Virginia Law

A. Service description. Electronic home-based support service shall provide devices, equipment, or supplies, based on current technology to enable the individual to more safely live and participate in his community while decreasing the need for other services such as staff supports. The equipment or devices shall be purchased for the individual and typically shall be installed in the individual's home. Portable hand-held devices may be used by the individual at home or in the community. These devices and this service shall support the individual's greater independence and self-reliance in the community. This service may also include ongoing electronic monitoring, which is the provision of oversight and monitoring within the home through off-site monitoring. The electronic home-based service shall be covered in the FIS, CL, and BI waivers.

B. Criteria and allowable activities.

1. In order to qualify for the electronic home-based support (EHBS) service, the individual shall be at least 18 years of age and capable of using the equipment provided via EHBS service.

2. A preliminary needs assessment shall be completed by an independent professional consultant to determine the best type and use of technology and overall cost effectiveness of various options. This assessment shall be submitted to the DMAS designee for service authorization prior to the delivery of any goods and services and prior to the submission of any claims for Medicaid reimbursement. The independent professional consultant conducting the preliminary assessment may be an occupational therapist, or other similarly credentialed specialist, who is licensed or certified by the Commonwealth and specializes in assistive technologies, mobile technologies, and current accommodations for individuals with developmental disabilities.

3. EHBS service shall support training in the use of these goods and services, ongoing maintenance, and monitoring to address an identified need in the individual's ISP, including improving and maintaining the individual's opportunities for full participation in the community.

4. Items or services purchased through EHBS service shall be designed to decrease the need for other Medicaid services, such as reliance on staff supports, promote inclusion in the community, and increase the individual's safety in the home environment.

C. Service units and limits.

1. The ISP year limit for this service shall be $5,000. No unspent funds from one plan year shall be accumulated and carried over to subsequent plan years.

2. Receipt of EHBS service shall not be tied to the receipt of any other covered waiver or Medicaid service. Equipment or supplies already covered by any other Medicaid covered service shall be excluded from coverage by this waiver service.

3. EHBS service shall be provided in the least expensive manner possible that will meet the identified need of the individual enrolled in the waiver and shall be completed within the ISP year.

4. EHBS service shall not be covered for individuals who are receiving residential supports that are reimbursed on a daily basis, such as group home, or sponsored or supported living residential service.

D. Provider requirements.

1. Providers shall meet all of the requirements of 12VAC30-122-110 through 12VAC30-122-140.

2. An EHBS service provider shall be one of the following:

a. A Medicaid-enrolled licensed personal care agency;

b. A Medicaid-enrolled durable medical equipment provider;

c. A CSB or BHA;

d. A center for independent living;

e. A licensed and Medicaid-enrolled home health provider;

f. An EHBS manufacturer or a company that has the ability to provide electronic home-based equipment, direct services (i.e., installation, equipment maintenance, and service calls), and monitoring; or

g. A PERS manufacturer or a company that is Medicaid-enrolled and has the ability to provide electronic home-based equipment, direct services (i.e., installation, equipment maintenance, and service calls), and monitoring services.

3. Providers of this service shall have a current, signed participation agreement with DMAS. Providers as designated on this agreement shall render this service directly and shall bill DMAS for Medicaid reimbursement.

4. The provider of ongoing monitoring systems shall provide an emergency response center with fully trained operators who are capable of (i) receiving signals for help from an individual's equipment 24 hours a day, 365 or 366 days per year as appropriate; (ii) determining whether an emergency exists; and (iii) notifying the appropriate responding organization or an emergency responder that the individual needs help.

5. The EHBS service provider shall have the primary responsibility to furnish, install, maintain, test, and service the equipment, as required, to keep it fully operational. The provider shall replace or repair the device within 24 hours of the individual's notification of a malfunction of the unit or device.

6. The EHBS service provider shall properly install all equipment and shall furnish all supplies necessary to ensure that the system is installed and working properly.

7. The EHBS service provider shall install, test, and demonstrate to the individual and family/caregiver, as appropriate, the unit or device before submitting a claim to DMAS. The provider responsible for installation of devices shall document the date of installation and training in use of the devices.

8. The provider of off-site monitoring shall document each instance of action being taken on behalf of the individual. This documentation shall be maintained in this provider's record for the individual and shall be provided to either DMAS or DBHDS upon demand. The record shall document all of the following:

a. Delivery date and installation date of the EHBS;

b. The signature of the individual or his family/caregiver, as appropriate, verifying receipt of the EHBS device;

c. Verification by a test that the EHBS device is operational, monthly or more frequently as needed;

d. Updated and current individual responder and contact information, as provided by the individual or the individual's care provider or support coordinator/case manager; and

e. A case log documenting the individual's utilization of the system and contacts and communications with the individual or his family/caregiver, as appropriate, support coordinator, or responder.

E. Service documentation and requirements.

1. Providers shall include signed and dated documentation of the following in each individual's record:

a. The appropriate service authorization to be completed by the support coordinator may serve as the plan for supports for the provision of EHBS service. A rehabilitation engineer may be involved for EHBS service if disability expertise is required that a general contractor may not have. The service authorization request documentation shall include justification and explanation if a rehabilitation engineer is needed. The service authorization request shall be submitted to the state-designated agency or its designee in order for service authorization to occur;

b. Written documentation regarding the process and results of ensuring that the item is not covered by the State Plan for Medical Assistance as durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies, and that the item is not available from a DME provider;

c. Documentation of the recommendation for the item by an independent professional consultant;

d. Documentation of the date service is rendered and the amount of service that is needed;

e. Any other relevant information regarding the device or modification;

f. Documentation in the support coordination record of notification by the designated individual or individual's representative family/caregiver of satisfactory completion or receipt of the service or item; and

g. Instructions regarding any warranty, repairs, complaints, or servicing that may be needed.

2. Provider documentation shall support all claims submitted for DMAS reimbursement. Claims for payment that are not supported by supporting documentation shall be subject to recovery by DMAS or its designee as a result of utilization reviews or audits.