicare certified, state licensed, free standing or hospital based facility that provides intensive services to
restore optimal function following an accident or injury (e.g. head and spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury,
cerebrovascular accident (CVA), cardiac-related disorders). Rehabilitation hospitals generally do not provide
surgical or obstetrical services.
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INSTITUTIONAL STATUS
For purposes of Medicaid eligibility, please refer to the Welfare Division Eligibility Manual and cross references
in Chapter 500 of the MSM.
A hospital, NF or institution of more than 16 beds that is primarily engaged in providing diagnosis, treatment or
care of persons with mental diseases, including medical attention, nursing care and related services. Whether an
institution is an IMDs is determined by its overall character as that of a facility established and maintained
primarily for the care and treatment of individuals with mental diseases, whether or not it is licensed as such (42
CFR 435.1009). In Nevada, IMDs are commonly referred to as “psychiatric hospitals.”
Nevada Medicaid only reimburses for services to IMD/psychiatric hospital patients who are age 65 or older, or
under age 21.
IADLs are activities related to independent living including meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping and
essential shopping.
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
A disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which
covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18. A diagnosis of
intellectual disability is made based on commonly used standardized tests of intelligence and standardized adaptive
behavior instruments.
INTELLECTUAL FUNCTIONING
Also called intelligence, refers to general mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving and so on.
An IQ test score of around 70 or as high as 75 indicates a limitation in an individual’s intellectual functioning.
The assessed level of needs and the amount, scope and duration of RMH services required to improve or retain a
recipient’s level of functioning or prevent relapse. The determination cannot be based upon the habilitative needs
of the recipient. Intensity of needs determination is completed by a trained QMHP or QMHA. Intensity of Needs
Determinations are based on several components consistent with person and family centered
treatment/rehabilitation planning. Intensity of Needs redeterminations must be completed every 90 days or anytime
there is a substantial change in the recipient’s clinical status.
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INTERDISCIPLINARY GROUP
A group of qualified individuals with expertise in meeting the special needs of hospice recipients and their families.
This group must consist of, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Physician;
2. RN;
The IDT is comprised of professionals, and when appropriate paraprofessionals and non-professionals, who
possess the knowledge, skill and expertise necessary to accurately identify the comprehensive array of the
recipient’s needs and design appropriate services and specialized programs responsive to these needs.
The IDT, which evaluates the recipient and develops, reviews and revises the POC, must include:
1. a physician;
2. an RN;
4. other professionals, as appropriate, to develop and review the plan. The other professions which may be
represented on the IDT include a:
b. social worker;
c. recreation therapist;
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e. speech-language pathologist;
f. dietician;
g. psychologist;
h. psychiatrist;
i. dentist;
j. pharmacist; or
Inpatient hospital days reimbursed at a lower per diem rate when a recipient’s status does not meet an acute level
of care and the recipient cannot be discharged due to social reasons (e.g. a stable newborn is waiting for adoption)
despite comprehensive documented discharge efforts.
An ISO is an entity acting as an intermediary between Medicaid recipients, who elect the Self-Directed (SD)
service delivery model and the Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) who provide those services. In the SD service
delivery model, the recipient is the managing employer of the PCA and the ISO is the employer of record,
providing both fiscal and supportive services.
An institution (or distinct part of an institution), which is primarily for the diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation of
individuals with intellectual disabilities or a related condition. In a protected residential setting, an ICF/IID facility
provides ongoing evaluation, planning, 24-hour supervision, coordination and integration for health and
rehabilitative services to help individuals function at their home.
ICF/IID means an establishment operated and maintained to provide 24-hour personal and medical supervision for
a person who does not have illness, disease, injury or other condition that would require the degree of care and
treatment which a hospital or facility for skilled nursing is designed to provide. Persons in this facility must have
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a diagnosis of intellectual disability or a condition related to an intellectual disability. This LOC identifies if an
individual’s total needs are such that they could be routinely met on an inpatient basis in an ICF/IID.
Health and rehabilitative services provided to an individual with intellectual disabilities person or person with a
related condition. The services are certified as needed and provided in a licensed inpatient facility.
INTERMITTENT SERVICES
Social Security Act Sections 1814(a)(2)(c) and 1835(a)(2)(a) defines intermittent services as to skilled nursing and
home health aide care that is either provided or needed on fewer than seven days per week, or less than eight hours
each day for a period of 21 days or less and 28 or fewer hours each week.
ICD refers to the diagnostic codes required on claims for Medicaid payment.
INTERPERIODIC
Interperiodic means at intervals other than those indicated in the periodicity schedule.
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KICKBACKS
The offering or receiving of any payments or incentives by/from a provider for referring patients, including illegal
cash reimbursements, vacations, merchandise or personal services. (NRS 422.560)
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The Lead Case Manager is only used if a recipient is included in more than one target group at a given time. The
Lead Case Manager is a case manager, and represents Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED) children and
adolescents or Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) adults. The Lead Case Manager coordinates the recipient’s care and
services with another case manager. The lead case manager is responsible for coordinating the additional case
management services, whether or not, chronologically, the lead case manager was the original or the subsequent
case manager.
The least confining, most normative environment possible, which is individualized to the recipient and does not
subject the individual to unnecessary health or safety risks. Services are delivered with the least amount of
intrusion, disruption or departure from the individual’s typical patterns of living that most support the person’s
level of independence, productivity and inclusion in the community.
Absences for special circumstances (e.g. an absence for a few hours due to the death of an immediate family
member or for a therapeutic reason such as a trial home visit to prepare for independent living). Reference
therapeutic leave of absences.
LEGAL BLINDNESS
1. Visual acuity with correcting lenses of worse than 20/200 in the better eye; or
2. Field of vision subtending an angle of less than 20 degrees in the better eye.
Individuals who are legally responsible to provide medical support including: spouses of recipients, legal
guardians, and parents of minor recipients, including: stepparents, foster parents and adoptive parents.
LEGEND DRUGS
Legend pharmaceuticals are those bearing the insignia “Rx only” on the label, and/or bearing statement “Caution:
Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription.”
Level I Identification screening is the initial screening assessment conducted in the PASRR program. It is used to
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identify individuals suspected of serious mental illness, intellectual disability and/or related conditions. Every NF
applicant, regardless of payer source, must be screened prior to admission to a NF.
A hospital meeting the Level I Trauma Center criteria described in the most recent version of the Resources for
Optimal Care of the Injured Patient and published by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of
Surgeons, having a full range of specialists and equipment immediately available on a twenty-four hour basis to
provide the highest level of definitive and comprehensive care for acutely injured patients of all ages and serving
as a regional resource, responsible for research, professional and community education, prevention and
consultative community outreach services and programs statewide.
The LOC determines the reimbursement for each day the recipient is enrolled in a hospice benefit. Each day of
hospice care is classified into one of four levels:
1. Routine Home Care – A day on which an individual who has elected to receive hospice care is in a place
of residence, this includes individuals residing in a NF and is not receiving continuous care as defined.
2. Continuous Home Care – A day on which an individual who has elected to receive hospice care is not an
inpatient facility and receiving hospice care consisting predominantly of nursing care.
3. Inpatient Respite Care – A day on which an individual who has elected hospice care receives care in an
approved facility on a short-term basis only when necessary to relieve the family members or other persons
caring for the individual at home.
4. General Inpatient Care – A day on which an individual who has elected hospice care receives general
inpatient care in an inpatient facility for pain control or acute or chronic symptom management which
cannot be managed in other settings.
The process that is used to determine if an individual’s total needs and condition are such that they require the
level of services offered in a NF. The LOC instrument documents the requirement that the individual have at least
three functional deficits and would require imminent placement in a NF (within 30 days) if HCBS Waiver services
or other supports were not available. The LOC screening instrument and procedures utilized for admission to NFs
are the same as utilized for admission into a 1915(c) HCBS Waiver.
LICENSURE
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LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING
Light housekeeping means performing or helping the recipient to perform minor cleaning tasks. Examples of light
housekeeping tasks include, but are not limited to, changing bed linens, washing dishes, vacuuming and dusting.
A public elementary or secondary school, or unit school district, or special education cooperative or joint
agreement.
LOCK-OUT
Lock-out refers to a provider sanction that suspends the Medicaid agreement between Nevada Medicaid and the
provider for a set period of time.
A Medicare-certified and state-licensed free-standing or hospital-based facility that provides comprehensive, long-
term acute care for medically complex recipients having an acute illness, injury or exacerbation of a disease process
or multi-system complications and/or failures (e.g. ventilation care and/or weaning, wound care, treatment of
complex infections or neurological conditions).
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MAINTENANCE DRUG
Maintenance Drug is defined as any drug used continuously for a chronic condition.
MAINTENANCE THERAPY
The repetitive services required to maintain function generally do not involve complex and sophisticated therapy
procedures, and consequently the judgment and skill of a qualified therapist are not required for safety and
effectiveness. As such, “maintenance” programs do not meet the requirement of being restorative or rehabilitative
and are not a covered benefit by Nevada Medicaid. In certain instances the specialized knowledge and judgment
of a qualified therapist may be required to establish a maintenance program. For example, a Parkinson patient who
has not been under a restorative physical therapy program may require the services of a therapist to determine what
type of exercises will contribute the most to maintain the patient’s present functional level. Establishing a home
based maintenance program is typically limited to one evaluation visit.
MAMMOGRAPHY
Radiography of the soft tissues of the breast to allow identification of various benign and malignant neoplastic
processes.
MANAGED CARE
A system of health care delivery that influences utilization and cost of services and measures performance. The
goal is a system that delivers value by giving people access to quality, cost–effective health care.
Managed Care is a system of health care delivery that influences utilization, cost of services and measures
performance. The delivery system is generally administered by an MCO, which may also be known as a HMO.
An MCO or HMO is an entity that must provide its Medicaid or NCU enrollees inpatient hospital, outpatient
hospital, laboratory, x-ray, family planning, physician, home health services, emergency services and additional
contracted State Plan benefits. The MCO provides these services for a premium or capitation fee, regardless of
whether the individual enrollee receives services.
1. integrate financing and management with delivery of health care services to an enrolled population;
2. employ or contract with an organized provider network which delivers services and (as a network or
individual provider) shares financial risk or has some incentive to deliver quality, cost-effective services;
and
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3. use an information system capable of monitoring and evaluating patterns of covered persons’ uses of
medical services and the cost of those services.
MANAGING EMPLOYER
In a self-directed care model, refers to the recipient who selects, schedules, directs, trains and discharges his or
her PCA. As a managing employer, the recipient manages the day to day aspects of the employment relationship.
