Virginia Regulatory Town Hall

Emergency Text

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Action:
2015 Long Term Services and Supports Screening Changes
Stage: Emergency/NOIRA
 
12VAC30-60-300

12VAC30-60-300. Nursing facility criteria. (Repealed.)

A. Medicaid-funded long-term care services may be provided in either a nursing facility or community-based care setting. The criteria for assessing an individual's eligibility for Medicaid payment of nursing facility care consist of two components: (i) functional capacity (the degree of assistance an individual requires to complete activities of daily living) and (ii) medical or nursing needs. The criteria for assessing an individual's eligibility for Medicaid payment of community-based care consist of three components: (i) functional capacity (the degree of assistance an individual requires to complete activities of daily living), (ii) medical or nursing needs and (iii) the individual's risk of nursing facility placement in the absence of community-based waiver services. In order to qualify for either Medicaid-funded nursing facility care or Medicaid-funded community-based care, the individual must meet the same criteria.

B. The preadmission screening process preauthorizes a continuum of long-term care services available to an individual under the Virginia Medical Assistance Program. Nursing Facilities' Preadmission Screenings to authorize Medicaid-funded long-term care are performed by teams composed by agencies contracting with the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). The authorization for Medicaid-funded long-term care must be rescinded by the nursing facility or community-based care provider or by DMAS at any point that the individual is determined to no longer meet the criteria for Medicaid-funded long-term care. Medicaid-funded long-term care services are covered by the program for individuals whose needs meet the criteria established by program regulations. Authorization of appropriate non-institutional services shall be evaluated before nursing facility placement is considered.

C. Prior to an individual's admission, the nursing facility must review the completed pre-admission screening forms to ensure that appropriate nursing facility admission criteria have been documented. The nursing facility is also responsible for documenting, upon admission and on an ongoing basis, that the individual meets and continues to meet nursing facility criteria. For this purpose, the nursing facility will use the Minimum Data Set (MDS) The post admission assessment must be conducted no later than 14 days after the date of admission and promptly after a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. If at any time during the course of the resident's stay, it is determined that the resident does not meet nursing facility criteria as defined in the State Plan for Medical Assistance, the nursing facility must initiate discharge of such resident. Nursing facilities must conduct a comprehensive, accurate, standardized, reproducible assessment of each resident's functional capacity and medical and nursing needs.

The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall conduct surveys of the assessments completed by nursing facilities to determine that services provided to the residents meet nursing facility criteria and that needed services are provided.

D. The community-based provider is responsible for documenting upon admission and on an ongoing basis that the individual meets the criteria for Medicaid-funded long-term care.

E. The criteria for nursing facility care under the Virginia Medical Assistance Program are contained herein. An individual's need for care must meet these criteria before any authorization for payment by Medicaid will be made for either institutional or non-institutional long-term care services. The Nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening team is responsible for documenting on the state-designated assessment instrument that the individual meets the criteria for nursing facility or community-based waiver services and for authorizing admission to Medicaid-funded long-term care. The rating of functional dependencies on the assessment instrument must be based on the individual's ability to function in a community environment, not including any institutionally induced dependence.

12VAC30-60-301

12VAC30-60-301. Definitions.

The following words and terms as used in 12VAC30-60-302 through 12VAC30-60-315 shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Activities of daily living" or "ADLs" means personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and eating/feeding. An individual's degree of independence in performing these activities is a part of determining appropriate level of care and service needs.

"Adult" means a person age 18 years or older who may need Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) or who becomes eligible to receive Medicaid-funded LTSS.

"Appeal" means the processes used to challenge actions regarding services, benefits, and reimbursement provided by Medicaid pursuant to 12VAC30-110 and Part XII (12VAC30-20-500 et seq.) of 12VAC30-20.

"At risk" means the need for the level of care provided in a hospital, nursing facility, or an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ICF/IID) when there is reasonable indication that the individual is expected to need the services in the near future (that is, one month or less) in the absence of home or community-based services.

"Child" means a person up to the age of 18 years who may need Medicaid-funded LTSS or who becomes eligible to receive Medicaid-funded LTSS.

"Choice" means the individual is provided the option of either home and community-based services or institutional services and supports, including the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), if available and appropriate, after the individual has been determined likely to need LTSS.

"Communication" means all forms of sharing information and includes oral speech and augmented or alternative communication used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas, such as the use of a communication device, interpreter, gestures, and picture/symbol communication boards.

"Community-based screening" means the face-to-face process conducted pursuant to § 32.1-330 of the Code of Virginia to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for Medicaid-funded LTSS and that shall be conducted in the individual's place of residence or, at the request of the individual, an alternate location within the same jurisdiction.

"Community-based services" or "CBS" means community-based services waivers or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

"Community-based services provider" or "CBS provider" means a provider or agency enrolled with Virginia Medicaid to offer services to individuals eligible for home and community-based waivers services or PACE.

"Community-based team" or "CBT" means a nurse, social worker, or other assessors designated by the department and a physician who are employees of, or contracted with, the Virginia Department of Health or the local department of social services.

"DARS" means the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

"Day" means calendar day unless specified otherwise.

"DBHDS" means the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

"DMAS" or "the department" means the Department of Medical Assistance Services.

"DMAS designee" means the public or private entity with an agreement with the Department of Medical Assistance Services to complete preadmission screenings pursuant to § 32.1-330 of the Code of Virginia.

"Electronic preadmission screening" or "ePAS" means the automated system for use by all entities contracted by DMAS to perform preadmission screenings pursuant to § 32.1-330 of the Code of Virginia.

"Face-to-face" means an in-person meeting with the individual seeking Medicaid-funded LTSS that may also occur through technological means that permit visualization and real-time communication with the individual if circumstances prohibit in-person access to the individual.

