Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-77.37

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 441-77.37 - Home- and community-based services intellectual disability waiver service providers

Providers shall be eligible to participate in the Medicaid HCBS intellectual disability waiver program if they meet the requirements in this rule and the subrules applicable to the individual service.

The standards in subrule 77.37(1) apply only to providers of supported employment, respite providers certified according to subparagraph 77.37(15) "a "(8), and providers of supported community living services that are not residential-based. The standards and certification processes in subrules 77.37(2) through 77.37(7) and 77.37(9) through 77.37(12) apply only to supported employment providers and non-residential-based supported community living providers.

The requirements in subrule 77.37(13) apply to all providers. EXCEPTION: A person hired through the consumer choices option for independent support brokerage, self-directed personal care, individual-directed goods and services, or self-directed community support and employment is not required to enroll as a Medicaid provider and is not subject to the review requirements in subrule 77.37(13). Also, services must be rendered by a person who is at least 16 years old (except as otherwise provided in this rule) and is not the spouse of the consumer served or the parent or stepparent of a consumer aged 17 or under. People who are 16 or 17 years old must be employed and supervised by an enrolled HCBS provider unless they are employed to provide self-directed personal care services through the consumer choices option. A person hired for self-directed personal care services need not be supervised by an enrolled HCBS provider. Consumer-directed attendant care and interim medical monitoring and treatment providers must be at least 18 years of age.

The integrated, community-based settings standards in subrule 77.25(5) apply to all HCBS intellectual disability waiver service providers.

(1)Organizational standards (Outcome 1). Organizational outcome-based standards for home- and community-based services intellectual disability providers are as follows:

a. The organization demonstrates the provision and oversight of high-quality supports and services to consumers.

b. The organization demonstrates a defined mission commensurate with consumer's needs, desires, and abilities.

c. The organization establishes and maintains fiscal accountability.

d. The organization has qualified staff commensurate with the needs of the consumers they serve. These staff demonstrate competency in performing duties and in all interactions with clients.

e. The organization provides needed training and supports to its staff. This training includes at a minimum:

(1) Consumer rights.

(2) Confidentiality.

(3) Provision of consumer medication.

(4) Identification and reporting of child and dependent adult abuse.

(5) Individual consumer support needs.

f. The organization has a systematic, organizationwide, planned approach to designing, measuring, evaluating, and improving the level of its performance. The organization:

(1) Measures and assesses organizational activities and services annually.

(2) Gathers information from consumers, family members, and staff.

(3) Conducts an internal review of consumer service records, including all major and minor incident reports according to subrule 77.37(8).

(4) Tracks incident data and analyzes trends annually to assess the health and safety of consumers served by the organization.

(5) Identifies areas in need of improvement.

(6) Develops a plan to address the areas in need of improvement.

(7) Implements the plan and documents the results.

g. Consumers and their legal representatives have the right to appeal the provider's implementation of the 20 outcomes, or staff or contractual person's action which affects the consumer. The provider shall distribute the policies for consumer appeals and procedures to consumers.

h. The provider shall have written policies and procedures and a staff training program for the identification and reporting of child and dependent adult abuse to the department pursuant to 441-Chapters 175 and 176.

i. The governing body has an active role in the administration of the agency.

j. The governing body receives and uses input from a wide range of local community interests and consumer representation and provides oversight that ensures the provision of high-quality supports and services to consumers.

(2)Rights and dignity. Outcome-based standards for rights and dignity are as follows:

a. (Outcome 2) Consumers are valued.

b. (Outcome 3) Consumers live in positive environments.

c. (Outcome 4) Consumers work in positive environments.

d. (Outcome 5) Consumers exercise their rights and responsibilities.

e. (Outcome 6) Consumers have privacy.

f. (Outcome 7) When there is a need, consumers have support to exercise and safeguard their rights.

g. (Outcome 8) Consumers decide which personal information is shared and with whom.

h. (Outcome 9) Consumers make informed choices about where they work.

i. (Outcome 10) Consumers make informed choices on how they spend their free time.

j. (Outcome 11) Consumers make informed choices about where and with whom they live.

k. (Outcome 12) Consumers choose their daily routine.

l. (Outcome 13) Consumers are a part of community life and perform varied social roles.

m. (Outcome 14) Consumers have a social network and varied relationships.

n. (Outcome 15) Consumers develop and accomplish personal goals.

o. (Outcome 16) Management of consumers' money is addressed on an individualized basis.

p. (Outcome 17) Consumers maintain good health.

q. (Outcome 18) The consumer's living environment is reasonably safe in the consumer's home and community.

r (Outcome 19) The consumer's desire for intimacy is respected and supported.

s. (Outcome 20) Consumers have an impact on the services they receive.

(3)Contracts with consumers. The provider shall have written procedures which provide for the establishment of an agreement between the consumer and the provider.

a. The agreement shall define the responsibilities of the provider and the consumer, the rights of the consumer, the services to be provided to the consumer by the provider, all room and board and copay fees to be charged to the consumer and the sources of payment.

b. Contracts shall be reviewed at least annually.

(4)The right to appeal. Consumers and their legal representatives have the right to appeal the provider's application of policies or procedures, or any staff or contractual person's action which affects the consumer. The provider shall distribute the policies for consumer appeals and procedures to consumers.