MARKETING
Any communication from the Provider, including its employees, affiliated providers, agents or contractors to a
Medicaid or NCU recipient who is not a client of the provider that can be reasonably interpreted as intended to
influence the recipient to utilize that Provider.
MARKETING MATERIALS
Materials that are produced in any medium by or on behalf of the MCO and can reasonably be interpreted as
intended to market potential clients.
The Maternity Kick Payment is payment made to an MCO which is intended to reimburse the health plan for
costs associated specifically with covered delivery costs and postpartum care.
1. CMS for multiple source drugs that meet the criteria set forth in 42 CFR 447.332 and 1927(f)(2) of the
Act; or
2. The DHCFP for multiple source drugs under the State Maximum Allowable Cost (SMAC).
A generic drug may be considered for MAC pricing if there are two or more therapeutically equivalent, multi-
source, non-innovator drugs with a significant cost difference. The SMAC will be based on drug status (including
non-rebateable, rebateable, obsolete, therapeutic equivalency ratings) marketplace availability and cost. The
obsolete drug status will be taken into account to ensure that the MAC pricing is not influenced by the prices
listed for obsolete drugs. The SMAC will be based on drug prices obtained from a nationally recognized
comprehensive data file maintained by a vendor under contract with the DHCFP.
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Medicaid Billing Number is an eleven digit number in one of the following forms: 12345600010 or 00000123456
and used to identify Medicaid recipients. Providers use the billing number when submitting claims for payment
on services provided to Medicaid recipients.
MER is a federally mandated program for deceased individuals age 55 or older who are subject to estate recovery
for medical assistance paid by Medicaid on their behalf.
MEDICAID INTEGRITY
Medicaid integrity involves the planning, prevention, detection and investigative/recovery activities undertaken
to minimize or prevent overpayments due to Medicaid fraud, waste, abuse or improper payments.
A computer system designed to help managers plan and direct business and organizational operations.
This is a mandated advisory committee whose purpose it is to act in an advisory capacity to the state Medicaid
Administrator.
This plan of treatment is developed in coordination with licensed nursing personnel by a licensed physician, if
the physician determines that the recipient requires 24 hour licensed nursing care. Thus, recipients with chronic
but stable health problems such as epilepsy do not require medical care plans. The medical care plan must be
integrated with the IPP.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
The Medical Director must be a hospice employee who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy. The Medical
Director assumes overall responsibility for the medical component of the hospice's recipient care program. The
Medical Director must be an approved Medicaid provider if he/she provides direct patient care services in order
to bill for direct Medicaid reimbursement.
MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
For the purposes of obtaining DMEPOS through Nevada Medicaid and NCU, medical documentation used to
support medical necessity is part of a medical record which is completed, signed and dated by a licensed medical
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professional. Clinical reports or assessments required to support medical necessity must be from a
licensed/certified professional performing within their scope of practice. Information used as medical
documentation cannot be compiled or composed by the recipient, their relatives or representatives.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Medical Emergency is the sudden onset of an acute condition where a delay of 24 hours in treatment could result
in very severe pain, loss of life or limb, loss of eyesight or hearing, injury to self or bodily harm to others. This is
a higher degree of need than one implied by the words "medically necessary" and requires a physician's
determination that it exists.
MEDICAL HOME
Refers to inclusion of a program recipient on the patient panel of a Primary Care Physician and the ability of the
recipient to rely on the PCP for access to and coordination of their medical care.
The development and provision of a nutritional treatment or therapy based on a detailed assessment of a person’s
medical history, psychosocial history, physical examination and dietary history. It is used to treat an illness or
condition, or as a means to prevent or delay complications from nutritionally related disease states.
MEDICAL SUPERVISION
The documented oversight which determines the medical appropriateness of the mental health program and
services rendered. Medical supervision must be documented at least annually and at all times when determined
medically appropriate based on review of circumstance. Medical supervision includes the on-going evaluation
and monitoring of the quality and effectiveness of the services provided and may be provided through on and
offsite means of communication. Medical supervision may be secured through a current written agreement, job
description or similar type of binding document. BHCNs and all inpatient mental health services are required to
have medical supervision.
MEDICAL SUPERVISOR
A licensed physician with at least two years’ experience in a mental health treatment setting who, as documented
by the BHCN, has the competency to oversee and evaluate a comprehensive mental and/or behavioral health
treatment program including rehabilitation services and medication management to individuals who are
determined as SED or SMI.
MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is any conveyance of a Medicaid recipient to and from providers of medically necessary Medicaid
covered services, or medical services that Medicaid would cover except for the existence of prior resources such
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1. QMBs without other Medicaid (QMB Only) - These individuals are entitled to Medicare Part A, have
income of 100% FPL or less, resources that do not exceed twice the limit for SSI eligibility, and are not
otherwise eligible for full Medicaid. Medicaid pays their Medicare Part A premiums, if any, Medicare
Part B premiums, and, to the extent consistent with the Medicaid State Plan, Medicare deductibles and
coinsurance for Medicare services provided by Medicare providers. FFP equals the Federal Medical
Assistance Percentage (FMAP).
2. QMBs with full Medicaid (QMB Plus) - These individuals are entitled to Medicare Part A, have income
of 100% FPL or less, resources that do not exceed twice the limit for SSI eligibility, and are eligible for
full Medicaid benefits. Medicaid pays their Medicare Part A premiums, if any, Medicare Part B premiums,
to the extent consistent with the Medicaid State Plan, Medicare deductibles and coinsurance, and provides
full Medicaid benefits. FFP equals FMAP.
3. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs) without other Medicaid (SLMB Only) - These
individuals are entitled to Medicare Part A, have income of greater than 100% FPL, but less than 120%
FPL and resources that do not exceed twice the limit for SSI eligibility, and are not otherwise eligible for
Medicaid. Medicaid pays their Medicare Part B premiums only. FFP equals FMAP.
4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWIs) - These individuals no longer have Medicare Part
A benefits due to a return to work. However, they are eligible to purchase Medicare Part A benefits if they
have income of 200% FPL or less and resources that do not exceed twice the limit for SSI eligibility, and
are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid pays the Medicare Part A premiums only. FFP equals
FMAP.
5. Medicaid Only Dual Eligibles (Non QMB, SLMB, QDWI, QI-1, or QI-2), these individuals are entitled
to Medicare Part A and/or Part B and are eligible for full Medicaid benefits. They are not eligible for
Medicaid as a QMB, SLMB, QDWI, QI-1, or QI-2. Typically, these individuals need to spend down their
resources to qualify for Medicaid or meet the requirements for a Medicaid eligibility poverty group that
exceeds the limits listed above. Medicaid provides full Medicaid benefits and pays for Medicaid services
received from Medicaid providers, but Medicaid will only pay for services also covered by Medicare if
the Medicaid payment rate is higher than the amount paid by Medicare, and, within this limit, will only
pay to the extent necessary to pay the beneficiary's Medicare cost-sharing liability. Payment by Medicaid
of Medicare Part B premiums is a state option; however, states may not receive FFP for Medicaid services
also covered by Medicare Part B for certain individuals who could have been covered under Medicare
Part B had they been enrolled. FFP equals FMAP.
These interchangeable terms refer to a motor vehicle staffed and equipped to transport one or two persons in
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Mental health services are those techniques, therapies or treatments provided to an individual who has an acute,
clinically identifiable psychiatric disorder for which periodic or intermittent treatment is recommended, as
identified in the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of mental disorders. These techniques,
therapies or treatments must be provided by a QMHP. Mental health services are provided in a medical or in a
problem-oriented format that includes an assessment of the problem, limitations, a diagnosis and a statement of
treatment goals and objectives, recipient strengths and appropriate community based resources. Treatment should
generally be short term and goal oriented or, in the case of chronic disorders, intermittent and supportive and
rehabilitative.
1. outpatient services, including specialized services for children, the elderly, individuals who are
experiencing symptoms relating to current ICD diagnosis or who are mentally ill, and residents of its
mental health service area who have been discharged from inpatient treatment;
Mentally incompetent individual means an individual who has been declared mentally incompetent by a Federal,
State or local court of competent jurisdiction for any purpose.
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Car mileage is reimbursement by the NET broker at a per mile rate, paid when appropriate and approved by the
NET broker for the transport of an eligible recipient to a covered service.
MDS refers to a federally required resident assessment tool. Information from the MDS is used by the Division
for determining the Medicaid average CMI to adjust the direct care component of each free-standing NF’s rate.
The assistance of a person with a severe functional disability for six hours or less per day in eating, bathing,
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toileting, dressing, moving about and taking care of himself, as defined in NRS 426.723.
A required gathering under IDEA; the only body that can make certain determinations, specifically about a child’s
eligibility for special education.
The MSLT is a standardized and well-validated measure of physiologic sleepiness. The same parameters as for
basic Polysomnography (PSG) are monitored. The MSLT consists of four - five twenty-minute nap opportunities
offered at two-hour intervals. To insure validity, proper interpretation of the MSLT can only be made following
a polysomnogram that was performed the preceding night.
Multiple Source Drugs is defined in §1927(k)(7) of the Social Security Act as covered outpatient drug for which
there are two or more drug products which:
1. are rated as therapeutically equivalent (under the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) most recent
publication of “Approved Drug Products with Therapeutically Equivalence Evaluations”);
2. except as provided in subparagraph (B), are pharmaceutically equivalent and bioequivalent, as defined in
subparagraph (C) and as determined by the FDA; and
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The NCPDP, Inc. is a not-for-profit Standards Developmental Organization representing the pharmacy services
industry.
The NDC is a unique three segment number assigned to each medication listed under Section 510 of the U.S.
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The first segment identifies the drug manufacturer, the second segment
identifies the product, and the third segment identifies the package size.
NEUROLOGY
The Nevada DWSS provides eligibility determinations and services enabling Nevada families, the disabled and
elderly to receive temporary cash and/or medical assistance, in an effort to achieve their highest level of self-
sufficiency.
DWSS also administers the Food Stamp and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs. DWSS
determines eligibility for the Child Health Assurance Program (CHAP) and the Medical Assistance to the Aged,
Blind and Disabled (MAABD) program.
The DHCFP’s official name for its collective Managed Care Programs.
The NMO is responsible for policy, planning and administration of the Nevada Medicaid program; AKA Division,
the DHCFP.
The NRS are the statutory laws of Nevada of a general nature enacted by the Legislature, with such laws arranged
in an orderly manner by subject, and updated after every regular legislative session.
NEWBORN/NEONATE
A designation that begins at birth and lasts through the 28th day of life.
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Non-direct care component means the portion of Medicaid reimbursement rates attributable to administrative,
environmental, property and support care costs reported on the financial and statistical report.
NET is any conveyance service that can be scheduled ahead of time which is necessary to convey an eligible
program recipient to and from covered Medicaid services. The recipient has the duty to use the least expensive
alternative conveyance and the nearest appropriate Medicaid health care provider or medical facility.