"Feasible alternative" means a range of services that can be provided in the community, for less than the cost of comparable institutional care, in order to enable an individual to continue living in the community.

"Home and community-based services waiver" or "waiver services" means the range of community services and supports approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) pursuant to § 1915(c) of the Social Security Act to be offered to individuals as an alternative to institutionalization.

"Hospital team" means persons designated by the hospital who are responsible for conducting and submitting the PAS for inpatients to the DMAS automated system.

"Inpatient" means an individual who has a physician's order for admission to an acute care hospital, rehabilitation hospital, or a rehabilitation unit in an acute care hospital.

"Institutional screening" means the face-to-face process conducted pursuant to § 32.1-330 of the Code of Virginia for individuals who are inpatients in hospitals to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for Medicaid-funded LTSS.

"Licensed health care professional" or "LHCP" means a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician currently employed or contracted by the Virginia Department of Health and licensed by the relevant health regulatory board of the Department of Health Professions who is practicing within the scope of his license.

"Local department of social services" or "LDSS" means the entity established under § 63.2-324 of the Code of Virginia by the governing city or county in the Commonwealth.

"Local health department" or "LHD" means the entity established under § 32.1-31 of the Code of Virginia.

"Long-term services and supports" or "LTSS" means a variety of services that help individuals with health or personal care needs and ADLs over a period of time that can be provided in the home, the community, assisted living facilities, or nursing facilities.

"Medicaid" means the program set out in the 42 USC § 1396 and administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services consistent with Chapter 10 (§ 32.1-323 et seq.) of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Medicare" means the Health Insurance for the Aged and Disabled program as administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pursuant to 42 USC 1395ggg.

"Nursing facility" or "NF" means any nursing home as defined in § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia.

"Other assessor designated by DMAS" means an employee of the local department of social services holding the occupational title of family services specialist.

"Preadmission screening," "PAS," or "screening" means the process to (i) evaluate the functional, nursing, and social support needs of individuals referred for preadmission screening for certain long-term care services requiring NF eligibility; (ii) assist individuals in determining what specific services the individual needs; (iii) evaluate whether a service or a combination of existing community services are available to meet the individual's needs; and (iv) provide a list to individuals of appropriate providers for Medicaid-funded nursing facility or home and community-based services for those individuals who meet nursing facility level of care.

"Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly" or "PACE" means the community-based service pursuant to § 32.1-330.3 of the Code of Virginia.

"Referral for screening" means information obtained from an interested person or other third party having knowledge of an individual who may need Medicaid-funded LTSS and may include, for example, a physician, PACE provider, service provider, family member, or neighbor who is able to provide sufficient information to enable contact with the individual.

"Reimbursement" means the evaluation of the submitted claims for completeness, accuracy, and service resulting in the payment by DMAS for the services represented on the claims.

"Representative" means a person who is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the individual.

"Request date for screening" or "request date" means the date (i) that an individual or the individual's representative contacts the screening entity in the jurisdiction where the individual resides asking for assistance with LTSS or, (ii) for hospital inpatients, that a physician orders case management consultation or case management determines the need for LTSS upon discharge from a hospital.

"Request for screening" means (i) communication from an individual, individual's representative, adult protective services (APS), or child protective services (CPS) expressing the need for LTSS, or (ii) for hospital inpatients, a physician order for case management consultation or case management determination of the need for LTSS upon discharge from a hospital.

"Residence" means an individual's private home, apartment, assisted living facility, nursing facility, or jail/correctional facility, for example, if the individual to be screened is seeking Medicaid-funded LTSS and does not request an alternative screening location as allowed in 12VAC30-60-305 A.

"Screening entity" means the hospital screening team, community-based team (CBT), or DMAS designee contracted to perform preadmission screenings pursuant to § 32.1-330 of the Code of Virginia.

"Significant change in circumstances" means a change in an individual's condition that is expected to last longer than 30 days and shall not include short-term changes that resolve with or without intervention; a short-term illness or episodic event; or a well-established, predictive, cyclic pattern of clinical signs and symptoms associated with a previously diagnosed condition where an appropriate course of treatment is in progress.

"Submission" means the transmission of the screening findings and receipt of successfully processed results using the DMAS automated system.

"Submission date" means the date that the screening entity transmits to DMAS the screening findings using the DMAS automated system.

"Uniform Assessment Instrument" or "UAI" means the standardized multidimensional assessment instrument that is completed by the screening entity that assesses an individual's physical health, mental health, and psycho/social and functional abilities to determine if the individual meets the nursing facility level of care.

"VDH" means the Virginia Department of Health.

"VDSS" means the Virginia Department of Social Services.

12VAC30-60-302

12VAC30-60-302. Introduction; access to Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports.

A. Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) may be provided in either community-based or institutional-based settings. To receive LTSS, the individual's condition shall first be evaluated using the designated assessment instrument, the Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI), and other designated forms. Screening entities shall use the DMAS-designated forms (UAI, DMAS-95, DMAS-96, DMAS-95 Level I (MI/IDD/RC) and if appropriate, DMAS-95 Level II (for nursing facility placements only), and the DMAS-97) to perform preadmission screenings for LTSS.

1. An individual's need for LTSS shall meet the established criteria (12VAC30-60-303) before any authorization for reimbursement by Medicaid is made for LTSS.

2. Appropriate community-based services shall be evaluated prior to consideration of nursing facility placement.

B. The evaluation shall be the preadmission screening (PAS) or screening process, as designated in § 32.1-330 of the Code of Virginia, which shall preauthorize a continuum of LTSS covered by Medicaid.

