OHCA Policies and Rules
317:30-3-1 Creation and implementation of rules; applicability
[Revised 09-12-22]
(a) Medical rules of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) are set by the OHCA Board. The rules are based upon the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority,the Deputy State Medicaid Director, the State Medicaid Director, OHCA Tribal partners and the OHCA Medical Advisory Committee. The State Medicaid Director is responsible for implementing medical policies and programs and directing the Fiscal Agent regarding proper payment of claims.
(b) Payment to practitioners under Medicaid is made for services clearly identifiable as personally rendered services performed on behalf of a specific member. There are no exceptions to personally rendered services unless specifically set out in coverage guidelines.
(c) Payment is made on behalf of Medicaid eligible individuals for services within the scope of the Authority medical programs. Services cannot be paid under Medicaid for ineligible individuals or for services not covered under the scope of medical programs or that do not meet documentation requirements. These claims will be denied, or in some instances upon post-payment review, payment will be recouped.
(d) Payment to practitioners on behalf of Medicaid eligible individuals is made only for services that are medically necessary and essential to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's presenting problem. Wellness examinations and diagnostic testing are not covered for adults unless specifically set out in coverage guidelines.
(e) The scope of the medical program for eligible children is the same as for adults except as further set out under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) service guidelines.
(f) Services, provided within the scope of the Oklahoma Medicaid program, shall meet medical necessity criteria. Requests by qualified providers for services in and of itself shall not constitute medical necessity. The OHCA shall serve as the final authority pertaining to all determinations of medical necessity. Some service limits listed within OAC 317:30 can be exceeded for expansion adults, upon meeting medical necessity as determined by OHCA and in alignment with the Oklahoma Medicaid State Plan. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology have hard limits, which are set at forty-five (45) visits for both habilitation and rehabilitation B a cumulative total of 90 visits [fifteen (15) visits of each therapy]. Members must meet medical necessity criteria, prior authorization, and all other documentation requirements. Medical necessity is established through consideration of the following standards:
(1) Services must be medical in nature and must be consistent with accepted health care practice standards and guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of symptoms of illness, disease or disability;
(2) Documentation submitted in order to request services or substantiate previously provided services must demonstrate through adequate objective medical records and other supporting records, evidence sufficient to justify the member's need for the service;
(3) Treatment of the member's condition, disease or injury must be based on reasonable and predictable health outcomes;
(4) Services must be necessary to alleviate a medical condition and must be required for reasons other than convenience for the member, family, or medical provider;
(5) Services must be delivered in the most cost-effective manner and most appropriate setting; and
(6) Services must be appropriate for the member's age and health status and developed for the member to achieve, maintain, or promote functional capacity.
(g) Emergency medical condition means a medical condition including injury manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected, by a reasonable and prudent layperson, to result in placing the patient's health in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily function, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
(h) Verbal or written interpretations of policy and procedure in singular instances is made on a case-by-case basis and shall not be binding on this Agency or override its policy of general applicability.
(i) The rules and policies in this Part apply to all providers of service who participate in the program.
Disclaimer. The OHCA rules found on this Web site are unofficial. The official rules are published by the Oklahoma Secretary of State Office of Administrative Rules as Title 317 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code. To order an official copy of these rules, contact the Office of Administrative Rules at (405) 521-4911.