The NET broker contracts with individual transportation companies and volunteer drivers who provide NET for
Nevada Medicaid recipients. The NET broker manages, authorizes and coordinates NET services for Medicaid
recipients. The NET broker may not have an ownership interest in a subcontractor for whom the broker is setting
reimbursement rates.
NON-LEGEND DRUGS
Non-legend pharmaceuticals are those not bearing the insignia “Rx only” on the label, and/or “Caution: Federal
law prohibits dispensing without a prescription.” Non-legend pharmaceuticals may also be known as “over-the-
counter” drugs.
A DHCFP document which provides federal due process notice to a recipient of a reduction, suspension,
termination or denial of Medicaid covered services or Waiver program eligibility.
NF is a general NF, free-standing or hospital-based, which is licensed and certified by the Health Division, HCQC,
and provides both skilled and intermediate nursing services.
1. skilled nursing care and related services for residents who require:
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c. on a regular basis, health-related care and services to individuals who, because of their mental or
physical condition, require care and services, above the level of room and board, which can be
made available to them only through institutional facilities.
The NF Tracking Form is the form used as a notification for all NF admissions, service level updates, new or
retro-eligibility determinations, Hospice enrollment or disenrollment, Medicaid Managed Care disenrollment,
discharges and deaths. The information provided on this form is used in determining how and when a NF will be
paid for services rendered.
NURSING SERVICES
Nursing services, as provided by a HHA, are intermittent skilled and non-skilled services, which are based on a
physician's order, administered by a RN or a LPN, or certified home health aide under the supervision of a RN
employee of the certified HHA.
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OBJECTIVES
Objectives are benchmarks to measure progress towards treatment and/or rehabilitation goals. Objectives specify
the steps that must be taken/achieved in order to reach treatment and/or rehabilitation goals. Objectives must be
specific, measurable (observable), achievable, realistic and time-limited. Objectives must clearly address specific
behaviors and/or problems and they must evolve in conjunction with the recipient’s functional progress.
OBSERVATION SERVICES
A well-defined set of specific, clinically appropriate outpatient services, including ongoing short term treatment,
assessment and reassessment furnished in an appropriate location of the hospital when a recipient’s medical needs
do not meet acute care guidelines and/or to assess the need for inpatient admission.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Occupational therapist means a person who is licensed pursuant to NRS 640A to practice occupational therapy
prescribed by a physician. The prescribed service must be of such a level of complexity and sophistication that
only a qualified occupational therapist can provide it.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapy means “the application of purposeful activity in the evaluation, teaching and treatment, in
groups or on an individual basis, of patients who are handicapped by age, physical injury or illness, developmental
or learning disability. Intervention techniques are necessary to increase their independence, alleviate disability
and promote optimal health.”
OTA means a person who is licensed under the provision of NRS 640A.060 to practice occupational therapy
under the direct supervision of a qualified occupational therapist within the scope of practice allowed by state
law. The qualified OTA is not recognized as an independent Medicaid provider.
OCULAR SERVICES
Ocular services include refractive examinations with a prescription for corrective lenses, and fitting and provision
of corrective lenses. Ocular services also include the medical diagnostic examination of the eyes performed by
either an optometrist (within their scope of services) or an ophthalmologist.
OCULARIST
Ocularist refers to a person skilled in measuring, fitting, and dispensing prosthetic eyes.
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Created by the OBRA of 1990, the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program requires a drug manufacturer to enter into and
have in effect a national rebate agreement with the Secretary of the DHHS for States to receive federal funding
for outpatient drugs dispensed to Medicaid patients. The drug rebate program is administered by CMS’s Center
for Medicaid and State Operations (CMSO). The law was amended by the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992
which also requires a drug manufacturer to enter into discount pricing agreements with the Department of
Veterans Affairs and with covered entities funded by the Public Health Service in order to have its drugs covered
by Medicaid.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Ophthalmologist refers to a physician, licensed by the state in which he/she practices, who limits his/her practice to
the science dealing with the structure, functions and diseases of the eye. In addition to the use of medication and
surgical techniques, the provider may prescribe optical instruments and corrective lenses, and may or may not
dispense such items.
OPTICIAN
Optician refers to a person licensed by the state in which the provider operates as a maker or dealer in optical items
and instruments (to include spectacle lenses) and who may construct such items and instruments to prescription.
The provider does not perform ocular examinations, but may dispense optical aids to the patient.
OPTOMETRIST
Optometrists are licensed by the state and skilled in the art and science of examining the eye for visual defects or
faults of refraction and in prescribing, fitting and adapting corrective lenses and/or exercises to correct such faults
or defects. Optometrists may construct correctional eyeglasses and dispense such aids. The optometrist may also
prescribe or direct the use of pharmaceutical agents to treat an abnormality of the eye or its appendages; remove
a foreign object from the eye; or order laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis of an abnormality of the eye or
its appendage.
ORTHOSIS
An orthosis (brace) is a rigid or semi-rigid device which is used for the purpose of supporting a weak or deformed
body member or restricting or eliminating motion in a diseased or injured part of the body. An orthosis can be
either prefabricated or custom-fabricated.
OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER
These are certain types of providers with whom formal contracts may not be in place with the Contractor.
However, the Contractor benefit package includes Medicaid services for which the Contractor will reimburse for
specific services. The Contractor must, at a minimum, pay qualified out-of-network providers for family planning,
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emergency services, out-of-network obstetrical and gynecological providers for recipients within the last trimester
of pregnancy, and prior-authorized specialty services rendered to its recipients at the rate paid by the DHCFP
according the Medicaid FFS rate schedule.
OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL
A Medicare certified, state-licensed hospital that furnishes medically necessary diagnostic and therapeutic
services to a sick or injured individual registered or accepted for care in the hospital, but not formally admitted as
an inpatient and not requiring inpatient services.
OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Outpatient services are those medically necessary services provided for the diagnosis and/or treatment of an
illness or disease for which the patient will not require care in a facility for more than 24 hours. Services are
provided in variety of settings that include, but are not limited to: the office/clinic, home, institution and outpatient
hospital.
OVERPAYMENT
Any payments made by Medicaid for goods or services provided which are later determined to be excessive,
based upon fraudulent claims or the result of improper billing practices.
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PALLIATIVE CARE
Care that relieves or alleviates significant dental pain or bleeding or infection. See Section 1003.9 for list of
accepted dental codes for persons 21 years of age and older.
PALLIATIVE SERVICES
Comfort services of intervention that focus primarily on reduction or abatement of the physical, psychosocial and
spiritual symptoms of terminal illness. Palliative or symptomatic therapy is treatment directed toward controlling
symptoms and maintaining comfort.
PARATRANSIT
Paratransit is a shared-ride program providing transportation for eligible people with disabilities of all ages who
are unable to use fixed-route, fixed-schedule conventional public transportation. Paratransit services may be
designated “curb-to-curb” or “door-to-door.”
PARENT
1. natural, adoptive or foster parent of a child (unless a foster parent is prohibited by State Law from serving
as a parent);
2. a guardian, but not the State if the child is a ward of the State;
3. an individual acting in the place of a natural or adoptive parent (including a grandparent, stepparent or
other relative) with whom the child lives; or
PART TIME
Working at least 15 hours per week for wage/salary or attending school at least 15 hours per week.
PARTICIPANT-DIRECTED BUDGET
An amount of waiver funds that is under the control and direction of the waiver participant when a waiver makes
available the Budget Authority participant direction opportunity, sometimes called the individual budget, as
identified in the ISP.
PARTICIPANT DIRECTION
The opportunity for a waiver participant to exercise choice and control in identifying, accessing and managing
waiver services and other supports in accordance with their needs and personal preferences.
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PL is that portion of a recipient's income that must be paid toward the cost of care.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Performance indicators are preset criteria which involve the recipient or provider and show the outcomes and
impact level of Contract performance on specified sets of the population.
PERIOD OF CRISIS
A period in which the recipient requires continuous care to achieve palliation or management of acute medical
symptoms.
PERIODIC
Periodic means at intervals established for screening by medical, dental and other health care providers to detect
disease or disability that meet reasonable standards of medical practice. The procedures performed and their
frequency will depend upon the child’s age and health history.
These are payment errors discovered during the course of PERM medical record, processing or eligibility reviews.
Joint planning with a recipient and their family (when appropriate) of treatment services and interventions for the
amelioration of symptoms of mental health needs which prohibit effective functioning. Recipient and family
involvement in treatment planning must be documented on the Treatment Plan and/or Rehabilitation Plan, when
the plan is reviewed every 90 days and at any time the plan is revised.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
2. A parent or guardian of, or any other person legally responsible for, a person with a disability who is under
the age of 18 years; or
3. A parent, spouse, guardian or adult child of a person with a disability who suffers from a cognitive
impairment, performs services, in accordance with NRS 629.091, for the person with a disability to help
the person with a disability maintain independence, personal hygiene and safety.
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A person who is employed by or retained pursuant to a contract, by an agency to provide personal care services
in the home, for the purpose of providing personal care services (PCS) to client/recipient.
A PCR is an individual who is directly involved in the day-to-day care of a recipient and is available to direct
care in the home. This individual acts on behalf of the recipient for both skilled and unskilled services when the
recipient is unable to direct his or her own personal care service(s). A PCR must be a responsible adult.
PCS are services that provide eligible Medicaid recipients with direct hands-on assistance or cueing to perform
tasks that relate to the performance of ADLs and IADLs. Services must be performed in accordance with a written
service plan approved by the DHCFP, or its designee, developed in conjunction with the recipient, their LRI or
PCR, and based on the needs of the recipient as determined by a Functional Assessment Service Plan (FASP).
PCS are an optional Medicaid State Plan benefit under the Social Security Act.
An entity, that is licensed by the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC), to provide personal
care services in the home, and which contracts with the DHCFP to provide covered, medically necessary PCS to
eligible Medicaid recipients under the Provider agency service delivery model. The Provider Agency employs the
PCAs who provide the recipients approved PCS.
An electronic medical alert device, worn as a necklace, wristwatch or belt clip, that allows an individual at high
risk of falling to secure help in case of an emergency by pushing a button on the device which dials the phone
remotely. This system alerts the person or agency designated by the individual that an emergency has occurred
and that the individual needs emergency assistance.
Personal Needs Allowance is the amount of money deducted from the recipient’s monthly income when the cost
of care is calculated. The personal needs allowance is $35.00 per month and is intended for the exclusive use of
the recipient as he/she desires for personal items such as clothing, cigarettes, hair styling, etc.
PHARMACEUTICALS
Pharmaceuticals are any drug, compound, mixture or preparations which the U.S. FDA have approved for medical
use.