1. Such screenings, using the UAI, shall be conducted by teams of representatives of (i) hospitals for individuals (adults and children) who are inpatients; (ii) local departments of social services and local health departments, known herein as CBTs, for individuals (adults) residing in the community and who are not inpatients; or (iii) a DMAS designee for individuals (children) residing in the community who are not inpatients. All of these entities shall be contracted with DMAS to perform this activity and be reimbursed by DMAS.

2. All screenings shall be comprehensive, accurate, standardized, and reproducible evaluations of individual functional capacities, medical or nursing needs, and risk for institutional placement.

C. The authorization for Medicaid-funded LTSS shall be rescinded by the community-based services provider, the NF, or DMAS when the individual is determined to no longer meet the criteria for Medicaid-funded LTSS. The individual shall have the right to appeal such rescission decision. The individual shall be responsible for all expenditures made after the date of the rescission decision in the event that the rescission is upheld on appeal.

D. Individuals shall not be required to be financially eligible for receipt of Medicaid or have submitted an application for Medicaid in order to be screened for LTSS.

E. Pursuant to § 32.1-330 of the Code of Virginia, individuals shall be screened if they are eligible for Medicaid or are anticipated to become eligible for Medicaid reimbursement of their NF care within six months of nursing facility placement.

12VAC30-60-303

12VAC30-60-303. Preadmission screening criteria for Medicaid-funded long-term care services and supports.

A. Functional dependency alone is shall not be deemed sufficient to demonstrate the need for nursing facility care or placement or authorization for community-based care services. An individual shall be determined to meet the nursing facility criteria when:

1. The individual has both limited functional capacity and medical or nursing needs according to the requirements of this section; or

2. The individual is rated dependent in some functional limitations, but does not meet the functional capacity requirements, and the individual requires the daily direct services or supervision of a licensed nurse that cannot be managed on an outpatient basis (e.g., clinic, physician visits, home health services).

B. An individual shall only be considered to meet the nursing facility criteria when both the functional capacity of the individual and his medical or nursing needs meet the following requirements. Even when an individual meets nursing facility criteria, placement in a noninstitutional setting shall be evaluated before actual nursing facility placement is considered In order to qualify for Medicaid-funded LTSS, the individual shall meet the following criteria:

1. For Medicaid-funded nursing facility services to be authorized, the screening entity shall document that the individual has both functional and medical or nursing needs. The criteria for screening an individual's eligibility for Medicaid reimbursement of NF services shall consist of two components: (i) functional capacity (the degree of assistance an individual requires to complete ADLs) and (ii) medical or nursing needs. The rating of functional dependency on the UAI shall be based on the individual's ability to function in a community environment and exclude all institutionally induced dependencies.

2. For Medicaid-funded community-based services to be authorized, an individual shall not be required to be physically admitted to a NF. The criteria for screening an individual's eligibility for Medicaid reimbursement of community-based services shall consist of three components: (i) functional capacity needs (the degree of assistance an individual requires in order to complete ADLs), (ii) medical or nursing needs, and (iii) the individual's risk of NF placement within 30 days in the absence of community-based services.

1. C. Functional capacity.

a. 1. When documented on a completed state-designated preadmission screening assessment instrument a UAI that is completed in a manner consistent with the definitions of activities of daily living (ADLs) and directions provided by DMAS for the rating of those activities, individuals may be considered to meet the functional capacity requirements for nursing facility care when one of the following describes their functional capacity:

(1) a. Rated dependent in two to four of the Activities of Daily Living ADLs, and also rated semi-dependent or dependent in Behavior Pattern and Orientation, and semi-dependent in Joint Motion or dependent in Medication Administration.

(2) b. Rated dependent in five to seven of the Activities of Daily Living ADLs, and also rated dependent in Mobility.

(3) c. Rated semi-dependent in two to seven of the Activities of Daily Living ADLs, and also rated dependent in Mobility and Behavior Pattern and Orientation.

b. 2. The rating of functional dependencies on the preadmission screening assessment instrument must shall be based on the individual's ability to function in a community environment, not including any institutionally induced dependence. The following abbreviations shall mean: I = independent; d = semi-dependent; D = dependent; MH = mechanical help; HH = human help.

(1) a. Bathing.

(a) (1) Without help (I)

(b) (2) MH only (d)

(c) (3) HH only (D)

(d) (4) MH and HH (D)

(e) (5) Performed by Others (D)

(2) b. Dressing.

(a) (1) Without help (I)

(b) (2) MH only (d)

(c) (3) HH only (D)

(d) (4) MH and HH (D)

(e) (5) Performed by Others (D)

(f) (6) Is not Performed (D)

(3) c. Toileting.

(a) (1) Without help day or night (I)

(b) (2) MH only (d)

(c) (3) HH only (D)

(d) (4) MH and HH (D)

(e) (5) Performed by Others (D)

(4) d. Transferring.

(a) (1) Without help (I)

(b) (2) MH only (d)

(c) (3) HH only (D)

(d) (4) MH and HH (D)

(e) (5) Performed by Others (D)

(f) (6) Is not Performed (D)

(5) e. Bowel Function function.

(a) (1) Continent (I)

(b) (2) Incontinent less than weekly (d)

(c) (3) External/Indwelling Device/Ostomy -- self care (d)

(d) (4) Incontinent weekly or more (D)

(e) (5) Ostomy -- not self care (D)

(6) f. Bladder Function function.

(a) (1) Continent (I)

(b) (2) Incontinent less than weekly (d)

(c) (3) External device/Indwelling Catheter/Ostomy -- self care (d)

(d) (4) Incontinent weekly or more (D)

(e) (5) External device -- not self care (D)

(f) (6) Indwelling catheter -- not self care (D)

(g) (7) Ostomy -- not self care (D)

(7) g. Eating/Feeding.