(5)Storage and provision of medication. If the provider stores, handles, prescribes, dispenses or administers prescription or over-the-counter medications, the provider shall develop procedures for the storage, handling, prescribing, dispensing or administration of medication. For controlled substances, procedures shall be in accordance with department of inspections and appeals rule 481-63.18 (135).

If the provider has a physician on staff or under contract, the physician shall review and document the provider's prescribed medication regime at least annually in accordance with current medical practice.

(6)Research. If the provider conducts research involving human subjects, the provider shall have written policies and procedures for research which ensure the rights of consumers and staff.

(7)Abuse reporting requirements. The provider shall have written policies and procedures and a staff training program for the identification and reporting of child and dependent adult abuse to the department pursuant to 441-Chapters 175 and 176.

(8)Incident management and reporting. As a condition of participation in the medical assistance program, HCBS intellectual disability waiver service providers must comply with the requirements of Iowa Code sections 232.69 and 235B.3 regarding the reporting of child abuse and dependent adult abuse and with the incident management and reporting requirements in this subrule. Exception: The conditions in this subrule do not apply to providers of goods and services purchased under the consumer choices option or providers of home and vehicle modification, personal emergency response, and transportation.

a.Definitions.

"Major incident" means an occurrence involving a consumer during service provision that:

1. Results in a physical injury to or by the consumer that requires a physician's treatment or admission to a hospital;

2. Results in the death of any person;

3. Requires emergency mental health treatment for the consumer;

4. Requires the intervention of law enforcement;

5. Requires a report of child abuse pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.69 or a report of dependent adult abuse pursuant to Iowa Code section 235B.3;

6. Constitutes a prescription medication error or a pattern of medication errors that leads to the outcome in paragraph "1," "2," or "3"; or

7. Involves a consumer's location being unknown by provider staff who are assigned protective oversight.

"Minor incident" means an occurrence involving a consumer during service provision that is not a major incident and that:

1. Results in the application of basic first aid;

2. Results in bruising;

3. Results in seizure activity;

4. Results in injury to self, to others, or to property; or

5. Constitutes a prescription medication error.

b.Reporting procedure for minor incidents. Minor incidents may be reported in any format designated by the provider. When a minor incident occurs or a staff member becomes aware of a minor incident, the staff member involved shall submit the completed incident report to the staff member's supervisor within 72 hours of the incident. The completed report shall be maintained in a centralized file with a notation in the consumer's file.

c.Reporting procedure for major incidents. When a major incident occurs or a staff member becomes aware of a major incident:

(1) The staff member involved shall notify the following persons of the incident by the end of the next calendar day after the incident:

1. The staff consumer's supervisor.

2. The consumer or the consumer's legal guardian. EXCEPTION: Notification to the consumer is required only if the incident took place outside of the provider's service provision. Notification to the guardian, if any, is always required.

3. The consumer's case manager.

(2) By the end of the next calendar day after the incident, the staff member who observed or first became aware of the incident shall also report as much information as is known about the incident to the member's managed care organization in the format defined by the managed care organization. If the member is not enrolled with a managed care organization, the staff member shall report the information to the department's bureau of long-term care either:

1. By direct data entry into the Iowa Medicaid Provider Access System, or

2. By faxing or mailing Form 470-4698, Critical Incident Report, according to the directions on the form.

(3) The following information shall be reported:

1. The name of the consumer involved.

2. The date and time the incident occurred.

3. A description of the incident.

4. The names of all provider staff and others who were present at the time of the incident or who responded after becoming aware of the incident. The confidentiality of other waiver-eligible or non-waiver-eligible consumers who were present must be maintained by the use of initials or other means.

5. The action that the provider staff took to manage the incident.

6. The resolution of or follow-up to the incident.

7. The date the report is made and the handwritten or electronic signature of the person making the report.

(4) Submission of the initial report will generate a workflow in the Individualized Services Information System (ISIS) for follow-up by the case manager. When complete information about the incident is not available at the time of the initial report, the provider must submit follow-up reports until the case manager is satisfied with the incident resolution and follow-up. The completed report shall be maintained in a centralized file with a notation in the consumer's file.

d.Tracking and analysis. The provider shall track incident data and analyze trends to assess the health and safety of consumers served and determine if changes need to be made for service implementation or if staff training is needed to reduce the number or severity of incidents.

(9)Intake, admission, service coordination, discharge, and referral.

a. The provider shall have written policies and procedures according to state and federal laws for intake, admission, service coordination, discharge and referral. Service coordination means activities designed to help individuals and families locate, access, and coordinate a network of supports and services that will allow them to live a full life in the community.

b. The provider shall ensure the rights of persons applying for services.

(10)Certification process. Reviews of compliance with standards for initial certification and recertification shall be conducted by the department of human services' bureau of long-term care quality assurance staff. Certification carries no assurance that the approved provider will receive funding.

a. Rescinded IAB 9/1/04, effective 11/1/04.

b. Rescinded IAB 9/1/04, effective 11/1/04.

c. Rescinded IAB 9/1/04, effective 11/1/04.

d. The department may request any information from the prospective service provider which is considered pertinent to arriving at a certification decision. This may include, but is not limited to:

(1) Current accreditations, evaluations, inspections and reviews by regulatory and licensing agencies and associations.

