Library: Policy
317:35-19-31. Special procedures for release of adults in mental health hospitals to Nursing Facilities
Revised 6-26-00
(a) Procedures. Adult patients in state mental health hospitals being considered for release to nursing facilities due to their physical conditions may be predetermined eligible for Medicaid.
(b) Responsibility of mental hospitals. The mental health hospital social and reimbursement staff works with the Social Security Administration to secure the approval for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals not currently eligible who may qualify for SSI. They will also assist the patient with the application for Medicaid medical services. By forwarding the completed Medical Assistance Application form and the Capital Resources Information form to the county office, the determination of financial eligibility by the DHS county social worker can proceed at the same time that SSA is determining SSI eligibility. If the individual has other income (Social Security, VA, etc.) and does not qualify for SSI, the mental health hospital social and reimbursement staff evaluates the known resources. If the resources do not exceed the maximum as shown on DHS Appendix C-1, Schedule VIII. D., individuals may be referred for a decision of eligibility for care in a nursing facility and, if necessary, categorical relationship. If the individual appears to meet the requirements as set out in this Subchapter, the mental health hospital social and reimbursement staff will submit a copy of the admitting history and physical progress notes, psychiatric examination and a physician's recommendation for a specific level of care, based on the individual's physical condition, to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Central Office, Long-Term Care Division for review. If release to an NF appears appropriate, the medical information is submitted to LOCEU at the same time that the application forms are submitted to the county.
(c) Responsibility of LOCEU. The LOCEU reviews the hospital records, the social summary, the physician's recommendation for level of care as well as categorical relationship, if necessary. A Level II PASRR screen is initiated by LOCEU at this point, if indicated. The MEDATS file is updated advising the DHS county office of LOCEU decision.
(d) Responsibility of county office. The county office (in the county where the hospital is located) has the responsibility for the case number assignment, placing the case in application status and the subsequent determination of financial eligibility. The case is not certified until the patient enters an approved nursing facility.
- (1) Once the patient is determined financially and medically eligible a letter (including the assigned case number) is sent to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Central Office, Long-Term Care Division.
- (2) If the patient is determined to be ineligible, the denial is teleprocessed and a computer generated notice sent to the client or responsible person.
(e) Release from mental health hospital to an NF. After the hospital receives the letter from the county office with anticipated approval for Medicaid, the arrangements for release to the nursing facility will proceed. The hospital will supply the NF with appropriate medical and social information and a copy of the DHS letter concerning the financial and medical eligibility.
- (1) The NF, upon acceptance of the patient, forwards the DHS form ABCDM-83 (new form number 08MA083E), Notification Regarding Patient in a Nursing Facility, Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded or Hospice (with the assigned case number) to the DHS county office where the NF is located.
- (2) If the NF is in a different county than the hospital, the county of the facility requests the transfer of the case record. The certification is teleprocessed prior to the transfer of the case record.
