Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
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Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
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11/1/21  5:10 pm
Commenter: Cumberland Mountain CSB

23 hour CS/Psych eval provider qualifications/psych eval at admission
 

Page 24 of the draft manual states that "A psychiatric evaluation by a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner or physician assistant must be available at the time of admission into that service."   Page 27 then states that "A licensed psychiatrist of psychiatric nurse practitioner (who is acting within the scope of their professional license and applicable state law) must be available to the program 24/7 either in person or via telemedicine to provide assessment, treatment recommendations and consultation." Is a PA acceptable or not? Is an NP who is not a psychiatric certified NP acceptable or not?  Concerning as there is a limited supply of providers across the state and psychiatric certified NPs are rare.  Additionally, not all individuals who enter 23 hour CS are in need of a psych eval/prescribed medications as this is not clinically indicated or appropriate.  This should only be required following a clinical assessment by an LMHP that indicates need for such psych eval.  

CommentID: 116595