(2) Fiscal capacity of the prospective provider to initiate and operate the specified programs on an ongoing basis.

(11)Initial certification. The department shall review the application and accompanying information to see if the provider has the necessary framework to provide services in accordance with all applicable requirements and standards.

a. The department shall make a determination regarding initial certification within 60 days of receipt of the application and notify the provider in writing of the decision unless extended by mutual consent of the parties involved. Providers shall be responsible for notifying the appropriate county and the appropriate central point of coordination of the determination.

b. The decision of the department on initial certification of the providers shall be based on all relevant information, including:

(1) The application for status as an approved provider according to requirements of rules.

(2) A determination of the financial position of the prospective provider in relation to its ability to meet the stated need.

(3) The prospective provider's coordination of service design, development, and application with the applicable region and other interested parties.

(4) The prospective provider's written agreement to work cooperatively with the state, counties and regions to be served by the provider.

c. Providers applying for initial certification shall be offered technical assistance.

(12)Period of certification. Provider certification shall become effective on the date identified on the certificate of approval and shall terminate in 270 calendar days, one year, or three calendar years from the month of issue. The renewal of certification shall be contingent upon demonstration of continued compliance with certification requirements.

a. Initial certification. Providers eligible for initial certification by the department shall be issued an initial certification for 270 calendar days based on documentation provided.

b. Recertification. After the initial certification, the level of certification shall be based on an on-site review unless the provider has been accredited for similar services by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the Council on Quality and Leadership in Supports for People with Disabilities (The Council), or the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children (COA). The on-site reviews for supported community living and supported employment use interviews with consumers and significant people in the consumer's life to determine whether or not the 20 individual value-based outcomes set forth in subrules 77.37(1) and 77.37(2) and corresponding processes are present for the consumer. Respite services are required to meet Outcome 1 and participate in satisfaction surveys.

Once the outcomes and processes have been determined for all the consumers in the sample, a review team then determines which of the 20 outcomes and processes are present for the provider. A specific outcome is present for the provider when the specific outcome is determined to be present for 75 percent or more of the consumers interviewed. A specific process is present for the provider when the process is determined to be present for 75 percent or more of the consumers interviewed. Since the processes are in the control of the provider and the outcomes are more in the control of the consumer, length of certification will be based more heavily on whether or not the processes are in place to help consumers obtain desired outcomes.

An exit conference shall be held with the organization to share preliminary findings of the certification review. A review report shall be written and sent to the provider within 30 calendar days unless the parties mutually agree to extend that time frame.

Provider certification shall become effective on the date identified on the Certificate of Approval, Form 470-3410, and shall terminate in 270 calendar days, one year, or three calendar years from the month of issue. The renewal of certification shall be contingent upon demonstration of continued compliance with certification requirements.

c. The department may issue four categories of recertification:

(1) Three-year certification with excellence. An organization is eligible for certification with excellence if the number of processes present is 18 or higher and the number of outcomes and corresponding processes present together is 12 or higher. Both criteria need to be met to receive three-year certification with excellence. Corrective actions may be required which may be monitored through the assignment of follow-up monitoring either by written report, a plan of corrective actions and improvements, an on-site review, or the provision of technical assistance.

(2) Three-year certification with follow-up monitoring. An organization is eligible for this type of certification if the number of processes present is 17 or higher and the number of outcomes and corresponding processes present together are 11 or higher. Both criteria need to be met to receive three-year certification. Corrective actions are required which may be monitored through the assignment of follow-up monitoring either by written report, a plan of corrective actions and improvements, an on-site review, or the provision of technical assistance.

(3) One-year certification. An organization is eligible for this type of certification when the number of processes present is 14 or higher and the number of outcomes and processes together is 9 or higher. Both criteria need to be met to receive one-year certification. One-year certification may also be given in lieu of longer certification when previously required corrective actions have not been implemented or completed. Corrective actions are required which may be monitored through the assignment of follow-up monitoring either by written report, a plan of corrective actions and improvements, an on-site review, or the provision of technical assistance.

(4) Probational certification. A probational certification may be issued to those providers who cannot meet requirements for a one-year certification. This time period shall be granted to the provider to establish and implement corrective actions and improvement activities. During this time period the department may require monitoring of the implementation of the corrective actions through on-site visits, written reports or technical assistance. Probational certification issued for 270 calendar days shall not be renewed or extended, and shall require a full on-site follow-up review to be completed. The provider shall be required to achieve at least a one-year certification status at the time of the follow-up review in order to maintain certification.

d. During the course of the review, if a team member encounters a situation that places a member in immediate jeopardy, the team member shall immediately notify the provider, the department, and other team members. "Immediate jeopardy" refers to circumstances where the life, health, or safety of a member will be severely jeopardized if the circumstances are not immediately corrected.

(1) The provider shall correct the situation within 24 to 48 hours. If the situation is not corrected within the prescribed time frame, that portion of the provider's services that was the subject of the notification shall not be certified. The department shall be notified immediately to discontinue funding for that provider's service. If a member is in immediate jeopardy, the case manager or department service worker shall notify the county or region in the event the county or region is funding a service that may assist the member in the situation.

