Titles of Regulations: 12VAC30-30. Groups Covered and Agencies Responsible for Eligibility Determination (amending 12VAC30-30-20).

12VAC30-50. Amount, Duration, and Scope of Medical and Remedial Care Services (amending 12VAC30-50-130).

12VAC30-135. Demonstration Waiver Services (repealing 12VAC30-135-10 through 12VAC30-135-90).

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: August 26, 2016.

Agency Contact: Victoria Simmons, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Medical Assistance Services, 600 East Broad Street, Suite 1300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-6043, FAX (804) 786-1680, or email victoria.simmons@dmas.virginia.gov.

Basis: Section 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia grants to the Board of Medical Assistance Services the authority to administer the Plan for Medical Assistance. Section 32.1-324 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to administer and amend the Plan for Medical Assistance when the board is not in session, subject to such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the board. The Medicaid authority was established by § 1902(a) of the Social Security Act (42 USC § 1396a), which provides the governing authority for DMAS to administer the state's Medicaid system.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) (PPACA), as amended by the Health Care and Education Recovery Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152), contains § 2303 State Eligibility Option for Family Planning Services, which established a new Medicaid eligibility group and the option for states to begin providing family planning services and supplies to individuals (both men and women) found to be eligible under this new group. Coverage of both of these services was previously only available under a demonstration project waiver for men and women not eligible for full Medicaid benefits.

Item 301 UU of Chapter 665 of the 2015 Acts of Assembly provides the following: "The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall seek federal authority to move the family planning eligibility group from a demonstration waiver to the State Plan for Medical Assistance. The department shall seek approval of coverage under this new state plan option for individuals with income up to 200%  of the federal poverty level (FPL). For the purposes of this section, family planning services shall not cover payment for abortion services and no funds shall be used to perform, assist, encourage or make direct referrals for abortions. The department shall have authority to implement necessary changes upon federal approval and prior to the completion of any regulatory process undertaken in order to effect such change."

Purpose: The Plan First program was initially covered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a demonstration waiver program and covered general family planning services for persons who could not qualify for full Medicaid eligibility. The covered services included (i) examinations for both men and women for sexually transmitted diseases, (ii) birth control, (iii) cancer screenings for men and women, and (iv) family planning education and counseling. Demonstration projects, regardless of their subject, create significant administrative costs and reporting requirements for Medicaid programs. In order to approve a demonstration grant for a state, CMS requires significant data reporting, formal evaluations, and periodic grant renewals. Converting this family planning service to the State Plan, as now permitted by PPACA, relieves DMAS of these administrative costs and duties.

The purpose of this action is to move the waiver regulations into the state plan regulations, which has no effect on the health, safety, or welfare of citizens. The increase of the income eligibility level will permit more individuals to receive services under this program. The advantage to the individuals who qualify for this service is the coverage of family planning services and examinations for sexually transmitted diseases.

There are no disadvantages to the public or the Commonwealth associated with the proposed regulatory action.

Substance: The planned regulatory action makes three types of changes: (i) substantive changes required by CMS as a condition of the state plan amendment approval, (ii) substantive changes to the income level approved by CMS, and (iii) nonsubstantive editorial changes. In addition to moving this program out of demonstration waiver regulations and into state plan regulations, this action also increases the income level for eligibility, authorizes use of the DMAS Central Processing Unit or other contractor for determining eligibility (should DMAS determine that this is the most practicable approach), and clarifies that those individuals eligible for full-benefit coverage under Medicaid or FAMIS are not eligible under this program. The proposed regulatory action also authorizes coverage for additional (beyond initial) testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and newer methods of cervical cancer screening. The changes are designed to facilitate administration and update the services provided. In addition, this regulatory action includes nonsubstantive changes to selected language.

Current regulations treat individuals eligible for coverage under the Medicaid family planning option as a demonstration waiver versus the state plan option as approved by CMS. Under the demonstration waiver, the Commonwealth was allowed to waive certain limits for eligibility, including disallowing eligibility based on age, gender, or having had a sterilization procedure or hysterectomy. The demonstration waiver also disallowed retroactive eligibility. These limitations were required by CMS as a condition of waiver approval. The current regulations also limit the income level for eligibility to 133% FPL.

Current regulations limit eligibility determination to local departments of social services and are unclear with regard to enrollment for persons eligible for Medicaid or FAMIS under a full-benefits category. Current regulations limit testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to the initial visit and restrict cervical cancer screening to the Pap test.

By meeting CMS requirements for continuation of the Family Planning program as a state plan service, the proposed regulatory action brings the regulations into compliance with the state plan amendment currently approved by CMS. This action assures that the eligibility rules for the state plan family planning option are consistent with those for full benefit Medicaid program. Raising the income level for eligibility makes the program consistent with the FAMIS MOMS program for pregnant women, and offers more men and women access to family planning services. Updating the clinical services available (STI testing and cervical cancer screening options) conforms to the present standard of care.

The family planning program is a benefit to qualified low-income families by providing them with the means for obtaining medical family planning services to avoid unintended pregnancies and increase the spacing between births to help promote healthier mothers and infants.

The primary advantage of the family planning program to the Commonwealth is a cost savings to Medicaid for prenatal care, delivery, and infant care by preventing unintended pregnancies. According to the Virginia Department of Health's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2010), unintended pregnancy continues to occur at a high rate in Virginia, where 42% of all pregnancies are unintended across the Commonwealth. Of these unintended pregnancies, 31% were mistimed (women who reported they wanted to be pregnant later) and 11% were unwanted (women who reported they did not want the pregnancy then or in the future).

Family planning services do not cover abortion services or referrals for abortions. This regulatory action would not affect individuals younger than 19 years of age unless they are in the FAMIS income range but are not eligible for FAMIS because of having other creditable health insurance. The majority of individuals younger than 19 years of age would be eligible for full Medicaid or FAMIS benefits.