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Controlled pharmaceuticals are those pharmaceuticals listed in the schedule of substances, controlled by the Drug
Enforcement Administration and/or the State Board of Pharmacy.
P&T Committee is established under NRS. The P&T Committee is comprised of physicians and pharmacist to:
1. identify the prescription drugs that are included or excluded on the preferred drug list for Title XIX and
Title XXI programs;
2. identify the therapeutic classes for review and clinical analysis; and
3. review at least annually the therapeutic classes on the preferred drug list.
PHYSICAL DISABILITY
A physical disability is defined as the inability to perform one or more substantial gainful activities by reason of
any medically determinable physical impairment or combination of impairments which can be expected to result
in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. Disabling impairments must result from
anatomical or physiological abnormalities, which are demonstrable by medically acceptable clinical and
laboratory diagnostic techniques, and must be established by competent medical evidence.
To be considered for services under Medicaid, individuals must be determined as blind or disabled by the Social
Security Administration or NMO or be pending a determination of disability, and be Medicaid eligible or pending
Medicaid. Certain aged individuals may also be considered for services if they have sustained a traumatic injury
requiring comprehensive rehabilitation services. Children may be considered for medically necessary
rehabilitation services (not habilitation) as a result of Healthy EPSDT. Medicaid eligibility alone does not
establish that the recipient is eligible for rehabilitation and case management services.
PHYSICAL EVALUATION
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Physical therapist means a person who is licensed in accordance with NRS 640 to provide rehabilitative services
to promote the highest potential of restorative function for individuals. The level of complexity and sophistication
or the condition of the patient must be such that the services required can be safely and effectively performed
only by a qualified physical therapist or PTA under their supervision.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapy means the specialty in the field of health which is concerned with prevention of disability and/or
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physical rehabilitation of persons having congenital or acquired disabilities due to illness or injury.
A qualified PTA is a graduate of a program approved by the Physical Therapy Board, and is licensed as a PTA
under the provision of NRS 640.260. The qualified PTA is not recognized as a Medicaid provider. Services must
be provided under the direct supervision of a qualified physical therapist within the scope of practice allowed by
the state law.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
A Physician Assistant is a person who is a graduate of an academic program by the Board of Medical Examiners
or who is by general education or practical training and experience determined to be satisfactory by the board and
who is qualified to perform medical services under the supervision of a supervising physician. A separate
Medicaid provider agreement is required.
A clinical laboratory set up for the sole purpose of performing diagnostic tests for recipients in connection with
the physician’s practice.
Medicaid adheres to Medicare rules in effect beginning July 1, 1996 as they relate to a physician in a teaching
hospital responsible for supervising residents. The physician does not have to meet the definition of “attending
physician” in order to be considered rendering billable services but rather the physician must be present during
the “key portion” of the service or procedure provided by the resident. Physicians in teaching hospitals must be
enrolled Medicaid physicians.
PICTURE DATE
Picture Date is a “snapshot” of residents’ MDS data in Nevada’s free-standing NFs and is collected for rate-
setting purposes. A CMI report is generated based on the picture date which is the first day of each calendar
quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1).
A written document identifying the recipient’s health and welfare needs, along with goals and interventions to
meet the identified needs. It specifies the amount, duration, frequency and type of provider for all services, as
well as other ongoing community support services that may meet the assessed needs of the recipient, regardless
of the funding source.
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PLAN OF CORRECTION
A detailed written plan describing the actions and/or procedures to remedy deviation from the stated standard(s)
or contractual and/or legal mandates.
POS is a computerized claims adjudication system allowing pharmacies real-time access to recipient eligibility,
drug coverage, pricing and payment information and prospective drug utilization review across all network
pharmacies.
POLYSOMNOGRAM/POLYSOMNOGRAPHY (PSG)
PSG is the continuous measurement and recording of physiological activities during sleep. During PSG several
parameters are recorded to establish a diagnosis or rule out sleep apnea, narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. The
studies are also performed to evaluate a patient’s response to therapy, such as Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure (CPAP). PSG is distinguished from sleep studies by the inclusion of sleep staging which is defined to
include a 1-4 lead electroencephalogram (EEG), an electro-oculogram (EOG) and a submental electromyogram
(EMG). Sleep must be recorded and staged, and must be attended.
POST-STABILIZATION SERVICES
Covered services, related to an emergency medical condition that are provided after an enrollee is stabilized in
order to maintain the stabilized condition or to improve or resolve the enrollee's condition.
Practitioner of respiratory, per NRS 630.023, care means a person who is certified to engage in the practice of
respiratory care by the National Board for Respiratory Care or its successor organization and licensed by the
board of medical examiners.
PASRR is a federally mandated program to determine whether NF applicants and residents require NF services
and specialized services. Congress developed the PASRR program to prevent inappropriate admission and
retention of people with mental disabilities in NFs.
PASRR Level II is the evaluation conducted when the Level I Identification screen indicates the individual may
have a mental illness, intellectual disability or related condition. PASRR Level II determines whether the
individual requires NF services and specialized mental health services.
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PRE-FABRICATED ORTHOSIS
Pre-fabricated orthosis is one which is manufactured in quantity without a specific patient in mind. A
prefabricated orthosis may be trimmed, bent, molded (with or without heat), or otherwise modified for use by a
specific patient (i.e., custom fitted). An orthosis that is assembled from prefabricated components is considered
prefabricated. Any orthosis that does not meet the definition of a custom-fabricated orthosis is considered
prefabricated.
The PDL is a listing of preferred outpatient drugs within specific therapeutic categories that have been identified,
reviewed and approved by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.
Pregnancy related services are those medically necessary Medicaid covered dental services provided to women
to promote the woman and child’s systemic well-being. Pregnancy related dental services offer expanded dental
services in addition to the adult dental services described in MSM Chapter 1000. These expanded services require
PA. Refer to the fee schedule, Provider Type 22, for a list of covered pregnancy related services.
The set of health care-related services for which plans will be capitated and responsible to provide.
An evaluation and a summary statement which describes the student’s current achievement in the areas of need;
an IEP required component.
A managed care health delivery system. PCCM refers to an alternative health care case management system
allowed for State Medicaid programs under the statutory authority provided by Sections 1915(a)(1) and
1915(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act. These systems, in general, provide for health care financing and delivery
structures, which increase the responsibility of PCPs for the overall management of their patient's care, and make
the physicians more aware of the financial implications of their health delivery decisions. In establishing this
increased responsibility, recipients are restricted to their care manager as long as they are enrolled, except in an
emergency, for obtaining primary care and for authorization to receive certain other services.
Physicians who practice general medicine, family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics or
osteopathic medicine. Physicians who practice obstetrics and gynecology may function as PCPs for the duration
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A location, usually a clinic, where a recipient chooses to access primary health care. The recipient’s medical record
is maintained at this location, and a rotating staff of physicians manages and coordinates the recipient’s medical
needs.
PRIMARY CAREGIVER
The person designated by the recipient or representative. This person may be family, an individual who has
personal significance to the recipient but no blood or legal relationship, such as a neighbor, friend, significant other
or other person. The primary caregiver assumes responsibility for care of the recipient as needed. If the recipient
has no designated primary caregiver the hospice may, according to individual program policy, make an effort to
designate a primary caregiver. The primary caregiver is not eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.
PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS
The primary diagnosis is the diagnosis based on the condition that is most relevant to the current POC. Primary
diagnosis is the first listed diagnosis for claims submission.
Titles XI and XVIII of the Act provide the statutory authority for the broad objectives and operations of the
Utilization and Quality Control QIO program. The Peer Review Improvement Act of the Tax Equity and Fiscal
Responsibility Act of 1982 established utilization and Quality Control QIOs.
QIOs operate under contract with the Secretary of HHS to review Medicare services, once so certified by CMS.
They may also contract with state Medicaid agencies and private insurers. The utilization review/control
requirements of 42 CFR 456, are deemed met if a State Medicaid agency contracts with a Medicare certified QIO,
designated under Part 475, to perform review/control services (42 CFR 431.630).
PA review is conducted to evaluate medical necessity, appropriateness, location of service and compliance with
Medicaid’s policy, prior to the delivery of service.
PRIOR RESOURCES
Prior resources are any non-Medicaid coverage, public or private, which can be used to pay for medical services.
These resources and benefits are payable before Medicaid benefits are paid.
PDN is an optional Medicaid service which states may elect to provide. Chapter 42 CFR 440.80 defines PDN
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services as nursing services for recipients who require more individual and continuous care than is available from
a visiting nurse or routinely provided by the nursing staff of the hospital or NF, and are provided through an
agency:
1. by a RN or a LPN;
b. a hospital; or
c. an NF.
PROCEDURE CODE
The hospice retains professional management responsibility for services including those provided by another
individual or entity and ensures that they are furnished in a safe and effective manner by persons meeting the
qualifications of CFR 418.56 and in accordance with the recipient’s POC.
PROGRAM POLICY
Program policy refers to all relevant doctrine including federal regulations, NRS, Medicaid and NCU State Plan,
Medicaid and NCU Services Manual and Bulletins and Medicaid’s interpretation of its policy.
PROGRESS
The movement toward treatment goals utilizing established criteria as written in the Treatment Plan.
PROGRESS MONITORING
A method of monitoring a student’s achievements that enables the IEP team to discern whether changes need to
be made in the IEP.
PROGRESS NOTE
The written documentation of the treatment, services or services coordination provided which reflects the progress,
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or lack of progress, towards the goals and objectives of the Treatment and/or Rehabilitation Plan(s). All progress
notes reflecting a billable Medicaid mental health service must be sufficient to support the services provided and
must document the amount, scope, duration and provider of the service. Progress notes must be completed at least
monthly and at any time there is a substantial change in the recipient’s clinical status.
PRO-DUR encompasses the detection, evaluation and counseling components of pre-dispensing drug therapy
screening.
PROSTHETIC DEVICES
Prosthetic devices are replacement, corrective or supportive devices prescribed by a physician (or other licensed
practitioner of the healing arts within the scope of his practice as defined by state law) to:
3. support a weak or deformed portion of the body (as defined by 42 CFR 440.120(c)).
For Nevada Medicaid’s DMEPOS program purposes, dentures and eyeglasses are not included as a prosthetic
device.
PROVIDER
Provider means a person who has applied to participate or who participates in the plan as a provider of goods or
services; a private insurance carrier, health care cooperative or alliance, HMO, insurer, organization, entity,
association, affiliation or person who contracts to provide or provides goods or services that are reimbursed by or
are a required benefit of the plan.