(a) (1) Without help (I)

(b) (2) MH only (d)

(c) (3) HH only (D)

(d) (4) MH and HH (D)

(e) (5) Spoon fed (D)

(f) (6) Syringe or tube fed (D)

(g) (7) Fed by IV or clysis (D)

(8) h. Behavior Pattern pattern and Orientation orientation.

(a) (1) Appropriate or Wandering/Passive less than weekly + Oriented (I)

(b) (2) Appropriate or Wandering/Passive less than weekly + Disoriented -- Some Spheres (I)

(c) (3) Wandering/Passive Weekly/or more + Oriented (I)

(d) (4) Appropriate or Wandering/Passive less than weekly + Disoriented -- All Spheres (d)

(e) (5) Wandering/Passive Weekly/Some or more + Disoriented -- All Spheres (d)

(f) (6) Abusive/Aggressive/Disruptive less than weekly + Oriented or Disoriented (d)

(g) (7) Abusive/Aggressive/Disruptive weekly or more + Oriented (d)

(h) (8) Abusive/Aggressive/Disruptive + Disoriented -- All Spheres (D)

(9) i. Mobility.

(a) (1) Goes outside without help (I)

(b) (2) Goes outside MH only (d)

(c) (3) Goes outside HH only (D)

(d) (4) Goes outside MH and HH (D)

(e) (5) Confined -- moves about (D)

(f) (6) Confined -- does not move about (D)

(10) j. Medication Administration administration.

(a) (1) No medications (I)

(b) (2) Self administered -- monitored less than weekly (I)

(c) (3) By lay persons, Administered/Monitored (D)

(d) (4) By Licensed/Professional nurse Administered/Monitored (D)

(11) k. Joint Motion motion.

(a) (1) Within normal limits or instability corrected (I)

(b) (2) Limited motion (d)

(c) (3) Instability -- uncorrected or immobile (D)

c. D. Medical or nursing needs. An individual with medical or nursing needs is an individual whose health needs require medical or nursing supervision or care above the level that could be provided through assistance with Activities of Daily Living ADLs, Medication Administration medication administration, and general supervision and is not primarily for the care and treatment of mental diseases. Medical or nursing supervision or care beyond this level is required when any one of the following describes the individual's need for medical or nursing supervision:

(1) 1. The individual's medical condition requires observation and assessment to assure evaluation of the person's need for modification of treatment or additional medical procedures to prevent destabilization, and the person has demonstrated an inability to self observe or evaluate the need to contact skilled medical professionals;

(2) 2. Due to the complexity created by the person's multiple, interrelated medical conditions, the potential for the individual's medical instability is high or medical instability exists; or

(3) 3. The individual requires at least one ongoing medical or nursing service. The following is a nonexclusive list of medical or nursing services that may, but need not necessarily, indicate a need for medical or nursing supervision or care:

(a) a. Application of aseptic dressings;

(b) b. Routine catheter care;

(c) c. Respiratory therapy;

(d) d. Supervision for adequate nutrition and hydration for individuals who show clinical evidence of malnourishment or dehydration or have recent history of weight loss or inadequate hydration that, if not supervised, would be expected to result in malnourishment or dehydration;

(e) e. Therapeutic exercise and positioning;

(f) f. Routine care of colostomy or ileostomy or management of neurogenic bowel and bladder;

(g) g. Use of physical (e.g., side rails, poseys, locked wards) and/or or chemical restraints, or both;

(h) h. Routine skin care to prevent pressure ulcers for individuals who are immobile;

(i) i. Care of small uncomplicated pressure ulcers and local skin rashes;

(j) j. Management of those with sensory, metabolic, or circulatory impairment with demonstrated clinical evidence of medical instability;

(k) k. Chemotherapy;

(l) l. Radiation;

(m) m. Dialysis;

(n) n. Suctioning;

(o) o. Tracheostomy care;

(p) p. Infusion therapy; or

(q) q. Oxygen.

d. Even when an individual meets nursing facility criteria, provision of services in a noninstitutional setting shall be considered before nursing facility placement is sought.

C. E. When assessing an individual 21 years of age or younger screening a child, the teams who are screening entity who is conducting preadmission screenings for long-term care services LTSS shall utilize the electronic Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) interpretive guidance as contained referenced in DMAS' Medicaid Memo dated October 3, 2012, entitled "Development of Special Criteria for the Purposes of Pre-Admission Screening," which can be accessed on the DMAS website at https://www.virginiamedicaid.dmas.virginia.gov/.

12VAC30-60-304

12VAC30-60-304. Requests for screening for adults and children living in the community and adults and children in hospitals.

A. Screenings for adults living in the community. Screenings for adults who are residing in the community but who are not inpatients in acute care hospitals shall be completed and submitted to the DMAS automated system within 30 days of the request date for screening.

1. Requests for screenings shall be accepted from either an individual, the individual's representative, or an adult protective services worker having an interest in the individual. The community-based team (CBT) in the jurisdiction where the individual resides shall conduct such screening. For the screening to be scheduled by the CBT, the individual shall either agree to participate or if refusing, shall be under order of a court of appropriate jurisdiction to have a screening.

a. The LDSS or LHD in receipt of the request for a screening shall contact the individual or his representative within seven days of the request date for screening to schedule a screening with the individual and any other persons who the individual selects to attend the screening.

b. When the CBT has not scheduled a screening to occur within 21 days of the request date for screening, and the screening is not anticipated to be complete within 30 days of the request date for screening due to the screening entity's inability to conduct the screening, the LDSS and LHD shall, no later than seven days of the request date for screening, notify DARS and VDH staff designated for technical assistance. After contact with the LDSS and LHD, if DARS and VDH confirm that the screening entity is unable to complete the screening within 30 days of the request date for screening, the designated VDH staff shall refer the CBT and screening request to the DMAS designee for scheduling of a screening and submission of documentation.