The intent of this action is to align Virginia policy with that afforded by federal law, and in doing so expand family planning options for individuals who would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid or FAMIS coverage.

Issues: The primary advantage to the public is that more low-income women and men will have access to family planning services. This increased access will support these individuals' efforts to better plan for pregnancy and will also allow greater access to testing for STI and screening for cervical cancer.

The primary disadvantage to these individuals is that, by definition, this is a limited benefit program. Some individuals may not understand those limits as they apply for full Medicaid benefits or seek services that are not encompassed by this family planning program, requiring remedial education and redirection to more appropriate resources. A disadvantage of this program for providers is that they also may not understand this program's limits and, after failing to determine that their patient has limited available benefits, provide a full range of services only to have their claims denied.

There are no identified disadvantages to the Commonwealth.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The proposed regulation makes permanent the provision of family planning services under the new eligibility group authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Result of Analysis. The benefits likely exceed the costs for all proposed changes.

Estimated Economic Impact. These regulations contain rules for Medicaid family planning services. Family planning services are services necessary to prevent or delay a pregnancy and do not include abortion services. The services include education and counseling, physician office visits, annual gynecological exams, sexually transmitted disease screens, Pap tests, contraceptives, and sterilizations for family planning purposes. Prior to 2011, coverage of these services had been provided in Virginia under a demonstration project waiver which required a new demonstration and federal approval every three years. In 2010, the federal Affordable Care Act established a new Medicaid eligibility group and the option for states to begin providing family planning services and supplies to individuals found to be eligible under this new group. Consequently, Chapter 890 of the 2011 Acts of Assembly, Item 297 DDDDD required the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to seek federal approval to provide family planning services under the new eligibility group. As a result, DMAS obtained federal authority in 2011 and has been providing these services under that authority since then.¹ The proposed changes have been implemented for some time and no significant economic impact upon promulgation of the proposed changes is expected. However, a general discussion is provided below to highlight the effects that have already likely occurred and will likely continue to be realized in the future.

As a result of the new eligibility rules in 2011, the income limit has increased from 133 percent of the federal poverty limit to 200 percent. The increase in the income level permitted more low-income women and men to have access to family planning services. In support of the waiver renewal application, DMAS estimated the cost effectiveness of family planning services in 2011. The study shows that the primary advantage of this change is costs savings to Medicaid for prenatal care, delivery, and infant care by preventing unintended pregnancies.

The study estimated that an additional 1,246 recipients would receive family planning services in fiscal year (FY) 2013. The cost of family planning services was estimated to be $323.53 per recipient for FY2013 and $403,123 in total to cover 1,246 additional recipients.² On the other hand, the cost of pregnancy care, delivery, and first year of life care was estimated to be $19,629.88 per recipient for FY2013, making family planning services very cost effective. For example, assuming family planning services reduce the Medicaid population's pregnancy rate by 7.15 percent, approximately 89 unintended pregnancies in FY2013 could be assumed to have been averted. As a result, assuming all unintended pregnancies would have ended in births, approximately $1.7 million in FY2013 could be estimated to have been averted in costs for prenatal care, delivery, and first year of life care.^{3 4}

In reality, some of the unintended pregnancies would not end in births. Thus, there is likely to be some financial savings to women who unintentionally get pregnant and who would otherwise terminate their pregnancies. Family planning services do not pay for abortion services unless the life or health of the mother is endangered if the fetus is carried to term. Thus, any abortion costs must be paid privately. Since the proposed change likely reduced the number of terminated pregnancies among unintended pregnancies, these women and/or their families probably realized some financial savings in abortion costs that would have otherwise occurred.

In addition, the non-financial effects of family planning are significant. The family planning services are expected to benefit the health and welfare of these women in their childbearing years, to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, and to improve the health of children, by allowing women to plan their pregnancies, by decreasing their risk of experiencing poor birth outcomes, and by averting the unintended births.^{5, 6} Adolescent women, women with several children, and women with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to health risks because their bodies may not be mature enough to handle a pregnancy and experience obstetrical complications, may not have gained sufficient strength following a previous pregnancy, or may face complications due to other health conditions, respectively. Closely spaced births (usually within 2 years) are more likely to be premature and low birth-weight. By practicing family planning, women can avoid high-risk births and reduce their chances of having a baby who will die in infancy. Poor birth outcomes may also result in expensive long lasting health care services for developmentally delayed children.

Some other additional benefits of expanding family planning services may stem from the use of contraceptives. Condoms offer protection against infection with HIV and STDs. Spermicides and diaphragm may help prevent STDs. Hormonal contraceptive methods may provide protection against iron deficiency, anemia, menstrual problems, and provide other similar benefits. Screening and testing may help detect some potential life threatening conditions such as cervical or breast cancer early on and improve recipient women's health.

The proposed change is beneficial also in terms of lower administrative costs. In order to approve a demonstration grant for a state, CMS requires significant data reporting, formal evaluations, and periodic grant renewals. Provision of services under the state plan eliminates these administrative costs. However, likely savings in administrative costs were probably offset to some extent by the increase in the caseloads.

Businesses and Entities Affected. The increase in the eligibility income level was estimated to allow an additional 1,246 recipients to receive Medicaid funded family planning services in FY2013. It is not known how many physician practices provide services to individuals in the family planning program.

Localities Particularly Affected. The proposed changes apply statewide.

Projected Impact on Employment. The increase in population receiving family planning services likely increased the demand for such services and likely had a positive impact on employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. Increased demand for family planning services likely increased provider revenues and had positive impact on their asset values.

Real Estate Development Costs. No impact on real estate development costs is expected.

Small Businesses:

Definition. Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

Costs and Other Effects. The affected providers are generally assumed to be small businesses. The proposed regulation does not impose costs on them, but likely resulted in an increase in demand for their services.

Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. No adverse impact on small businesses is expected.