(2) If this action is appealed and the member, legal guardian, or attorney in fact under a durable power of attorney for health care wants to maintain the provider's services, funding can be reinstated. At that time the provider shall take appropriate action to ensure the life, health, and safety of the members deemed to be at risk as a result of the provider's inaction.

e. As a mandatory reporter, each team member shall be required to follow appropriate procedure in all cases where a condition reportable to child and adult protective services is observed.

f. The department may grant an extension to the period of approval for the following reasons:

(1) A delay in the department's approval decision which is beyond the control of the provider or department.

(2) A request for an extension from a provider to permit the provider to prepare and obtain department approval of corrective actions. The department shall establish the length of extensions on a case-by-case basis.

g. The department may revoke the provider's approval at any time for any of the following reasons:

(1) Findings of a site visit indicate that the provider has failed to implement the corrective actions submitted pursuant to paragraph 77.37(13)"e."

(2) The provider has failed to provide information requested pursuant to paragraph 77.37(13)"f."

(3) The provider refuses to allow the department to conduct a site visit pursuant to paragraph 77.37(13)'%."

(4) There are instances of noncompliance with the standards which were not identified from information submitted on the application.

h. An approved provider shall immediately notify the department, applicable county, or region, the applicable mental health and developmental disabilities planning council, and other interested parties of a decision to withdraw from a home- and community-based services intellectual disability waiver service.

i. Following certification, any provider may request technical assistance from the department to bring into conformity those areas found in noncompliance with HCBS requirements. If multiple deficiencies are noted during a review, the department may require that technical assistance be provided to a provider to assist in the implementation of the provider's corrective actions. Providers may be given technical assistance as needed.

j. Appeals. Any adverse action can be appealed by the provider under 441-Chapter 7.

(13)Review of providers. Reviews of compliance with standards as indicated in this chapter shall be conducted by designated members of the HCBS staff.

a. This review may include on-site case record audits; review of administrative procedures, clinical practices, personnel records, performance improvement systems and documentation; and interviews with staff, consumers, the board of directors, or others deemed appropriate, consistent with the confidentiality safeguards of state and federal laws.

b. A review visit shall be scheduled with the provider with additional reviews conducted at the discretion of the department.

c. The on-site review team will consist of designated members of the HCBS staff.

d. Following a certification review, the certification review team leader shall submit a copy of the department's written report of findings to the provider within 30 working days after completion of the certification review.

e. The provider shall develop a plan of corrective action, if applicable, identifying completion time frames for each review recommendation.

f. Providers required to make corrective actions and improvements shall submit the corrective action and improvement plan to the Bureau of Long-Term Care, 1305 East Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0114, within 30 working days after the receipt of a report issued as a result of the review team's visit. The corrective actions may include: specific problem areas cited, corrective actions to be implemented by the provider, dates by which each corrective measure will be completed, and quality assurance and improvement activities to measure and ensure continued compliance.

g. The department may request the provider to supply subsequent reports on implementation of a corrective action plan submitted pursuant to 77.37(13)"e" and 77.37(13)"f. "

h. The department may conduct a site visit to verify all or part of the information submitted.

(14)Supported community living providers.

a. The department will contract only with public or private agencies to provide the supported community living service. The department does not recognize individuals as service providers under the supported community living program.

b. Providers of services meeting the definition of foster care shall also be licensed according to applicable 441-Chapters 108, 112, 114, 115, and 116.

c. Providers of service may employ or contract with individuals meeting the definition of foster family homes to provide supported community living services. These individuals shall be licensed according to applicable 441-Chapters 112 and 113.

d. All supported community living providers shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The provider shall demonstrate how the provider will meet the outcomes and processes in rule 441-77.37 (249A) for each of the consumers being served. The provider shall supply timelines showing how the provider will come into compliance with rules 441-77.37 (249A), 441-78.41 (249A), and 441-83.60 (249A) to 441-83.70(249A) and 441-subrule 79.1(15) within one year of certification. These timelines shall include:

1. Implementation of necessary staff training and consumer input.

2. Implementation of provider system changes to allow for flexibility in staff duties, services based on what each individual needs, and removal of housing as part of the service.

(2) The provider shall demonstrate that systems are in place to measure outcomes and processes for individual consumers before certification can be given.

e. The department shall approve living units designed to serve up to four persons except as necessary to prevent an overconcentration of supported community living units in a geographic area.

f. The department shall approve a living unit designed to serve five persons if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) Approval will not result in an overconcentration of supported community living units in a geographic area.

(2) The county in which the living unit is located provides to the bureau of long-term care verification in writing that the approval is needed to address one or more of the following issues:

1. The quantity of services currently available in the county is insufficient to meet the need;

2. The quantity of affordable rental housing in the county is insufficient to meet the need; or

3. Approval will result in a reduction in the size or quantity of larger congregate settings.

(15)Respite care providers.

a. The following agencies may provide respite services:

(1) Group living foster care facilities for children licensed by the department according to 441-Chapters 112 and 114 to 116 and child care centers licensed according to 441-Chapter 109.