2. Referrals for screenings may also be accepted by LDSS or LHD from an interested person having knowledge of an individual who may need LTSS. When the LDSS or LHD receives such a referral, the LDSS or LHD shall obtain sufficient information from the referral source to initiate contact with the individual or his representative to discuss the PAS process. Within seven days of the referral date, the LDSS or LHD shall contact the individual or his representative to determine if the individual is interested in receiving LTSS and would participate in the screening. If the LDSS or LHD is unable to contact the individual or his representative, it shall document the attempt to contact the individual or his representative using the method adopted by the CBT.

a. After contact with the individual or his representative, or if the LDSS or LHD is unable to contact the individual or his representative, the LDSS or LHD shall advise the referring interested person that contact or attempt to contact has been made in response to the referral for screening.

b. Information about the results of the contact shall be shared with the interested person who made the referral only with either the individual's written consent or the written consent of his legal representative who has such authority on behalf of the individual.

B. Screenings for children living in the community. Screenings for children who are residing in the community shall be completed and submitted to the DMAS automated system within 30 days of the request date for screening.

1. A child who is residing in the community and is not an inpatient in an acute care hospital, rehabilitation unit of an acute care hospital, or a rehabilitation hospital, and who may need LTSS, shall receive a screening from a DMAS designee. Local CBTs shall forward requests for such screenings directly to the DMAS designee.

2. The request for screening of a child residing in the community shall initiate from the parent, the entity having legal custody of that child, an emancipated child, or a child protective services worker having an interest in the child.

3. Upon receipt of such a request, the DMAS designee shall schedule an appointment to complete the screening. Community settings where screenings may occur include the child's residence, other residences, children's residential facilities, or other settings with the exception of acute care hospitals, rehabilitation units of acute care hospitals, and rehabilitation hospitals.

4. Referrals for screenings may also be accepted from an interested person having knowledge of a child who may need LTSS. The same process and timing and limitations on the sharing of the results shall apply to such referrals for screenings for children as set out for adults.

C. Screening in hospitals for adults and children who are inpatients. Screening in hospitals shall be completed when an adult or child who is an inpatient may need LTSS upon discharge.

1. As a part of the discharge planning process, the hospital team shall complete a screening when:

a. The individual's physician, in collaboration with the individual, the individual's representative, if there is one, parent, entity having legal custody, the managed care organization's care manager, or emancipated child makes a request of the hospital team; or

b. The individual, the individual's representative, if there is one, parent, entity having legal custody, the managed care organization's care manager, or emancipated child requests a consultation with hospital case management.

2. Such individual shall receive a screening conducted by the hospital team regardless of the primary payer source (e.g., Medicare, health maintenance organization) and whether or not they are eligible for Medicaid or are anticipated to become eligible for Medicaid within six months after admission to a NF.

12VAC30-60-305

12VAC30-60-305. Screenings in the community and hospitals for Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports.

A. Community screenings for adults.

1. Eligibility for Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) shall be determined by the community-based team (CBT) after completion of a screening of the individual's needs and available supports. The CBT shall document a screening of all the supports available for that individual in the community (i.e., the immediate family, other relatives, other community resources, and other services in the continuum of LTSS).

2. Screenings shall be completed in the individual's residence unless the residence presents a safety risk for the individual or the CBT, or unless the individual or the representative requests that the screening be performed in an alternate location within the same jurisdiction. The individual shall be permitted to have another person or persons present at the time of the screening. The CBT shall determine the appropriate degree of participation and assistance given by other persons to the individual during the screening and accommodate the individual's preferences to the extent feasible.

3. The CBT shall:

a. Observe the individual's ability to perform ADLs according to 12VAC30-60-303 and consider the individual's communication or responses to questions or his representative's communication or responses;

b. Observe and assess the individual's medical condition to ensure accurate evaluation of the individual's need for modification of treatment or additional medical procedures to prevent destabilization even when the individual has demonstrated an inability to self-observe or evaluate the need to contact skilled medical professionals; and

c. Identify the medical or nursing needs, or both, of the individual.

4. The CBT shall consider services and settings that may be needed by the individual in order for the individual to safely perform ADLs.

5. Upon completion of the screening and in consideration of the communication from the individual, his representative, if appropriate, and observations obtained during the screening, the CBT shall determine whether the individual meets the criteria set out in 12VAC30-60-303. If the individual meets the criteria for LTSS, the CBT shall inform and provide choice to the individual and his representative, if appropriate, of the feasible alternatives available through waiver services, PACE where appropriate and available, or placement in a NF. If waiver services or PACE, where available, are declined, the reason for the declination shall be recorded on the DMAS-97, Individual Choice, Institutional Care, or Waiver Services form. The CBT shall have this document signed by either the individual or his representative, if appropriate. In addition to the electronic document, a paper copy of the DMAS-97 form with the individual's or his representative's signature shall be retained in the individual's record by the screening entity.

6. If the individual meets criteria selects community-based services, the CBT shall also document that the individual is at risk of NF placement in the absence of waiver services by finding that at least one of the following conditions exists:

a. The individual has been cared for in the home prior to the screening and evidence is available demonstrating a deterioration in the individual's health care condition or a change in available supports preventing former services and supports from meeting the individual's needs. Examples of such evidence may include (i) recent hospitalizations, (ii) attending physician documentation, or (iii) reported findings from medical or social service agencies.

b. There has been no change in condition or available support but evidence is available that demonstrates the individual's functional, medical, or nursing needs are not being met. Examples of such evidence may include (i) recent hospitalizations, (ii) attending physician documentation, or (iii) reported findings from medical or social service agencies.