Adverse Impacts:

Businesses. The proposed regulation does not adversely affect non-small businesses.

Localities. The proposed regulation does not adversely affect localities.

Other Entities. The proposed regulation does not adversely affect other entities.

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¹ However since the waiver regulation has not moved into the state plan regulations, similar language has been included in budget bills after 2011. For example, see Chapter 665 of the 2015 Acts of Assembly, Item 301 UU.

² This estimate is probably slightly lower than actual cost for two reasons. First, transportation was not a covered service prior to 2011 which would add approximately $1.12 per member per month to the overall cost. Second, testing for sexually transmitted diseases was limited to the initial visit, and cervical cancer screening was limited to the Pap test both of which would also add to the overall cost.

³ The literature strongly supports that every dollar spent on family planning services produces $3.00 to $5.63 savings in Medicaid expenditures for pregnancy and infant care due to averted pregnancies. For example, see "Contraceptive Needs and Services, 2010," Guttmacher Institute, July 2013 and Forrest and Samara, 1996, "Impact of Publicly Funded Contraceptive Services on Unintended Pregnancies and Implications for Medicaid Expenditures," Family Planning Perspectives, 28(5).

⁴ Exact amount of the Commonwealth's share of estimated total savings depends on the federal match rate which is 90% for family planning services and 50% for pregnancy and infant care services. For simplicity, only total savings are stated.

⁵ Trussell, James, et al., 1995, "The Economic Value of Contraception: A comparison of 15 Methods," American Journal of Public Health, v. 85 No. 4, pp. 494-503.

⁶ Trussell, James et al., 1997, "Medical Care Costs Savings from Adolescent Contraceptive Use," Family Planning Perspectives, v. 29, No. 6.

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The agency has reviewed the economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget regarding the regulations concerning Plan First Family Planning Services (Optional Group). The agency concurs with this analysis.

Summary:

Pursuant to Item 301 UU of Chapter 665 of the 2015 Acts of Assembly, the proposed amendments move the family planning program from demonstration waiver regulations to state plan regulations. The proposed amendments (i) increase the income level for eligibility for the program; (ii) authorize use of the Department of Medical Assistance Services Central Processing Unit or other contractor for determining eligibility, provided that DMAS determines that this is the most practicable approach; (iii) clarify that individuals eligible for full-benefit coverage under Medicaid or FAMIS are not eligible under this program; and (iv) authorize coverage for additional testing, beyond the initial testing, for sexually transmitted infections and newer methods of cervical cancer screening.

12VAC30-30-20. Optional groups other than the medically needy.

The Title IV A agency determines eligibility for Title XIX services.

1. Caretakers and pregnant women who meet the income and resource requirements of AFDC but who do not receive cash assistance.

2. Individuals who would be eligible for AFDC, SSI or an optional state supplement as specified in 42 CFR 435.230, if they were not in a medical institution.

3. A group or groups of individuals who would be eligible for Medicaid under the plan if they were in a NF or an ICF/MR, who but for the provision of home and community-based services under a waiver granted under 42 CFR Part 441, Subpart G would require institutionalization, and who will receive home and community-based services under the waiver. The group or groups covered are listed in the waiver request. This option is effective on the effective date of the state's § 1915(c) waiver under which this group(s) group is covered. In the event an existing § 1915(c) waiver is amended to cover this group(s) group, this option is effective on the effective date of the amendment.

4. Individuals who would be eligible for Medicaid under the plan if they were in a medical institution, who are terminally ill, and who receive hospice care in accordance with a voluntary election described in § 1905(o) of the Act.

5. The state does not cover all individuals who are not described in § 1902(a)(10)(A)(i) of the Act, who meet the income and resource requirements of the AFDC state plan and who are under the age of 21. The state does cover reasonable classifications of these individuals as follows:

a. Individuals for whom public agencies are assuming full or partial financial responsibility and who are:

(1) In foster homes (and are under the age of 21).

(2) In private institutions (and are under the age of 21).

(3) In addition to the group under subdivisions 5 a (1) and (2) of this section, individuals placed in foster homes or private institutions by private nonprofit agencies (and are under the age of 21).

b. Individuals in adoptions subsidized in full or part by a public agency (who are under the age of 21).

c. Individuals in NFs (who are under the age of 21). NF services are provided under this plan.

d. In addition to the group under subdivision 5 c of this section, individuals in ICFs/MR (who are under the age of 21).

6. A child for whom there is in effect a state adoption assistance agreement (other than under Title IV-E of the Act), who, as determined by the state adoption agency, cannot be placed for adoption without medical assistance because the child has special care needs for medical or rehabilitative care, and who before execution of the agreement:

a. Was eligible for Medicaid under the state's approved Medicaid plan; or

b. Would have been eligible for Medicaid if the standards and methodologies of the Title IV-E foster care program were applied rather than the AFDC standards and methodologies.

The state covers individuals under the age of 21.

7. Section 1902(f) states and SSI criteria states without agreements under §§ 1616 and 1634 of the Act.

The following groups of individuals who receive a state supplementary payment under an approved optional state supplementary payment program that meets the following conditions. The supplement is:

a. Based on need and paid in cash on a regular basis.

b. Equal to the difference between the individual's countable income and the income standard used to determine eligibility for the supplement.

c. Available to all individuals in each classification and available on a statewide basis.

d. Paid to one or more of the following classifications of individuals:

(1) Aged individuals in domiciliary facilities or other group living arrangements as defined under SSI.

(2) Blind individuals in domiciliary facilities or other group living arrangements as defined under SSI.

(3) Disabled individuals in domiciliary facilities or other group living arrangements as defined under SSI.

(4) Individuals receiving a state administered optional state supplement that meets the conditions specified in 42 CFR 435.230.

The supplement varies in income standard by political subdivisions according to cost-of-living differences.

The standards for optional state supplementary payments are listed in 12VAC30-40-250.