PROVIDER DISPUTE
A request to the Contractor by any provider who provides services to Medicaid or NCU recipients for the
Contractor to review and make a decision to change or uphold a Contractor decision regarding, but not limited to:
3. denied claims;
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5. other disputes.
PROVIDER EXCLUSION
Refers to an action taken by the federal Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the United States DHHS, which
prohibits individual practitioners and/or providers from participating in providing services under and submitting
claims for such services for reimbursement from any and all federally funded health care programs. An
exclusionary action by the OIG is immediate grounds for termination of a state Medicaid Provider Agreement and
offers no opportunity for hearing with Nevada Medicaid.
PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY
In order to assure that services are rendered to the qualifying recipient, providers should take steps to verify the
eligibility and identity of the recipients. Such steps may include checking for valid Medicaid and NCU eligibility
and check the recipient’s identification.
PRUDENT LAYPERSON
A person who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, who could reasonably expect the absence
of immediate medical attention to result in placing the health of the individual (or, with respect to a pregnant
woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child) in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions,
or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING
The administration, evaluation and scoring of standardized tests which may include the evaluation of:
1. intellectual functioning;
3. diagnosis(ses);
4. psychodynamics;
6. insight;
7. motivation; and
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QMB’s without other Medicaid (QMB Only) – these individuals are entitled to Medicare Part A, and are not
otherwise eligible for full Medicaid. Medicaid pays their Medicare Part A premiums, if any Medicare Part B
premiums, and to the extent consistent with the Medicaid State Plan, Medicare deductibles and coinsurance for
Medicare services provided by Medicare providers. Medicare does not cover dental services.
A QIDP is a person who has one or more years’ experience in working with persons with intellectual disability
and is from one of the following professions:
1. A psychologist with a master's degree from an accredited program. A psychologist who is hired or
subcontracted with after July 1, 1986 must be certified by the Nevada State Board of Psychological
Examiners.
3. A professional dietician who is eligible for registration by the American Dietetic Association.
4. A social worker licensed by the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Social Workers.
5. An occupational therapist who has a current registration issued by the American Occupational Therapy
Association or another comparable body.
6. A physical therapist who has a current registration to practice physical therapy issued by the Nevada State
Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
7. A speech pathologist or audiologist who is licensed by the State of Nevada Board of Audiology and Speech
Pathology and has a current certificate of clinical competence issued by the American Speech and Hearing
Association or another comparable body.
8. An RN licensed in Nevada.
9. A professional recreation specialist who has a Bachelor's degree in recreation or in a specialty area such as
art, dance, music or physical education.
10. A human services professional who has at least a Bachelor's degree in a human services field (including
but not limited to: sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling and psychology).
QUALIFIED RECIPIENTS
Medicaid recognizes a qualified recipient to be one who is currently eligible for full Medicaid services and meets
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QUALIFYING SERVICE
Qualifying service refers to a service that meets the DHCFP’s requirements for “skilled care” or authorized home
health aide services to be admitted for reimbursed HHA services, a recipient must require medically necessary
skilled nursing services, physical therapy services, speech therapy services, occupational therapy services,
respiratory therapy services, dietician service or certified home health aide.
A structured, internal monitoring and evaluation process designed to improve quality of care. QA involves the
identification of quality of care criteria, which establishes the indicators for program measurements and corrective
actions to remedy any deficiencies identified in the quality of direct patient, administrative and support services.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
A continuous process that identifies problems in organizational systems, including health care delivery systems
which tests solutions to those problems and constantly monitors the solutions for improvement.
Titles XI and XVIII of the Act provide the statutory authority for the broad objectives and operations of the
Utilization and Quality Control QIO-like vendor program. The Peer Review Improvement Act of the Tax Equity
and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 established utilization and Quality Control QIO-like vendors.
QIO-like vendor-like vendors operate under contract with the Secretary of HHS to review Medicare services, once
so certified by CMS. They may also contract with state Medicaid agencies and private insurers. The utilization
review/control requirements of 42 CFR 456, are deemed met if a State Medicaid agency contracts with a Medicare
certified QIO-like vendor, designated under Part 475, to perform review/control services (42 CFR 431.630).
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RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST
A Radiological Technologist is an individual trained in the use of radioactive materials and operation of associated
equipment designed for purposes of diagnosis and treatment of the human body.
RADIOLOGIST
RADIOLOGY
Radiology is the branch of medicine concerned with radioactive substances. Various techniques of visualization
using radiant energy are used for diagnosis and treatment of disease.
RADIOLOGY LABORATORY
A radiology laboratory is a certified place of business requiring specialty certified equipment. The diagnostic tests
(radiological studies) are provided by or under the direction of a physician or other practitioner of the healing arts
within the scope of practice as defined by state law. Radiological services can be provided in an office or similar
facility, hospital outpatient department or clinic, and a laboratory or with portable equipment.
RADIONUCLIDE STUDIES
Radionuclide studies are performed in a department of nuclear medicine. Radionuclide imaging is used mainly to
allow visualization of organs and regions within organs that cannot be seen on a simple X-ray. Included, but not
limited, in this definition are the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA),
Computerized Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), etc.
REASONABLE PROMPTNESS/TIMELINESS
All service request determinations will be issued with reasonable promptness by Nevada Medicaid. Reasonable
promptness means Nevada Medicaid will take action to approve, deny, terminate, reduce or suspend service(s)
within 21 business days from the date the request for service is received by Nevada Medicaid.
RECIPIENT
A person who receives benefits pursuant to the Medicaid or NCU State Plan and/or Waiver Programs.
RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITY
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3. Relay any current or past dental provider and/or previous dental procedure received by recipient or
recipient’s children within the past five years;
5. If possible, find childcare for children not being seen by dentist; and
RECORDS
Medical, professional or business records relating to the treatment or care of a recipient, to goods or services
provided to a recipient, or to rates paid for such goods or services, and records required to be kept by the plan.
RECOUPMENT/RECOVERY
Recoupment or recovery is an administrative action by the DHCFP or its fiscal agent to initiate re-payment of an
overpayment, with or without advance official notice. Recoupment or recovery can be made by reducing future
payments to a provider or by direct reimbursement from the provider.
REEVALUATIONS
Reevaluations must be completed for each recipient within 365 days, or more often as needed, to determine if the
recipient continues to need the LOC provided and would, but for the provisions of waiver services, otherwise be
institutionalized in an ICF/IID according to 42 CFR 441.302(c)(2)(iii).
REFERENCE LABORATORY
A reference laboratory is an independent clinical laboratory that receives a specimen from another Medicaid
approved laboratory for testing.
REFERRAL
The recommendation by a physician, dentist and/or Contractor, and in certain instances, the recommendation by a
parent, legal guardian and/or authorized representative, for a covered recipient to receive medically necessary care
from a different provider.
REFERRING LABORATORY
A referring laboratory is a laboratory that receives a specimen to be tested and refers the specimen to another
laboratory for performance of the laboratory test.
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REGISTERED DIETITIANS
A person licensed to engage in the practice of dietetics or to provide nutrition services, including, without
limitation, medical nutrition therapy, and is registered as a dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Licensure is required in Nevada through the Department of Public and
Behavioral Health (DPBH). Nutrition services are practiced within dietetics and include the assessment,
evaluation, diagnosis, counseling, intervention, monitoring and treatment of a person which requires substantial
specialized judgment and skill based on the knowledge, application and integration of the principles derived from
the sciences of food, nutrition, management, communications, biology, behavior, physiology and social science to
achieve and maintain proper nourishment and care of a person.
REHABILITATION PLAN
1. A comprehensive, progressive and individualized written Rehabilitative Plan must include all the
prescribed Rehabilitation Mental Health (RMH) services. RMH services include:
c. Day Treatment;
d. Peer-to-Peer Support;
The plan must include the appropriate treatment coordination to achieve the maximum reduction of the
mental and/or behavioral health disability and to restore the recipient to their best possible functional level.
The plan must ensure the transparency of coverage and medical necessity determinations, so that the
recipient, their family (in the case of legal minors) or other responsible individuals would have a clear
understanding of the services that are made available to the recipient. In all situations, the ultimate goal is
to reduce the duration and intensity of medical care to the least intrusive level possible - while sustaining
overall health. All prescribed services must be medically necessary, clinically appropriate and contribute
to the rehabilitation goals and objectives.
2. The Rehabilitation Plan must include recovery goals. The plan must establish a basis for evaluating the
effectiveness of the RMH care offered in meeting the stated goals and objectives. The plan must provide
for a process to involve the beneficiary, and family (in the case of legal minors) or other responsible
individuals, in the overall management of the RMH care. The plan must document that the services have
been determined to be rehabilitative services consistent with the regulatory definition, and will have a
timeline, based on the individual’s assessed needs and anticipated progress.
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3. The reevaluation of the plan must involve the recipient, the recipient’s family (in the case of legal minors)
or other responsible individuals. The reevaluation of the plan must include a review of whether the
established goals and objectives are being met and whether each of the services prescribed in the plan has
contributed to meeting the stated established goals and objectives. If it is determined that there has been no
measurable reduction of disability and/or function level restoration, any new plan would need to pursue a
different rehabilitation strategy including revision of the rehabilitative goals, objectives, services, and/or
methods. The plan must identify the rehabilitation goals and objectives that would be achieved under the
plan in terms of measurable reductions in a diagnosed physical or mental disability and in terms of restored
functional abilities.
4. Rehabilitation goals and objectives are often contingent on the individual’s maintenance of a current level
of functioning. In these instances, services that provide assistance in maintaining functioning may be
considered rehabilitative only when necessary to help an individual achieve a rehabilitation goal and
objectives as defined in the rehabilitation plan. The plan must be reasonable and based on the individual’s
diagnosed condition(s) and on the standards of practice for provisions of rehabilitative mental and/or
behavioral health services to an individual with the individual’s condition(s). The written rehabilitation
plan must ensure that services are provided within the scope (therapeutic intent) of the rehabilitative
services and would increase the likelihood that an individual’s disability would be reduced and functional
level restored. Rehabilitation plans are living documents and therefore must evolve in concert (show
progressive transformations in the amount, duration and scope of services provided) with the recipient’s
functional progress. The rehabilitation plan must also demonstrate that the services requested are not
duplicative (redundant) of each other. The written rehabilitation plan must:
b. ensure the active participation of the individual, individual’s family (in the case of legal minors),
the individual’s authorized health care decision maker and/or persons of the individual’s choosing
in the development, review and modification of these goals and services;
c. be approved by a QMHP, working within the scope of their practice under state law;
e. specify the individual’s rehabilitation goals and objectives to be achieved, including recovery goals
for persons with mental health related disorders;
f. identify the RMH services intended to reduce the identified physical impairment, mental and/or
behavioral health related disorder;
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i. indicate the anticipated provider(s) of the service(s) and the extent to which the services may be
available from alternate provider(s) of the same service;
j. specify a timeline for reevaluation of the plan, based on the individual’s assessed needs and
anticipated progress, but not longer than every 90 days or more frequently if needs change;
k. document that the individual, the individual’s family (in the case of legal minors), or representative
participated in the development of the plan, signed the plan and received a copy of the rehabilitation
plan; and
l. document that the services have been determined to be rehabilitative services consistent with the
regulatory definition.