(2) Nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded, and hospitals enrolled as providers in the Iowa Medicaid program.

(3) Residential care facilities for persons with mental retardation licensed by the department of inspections and appeals.

(4) Home health agencies that are certified to participate in the Medicare program.

(5) Camps certified by the American Camping Association.

(6) Adult day care providers that meet the conditions of participation set forth in subrule 77.37(25).

(7) Agencies authorized to provide similar services through a contract with the department of public health (IDPH) for local public health services. The agency must provide a current IDPH local public health services contract number.

(8) Agencies certified by the department to provide respite services in the consumer's home that meet the requirements of 77.37(1) and 77.37(3) through 77.37(9).

(9) Assisted living programs certified by the department of inspections and appeals.

b. Respite providers shall meet the following conditions:

(1) Providers shall maintain the following information that shall be updated at least annually:

1. The consumer's name, birth date, age, and address and the telephone number of each parent, guardian or primary caregiver.

2. An emergency medical care release.

3. Emergency contact telephone numbers such as the number of the consumer's physician and the parents, guardian, or primary caregiver.

4. The consumer's medical issues, including allergies.

5. The consumer's daily schedule which includes the consumer's preferences in activities or foods or any other special concerns.

(2) Procedures shall be developed for the dispensing, storage, authorization, and recording of all prescription and nonprescription medications administered. Home health agencies must follow Medicare regulations for medication dispensing.

All medications shall be stored in their original containers, with the accompanying physician's or pharmacist's directions and label intact. Medications shall be stored so they are inaccessible to consumers and the public. Nonprescription medications shall be labeled with the consumer's name.

In the case of medications that are administered on an ongoing, long-term basis, authorization shall be obtained for a period not to exceed the duration of the prescription.

(3) Policies shall be developed for:

1. Notifying the parent, guardian or primary caregiver of any injuries or illnesses that occur during respite provision. A parent's, guardian's or primary caregiver's signature is required to verify receipt of notification.

2. Requiring the parent, guardian or primary caregiver to notify the respite provider of any injuries or illnesses that occurred prior to respite provision.

3. Documenting activities and times of respite. This documentation shall be made available to the parent, guardian or primary caregiver upon request.

4. Ensuring the safety and privacy of the individual. Policies shall at a minimum address threat of fire, tornado, or flood and bomb threats.

c. A facility providing respite under this subrule shall not exceed the facility's licensed capacity, and services shall be provided in locations consistent with licensure.

d. Respite provided outside the consumer's home or the facility covered by the licensure, certification, accreditation, or contract must be approved by the parent, guardian or primary caregiver and the interdisciplinary team and must be consistent with the way the location is used by the general public. Respite in these locations shall not exceed 72 continuous hours.

(16)Supported employment providers.

a. The following agencies may provide supported employment services:

(1) An agency that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities as an organizational employment service provider, a community employment service provider, or a provider of a similar service.

(2) An agency that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for similar services.

(3) An agency that is accredited by the Joint Commission for similar services.

(4) An agency that is accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership for similar services.

(5) An agency that is accredited by the International Center for Clubhouse Development.

b. Providers responsible for the payroll of members shall have policies that ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws and regulations, which include, but are not limited to:

(1) Subminimum wage laws and regulations, including the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act.

(2) Member vacation, sick leave and holiday compensation.

(3) Procedures for payment schedules and pay scale.

(4) Procedures for provision of workers' compensation insurance.

(5) Procedures for the determination and review of commensurate wages.

c. Individuals may not provide supported employment services except when the services are purchased through the consumer choices option.

d. Direct support staff providing individual or small-group supported employment or long-term job coaching services shall meet the following minimum qualifications in addition to other requirements outlined in administrative rule:

(1) Individual supported employment: bachelor's degree or commensurate experience, preferably in human services, sociology, psychology, education, human resources, marketing, sales or business. The person must also hold a nationally recognized certification (ACRE or College of Employment Services (CES) or similar) as an employment specialist or must earn this credential within 24 months of hire.

(2) Long-term job coaching: associate degree, or high school diploma or equivalent and 6 months' relevant experience. A person providing direct support shall, within 6 months of hire or within 6 months of May 4, 2016, complete at least 9.5 hours of employment services training as offered through DirectCourse or through the ACRE certified training program. The person must also hold or obtain, within 24 months of hire, nationally recognized certification in job training and coaching.

(3) Small-group supported employment: associate degree, or high school diploma or equivalent and 6 months' relevant experience. A person providing direct support shall, within 6 months of hire or within 6 months of May 4, 2016, complete at least 9.5 hours of employment services training as offered through DirectCourse or through the ACRE certified training program. The person must also hold or obtain, within 24 months of hire, nationally recognized certification in job training and coaching.

(4) Supported employment direct support staff shall complete 4 hours of continuing education in employment services annually.

(17)Home and vehicle modification providers. The following providers may provide home and vehicle modification:

a. Providers certified to participate as supported community living service providers under the home- and community-based services intellectual disability or brain injury waiver.

b. Providers eligible to participate as home and vehicle modification providers under the elderly or health and disability waiver, enrolled as home and vehicle modification providers under the physical disability waiver, or certified as home and vehicle modification providers under the brain injury waiver.

c. Community businesses that have all necessary licenses and permits to operate in conformity with federal, state, and local laws and regulations and that submit verification of current liability and workers' compensation insurance.