8. Individuals who are in institutions for at least 30 consecutive days and who are eligible under a special income level. Eligibility begins on the first day of the 30-day period. These individuals meet the income standards specified in 12VAC30-40-220.

The state covers all individuals as described above.

9. Individuals who are 65 years of age or older or who are disabled as determined under § 1614(a)(3) of the Act, whose income does not exceed the income level specified in 12VAC30-40-220 for a family of the same size, and whose resources do not exceed the maximum amount allowed under SSI.

10. Individuals required to enroll in cost-effective employer-based group health plans remain eligible for a minimum enrollment period of one month.

11. Women who have been screened for breast or cervical cancer under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program established under Title XV of the Public Health Service Act in accordance with § 1504 of the Act and need treatment for breast or cervical cancer, including a pre-cancerous condition of the breast or cervix. These women are not otherwise covered under creditable coverage, as defined in § 2701(c) of the Public Health Services Act, are not eligible for Medicaid under any mandatory categorically needy eligibility group, and have not attained age 65.

12. Individuals who may qualify for the Medicaid Buy-In program under § 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XV) of the Social Security Act (Ticket to Work Act) if they meet the requirements for the 80% eligibility group described in 12VAC30-40-220, as well as the requirements described in 12VAC30-40-105 and 12VAC30-110-1500.

13. Individuals under the State Eligibility Option of P.L. 111-148 § 2303 who are not pregnant and whose income does not exceed the state established income standard for pregnant women in the Virginia Medicaid and CHIP State Plan and related waivers, which is 200% of the federal poverty level, shall be eligible for the family planning program. Services are limited to family planning services as described in 12VAC30-50-130 D.

12VAC30-50-130. Skilled nursing facility services, EPSDT, school health services and family planning.

A. Skilled nursing facility services (other than services in an institution for mental diseases) for individuals 21 years of age or older.

Service must be ordered or prescribed and directed or performed within the scope of a license of the practitioner of the healing arts.

B. Early and periodic screening and diagnosis of individuals under 21 years of age, and treatment of conditions found.

1. Payment of medical assistance services shall be made on behalf of individuals under 21 years of age, who are Medicaid eligible, for medically necessary stays in acute care facilities, and the accompanying attendant physician care, in excess of 21 days per admission when such services are rendered for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of health conditions identified through a physical examination.

2. Routine physicals and immunizations (except as provided through EPSDT) are not covered except that well-child examinations in a private physician's office are covered for foster children of the local social services departments on specific referral from those departments.

3. Orthoptics services shall only be reimbursed if medically necessary to correct a visual defect identified by an EPSDT examination or evaluation. The department shall place appropriate utilization controls upon this service.

4. Consistent with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 § 6403, early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services means the following services: screening services, vision services, dental services, hearing services, and such other necessary health care, diagnostic services, treatment, and other measures described in Social Security Act § 1905(a) to correct or ameliorate defects and physical and mental illnesses and conditions discovered by the screening services and which are medically necessary, whether or not such services are covered under the State Plan and notwithstanding the limitations, applicable to recipients ages 21 and over, provided for by the Act § 1905(a).

5. Community mental health services. These services in order to be covered (i) shall meet medical necessity criteria based upon diagnoses made by LMHPs who are practicing within the scope of their licenses and (ii) are reflected in provider records and on providers' claims for services by recognized diagnosis codes that support and are consistent with the requested professional services.

a. Definitions. The following words and terms when used in this section shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Activities of daily living" means personal care activities and includes bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, feeding, and eating.

"Adolescent or child" means the individual receiving the services described in this section. For the purpose of the use of these terms, adolescent means an individual 12-20 years of age; a child means an individual from birth up to 12 years of age.

"Behavioral health services administrator" or "BHSA" means an entity that manages or directs a behavioral health benefits program under contract with DMAS.

"Care coordination" means collaboration and sharing of information among health care providers, who are involved with an individual's health care, to improve the care.

"Certified prescreener" means an employee of the local community services board or behavioral health authority, or its designee, who is skilled in the assessment and treatment of mental illness and has completed a certification program approved by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

"Clinical experience" means providing direct behavioral health services on a full-time basis or equivalent hours of part-time work to children and adolescents who have diagnoses of mental illness and includes supervised internships, supervised practicums, and supervised field experience for the purpose of Medicaid reimbursement of (i) intensive in-home services, (ii) day treatment for children and adolescents, (iii) community-based residential services for children and adolescents who are younger than 21 years of age (Level A), or (iv) therapeutic behavioral services (Level B). Experience shall not include unsupervised internships, unsupervised practicums, and unsupervised field experience. The equivalency of part-time hours to full-time hours for the purpose of this requirement shall be as established by DBHDS in the document entitled Human Services and Related Fields Approved Degrees/Experience, issued March 12, 2013, revised May 3, 2013.

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

"DMAS" means the Department of Medical Assistance Services and its contractor or contractors.

"Human services field" means the same as the term is defined by DBHDS in the document entitled Human Services and Related Fields Approved Degrees/Experience, issued March 12, 2013, revised May 3, 2013.

"Individual service plan" or "ISP" means the same as the term is defined in 12VAC30-50-226.

"Licensed mental health professional" or "LMHP" means a licensed physician, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, licensed marriage and family therapist, or certified psychiatric clinical nurse specialist.

"LMHP-resident" or "LMHP-R" means the same as "resident" as defined in (i) 18VAC115-20-10 for licensed professional counselors; (ii) 18VAC115-50-10 for licensed marriage and family therapists; or (iii) 18VAC115-60-10 for licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners. An LMHP-resident shall be in continuous compliance with the regulatory requirements of the applicable counseling profession for supervised practice and shall not perform the functions of the LMHP-R or be considered a "resident" until the supervision for specific clinical duties at a specific site has been preapproved in writing by the Virginia Board of Counseling. For purposes of Medicaid reimbursement to their supervisors for services provided by such residents, they shall use the title "Resident" in connection with the applicable profession after their signatures to indicate such status.