5. Temporary, but clinically necessary, services do not require an alteration to Rehabilitation Plans; however,
temporary services must be identified in progress notes. These progress notes must indicate the medical
necessity, amount, scope, duration and provider(s) of the service(s).
d. SED/SMI Determination: See Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED) and Serious Mental Illness
(SMI) definitions.
f. Prescribed Services:
1. Identify the specific mental health service or services (i.e., family therapy, individual
therapy, basic skills training, day treatment, etc.) to be provided;
2. Identify the daily amount, service duration and therapeutic scope for each service to be
provided; and
3. Identify the provider or providers that are anticipated to provide each service.
g. Rehabilitation Plan Evaluation and Recipient Progress: A QMHP must evaluate the Rehabilitation
Plan at a minimum, every 90 days or more often when rehabilitation needs change. Rehabilitation
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Plan reviews must demonstrate the recipient’s progress towards functional improvements towards
established goals and objectives.
h. Discharge Criteria and Plan: Rehabilitation Plans must include discharge criteria and plans. See
Discharge Criteria and Discharge Plan definitions. and
i. Required Signatures:
1. Clinical Supervisor,
2. Recipient and their family/legal guardian (in the case of legal minors),
REHABILITATION SERVICES
Rehabilitation services are an optional Medicaid benefit that must be recommended by a physician or other licensed
practitioner of the healing arts, within the scope of practice under state law, for the maximum reduction of a
physical or mental disability and to restore the individual to the best possible functional level. Nevada Medicaid
provides for physical rehabilitation services and mental health rehabilitation services under separate programs
within the plan.
REINSURANCE
Insurance purchased by a Contractor, insurance company or self-funded employer from another insurance
company to protect itself against all or part of the losses that may be incurred in the process of honoring the claims
of its participating providers, policy holders or employees and covered dependents.
RELATED CONDITION
Persons with conditions related to intellectual disability are persons who have a severe, chronic disability that is
attributable to cerebral palsy or epilepsy; or any other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely
related to intellectual disability because the condition results in impairment of general intellectual functioning or
adaptive behavior similar to that of intellectually disabled persons, and requires treatment or services similar to
those required by a person with intellectual disability. It is manifested before the person reaches age 22. It is likely
to continue indefinitely. It results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of
major life activity:
1. Self-Care;
3. Learning;
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4. Mobility;
5. Self-direction; and/or
RELATED SERVICES
IDEA requires that school districts provide whatever related services (other than medical care, which is not for
diagnostic purposes) a child needs in order to benefit from his or her special education program.
REPRESENTATIVE
An individual who has been authorized under State law to terminate medical care or to elect or revoke the election
of hospice care on behalf of a terminally ill individual who is mentally or physically incapacitated.
A clear, written request to the DHCFP for a hearing relating to a sanction and/or adverse determination.
RESIDENCE
Recipient’s residence is wherever he/she makes his/her home. This may be his/her own dwelling, an apartment, a
relative’s home, a group home, a foster home, a supported living arrangement and other non-institutional settings.
An institution may not be considered a recipient’s home if the institution meets the requirements of 1861(e)(1) or
1819(a)(1) of the Social Security Act. Included in this group are hospitals, SNFs, licensed certified day centers,
schools and correction facilities.
RAI is a comprehensive assessment of a resident’s needs. At a minimum it includes the MDS and utilization
guidelines which include the Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs).
RAI User’s Manual is the Long Term Care Resident Assessment Instrument User’s Manual issued by the CMS
covering the MDS, Resident Assessment Protocols and Utilization Guidelines.
RAPs are structured, problem oriented frameworks for organizing MDS information, and examining additional
clinically relevant information about a resident. RAPs are used as the basis of individualized care planning.
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Resident Listing Report is a report based on data obtained from the CMS MDS repository and used to ensure
accurate input for the payment system. Each free-standing NF is asked to provide input for appropriate corrections
to the report on a quarterly basis in conjunction with the rate setting process.
Resident Personal Funds are funds entrusted to a NF by a resident which are in the possession and control of the
NF and are held, safeguarded, managed and accounted for by the facility in a fiduciary capacity for the resident.
RESIDENT PHYSICIAN
A resident physician is authorized to practice only in a specific hospital setting while he or she participates in a
Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. A resident is not enrolled as a Medicaid physician. Refer to
definition for Physician’s in Teaching Hospitals.
An establishment that furnishes food, shelter, assistance and limited supervision to a person with an intellectual
disability or with a physical disability or a person who is aged or infirm. The term includes, without limitation,
an assisted living facility as defined in NRS 449.017. These facilities are licensed by the HCQC as a residential
facility for groups and have provider agreements with Medicaid.
RTC is a facility designed as medical model in therapeutic mental health, as self-contained environment which
provides 24 hour-secured (locked) inpatient care, as treatment and supervision for children and as adolescents 20
years of age and younger. This setting provides an integrated and comprehensive array of services to meet the
child’s or adolescent’s needs including, but are not limited to, treatment services (psychotherapies), educational
services, psychological testing and evaluation, and a clinical treatment milieu designed to meet the individual
needs of the child or adolescent who cannot effectively be helped within his/her home, substitute family or in a
less restrictive environment. RTCs specialize in treating children and adolescents with mental disorders including
personality disorders, depression, hyperactivity, academic failure, mild learning disabilities, and/or substance
abuse disorders, as well as other clinical and behavioral psychopathologies. Recipients admitted to RTCs generally
have experienced failed placements in the home, school and community, and have exhausted all local resources.
They need a highly structured environment with a therapeutic program in a residential setting with 24-hour
supervision. All patients are provided individual, group and family therapies. An RTC may exist as free standing
facility or as a unit within a psychiatric hospital. Nevada Medicaid reimburses only RTCs licensed by the State
Health Division’s HCQC and accredited by the Joint Commission.
Resource Utilization Groups (RUG-III) is a classification system which uses information from the MDS
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assessment to classify NF residents into a series of groups representing the residents’ relative direct care resource
requirements. The MDS assessment data is used to calculate the RUG-III Classification necessary for payment.
108 MDS assessment items are used in the RUG-III Classification system to evaluate the resident’s clinical
condition.
RESPIRATORY THERAPY
1. therapeutic and diagnostic use of medical gases, humidity and aerosols and the maintenance of associated
apparatus
4. postural drainage and percussion, breathing exercises and other respiratory rehabilitation procedures;
5. cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintenance of natural airways and the insertion and maintenance of
artificial airways;
6. carrying out the written orders of a physician, physician assistant, certified RN anesthetist or an APN
relating to respiratory care;
7. techniques for testing to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and research related to respiratory care,
including the measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures and flows, collection of blood and other
specimens, testing of pulmonary functions and hemodynamic and other related physiological monitoring
of the cardiopulmonary system; and
The practice of respiratory care must be performed under the direction of, or pursuant to, a prescription from a
licensed physician or an APN per NRS 640B.030.6.
RESPITE
Respite refers to the short-term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities or chronic medical conditions
in order to allow LRIs a break from the daily routine of providing care for the recipient.
RESPITE SERVICE
Refers to those services provided to eligible recipients who are unable to care for themselves. These services are
furnished on a short-term basis due to the absence or need for relief of those persons normally providing the care.
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This service provides general assistance with ADLs and IADLs, and provides supervision for recipients with
functional impairments in their home or place of residence (community setting). Services may be for 24-hour
periods, and the goal is relief of the primary caregiver.
RESTORATIVE CARE
Therapy services are considered to be “restorative” when there is an expectation that the patient’s condition will
improve in a reasonable (and generally predictable) period of time. Medically necessary, restorative therapy
services are eligible for coverage by Nevada Medicaid.
2. If at any point in the treatment of an illness it is determined that the expectations will not materialize, the
services will no longer be considered reasonable and medically necessary; and they, therefore, may be
excluded from coverage.
3. As a general rule, failure to progress towards goals after a reasonable time period would no longer qualify
as restorative.
Please refer to Chapter 1500 in the MSM, Section 1503.6A for a description of the scope of medical services
available for children under age 21 described in 42 U.S.C. 1396d(a).
RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW
A review performed by the DHCFP’s QIO-like vendor or MCO regarding recipients not Medicaid eligible until
after services are rendered, and/or after discharge to determine if a requested service will be authorized based on
medical necessity, appropriateness, and compliance with applicable policies.
REVENUE CODE
Revenue code is the code used on billing forms which identifies a specific accommodation, ancillary service or
billing calculation.
An annual meeting to review each eligible individual’s IEP and revises its provisions if appropriate.
REVOKED ELECTION
The recipient elects to discontinue hospice care and resumes eligibility for all Medicaid covered services. This
recipient must sign a statement indicating his/her desire to discontinue hospice care.
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RISK CONTRACT
Means under which the contractor assumes risk for the costs of the services covered under the contract and incurs
loss if the cost of furnishing the services exceeds the payments under the contract.
ROLLOVER ADMISSION
A direct inpatient admission initiated through an emergency room or outpatient observation as part of one
continuous episode of care (encounter) at the same facility when a physician writes an acute inpatient admission
order.
ROUTINE SUPPLIES
Routine supplies are items used in small quantities for the recipient during the course of most HHA visits.
RHC, defined in 42 CFR 491.2, is a clinic that is located in a rural area designated as a shortage area. It is not a
rehabilitation agency or a facility primarily for the care and treatment of mental diseases.
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SANCTION
A sanction refers to an action taken either by Nevada Medicaid or the OIG against a provider or provider applicant.
Scheduled emergency transportation is transportation to covered medically necessary, provider directed services
scheduled on behalf of the recipient, usually with less than 48 hours’ notice. An example of a scheduled emergency
is transportation for a medically stable recipient on an organ transplant list who receives notification an organ is
available from a donor and the recipient must be present at the transplant facility within the timeframe determined
by the surgeon or the transplant coordinator. The non-emergency transportation broker may provide this service if
the recipient is medically stable and the broker is able to meet the prescribed time frame. (See also Urgent
Services.)
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
The facility referred to in MSM Chapter 1200 shall mean the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno and
Las Vegas.
SCOPE
SCREENING
Screening means to examine methodically in order to determine a child’s health status and to make appropriate
diagnosis and treatment referrals.