7. If the individual selects NF placement, the CBT shall complete a Level I screening, on the DMAS-95 Level I form, for mental illness, intellectual disability, or related condition as required by § 1919(e)(7) of the Social Security Act. When the Level I screening indicates that the individual may have mental illness, intellectual disability, or related condition or conditions, the CBT shall refer the individual to DBHDS for a Level II screening.

a. DBHDS shall perform the Level II screening, documenting it on the DMAS-95 Level II form.

b. DBHDS shall determine if the individual may benefit from additional specialized services upon NF placement. DBHDS shall provide the outcome of its Level II screening to the CBT for NF placements only.

c. The CBT shall provide the outcome of the Level II screening to the NF that admits the individual and agrees to provide the required specialized services indicated by the Level II outcome. The individual shall be permitted to exercise choice among Medicaid-funded LTSS programs throughout the process.

8. If the CBT determines that the individual does not meet the criteria set out in 12VAC30-60-303, the CBT shall notify in writing the individual and family/caregiver, as may be appropriate, that LTSS are being denied for the individual. The denial notice shall include the individual's right to appeal consistent with DMAS client appeals regulations (12VAC30-110).

B. Community screenings for children.

1. Eligibility for Medicaid-funded LTSS shall be determined by the DMAS designee. The DMAS designee shall document a complete assessment of the child's needs and available supports. The assessment shall be documented on the designated DMAS forms identified in 12VAC30-60-306. If the child meets criteria defined in 12VAC30-60-303, the DMAS designee shall provide the parent or entity having legal custody of the child, or the emancipated child, the choice of waiver services or nursing facility placement.

2. The DMAS designee shall determine the appropriate degree of participation and assistance given by other persons to the individual during the screening in recognition of the individual's preferences to the extent feasible.

3. The DMAS designee shall:

a. Observe the child's ability to perform ADLs according to 12VAC30-60-303 and consider the parent's, legal guardian's, or emancipated child's communications or responses to questions;

b. Observe and assess the child's medical condition to assure accurate evaluation of the child's need for modification of treatment or additional medical procedures to prevent destabilization even when the child has demonstrated an inability to self-observe or evaluate the need to contact skilled medical professionals; and

c. Identify the medical or nursing needs, or both, of the child.

4. The DMAS designee shall consider services and settings that may be needed by the child in order for the child to safely perform ADLs.

5. Upon completion of the screening and in consideration of the communication from the individual, his representative, if appropriate, and observations obtained during the screening, the DMAS designee shall determine whether the individual meets the criteria set out in 12VAC30-60-303. If the individual meets the criteria for LTSS, the DMAS designee shall inform and provide choice to the individual and his representative, if appropriate, of the feasible alternatives available through waiver services, PACE where appropriate and available, or placement in a NF. If waiver services or PACE, where available, are declined, the reason for declining shall be recorded on the DMAS-97, Individual Choice, Institutional Care or Waiver Services form. The DMAS designee shall have this document signed by either the individual or his representative, if appropriate. In addition to the electronic document, a paper copy of the DMAS-97 form with the individual's or his representative's signature shall be retained in the individual's record by the screening entity.

6. If the individual who meets criteria selects community-based services, the CBT shall also document that the individual is at risk of NF placement in the absence of waiver services by finding that at least one of the following conditions exists:

a. The individual has been cared for in the home prior to the screening and evidence is available demonstrating a deterioration in the individual's health care condition or a change in available supports preventing former services and supports from meeting the individual's needs. Examples of such evidence may include (i) recent hospitalizations, (ii) attending physician documentation, or (iii) reported findings from medical or social service agencies.

b. There has been no change in condition or available support but evidence is available that demonstrates the individual's functional, medical, or nursing needs are not being met. Examples of such evidence may include (i) recent hospitalizations, (ii) attending physician documentation, or (iii) reported findings from medical or social service agencies.

7. If the parent, entity having legal custody of the child, or emancipated child selects NF placement, the DMAS designee shall complete a Level I screening, on the DMAS-95 Level I form, for mental illness, intellectual disability, or related condition as required by § 1919(e)(7) of the Social Security Act. When the Level I screening indicates that the child may have mental illness, intellectual disability, or related condition, the DMAS designee shall refer the child to DBHDS for a Level II screening.

a. DBHDS shall perform the Level II screening, documenting it on the DMAS-95 Level II form.

b. DBHDS shall determine if the child may benefit from additional specialized services upon NF placement. DBHDS shall provide the outcome of its Level II screening to the DMAS designee.

c. The DMAS designee shall provide the outcome of the Level II screening to the NF that admits the child and agrees to provide the required specialized services indicated by the Level II outcome. The child, parent, entity having legal custody, or emancipated child shall be permitted to exercise choice among Medicaid-funded LTSS programs throughout the process.

8. If the DMAS designee determines that the child does not meet the criteria to receive LTSS as set out in 12VAC30-60-303, the DMAS designee shall notify in writing the parent, entity having legal custody of the child, or the emancipated child and family/caregiver, as may be appropriate, that LTSS are being denied for the child. The denial notice shall include the child's right to appeal consistent with DMAS client appeals regulations (12VAC30-110).

C. Screenings for adults and children in hospitals. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "individual" shall mean either an adult or a child.

1. Eligibility for Medicaid-funded LTSS for individuals who are inpatients shall be determined by the hospital screening team, which shall document a complete assessment of the individual's needs and available supports.

2. Screenings shall be completed in the hospital prior to discharge. The individual shall be permitted to have another person present at the time of the screening. The hospital screening team shall determine the appropriate degree of participation and assistance given by other persons to the individual during the screening.