(18)Personal emergency response system providers. Personal emergency response system providers shall be agencies which meet the conditions of participation set forth in subrule 77.33(2) to maintain certification.

(19)Nursing providers. Nursing providers shall be agencies that are certified to participate in the Medicare program as home health agencies.

(20)Home health aide providers. Home health aide providers shall be agencies which are certified to participate in the Medicare program as home health agencies and which have an HCBS agreement with the department.

(21)Consumer-directed attendant care providers. The following providers may provide consumer-directed attendant care service:

a. An individual who contracts with the member to provide attendant care service and who is:

(1) At least 18 years of age.

(2) Qualified by training or experience to carry out the member's plan of care pursuant to the department-approved case plan or individual comprehensive plan.

(3) Not the spouse of the member or a parent or stepparent of a member aged 17 or under.

(4) Not the recipient of respite services paid through home- and community-based services on behalf of a member who receives home- and community-based services.

b. Agencies authorized to provide similar services through a contract with the department of public health (IDPH) for local public health services. The agency must provide a current IDPH local public health services contract number.

c. Home health agencies which are certified to participate in the Medicare program.

d. Chore providers subcontracting with area agencies on aging or with letters of approval from the area agencies on aging stating that the organization is qualified to provide chore services.

e. Community action agencies as designated in Iowa Code section 216A.93.

f. Providers certified under an HCBS waiver for supported community living.

g. Assisted living programs that are certified by the department of inspections and appeals under 481-Chapter 69.

h. Adult day service providers that are certified by the department of inspections and appeals under 481-Chapter 70.

(22)Interim medical monitoring and treatment providers.

a. The following providers may provide interim medical monitoring and treatment services:

(1) Home health agencies certified to participate in the Medicare program.

(2) Supported community living providers certified according to subrule 77.37(14) or 77.39(13).

b. Staff requirements. Staff members providing interim medical monitoring and treatment services to members shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Be at least 18 years of age.

(2) Not be the spouse of the member or a parent or stepparent of the member if the member is aged 17 or under.

(3) Not be a usual caregiver of the member.

(4) Be qualified by training or experience to provide medical intervention or intervention in a medical emergency necessary to carry out the member's plan of care. The training or experience required must be determined by the member's usual caregivers and a licensed medical professional on the member's interdisciplinary team and must be documented in the member's service plan.

c. Service documentation. Providers shall maintain clinical and fiscal records necessary to fully disclose the extent of services furnished to members. Records shall specify by service date the procedures performed, together with information concerning progress of treatment.

(23)Residential-based supported community living service providers.

a. The department shall contract only with public or private agencies to provide residential-based supported community living services.

b. Subject to the requirements of this rule, the following agencies may provide residential-based supported community living services:

(1) Agencies licensed as group living foster care facilities under 441-Chapter 114.

(2) Agencies licensed as residential facilities for mentally retarded children under 441-Chapter 116.

(3) Other agencies providing residential-based supported community living services that meet the following conditions:

1. The agency must provide orientation training on the agency's purpose, policies, and procedures within one month of hire or contracting for all employed and contracted treatment staff and must provide 24 hours of training during the first year of employment or contracting. The agency must also provide at least 12 hours of training per year after the first year of employment for all employed and contracted treatment staff. Annual training shall include, at a minimum, training on children's mental retardation and developmental disabilities services and children's mental health issues. Identification and reporting of child abuse shall be covered in training at least every five years, in accordance with Iowa Code section 232.69.

2. The agency must have standards for the rights and dignity of children that are age-appropriate. These standards shall include the following:

* Children, their families, and their legal representatives decide what personal information is shared and with whom.

* Children are a part of family and community life and perform varied social roles.

* Children have family connections, a social network, and varied relationships.

* Children develop and accomplish personal goals.

* Children are valued.

* Children live in positive environments.

* Children exercise their rights and responsibilities.

* Children make informed choices about how they spend their free time.

* Children choose their daily routine.

3. The agency must use methods of self-evaluation by which:

* Past performance is reviewed.

* Current functioning is evaluated.

* Plans are made for the future based on the review and evaluation.

4. The agency must have a governing body that receives and uses input from a wide range of local community interests and consumer representatives and provides oversight that ensures the provision of high-quality supports and services to children.

5. Children, their parents, and their legal representatives must have the right to appeal the service provider's application of policies or procedures or any staff person's action that affects the consumer. The service provider shall distribute the policies for consumer appeals and procedures to children, their parents, and their legal representatives.

c. As a condition of participation, all providers of residential-based supported community living services must have the following on file:

(1) Current accreditations, evaluations, inspections, and reviews by applicable regulatory and licensing agencies and associations.

(2) Documentation of the fiscal capacity of the provider to initiate and operate the specified programs on an ongoing basis.