SELF DETERMINATION
Self-determination is defined as freedom for individuals, who as a result of their disability and vulnerability have
often been oppressed, segregated and isolated within society. It is defined by a set of guiding principles that assure
freedom, choice and self-direction in their lives.
The Self-Directed service delivery model is a delivery option that allows for the self-direction of Personal Care
Services and/or Skilled Services to allow recipients who have the ability and desire to manage their own care,
more autonomy and responsibility in the provision of their services. This option is only available by accessing
services through an ISO.
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SD Skilled Services are skilled services provided to a recipient by an unlicensed personal care assistant, where a
provider of healthcare can authorize an unlicensed personal care assistant to provide certain specific medical,
nursing or home health services, subject to a number of conditions. Services must be provided in the presence of
the parent or guardian, or any other person legally responsible for the recipient, if the recipient is unable to direct
their own care, as in the case of a minor child or a disabled and/or cognitively impaired adult in accordance with
NRS 629.091.
Persons who are 18 years of age and older who currently or at any time during the past year (continuous 12-month
period):
1. have had a diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder that meets the coding and definition
criteria specified in the current ICD (excluding substance abuse or addictive disorders, irreversible
dementias as well as intellectual disability, unless they co-occur with a serious mental illness that meets
current ICD criteria); and
2. have a functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activity
such as psychological, social, occupational or educational and may include limiting an adult from achieving
or maintaining housing, employment, education, relationships or safety.
3. SMI determinations are made by a QMHP within the scope of their practice under state law and expertise.
SERVICE AREA
The geographic area served by the Contractor as approved by State regulatory agencies and/or as detailed in the
certificate of authority issued by the Nevada State Department of Insurance (DOI).
A managed care enrollee’s request for the provision of a service. The request may be made by the enrollee, a
provider or some other entity or individual acting on behalf of the enrollee. A SAR may be made either in writing
or orally.
SERVICE LEVELS
Service levels are various measurable requirements that pertain to the delivery system structure of the contract and
are used for evaluating contract performance and compliance.
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SERVICE PLAN
The service plan is an authorization tool that is developed by the facility using the Physician Evaluation Form and
the Universal Needs Assessment Tool. The service plan addresses the delivery of services, provides guidelines for
monitoring recipient’s progress and identifies the title of the staff that will be providing the specific services
identified in the POC. The service plan requires pre-approval for services to be provided, authorization for new
treatment and is part of the PA process.
1. Children with SED are persons up to age 18 who currently or at any time during the past year (continuous
12-month period) have a:
a. Diagnosable mental or behavioral disorder or diagnostic criteria that meet the coding and definition
criteria specified in the current ICD (excluding substance abuse or addictive disorders, irreversible
dementias, intellectual disability, developmental disorders and Z codes, unless they co-occur with
a serious mental disorder that meets ICD criteria); and have a:
b. Functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits the child from achieving or
maintaining one or more developmentally appropriate social, behavioral, cognitive, communicative
or adaptive skill. Functional impairments of episodic, recurrent and persistent features are included,
however may vary in term of severity and disabling effects unless they are temporary and an
expected response to stressful events in the environment. Children who would have met functional
impairment criteria during the referenced year without the benefit of treatment or other support
services are included in this definition.
2. SED determinations are made by a QMHP within the scope of their practice under state law and expertise.
1. Any physical or mental condition pursuant to which a person is unable, without substantial assistance from
another person, to eat, bathe and toilet themselves.
SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES/BENCHMARK
An IEP must contain a statement of annual goals, including a description of short term objectives or benchmarks
that are measurable and outcome oriented. Goals should be related to the child’s unique needs to enable the child
with a disability to participate and function in the general curriculum.
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A generally measurable and substantial increase in the patient’s level of functional independence and competence
compared to when treatment was initiated.
Single Source Drug is defined in §1927(k)(7) of the Social Security Act as, “a covered outpatient drug which is
produced or distributed under an original new drug application approved by the FDA, including a drug product
marketed by any cross-licensed producers or distributors operating under the new drug application.”
SITTERS
Sitters refer to individual services to watch or supervise a recipient in the absence of a legally responsible individual
(LRI) or primary caregiver.
Inpatient hospital days reimbursed at a lower per diem rate when a recipient’s status does not meet an acute level
of care and if discharge is ordered, alternative appropriate placement is not available, despite documented evidence
of comprehensive discharge planning efforts (e.g. a recipient is waiting for nursing or psychiatric facility placement
or home equipment set-up availability).
SN means assessments, judgments, interventions and evaluations of intervention, which require the training and
experience of a licensed nurse. SN care includes, but is not limited to:
1. performing assessments to determine the basis for action or the need for action;
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6. tracheotomy care.
SKILLED SERVICES
Skilled services are specific medical, nursing or home health services that are inherently complex and require the
technical or professional skill and specialized training that the State statute or regulation mandates must be
performed by a health care professional licensed or certified by the State.
SLEEP STUDY
Sleep studies refer to the continuous and simultaneous monitoring and recording of various physiological and
pathophysiological parameters of sleep for six or more hours attended by a technologist. In order for a sleep study
to be considered reasonable and necessary it must be an observed study.
SLOT
The number of available openings which may be offered to eligible recipients during each fiscal year. The number
of slots available is determined by the level of legislative funding approved per fiscal year and through an
agreement with CMS.
Clinics operating to serve children, from birth to their third birthday, providing early intervention services for
children with known or suspected developmental delays or disabilities. These clinics receive Title V funding.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Specifically designed instruction, provided at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of a child with
disabilities, including classroom instruction, instruction in physical education, home instruction, and instruction in
hospitals and institutions.
SCT is hospital-to-hospital transportation of a critically injured or ill recipient by a ground or air ambulance
vehicle, including the provision of medically necessary supplies and services, at a level of service beyond the scope
of the advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) or paramedic. SCT is necessary when a recipient’s
condition requires ongoing care that must be furnished by one or more health professionals during transport. SCT
is not a service provided by the NET broker, and may require a prior authorization from the recipient’s managed
care organization, if applicable. An example of SCT is the transfer of a newborn from a critical care neonatal unit
to a hospital where immediate heart surgery may be performed.
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SGDs, also commonly known as “Augmentative and Alternative Communication” (AAC) devices are electronic
aids, devices or systems that correct expressive communication disabilities that preclude an individual from
meaningfully participating in ADLs. SGDs are covered as DME. Requests for SGDs must provide the information
required.
Speech and language pathology services medically necessary for diagnosis and treatment of speech and language
disorders that result in communication disabilities and for the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders
(dysphagia), with or without the presence of a communication disability. This may include the following:
3. Deficiencies in a person’s sensory, perceptual, motor, cognitive and social skills necessary to enable him
to communicate; and
The State Plan is a comprehensive statement submitted by Nevada Medicaid to CMS describing the nature and
scope of its program and giving assurance that it will be administered in conformity with the specific requirements
stipulated in the pertinent title of the Act, and other applicable official issuances of the DHHS. The State Plan
contains all information necessary for the Department to determine whether the plan can be approved, as a basis
for FFP in the state program.
The State Plan consists of written documents furnished by the state to cover each of its programs under the Act
including the medical assistance program (Title XIX). After approval of the original plan by HHS, all relevant
changes, required by new statutes, rules, regulations, interpretations and court decisions, are required to be
submitted currently so HHS may determine whether the plan continues to meet federal requirements and policies.
Determinations regarding State Plans (including plan amendments and administrative practice under the plans)
originally meet or continue to meet the requirements for approval are based on relevant federal statutes and
regulations.
This form is used to inform applicants of their right to choose between HCBS Waiver services or institutional
placement and their right to request a Fair Hearing. The form must be signed by the applicant or his/her authorized
representative if the applicant is not capable to sign the document.
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STEP THERAPY
The process of beginning drug therapy for a medical condition with the safest and most effective lower risk drug
therapy and progressing to other drug regimens only if medically necessary. Step therapy protocols are developed
at a therapeutic class level, and approved through the DUR Board based upon clinical practice guidelines, without
consideration of the cost of prescription drugs. Step therapy guidelines may be implemented through a PA process,
prospective DUR edits and/or provider educational programs.
STRETCHER TRANSPORT
A type of transportation where the recipient must be transported in a prone position on a gurney or a stretcher.
Stretcher transport is a covered NET broker service.
STUDENT THERAPIST
Outpatient student therapists are persons in training, supervised by a qualified therapist. The student is not
recognized as a Medicaid provider.
SUBCONTRACTOR
Third party, not directly employed by the primary contractor, that provides services identified in the primary
contract not including third parties who provide support or incidental services to the contractor.
SUPPLEMENTAL REBATES
Supplemental rebates are drug rebates collected from the manufacturer above the rebates collected under the
OBRA 90 Drug Rebate Program. Section 927(a)(1) of the Social Security Act provides that “the Secretary may
authorize a State to enter directly into agreements with a manufacturer.” Per CMS, SMDL #02-014, “States may
enter separate or supplemental drug rebate agreements as long as such agreements achieve drug rebates equal to
or greater than the drug rebates set forth in the Secretary’s national rebate agreement with drug manufacturers,
which is published at 56 F.R.7049 (1991).”
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MEDICAID SERVICES MANUAL ADDENDUM
SUPPORT BROKER
The Support Broker assists the participant in the development and management of their services including; budget
management, monitoring of expenditures, personnel management and ISP development. These supports are
provided in a manner that is flexible, responsive to and directed by the individual participant. A support broker is
employed by the support broker agency contracted by MHDS. This is an administrative activity.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Specifically designed instruction and activities, which augment, supplement or support the educational program.
SLA services are provided to adults and children in homes shared with other recipients or in a home where the
individual rents a room, including adults who rent rooms from their family and is defined in MSM Chapter 2100.
SWING-BED
A CMS certified bed in a rural or critical access hospital that can be used to provide either acute hospital inpatient
or post-acute skilled nursing services, as needed.
SWING-BED HOSPITAL
A CMS certified rural or critical access hospital that has a Medicare swing-bed provider agreement, and is state-
licensed to allow either acute or post-acute skilled nursing/skilled rehabilitation services to be provided in a specific
number of certified beds, as needed.
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Effective October 1, 2008, pursuant to CMS SMDL # 07-012 a tamper-resistant prescription pad must contain all
of the following three characteristics:
2. One or more industry-recognized feature(s) designed to prevent the erasure or modification of information
written on the prescription by the prescriber; and
3. One or more industry-recognized feature(s) designed to prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms.
1. children and young adults who are Medicaid recipients and abused or neglected or suspected to be at risk
thereof as evidenced by being in the care of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), Clark
County Department of Family Youth Services or Washoe County Department of Social Services.