"LMHP-resident in psychology" or "LMHP-RP" means the same as an individual in a residency, as that term is defined in 18VAC125-20-10, program for clinical psychologists. An LMHP-resident in psychology shall be in continuous compliance with the regulatory requirements for supervised experience as found in 18VAC125-20-65 and shall not perform the functions of the LMHP-RP or be considered a "resident" until the supervision for specific clinical duties at a specific site has been preapproved in writing by the Virginia Board of Psychology. For purposes of Medicaid reimbursement by supervisors for services provided by such residents, they shall use the title "Resident in Psychology" after their signatures to indicate such status.

"LMHP-supervisee in social work," "LMHP-supervisee," or "LMHP-S" means the same as "supervisee" as defined in 18VAC140-20-10 for licensed clinical social workers. An LMHP-supervisee in social work shall be in continuous compliance with the regulatory requirements for supervised practice as found in 18VAC140-20-50 and shall not perform the functions of the LMHP-S or be considered a "supervisee" until the supervision for specific clinical duties at a specific site is preapproved in writing by the Virginia Board of Social Work. For purposes of Medicaid reimbursement to their supervisors for services provided by supervisees, these persons shall use the title "Supervisee in Social Work" after their signatures to indicate such status.

"Progress notes" means individual-specific documentation that contains the unique differences particular to the individual's circumstances, treatment, and progress that is also signed and contemporaneously dated by the provider's professional staff who have prepared the notes. Individualized and member-specific progress notes are part of the minimum documentation requirements and shall convey the individual's status, staff interventions, and, as appropriate, the individual's progress, or lack of progress, toward goals and objectives in the ISP. The progress notes shall also include, at a minimum, the name of the service rendered, the date of the service rendered, the signature and credentials of the person who rendered the service, the setting in which the service was rendered, and the amount of time or units/hours required to deliver the service. The content of each progress note shall corroborate the time/units billed. Progress notes shall be documented for each service that is billed.

"Psychoeducation" means (i) a specific form of education aimed at helping individuals who have mental illness and their family members or caregivers to access clear and concise information about mental illness and (ii) a way of accessing and learning strategies to deal with mental illness and its effects in order to design effective treatment plans and strategies.

"Psychoeducational activities" means systematic interventions based on supportive and cognitive behavior therapy that emphasizes an individual's and his family's needs and focuses on increasing the individual's and family's knowledge about mental disorders, adjusting to mental illness, communicating and facilitating problem solving and increasing coping skills.

"Qualified mental health professional-child" or "QMHP-C" means the same as the term is defined in 12VAC35-105-20.

"Qualified mental health professional-eligible" or "QMHP-E" means the same as the term is defined in 12VAC35-105-20 and consistent with the requirements of 12VAC35-105-590.

"Qualified paraprofessional in mental health" or "QPPMH" means the same as the term is defined in 12VAC35-105-20 and consistent with the requirements of 12VAC35-105-1370.

"Service-specific provider intake" means the face-to-face interaction in which the provider obtains information from the child or adolescent, and parent or other family member or members, as appropriate, about the child's or adolescent's mental health status. It includes documented history of the severity, intensity, and duration of mental health care problems and issues and shall contain all of the following elements: (i) the presenting issue/reason for referral, (ii) mental health history/hospitalizations, (iii) previous interventions by providers and timeframes and response to treatment, (iv) medical profile, (v) developmental history including history of abuse, if appropriate, (vi) educational/vocational status, (vii) current living situation and family history and relationships, (viii) legal status, (ix) drug and alcohol profile, (x) resources and strengths, (xi) mental status exam and profile, (xii) diagnosis, (xiii) professional summary and clinical formulation, (xiv) recommended care and treatment goals, and (xv) the dated signature of the LMHP, LMHP-supervisee, LMHP-resident, or LMHP-RP.

b. Intensive in-home services (IIH) to children and adolescents under age 21 shall be time-limited interventions provided in the individual's residence and when clinically necessary in community settings. All interventions and the settings of the intervention shall be defined in the Individual Service Plan. All IIH services shall be designed to specifically improve family dynamics, provide modeling, and the clinically necessary interventions that increase functional and therapeutic interpersonal relations between family members in the home. IIH services are designed to promote psychoeducational benefits in the home setting of an individual who is at risk of being moved into an out-of-home placement or who is being transitioned to home from an out-of-home placement due to a documented medical need of the individual. These services provide crisis treatment; individual and family counseling; communication skills (e.g., counseling to assist the individual and his parents or guardians, as appropriate, to understand and practice appropriate problem solving, anger management, and interpersonal interaction, etc.); care coordination with other required services; and 24-hour emergency response.

(1) These services shall be limited annually to 26 weeks. Service authorization shall be required for Medicaid reimbursement prior to the onset of services. Services rendered before the date of authorization shall not be reimbursed.

(2) Service authorization shall be required for services to continue beyond the initial 26 weeks.

(3) Service-specific provider intakes shall be required at the onset of services and ISPs shall be required during the entire duration of services. Services based upon incomplete, missing, or outdated service-specific provider intakes or ISPs shall be denied reimbursement. Requirements for service-specific provider intakes and ISPs are set out in this section.

(4) These services may only be rendered by an LMHP, LMHP-supervisee, LMHP-resident, LMHP-RP, a QMHP-C, or a QMHP-E.

c. Therapeutic day treatment (TDT) shall be provided two or more hours per day in order to provide therapeutic interventions. Day treatment programs, limited annually to 780 units, provide evaluation; medication education and management; opportunities to learn and use daily living skills and to enhance social and interpersonal skills (e.g., problem solving, anger management, community responsibility, increased impulse control, and appropriate peer relations, etc.); and individual, group and family counseling.

