D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-9029

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 44, November 1, 2024

Rule 29-9029 - PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES

9029.1

This section establishes the conditions for Medicaid providers enumerated in § 9029.10 ("Medicaid Providers") and physical therapy services professionals enumerated in § 9029.8 ("professionals") to provide physical therapy services to persons enrolled in the IFS Waiver.

9029.2

Physical therapy services are services that are designed to treat physical dysfunctions or reduce the degree of pain associated with movement, prevent disability and regression of functional abilities, promote mobility, maintain health and maximize independence. These services are delivered in a location of the person's choice, including his or her home, day service setting, or community.

9029.3

In order to be eligible for reimbursement, each Medicaid provider must obtain prior authorization from DDS before providing, or allowing any professional to provide physical therapy services. In its request for prior authorization, the Medicaid provider shall document the following:

(a) The IFS Waiver participant's need for physical therapy services as demonstrated by a physician's, physician's assistant's, or nurse practitioner's order; and

(b) The name of the professional who will provide the physical therapy services.

9029.4

In order to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, each physical therapy professional shall conduct an assessment of physical therapy needs within the first four (4) hours of service delivery, and develop a therapy plan to provide services.

9029.5

In order to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, the therapy plan shall include therapeutic techniques, training goals for the person's caregiver, and a schedule for ongoing services. The therapy plan shall include the anticipated and measurable, functional outcomes, based upon what is important to and for the person as reflected in his or her Person-Centered Thinking tools and the goals in his or her ISP and a schedule of approved physical therapy services to be provided, and shall be submitted by the Medicaid provider to DDS before services are delivered.

9029.6

In order to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, each Medicaid provider shall document the following in the person's ISP and Plan of Care:

(a) The date, amount, and duration of physical therapy services provided;

(b) The scope of the physical therapy services provided; and

(c) The name of the professional who provided the physical therapy services.

9029.7

Medicaid reimbursable physical therapy services shall consist of the following activities:

(a) Consulting with the person, his or her family, caregivers, and support team to develop the therapy plan;

(b) Implementing therapies described under the therapy plan;

(c) Recording progress notes on each visit and submitting quarterly reports. Progress notes shall contain the following:

(1) Progress in meeting each goal in the ISP;

(2) Any unusual health or behavioral events or change in status;

(3) The start and end time of any services received by the person; and

(4) Any matter requiring follow-up on the part of the service provider or DDS.

(d) Routinely assess (at least annually and more frequently as needed) the appropriateness and quality of adaptive equipment to ensure it addresses the person's needs;

(e) Completing documentation required to obtain or repair adaptive equipment in accordance with insurance guidelines and Medicare and Medicaid guidelines, including required timelines for submission; and

(f) Conducting periodic examinations and modified treatments for the person, as needed.

9029.8

Medicaid reimbursable physical therapy services shall be provided by a licensed physical therapist or a Physical Therapy Assistant working under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

9029.9

Physical therapy service providers, without regard to their employer of record, shall be selected by and be acceptable to the person receiving services, his or her guardian, or legal representative.

9029.10

In order to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, a physical therapist shall be employed by the following providers:

(a) An IFS Waiver Provider enrolled by DDS; and

(b) A Home Health Agency as defined in Section 9099 of Title 29 DCMR.

9029.11

Each Medicaid provider shall comply with Section 9010 (Provider Qualifications) and Section 9009 (Provider Enrollment Process) of Chapter 90 of Title 29 DCMR.

9029.12

Each Medicaid provider shall maintain the following documents for monitoring and audit reviews:

(a) The physician's, physician's assistant's, or nurse practitioner's order;

(b) A copy of the physical therapy assessment and therapy plan in accordance with the requirements of § 9029.4 and 9029.5; and

(c) Any documents required to be maintained under Section 9006 (Records and Confidentiality of Information) of Chapter 90 of Title 29 DCMR.

9029.13

Each Medicaid provider shall comply with the requirements described under Section 9013 (Reporting Requirements) and Section 9005 (Individual Rights) of Chapter 90 of Title 29 DCMR.

9029.14

In order to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, each individual providing physical therapy services shall participate in ISP and Support Team meetings to provide consultative services and recommendations specific to the expert content with a focus on how the person is doing in achieving the functional goals that are important to him or her.

9029.15

If the person enrolled in the IFS Waiver is between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years, the DDS Service Coordinator shall ensure that Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefits under the Medicaid State Plan are fully utilized and the IFS Waiver service is neither replacing nor duplicating EPSDT services.

9029.16

Medicaid reimbursable physical therapy services shall be limited to four (4) hours per day and one hundred (100) hours per year. Requests for additional hours may be approved when accompanied by a physician's order documenting the need for additional physical therapy services and approved by a DDS staff member designated to provide clinical oversight.

9029.17

There shall be a Medicaid reimbursement rate for physical therapy services. The billable unit of service shall be fifteen (15) minutes. A standard unit of fifteen (15) minutes requires a minimum of eight (8) minutes of continuous service to be billed.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-9029

Final Rulemaking published at 69 DCR 10229 (8/12/2022)