La. Admin. Code tit. 50 § XXI-13925

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section XXI-13925 - Professional Services

A. Professional services are services designed to increase the beneficiary's independence, participation and productivity in the home, work and community. Beneficiaries, up to the age of 21, who participate in NOW must access these services through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program. Professional services may only be furnished and reimbursed through NOW when the services are not covered under the Medicaid State Plan. Professional services must be delivered with the beneficiary present and be provided based on the approved CPOC and an individualized service plan. Service intensity, frequency and duration will be determined by individual need. Professional services may be utilized to:

1. perform assessments and/or re-assessments and recommendations;

2. provide consultative services and recommendations;

3. provide training or therapy to a beneficiary and/or his/her natural and formal supports necessary to either develop critical skills that may be self-managed by the beneficiary or maintained according to the beneficiary's needs;

4. intervene in and stabilize a crisis situation, behavioral or medical, that could result in the loss of home and community-based services; or

5. provide necessary information to the beneficiary, family, caregivers and/or team to assist in the implementation of plans according to the approved CPOC.

B. Professional services are limited to the following services.

1. Psychological services are direct services performed by a licensed psychologist, as specified by state law and licensure. These services are for the treatment of a behavioral or mental condition that addresses personal outcomes and goals desired by the beneficiary and his/her team. Services must be reasonable and necessary to preserve and improve or maintain adaptive behaviors or decrease maladaptive behaviors of a person with developmental disabilities. Service intensity, frequency, and duration will be determined by individual need.

2. Social work services are highly specialized direct counseling services furnished by a licensed clinical social worker and designed to meet the unique counseling needs of individuals with development disabilities. Counseling may address areas such as human sexuality, depression, anxiety disorders, and social skills. Services must only address those personnel outcomes and goals listed in the approved CPOC.

3. Nutritional/Dietary services are medically necessary direct services provided by a licensed registered dietician or licensed nutritionist. Services must be ordered by a physician. Direct services may address health care and nutritional needs related to prevention and primary care activities, treatment and diet. Reimbursement is only available for the direct service performed by a dietitian or nutritionist, and not for the supervision of a dietician or nutritionist performing the hands-on direct service.

C. Service Limits. There shall be a $2,250 cap per beneficiary per CPOC year for the combined range of professional services in the same day but not at the same time. Additional services may be prior authorized if the beneficiary reaches the cap before the expiration of the comprehensive plan of care and the beneficiary's health and safety are at risk. One or more professional services may be utilized in the same day, but not at the same time.

D. Provider Qualifications. The provider of professional services must be a Medicaid-enrolled provider. Each professional must possess a current valid Louisiana license to practice in his/her field and have at least one year of experience post licensure in his/her area of expertise.

E. Non-reimbursable Activities. The following activities are not reimbursable:

1. friendly visiting, attending meetings;

2. time spent on paperwork or travel;

3. time spent writing reports and progress notes;

4. time spent on the billing of services; and

5. other non-Medicaid reimbursable activities.

La. Admin. Code tit. 50, § XXI-13925

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Community Supports and Services, LR 30:1207 (June 2004), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, LR 33:1650 (August 2007), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Bureau of Health Services Financing and the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, LR 40:76 (January 2014), Amended by the Department of Health, Bureau of Health Services Financing and the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, LR 4456 (1/1/2018), Amended LR 481553 (6/1/2022).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and Title XIX of the Social Security Act.