016-05-21 Ark. Code R. § 4
DDS COVID-19 RESPONSE
The following rules are duly adopted and promulgated by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) of the Department of Human Services (DHS) under the authority of Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 20-48-606, 20-48-1003 and 25-10-129.
Applicable Guidance:
Families First Coronavirus Response Act ( Public Law 116-127 - March 18, 2020)
CMS Families First Coronavirus Response Act - Increased FMAP FAQ (question 6): https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/downloads/covid-19-section-6008-faqs.pdf
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law No. 116-136 - March 27, 2020)
In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, DDS identified programs and services that required additional flexibility or changes to adapt to ensuring the health and safety of our clients. This manual details them so that DHS may render uninterrupted assistance and services to our clients.
Appeal requests for the Covid response policies must adhere to the policy set forth in the Medicaid Provider Manual Section 160.000 Administrative Reconsideration and Appeals which can be accessed at:https://medicaid.mmis.arkansas.gov/Provider/Docs/all.aspx
Each section of this manual is severable from all others. If any section of this manual is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the validity of other sections in this manual and all such other sections shall remain in full force and effect. In such an event, all other sections shall be construed and enforced as if this section had not been included therein.
Attendance payments are allowable for beneficiaries who attend the clinic in person that day. If a child or an adult attends an EIDT/ ADDT clinic, providers may bill one 15-minute unit encounter for $15.00, Place of Service (49), per beneficiary Monday - Friday.
These services will be available until the termination of the federal public health emergency, including any extensions, or December 31, 2022, whichever occurs first.
In response to COVID-19 DMS/DDS will temporarily modify provider types to all Qualified Behavioral Health Paraprofessionals employed by Outpatient Behavioral Health Service Agencies to provide Supportive Living Services, including Supplemental Supports to PASSE members.
DMS/DDS further amended the CES Waiver to allow an extension for reassessments and reevaluations for up to one year past the due date; allow the option to conduct evaluations, assessments, and person-centered service planning meetings virtually/remotely in lieu of face-to-face meetings; and allow an electronic method of signing off on required documents such as the person-centered service plan.
These services will be available until the termination of the federal public health emergency, including any extensions, or December 31, 2022, whichever occurs first.
016.05.21 Ark. Code R. § 004