(1) Service authorization shall be required for Medicaid reimbursement.

(2) Service-specific provider intakes shall be required at the onset of services and ISPs shall be required during the entire duration of services. Services based upon incomplete, missing, or outdated service-specific provider intakes or ISPs shall be denied reimbursement. Requirements for service-specific provider intakes and ISPs are set out in this section.

(3) These services may be rendered only by an LMHP, LMHP-supervisee, LMHP-resident, LMHP-RP, a QMHP-C, or a QMHP-E.

d. Community-based services for children and adolescents under 21 years of age (Level A).

(1) Such services shall be a combination of therapeutic services rendered in a residential setting. The residential services will provide structure for daily activities, psychoeducation, therapeutic supervision, care coordination, and psychiatric treatment to ensure the attainment of therapeutic mental health goals as identified in the individual service plan (plan of care). Individuals qualifying for this service must demonstrate medical necessity for the service arising from a condition due to mental, behavioral or emotional illness that results in significant functional impairments in major life activities in the home, school, at work, or in the community. The service must reasonably be expected to improve the child's condition or prevent regression so that the services will no longer be needed. The application of a national standardized set of medical necessity criteria in use in the industry, such as McKesson InterQual^® Criteria or an equivalent standard authorized in advance by DMAS, shall be required for this service.

(2) In addition to the residential services, the child must receive, at least weekly, individual psychotherapy that is provided by an LMHP, LMHP-supervisee, LMHP-resident, or LMHP-RP.

(3) Individuals shall be discharged from this service when other less intensive services may achieve stabilization.

(4) Authorization shall be required for Medicaid reimbursement. Services that were rendered before the date of service authorization shall not be reimbursed.

(5) Room and board costs shall not be reimbursed. DMAS shall reimburse only for services provided in facilities or programs with no more than 16 beds.

(6) These residential providers must be licensed by the Department of Social Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, or Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under the Standards for Licensed Children's Residential Facilities (22VAC40-151), Standards for Interim Regulation of Children's Residential Facilities (6VAC35-51), or Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities (12VAC35-46).

(7) Daily progress notes shall document a minimum of seven psychoeducational activities per week. Psychoeducational programming must include, but is not limited to, development or maintenance of daily living skills, anger management, social skills, family living skills, communication skills, stress management, and any care coordination activities.

(8) The facility/group home must coordinate services with other providers. Such care coordination shall be documented in the individual's medical record. The documentation shall include who was contacted, when the contact occurred, and what information was transmitted.

(9) Service-specific provider intakes shall be required at the onset of services and ISPs shall be required during the entire duration of services. Services based upon incomplete, missing, or outdated service-specific provider intakes or ISPs shall be denied reimbursement. Requirements for intakes and ISPs are set out in 12VAC30-60-61.

(10) These services may only be rendered by an LMHP, LMHP-supervisee, LMHP-resident, LMHP-RP, a QMHP-C, a QMHP-E, or a QPPMH.

e. Therapeutic behavioral services (Level B).

(1) Such services must be therapeutic services rendered in a residential setting that provides structure for daily activities, psychoeducation, therapeutic supervision, care coordination, and psychiatric treatment to ensure the attainment of therapeutic mental health goals as identified in the individual service plan (plan of care). Individuals qualifying for this service must demonstrate medical necessity for the service arising from a condition due to mental, behavioral or emotional illness that results in significant functional impairments in major life activities in the home, school, at work, or in the community. The service must reasonably be expected to improve the child's condition or prevent regression so that the services will no longer be needed. The application of a national standardized set of medical necessity criteria in use in the industry, such as McKesson InterQual^® Criteria, or an equivalent standard authorized in advance by DMAS shall be required for this service.

(2) Authorization is required for Medicaid reimbursement. Services that are rendered before the date of service authorization shall not be reimbursed.

(3) Room and board costs shall not be reimbursed. Facilities that only provide independent living services are not reimbursed. DMAS shall reimburse only for services provided in facilities or programs with no more than 16 beds.

(4) These residential providers must be licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) under the Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities (12VAC35-46).

(5) Daily progress notes shall document that a minimum of seven psychoeducational activities per week occurs. Psychoeducational programming must include, but is not limited to, development or maintenance of daily living skills, anger management, social skills, family living skills, communication skills, and stress management. This service may be provided in a program setting or a community-based group home.

(6) The individual must receive, at least weekly, individual psychotherapy and, at least weekly, group psychotherapy that is provided as part of the program.

(7) Individuals shall be discharged from this service when other less intensive services may achieve stabilization.

(8) Service-specific provider intakes shall be required at the onset of services and ISPs shall be required during the entire duration of services. Services that are based upon incomplete, missing, or outdated service-specific provider intakes or ISPs shall be denied reimbursement. Requirements for intakes and ISPs are set out in 12VAC30-60-61.

(9) These services may only be rendered by an LMHP, LMHP-supervisee, LMHP-resident, LMHP-RP, a QMHP-C, a QMHP-E, or a QPPMH.

(10) The facility/group home shall coordinate necessary services with other providers. Documentation of this care coordination shall be maintained by the facility/group home in the individual's record. The documentation shall include who was contacted, when the contact occurred, and what information was transmitted.

6. Inpatient psychiatric services shall be covered for individuals younger than age 21 for medically necessary stays for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of mental health and behavioral disorders identified under EPSDT when such services are rendered by:

a. A psychiatric hospital or an inpatient psychiatric program in a hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; or a psychiatric facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children or the Council on Quality and Leadership.

b. Inpatient psychiatric hospital admissions at general acute care hospitals and freestanding psychiatric hospitals shall also be subject to the requirements of 12VAC30-50-100, 12VAC30-50-105, and 12VAC30-60-25. Inpatient psychiatric admissions to residential treatment facilities shall also be subject to the requirements of Part XIV (12VAC30-130-850 et seq.) of Amount, Duration and Scope of Selected Services.

c. Inpatient psychiatric services are reimbursable only when the treatment program is fully in compliance with 42 CFR Part 441 Subpart D, as contained in 42 CFR 441.151 (a) and (b) and 441.152 through 441.156. Each admission must be preauthorized and the treatment must meet DMAS requirements for clinical necessity.