(3) The provider's written agreement to work cooperatively with the department.

d. As a condition of participation, all providers of residential-based supported community living services must develop, review, and revise service plans for each child, as follows:

(1) The service plan shall be developed in collaboration with the social worker or case manager, child, family, and, if applicable, the foster parents, unless a treatment rationale for the lack of involvement of one of these parties is documented in the plan. The service provider shall document the dates and content of the collaboration on the service plan. The service provider shall provide a copy of the service plan to the family and the case manager, unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) Initial service plans shall be developed after services have been authorized and within 30 calendar days of initiating services.

(3) The service plan shall identify the following:

1. Strengths and needs of the child.

2. Goals to be achieved to meet the needs of the child.

3. Objectives for each goal that are specific, measurable, and time-limited and include indicators of progress toward each goal.

4. Specific service activities to be provided to achieve the objectives.

5. The persons responsible for providing the services. When daily living and social skills development is provided in a group care setting, designation may be by job title.

6. Date of service initiation and date of individual service plan development.

7. Service goals describing how the child will be reunited with the child's family and community.

(4) Individuals qualified to provide all services identified in the service plan shall review the services identified in the service plan to ensure that the services are necessary, appropriate, and consistent with the identified needs of the child, as listed on the Supports Intensity Scale® (SIS) assessment.

(5) The service worker or case manager shall review all service plans to determine progress toward goals and objectives 90 calendar days from the initiation of services and every 90 calendar days thereafter for the duration of the services.

At a minimum, the provider shall submit written reports to the service worker or case manager at six-month intervals and when changes to the service plan are needed.

(6) The individual service plan shall be revised when any of the following occur:

1. Service goals or objectives have been achieved.

2. Progress toward goals and objectives is not being made.

3. Changes have occurred in the identified service needs of the child, as listed on the Supports Intensity Scale® (SIS) assessment.

4. The service plan is not consistent with the identified service needs of the child, as listed in the service plan.

(7) The service plan shall be signed and dated by qualified staff of each reviewing provider after each review and revision.

(8) Any revisions of the service plan shall be made in collaboration with the child, family, case manager, and, if applicable, the foster parents and shall reflect the needs of the child. The service provider shall provide a copy of the revised service plan to the family and case manager, unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

e. The residential-based supportive community living service provider shall also furnish residential-based living units for all recipients of the residential-based supported community living services. Except as provided herein, living units provided may be of no more than four beds. Service providers who receive approval from the bureau of long-term care may provide living units of up to eight beds. The bureau shall approve five- to eight-bed living units only if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) Rescinded IAB 8/7/02, effective 10/1/02.

(2) There is a need for the service to be provided in a five- to eight-person living unit instead of a smaller living unit, considering the location of the programs in an area.

(3) The provider supplies the bureau of long-term care with a written plan acceptable to the department that addresses how the provider will reduce its living units to four-bed units within a two-year period of time. This written plan shall include the following:

1. How the transition will occur.

2. What physical change will need to take place in the living units.

3. How children and their families will be involved in the transitioning process.

4. How this transition will affect children's social and educational environment.

f. Certification process and review of service providers.

(1) The certification process for providers of residential-based supported community living services shall be pursuant to subrule 77.37(10).

(2) The initial certification of residential-based supported community living services shall be pursuant to subrule 77.37(11).

(3) Period and conditions of certification.

1. Initial certification. Providers eligible for initial certification by the department shall be issued an initial certification for 270 calendar days, effective on the date identified on the certificate of approval, based on documentation provided.

2. Recertification. After the initial certification, recertification shall be based on an on-site review and shall be contingent upon demonstration of compliance with certification requirements.

An exit conference shall be held with the provider to share preliminary findings of the recertification review. A review report shall be written and sent to the provider within 30 calendar days unless the parties mutually agree to extend that time frame.

Recertification shall become effective on the date identified on the Certificate of Approval, Form 470-3410, and shall terminate one year from the month of issuance.

Corrective actions may be required in connection with recertification and may be monitored through the assignment of follow-up monitoring either by written report, a plan of corrective actions and improvements, an on-site review, or the provision of technical assistance.

3. Probational certification. Probational certification for 270 calendar days may be issued to a provider who cannot demonstrate compliance with all certification requirements on recertification review to give the provider time to establish and implement corrective actions and improvement activities.

During the probational certification period, the department may require monitoring of the implementation of the corrective actions through on-site visits, written reports, or technical assistance.

Probational certification shall not be renewed or extended and shall require a full on-site follow-up review to be completed. The provider must demonstrate compliance with all certification requirements at the time of the follow-up review in order to maintain certification.

4. Immediate jeopardy. If, during the course of any review, a review team member encounters a situation that places a member in immediate jeopardy, the team member shall immediately notify the provider, the department, and other team members. "Immediate jeopardy" refers to circumstances where the life, health, or safety of a member will be severely jeopardized if the circumstances are not immediately corrected.

The provider shall correct the situation within 24 to 48 hours. If the situation is not corrected within the prescribed time frame, the provider shall not be certified. The department shall immediately discontinue funding for that provider's service. If this action is appealed and the member or legal guardian wants to maintain the provider's services, funding can be reinstated. At that time the provider shall take appropriate action to ensure the life, health, and safety of the members deemed to be at risk. The case manager or department service worker shall notify the county or region in the event the county or region is funding a service that may assist the member in the situation.