2. families who are abused or neglected or suspected to be at risk thereof as evidenced by being in the care of
DCFS, Clark County Department of Family Services or Washoe County Department of Social Services.
Developmentally delayed infants and toddlers are children ages birth through two years determined eligible for
early intervention services through the identification of a “developmental delay,” a term which means:
1. A child exhibits a minimum of 50% delay of the child’s chronological age in any one of the areas listed
below or a minimum of 25% delay of the child’s chronological age in any two of the areas listed below.
Delays for infants less than 36 weeks gestation shall be calculated according to their adjusted age.
a. Cognitive development;
c. Communication development;
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e. Adaptive development.
3. Children also are eligible who have a diagnosed physical or mental condition which has a high probability
of resulting in developmental delays.
4. Informed clinical opinion must be used in determining eligibility for services as a result of a development
delay.
1. Covered services provided to juveniles on probation (referred or under the supervision of juvenile
caseworkers) within all counties of Nevada.
2. Covered services provided to family member(s) who are Medicaid eligible whose children are on probation.
Adults, who are non-SMI, excluding dementia and intellectual disabilities, are recipients 18 years of age and older
with significant life stressors and have a:
1. A current International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnosis, from the current Mental, Behavioral,
Neurodevelopmental Disorders section including Z-codes 55-65, R45.850 and R45.851, which does not
meet SMI criteria.
Children and adolescents, who are Non-SED, excluding dementia and intellectual disability, are recipients with
significant life stressors and have:
1. A current ICD diagnosis from the Mental, Behavioral, Neurodevelopmental Disorders section that does not
meet SED criteria.
2. Z-codes 55-65, R45.850 and R45.851 as listed in the current ICD which does not meet SED criteria.
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Persons with IIDRC are persons who are significantly sub-average in general intellectual functioning (IQ of 70 or
below) with concurrent related limitations in two or more adaptive skill areas, such as communication, self-care,
social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work activities.
Persons with related conditions are individuals who have a severe chronic disability. It is manifested before the
person reaches age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. The disability can be attributable to cerebral palsy,
epilepsy or any other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to intellectual disability
because the condition results in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that
of an intellectually disabled person and requires treatment or services similar to those required by these persons.
The related condition results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major
life activity:
1. Self-care.
3. Learning.
4. Mobility.
5. Self-direction.
2. Who currently, or at any time during the past year (continuous 12-month period);
3. have had a diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder that meets the coding and definition
criteria specified within the current ICD Mental, Behavioral, Neurodevelopmental Disorders section
(excluding substance abuse or addictive disorders, irreversible dementias as well as intellectual disability,
unless they co-occur with another serious mental illness that meets current ICD criteria) that resulted in
functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities;
4. Have a functional impairment addressing the ability to function successfully in several areas such as
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Children with a SED are persons up to age 18 who currently or at any time during the past year (continuous 12-
month period) have a:
1. Diagnosable mental, behavioral or diagnostic criteria that meet the coding and definition criteria specified
in the current ICD. This excludes substance abuse or addictive disorders, irreversible dementias, as well as
intellectual disability and Z codes, unless they co-occur with another serious mental illness that meets
current ICD criteria that results in functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits the
child’s role or functioning in family, school, or community activities, and
2. These disorders include any disorder from the Mental, Behavioral, Neurodevelopmental Disorders section
(including those of biological etiology) listed in the current ICD manual (and subsequent revisions), with
the exception of “Z” codes, substance use and developmental disorders, which are excluded unless they
co-occur with another diagnosable serious emotional disturbance. All of these disorders have episodic,
recurrent or persistent features; however, they vary in terms of severity and disabling effects; and
3. Have a functional impairment defined as difficulties that substantially interfere with or limit a child or
adolescent from achieving or maintaining one or more developmentally appropriate social, behavioral,
cognitive, communicative or adaptive skills. Functional impairments of episodic, recurrent and continuous
duration are included unless they are temporary and expected responses to stressful events in the
environment. Children who would have met functional impairment criteria during the referenced year
without the benefit of treatment or other support services are included in this definition.
TCM is an optional service that refers to the identification of a target group for whom case management services
will be provided. This targeting may be done by age, type or degree of disability, illness or condition, or any other
identifiable characteristic or combination thereof. These services are defined as services which assist an individual,
eligible under the plan, in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational and other services. The intent of
these services is to allow States to reach beyond the usual bounds of the Medicaid program to coordinate a broad
range of activities and services necessary to the optimal functioning of the Medicaid recipient.
Acute Hospital or Medical Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital: A leave of absence for a therapeutic reason, such
as, a diagnostic test or procedure that must be performed at an alternate facility or a trial home visit to prepare for
independent living.
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Nursing Facility: An LOA for therapeutic or rehabilitative home and community visits or in preparation for
discharge to community living that involves overnight stays. Therapeutic leave does not apply when a resident is
out on pass for short periods of time for visits with family/friends, to attend church services or other social
activities. Therapeutic leave does not include hospital emergency room visits or hospital stays.
Means any individual, entity or program that is or may be liable to pay all or part of the expenditures for medical
assistance furnished under a State (Medicaid) Plan.
Training and habilitation services are those services which are intended to aid the intellectual, sensorimotor and
emotional development of an individual.
These services include instruction in self-help skills, social skills and independent living activities with the goal,
when feasible, of enabling individuals to function in community living situations.
A traumatic brain injury is a medically verifiable incident of the brain not of a degenerative or cognitive nature,
but caused by an external force, that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in
an impairment of cognitive abilities or functioning. It can also result in a disturbance of behavioral or emotional
functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and can cause partial or total functional
disability or psychosocial maladjustment.
TREATMENT
1. EPSDT
Medically necessary services or care provided to prevent, correct or improve disease or abnormalities
detected by screening and diagnostic procedures.
2. Behavioral Health
TREATMENT PLAN
A written individualized plan that is developed jointly with the recipient, their family (in the case of legal minors)
and/or their legal representative and a QMHP within the scope of their practice under state law. When RMH
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services are prescribed, the provider must develop a Rehabilitation Plan (see definition). The Treatment Plan is
based on a comprehensive assessment and includes:
1. The strengths and needs of the recipients and their families (in the case of legal minors and when
appropriate for an adult);
3. Specific, measurable (observable), achievable, realistic, and time-limited goals and objectives;
4. Specific treatment, services and/or interventions including amount, scope, duration and anticipated
provider(s) of the services;
6. High-risk recipients accessing services from multiple government-affiliated and/or private agencies,
evidence of care coordination by those involved with the recipient’s care.
The recipient, or their legal representative, must be fully involved in the treatment planning process, choice of
providers and indicate an understanding of the need for services and the elements of the Treatment Plan.
Recipient’s, family’s (when appropriate) and/or legal representative’s participation in treatment planning must be
documented on the Treatment Plan.
Temporary, but clinically necessary, services do not require an alteration of the Treatment Plan, however, must
be identified in a progress note. The note must indicate the necessity, amount, scope, duration and provider of
the service.
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URGENT SERVICES
With respect to NET services, an urgent service consists of transportation to a covered medically necessary,
provider directed service which is scheduled on behalf of the recipient with less than five business days’ notice. A
recipient must have a medical need to see the provider in less than five business days in order to schedule an urgent
transport.
ULTRASONOGRAPHY
Ultrasonography is a noninvasive procedure for visualizing soft-tissue structures of the body by recording the
reflection of ultrasonic waves directed into the tissues.
UNAVAILABLE
Time constraints of primary caregivers, which limit their availability to provide care due to verified employment
or attendance at school.
UNBUNDLING
Unbundling is the billing of separate procedure codes rather than one all-inclusive code, when an all-inclusive
code is required to be billed.
UNDERPAYMENT
This is an amount paid by the DHCFP, to a provider, which is less than the amount that is allowable for services
furnished under applicable policy, rate or regulation.
UNIT DOSE
A unit dose drug is that quantity of a drug which is packaged as a single dose by the manufacturer.
The Universal Needs Assessment is a needs based assessment that is completed by an independent third party. It
is person-centered and focuses on the level of support needed, not deficits in skill.
UP-CODING
Up-coding is billing using procedure codes that overstate the level or amount of health care or other service
provided.
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URBAN
A geographic area of service in a county having a population of 30,000 or more and has a radius of not more than
25 miles between recipients and the MCOs network providers and hospitals.
USUAL CHARGE
A pharmacy may not charge Medicaid more than the general public.
UTILIZATION
The extent to which the recipients of a covered group use a program or obtain a particular service, or category of
procedures, over a given period of time. It is usually expressed as the number of services used per year or per 100
or one 1,000 persons eligible for the service.
UTILIZATION CONTROL
"Utilization Control" refers to the federally mandated methods and procedures that may include utilization review
to safeguard against unnecessary or inappropriate utilization of care and services to Medicare and Medicaid
recipients (42 CFR 456.50-456.145).
The state’s fiscal agent or QIO-like vendor. The utilization review/control requirements of 42 CFR 456, are deemed
met if a State Medicaid agency contracts with a Medicare certified QIO-like vendor, designated under Part 475, to
perform review/control services.
UTILIZATION REVIEW
A process to evaluate the medical necessity, appropriateness, location of service, level of care and length of stay,
when applicable, and the efficiency and efficacy of health care services or procedures requested or provided.
Utilization review is a cost containment program that promotes the delivery of quality health care in a cost
efficient manner.
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Ventilator dependent recipient refers to a recipient who receives mechanical ventilation for life support at least six
hours per day via an endotracheal tube or a tracheotomy.
VISIT
A visit is an episode of personal contact with the recipient by staff of the HHA for the purpose of providing a
covered home health service. A visit is initiated with the delivery of a covered HHA service and ends at the
conclusion of the delivery of covered HHA service.
VOLUNTEER
An individual who agrees to provide services to a hospice program without monetary compensation.
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WAIT LIST
A list of Waiver applicants who have been prescreened, determined eligible and are waiting for a funded waiver
slot.
WASTE
Waste includes practices that, directly or indirectly, result in unnecessary costs to the Medicaid Program, such as
overusing services or misuse of resources.
Wheelchair lifts are mechanical devices that raise a person seated in a wheelchair, or a person who cannot traverse
steps, from ground level to a vehicle’s floor level. Tie downs lock a wheelchair in place so it does not move during
transit.
WOUND
A wound is impaired tissue integrity that may involve the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue and may extend
down to underlying fascia and supporting structures. The wound may be aseptic or infected.
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X-RAY
X-ray studies (also known as radiographs or roentgenograms) are used to examine the soft and bony tissues of the
body. X-rays can penetrate most substances and are used to investigate the integrity of certain structures, to
therapeutically destroy diseased tissue, and to make photographic images for diagnostic purposes as in radiography
and fluoroscopy.
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