7. Hearing aids shall be reimbursed for individuals younger than 21 years of age according to medical necessity when provided by practitioners licensed to engage in the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids under the Code of Virginia.

C. School health services.

1. School health assistant services are repealed effective July 1, 2006.

2. School divisions may provide routine well-child screening services under the State Plan. Diagnostic and treatment services that are otherwise covered under early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment services, shall not be covered for school divisions. School divisions to receive reimbursement for the screenings shall be enrolled with DMAS as clinic providers.

a. Children enrolled in managed care organizations shall receive screenings from those organizations. School divisions shall not receive reimbursement for screenings from DMAS for these children.

b. School-based services are listed in a recipient's individualized education program (IEP) and covered under one or more of the service categories described in § 1905(a) of the Social Security Act. These services are necessary to correct or ameliorate defects of physical or mental illnesses or conditions.

3. Service providers shall be licensed under the applicable state practice act or comparable licensing criteria by the Virginia Department of Education, and shall meet applicable qualifications under 42 CFR Part 440. Identification of defects, illnesses or conditions and services necessary to correct or ameliorate them shall be performed by practitioners qualified to make those determinations within their licensed scope of practice, either as a member of the IEP team or by a qualified practitioner outside the IEP team.

a. Service providers shall be employed by the school division or under contract to the school division.

b. Supervision of services by providers recognized in subdivision 4 of this subsection shall occur as allowed under federal regulations and consistent with Virginia law, regulations, and DMAS provider manuals.

c. The services described in subdivision 4 of this subsection shall be delivered by school providers, but may also be available in the community from other providers.

d. Services in this subsection are subject to utilization control as provided under 42 CFR Parts 455 and 456.

e. The IEP shall determine whether or not the services described in subdivision 4 of this subsection are medically necessary and that the treatment prescribed is in accordance with standards of medical practice. Medical necessity is defined as services ordered by IEP providers. The IEP providers are qualified Medicaid providers to make the medical necessity determination in accordance with their scope of practice. The services must be described as to the amount, duration and scope.

4. Covered services include:

a. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and services for individuals with speech, hearing, and language disorders, performed by, or under the direction of, providers who meet the qualifications set forth at 42 CFR 440.110. This coverage includes audiology services.

b. Skilled nursing services are covered under 42 CFR 440.60. These services are to be rendered in accordance to the licensing standards and criteria of the Virginia Board of Nursing. Nursing services are to be provided by licensed registered nurses or licensed practical nurses but may be delegated by licensed registered nurses in accordance with the regulations of the Virginia Board of Nursing, especially the section on delegation of nursing tasks and procedures. The licensed practical nurse is under the supervision of a registered nurse.

(1) The coverage of skilled nursing services shall be of a level of complexity and sophistication (based on assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation) that is consistent with skilled nursing services when performed by a licensed registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. These skilled nursing services shall include, but not necessarily be limited to dressing changes, maintaining patent airways, medication administration/monitoring and urinary catheterizations.

(2) Skilled nursing services shall be directly and specifically related to an active, written plan of care developed by a registered nurse that is based on a written order from a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner for skilled nursing services. This order shall be recertified on an annual basis.

c. Psychiatric and psychological services performed by licensed practitioners within the scope of practice are defined under state law or regulations and covered as physicians' services under 42 CFR 440.50 or medical or other remedial care under 42 CFR 440.60. These outpatient services include individual medical psychotherapy, group medical psychotherapy coverage, and family medical psychotherapy. Psychological and neuropsychological testing are allowed when done for purposes other than educational diagnosis, school admission, evaluation of an individual with intellectual disability prior to admission to a nursing facility, or any placement issue. These services are covered in the nonschool settings also. School providers who may render these services when licensed by the state include psychiatrists, licensed clinical psychologists, school psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors, psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, marriage and family therapists, and school social workers.

d. Personal care services are covered under 42 CFR 440.167 and performed by persons qualified under this subsection. The personal care assistant is supervised by a DMAS recognized school-based health professional who is acting within the scope of licensure. This practitioner develops a written plan for meeting the needs of the child, which is implemented by the assistant. The assistant must have qualifications comparable to those for other personal care aides recognized by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. The assistant performs services such as assisting with toileting, ambulation, and eating. The assistant may serve as an aide on a specially adapted school vehicle that enables transportation to or from the school or school contracted provider on days when the student is receiving a Medicaid-covered service under the IEP. Children requiring an aide during transportation on a specially adapted vehicle shall have this stated in the IEP.

e. Medical evaluation services are covered as physicians' services under 42 CFR 440.50 or as medical or other remedial care under 42 CFR 440.60. Persons performing these services shall be licensed physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners. These practitioners shall identify the nature or extent of a child's medical or other health related condition.

f. Transportation is covered as allowed under 42 CFR 431.53 and described at State Plan Attachment 3.1-D. Transportation shall be rendered only by school division personnel or contractors. Transportation is covered for a child who requires transportation on a specially adapted school vehicle that enables transportation to or from the school or school contracted provider on days when the student is receiving a Medicaid-covered service under the IEP. Transportation shall be listed in the child's IEP. Children requiring an aide during transportation on a specially adapted vehicle shall have this stated in the IEP.

g. Assessments are covered as necessary to assess or reassess the need for medical services in a child's IEP and shall be performed by any of the above licensed practitioners within the scope of practice. Assessments and reassessments not tied to medical needs of the child shall not be covered.