3. The hospital screening team shall:

a. Observe the individual's ability to perform ADLs according to 12VAC30-60-303, excluding all institutionally induced dependencies, and consider the individual's communication or responses to questions, or his representative's communications or responses to questions;

b. Observe and assess the individual's medical condition to ensure accurate evaluation of the individual's need for modification of treatment or additional medical procedures or services to prevent destabilization even when an individual has demonstrated an inability to self-observe or evaluate the need to contact skilled medical professionals; and

c. Identify the medical or nursing needs, or both, of the individual.

4. In developing the individual's discharge plans, the hospital screening team shall consider services and settings that may be needed by the individual in order for him to safely perform ADLs.

5. Upon completion of the screening and in consideration of the communication from the individual, his representative, if appropriate, and observations obtained during the screening, the hospital screening team shall determine whether the individual meets the criteria set out in 12VAC30-60-303. If the individual meets the criteria for LTSS, the hospital screening team shall inform and provide choice to the individual and his representative, if appropriate, of the feasible alternatives available through waiver services, PACE where appropriate and available, or placement in a NF. If waiver services or PACE, where available, are declined, the reason for declining shall be recorded on the DMAS-97, Individual Choice, Institutional Care or Waiver Services form. The hospital screening team shall have this document signed by either the individual or his representative, if appropriate. In addition to the electronic document, a paper copy of the DMAS-97 form with the individual's or his representative's signature shall be retained in the individual's record by the hospital screening team.

6. If the individual or his representative, if appropriate, selects NF placement, the hospital screening team shall complete a Level I screening, on the DMAS-95 Level I form, for mental illness, intellectual disability, or related condition as required by § 1919(e)(7) of the Social Security Act. When the Level I screening indicates the presence of mental illness, intellectual disability, or related condition, the hospital screening team shall refer the individual to DBHDS for a Level II screening prior to discharge to determine if the individual may benefit from additional specialized services upon NF admission.

a. DBHDS shall perform the Level II screening, documenting it on the DMAS-95 Level II form.

b. DBHDS shall determine if the individual may benefit from additional specialized services upon NF placement. DBHDS shall provide the outcome of its Level II screening on the DMAS-95 Level I (MI/MR/RC) and if appropriate, the DMAS-95 Level II form for NF placements only.

c. The hospital screening team shall provide the outcome of the Level II screening to the NF that admits the individual and agrees to provide the required specialized services indicated by the Level II outcome. The individual or his representative, as appropriate, shall be permitted to exercise choice among Medicaid-funded LTSS programs throughout the process.

7. If the hospital screening team determines that the individual does not meet the criteria for LTSS set out in 12VAC30-60-303, the hospital screening team shall notify in writing the individual and family/caregiver, as may be appropriate, that LTSS are being denied for the individual. The denial notice shall include the individual's right to appeal consistent with DMAS client appeals regulations (12VAC30-110).

12VAC30-60-306

12VAC30-60-306. Submission of screenings.

A. The screening entity shall complete and submit the following forms to DMAS electronically on ePAS:

1. DMAS 95 - MI/MR/ID/RC (Supplemental Assessment Process Form Level I);

2. DMAS - 96 (Medicaid-Funded Long-Term Care Service Authorization Form), as appropriate;

3. DMAS - 97 (Individual Choice – Institutional Care or Waiver Services);

4. DMAS - 95 MI/MR Supplement II; and

5. UAI (Uniform Assessment Instrument).

B. For screenings performed in the community, the screening entity shall submit to DMAS on ePAS each PAS form listed in subsection A of this section within 30 days of the individual's request date for screening.

C. For screenings performed in a hospital, the hospital team shall submit to DMAS on ePAS each screening form listed in subsection A of this section, which shall be completed prior to the individual's discharge. For individuals who will be admitted to a Medicare-funded skilled NF or to a Medicare-funded rehabilitation hospital (or rehabilitation unit) directly upon discharge from the hospital, the hospital screener shall have up to an additional three days post-discharge to submit the screening forms via ePAS.

12VAC30-60-307

12VAC30-60-307. Summary of pre-admission nursing facility criteria. (Repealed.)

A. An individual shall be determined to meet the nursing facility criteria when:

1. The individual has both limited functional capacity and requires medical or nursing management according to the requirements of 12VAC30-60-303, or

2. The individual is rated dependent in some functional limitations, but does not meet the functional capacity requirements, and the individual requires the daily direct services or supervision of a licensed nurse that cannot be managed on an outpatient basis (e.g., clinic, physician visits, home health services).

B. An individual shall not be determined to meet nursing facility criteria when one of the following specific care needs solely describes his or her condition:

1. An individual who requires minimal assistance with activities of daily living, including those persons whose only need in all areas of functional capacity is for prompting to complete the activity;

2. An individual who independently uses mechanical devices such as a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or cane;

3. An individual who requires limited diets such as a mechanically altered, low salt, low residue, diabetic, reducing, and other restrictive diets;

4. An individual who requires medications that can be independently self-administered or administered by the caregiver;

5. An individual who requires protection to prevent him from obtaining alcohol or drugs or to address a social or environmental problem;

6. An individual who requires minimal staff observation or assistance for confusion, memory impairment, or poor judgment;

7. An individual whose primary need is for behavioral management which can be provided in a community-based setting;

12VAC30-60-308

12VAC30-60-308. Nursing facility admission and level of care determination requirements.

A. Prior to an individual's admission, the NF shall review the completed preadmission screening forms to ensure that applicable NF admission criteria have been met and documented.

B. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall conduct reviews of Minimum Data Set individuals' data submitted by NFs.