5. DMAS will ensure through quality management review that duplication of services will be monitored. School divisions have a responsibility to ensure that if a child is receiving additional therapy outside of the school, that there will be coordination of services to avoid duplication of service.

D. Family planning services and supplies for individuals of child-bearing age.

1. Service must be ordered or prescribed and directed or performed within the scope of the license of a practitioner of the healing arts.

2. Family planning services shall be defined as those services that delay or prevent pregnancy. Coverage of such services shall not include services to treat infertility nor or services to promote fertility. Family planning services shall not cover payment for abortion services and no funds shall be used to perform, assist, encourage, or make direct referrals for abortions.  

3. Family planning services as established by § 1905(a)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act include annual family planning exams; cervical cancer screening for women; sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing; lab services for family planning and STI testing; family planning education, counseling, and preconception health; sterilization procedures; nonemergency transportation to a family planning service; and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved prescription and over-the-counter contraceptives, subject to limits in 12VAC30-50-210.

Part I
Family Planning Waiver (Repealed)

12VAC30-135-10. Definitions. (Repealed.)

The following words and terms when used in this part shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Creditable health coverage" means "creditable coverage" as defined under § 2701(c) of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC § 300gg(c)) and includes coverage that meets the requirements of § 2103 provided to a targeted low-income child under Title XXI of the Social Security Act or under a waiver approved under § 2105(c)(2)(B) (relating to a direct service waiver).

"Family planning" means those services necessary to prevent or delay a pregnancy. It shall not include services to promote pregnancy such as infertility treatments. Family planning does not include counseling about, recommendations for or performance of abortions, or hysterectomies or procedures performed for medical reasons such as removal of intrauterine devices due to infections.

"FAMIS" means the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan described in 12VAC30-141.

"Over-the-counter" means drugs and contraceptives that are available for purchase without requiring a physician's prescription.

"Third party" 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 the State Plan for Medical Assistance.

12VAC30-135-20. Administration and eligibility determination. (Repealed.)

A. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall administer the family planning demonstration waiver services program under the authority of § 1115(a) of the Social Security Act and 42 USC § 1315.

B. Local departments of social services or a department contractor shall be responsible for determining eligibility of and for enrolling eligible individuals in the family planning waiver. Local departments of social services or a department contractor shall conduct periodic reviews and redeterminations of eligibility at least every 12 months while recipients are enrolled in the family planning waiver.

12VAC30-135-30. Eligibility. (Repealed.)

A. To be eligible under the family planning waiver, an individual must meet the eligibility conditions and requirements found in 12VAC30-40-10, have family income less than or equal to 133% of the federal poverty level, not have creditable health coverage, and not be eligible for enrollment in a Medicaid full benefit coverage group or FAMIS.

B. Individuals who have received a sterilization procedure or hysterectomy are ineligible under the waiver.

C. Individuals enrolled in the family planning waiver will not be retroactively eligible.

D. A recipient's enrollment in the family planning waiver shall be terminated if the individual receives a sterilization procedure or hysterectomy or is found to be ineligible as the result of a reported change or annual redetermination. The recipient's enrollment in the family planning waiver also shall be terminated if a reported change or annual redetermination results in eligibility for Virginia Medicaid in a full benefit coverage group or eligibility for FAMIS. A 10-day advance notice must be provided prior to cancellation of coverage under the family planning waiver unless the individual becomes eligible for a full benefit Medicaid covered group or FAMIS.

12VAC30-135-40. Covered services. (Repealed.)

A. Services provided under the family planning waiver are limited to:

1. Family planning office visits including annual gynecological or physical exams (one per 12 months), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) testing, cervical cancer screening tests (limited to one every six months);

2. Laboratory services for family planning and STD testing;

3. Family planning education and counseling;

4. Contraceptives approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including diaphragms, contraceptive injectables, and contraceptive implants;

5. Over-the-counter contraceptives; and

6. Sterilizations, not to include hysterectomies.

B. Services not covered under the family planning waiver include, but are not limited to:

1. Performance of, counseling for, or recommendations of abortions;

2. Infertility treatments;

3. Procedures performed for medical reasons;

4. Performance of a hysterectomy; and

5. Transportation to a family planning service.

12VAC30-135-50. Provider qualifications. (Repealed.)

Services provided under this waiver must be ordered or prescribed and directed or performed within the scope of the licensed practitioner. Any appropriately licensed Medicaid enrolled physician, nurse practitioner, or medical clinic may provide services under this waiver.

12VAC30-135-60. Quality assurance. (Repealed.)

The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall provide for continuing review and evaluation of the care and services paid by Medicaid under this waiver. To ensure a thorough review, trained professionals shall review cases either through desk audit or through on-site reviews of medical records. Providers shall be required to refund payments made by Medicaid if they are found to have billed Medicaid for services not covered under this waiver, if records or documentation supporting claims are not maintained, or if bills are submitted for medically unnecessary services.

12VAC30-135-70. Reimbursement. (Repealed.)

A. Providers will be reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis.

B. All reasonable measures including those measures specified under 42 USC § 1396 (a) (25) will be taken to ascertain the legal liability of third parties to pay for authorized care and services provided to eligible recipients.

C. A completed sterilization consent form, in accordance with the requirements of 42 CFR Part 441, Subpart F, must be submitted with all claims for payment for sterilization procedures.

12VAC30-135-80. Recipients' rights and right to appeal. (Repealed.)

Individuals found eligible for and enrolled in the family planning waiver shall have freedom of choice of providers. Individuals will be free from coercion or mental pressure and shall be free to choose their preferred methods of family planning. The client appeals process at 12VAC30-110 shall be applicable to applicants for and recipients of family planning services under this waiver.

12VAC30-135-90. Sunset provision. (Repealed.)

Consistent with federal requirements applicable to this § 1115 demonstration waiver, these regulations shall expire effective with the termination of the federally approved waiver.