12VAC30-60-310

12VAC30-60-310. ePAS requirements and submission. [Reserved]

12VAC30-60-312

12VAC30-60-312. Evaluation to determine eligibility for Medicaid payment of nursing facility or home and community-based care services. (Repealed.)

A. The screening team shall not authorize Medicaid-funded nursing facility services for any individual who does not meet nursing facility criteria. Once the nursing home preadmission screening team has determined whether or not an individual meets the nursing facility criteria, the screening team must determine the most appropriate and cost-effective means of meeting the needs of the individual. The screening team must document a complete assessment of all the resources available for that individual in the community (i.e., the immediate family, other relatives, other community resources and other services in the continuum of long-term care which are less intensive than nursing facility level-of-care services). The screening team shall be responsible for preauthorizing Medicaid-funded long-term care according to the needs of each individual and the support required to meet those needs. The screening team shall authorize Medicaid-funded nursing facility care for an individual who meets the nursing facility criteria only when services in the community are either not a feasible alternative or the individual or the individual's representative rejects the screening team's plan for community services. The screening team must document that the option of community-based alternatives has been explained, the reason community-based services were not chosen, and have this document signed by the client or client's primary caregivers.

B. The screening team shall authorize community-based waiver services only for an individual who meets the nursing facility criteria and is at risk of nursing home placement without waiver services. Waiver services are offered to such an individual as an alternative to avoid nursing facility admission pursuant to 42 CFR 441.302 (c)(1).

C. Federal regulations which govern Medicaid-funded home and community-based services require that services only be offered to individuals who would otherwise require institutional placement in the absence of home- and community-based services. The determination that an individual would otherwise require placement in a nursing facility is based upon a finding that the individual's current condition and available support are insufficient to enable the individual to remain in the home and thus the individual is at risk of institutionalization if community-based care is not authorized. The determination of the individual's risk of nursing facility placement shall be documented either on the state-designated pre-admission screening assessment or in a separate attachment for every individual authorized to receive community-based waiver services. To authorize community-based waiver services, the screening team must document that the individual is at risk of nursing facility placement by finding that one of the following conditions is met:

1. Application for the individual to a nursing facility has been made and accepted;

2. The individual has been cared for in the home prior to the assessment and evidence is available demonstrating a deterioration in the individual's health care condition or a change in available support preventing former care arrangements from meeting the individual's need. Examples of such evidence may be, but shall not necessarily be limited to:

a. Recent hospitalizations;

b. Attending physician documentation; or

c. Reported findings from medical or social service agencies.

3. There has been no change in condition or available support but evidence is available that demonstrates the individual's functional, medical and nursing needs are not being met. Examples of such evidence may be, but shall not necessarily be limited to:

a. Recent hospitalizations;

b. Attending physician documentation; or

c. Reported findings from medical or social service agencies.

12VAC30-60-313

12VAC30-60-313. Individuals determined to not meet criteria for Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports.

An individual shall be determined not to meet criteria for Medicaid-funded LTSS when one of the following specific care needs solely describes the individual's condition:

1. The individual requires minimal assistance with ADLs, including those individuals whose only need in all areas of functional capacity is for prompting to complete the activity;

2. The individual independently uses mechanical devices such as a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or cane;

3. The individual requires limited diets such as a mechanically altered, low-salt, low-residue, diabetic, reducing, and other restrictive diets;

4. The individual requires medications that can be independently self-administered or administered by the caregiver;

5. The individual requires protection to prevent him from obtaining alcohol or drugs or to address a social or environmental problem;

6. The individual requires minimal staff observation or assistance for confusion, memory impairment, or poor judgment; or

7. The individual's primary need is for behavioral management that can be provided in a community-based setting.

12VAC30-60-315

12VAC30-60-315. Ongoing evaluations for individuals receiving Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports.

A. Once an individual is admitted to community-based services, the CBS provider shall be responsible for conducting ongoing evaluations to ensure that the individual meets, and continues to meet, the waiver program or PACE criteria. These ongoing evaluations shall be conducted using the Level of Care form (DMAS 99 LOC).

B. Once an individual is admitted to a NF, the NF shall be responsible for conducting ongoing evaluations to ensure that the individual meets, and continues to meet, the NF criteria. For this purpose, the NF shall use the federally required Minimum Data Set (MDS) form. The post-admission evaluation shall be conducted no later than 14 days after the date of NF admission and promptly after an individual's significant change in circumstances.

C. For individuals who are enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO) that is responsible for providing LTSS, the MCO shall conduct ongoing evaluations by qualified MCO staff to ensure the individual continues to meet criteria for LTSS.

12VAC30-60-9998

FORMS (12VAC30-60)

Certificate of Medical Necessity -- Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies, DMAS 352 (rev. 8/95).

Request for Hospice Benefits, DMAS 420 (rev. 1/99).

Screening for Mental Illness, Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disability, or Related Conditions, DMAS-95/IDD/RC (rev. 12/2015)

Medicaid Funded Long-Term Services and Supports Authorization Form, DMAS-96 (rev. 12/2015)

Individual Choice - Institutional Care or Waiver Services Form, DMAS-97 (rev. 8/2012)

Virginia Uniform Assessment Instrument

Virginia Uniform Assessment Instrument, DMAS-98 (eff. 2/2016), including:

UAI-A; UAI-B; Eligibility Communication Document; Screening for Mental Illness, Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disability, or Related Conditions; MI/MR Supplemental: Level II; Medicaid Funded Long-Term Care Service Authorization Form; Individual Choice - Institutional Care or Waiver Services Form; and Attachment to Public Pay Short Form Assessment

Community-Based Care Level of Care Review Instrument, DMAS-99LOC (undated)