5. Abuse reporting. As a mandatory reporter, each review team member shall follow appropriate procedure in all cases where a condition reportable to child and adult protective services is observed.

6. Extensions. The department shall establish the length of extensions on a case-by-case basis. The department may grant an extension to the period of certification for the following reasons:

* A delay in the department's approval decision exists which is beyond the control of the provider or department.

* A request for an extension is received from a provider to permit the provider to prepare and obtain department approval of corrective actions.

7. Revocation. The department may revoke the provider's approval at any time for any of the following reasons:

* The findings of a site visit indicate that the provider has failed to implement the corrective actions submitted pursuant to paragraph 77.37(13)"e" and numbered paragraph 77.37(23) '/"(3)"4."

* The provider has failed to provide information requested pursuant to paragraph 77.37(13)"f" and numbered paragraph 77.37(23)"f"(3)"4."

* The provider refuses to allow the department to conduct a site visit pursuant to paragraph 77.37(13)'%" and subparagraph 77.37(23)"f"(3).

* There are instances of noncompliance with the standards that were not identified from information submitted on the application.

8. Notice of intent to withdraw. An approved provider shall immediately notify the department, applicable county, the applicable mental health and developmental disabilities planning council, and other interested parties of a decision to withdraw as a provider of residential-based supported community living services.

9. Technical assistance. Following certification, any provider may request technical assistance from the department regarding compliance with program requirements. The department may require that technical assistance be provided to a provider to assist in the implementation of any corrective action plan.

10. Appeals. The provider can appeal any adverse action under 441-Chapter 7.

(4) Providers of residential-based supported community living services shall be subject to reviews of compliance with program requirements pursuant to subrule 77.37(13).

(24)Transportation service providers. The following providers may provide transportation:

a. Accredited providers of home- and community-based services.

b. Regional transit agencies as recognized by the Iowa department of transportation.

c. Transportation providers that contract with county governments.

d. Community action agencies as designated in Iowa Code section 216A.93.

e. Nursing facilities licensed under Iowa Code chapter 135C.

f. Area agencies on aging as designated in rule 17-4.4 (231), subcontractors of area agencies on aging, or organizations with letters of approval from the area agencies on aging stating that the organization is qualified to provide transportation services.

g. Transportation providers contracting with the nonemergency medical transportation contractor.

(25)Adult day care providers. Adult day care providers shall be agencies that are certified by the department of inspections and appeals as being in compliance with the standards for adult day services programs at 481-Chapter 70.

(26)Prevocational service providers.

a. Providers of prevocational services must be accredited by one of the following:

(1) The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities as an organizational employment service provider or a community employment service provider.

(2) The Council on Quality and Leadership accreditation in supports for people with disabilities.

b. Providers responsible for the payroll of members shall have policies that ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws and regulations, which include, but are not limited to:

(1) Subminimum wage laws and regulations, including the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act.

(2) Member vacation, sick leave and holiday compensation.

(3) Procedures for payment schedules and pay scale.

(4) Procedures for provision of workers' compensation insurance.

(5) Procedures for the determination and review of commensurate wages.

c. Direct support staff providing prevocational services shall meet the following minimum qualifications in addition to other requirements outlined in administrative rule:

(1) A person providing direct support without line-of-sight supervision shall be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A person providing direct support with line-of-sight supervision shall be 16 years of age or older.

(2) A person providing direct support shall not be an immediate family member of the member.

(3) A person providing direct support shall, within 6 months of hire or within 6 months of May 4, 2016, complete at least 9.5 hours of employment services training as offered through DirectCourse or through the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certified training program.

(4) Prevocational direct support staff shall complete 4 hours of continuing education in employment services annually.

(27)Day habilitation providers. Day habilitation services may be provided by agencies meeting the qualifications in subrule 77.25(7).

(28)Financial management service. Consumers who elect the consumer choices option shall work with a financial institution that meets the qualifications in subrule 77.30(13).

(29)Independent support brokerage. Consumers who elect the consumer choices option shall work with an independent support broker who meets the qualifications in subrule 77.30(14).

(30)Self-directed personal care. Consumers who elect the consumer choices option may choose to purchase self-directed personal care services from an individual or business that meets the requirements in subrule 77.30(15).

(31)Individual-directed goods and services. Consumers who elect the consumer choices option may choose to purchase individual-directed goods and services from an individual or business that meets the requirements in subrule 77.30(16).

(32)Self-directed community supports and employment. Consumers who elect the consumer choices option may choose to purchase self-directed community supports and employment from an individual or business that meets the requirements in subrule 77.30(17).

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 249A.4.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-77.37

ARC 7936B, IAB 7/1/09, effective 9/1/09; ARC 9314B, IAB 12/29/10, effective 3/1/11; ARC 0191C, IAB 7/11/12, effective 7/1/12; ARC 0359C, IAB 10/3/12, effective 12/1/12; ARC 0757C, IAB 5/29/2013, effective 8/1/2013; ARC 1071C, IAB 10/2/2013, effective 10/1/2013; ARC 1149C, IAB 10/30/2013, effective 1/1/2014

Amended by IAB January 6, 2016/Volume XXXVIII, Number 14, effective 1/1/2016

Amended by IAB March 30, 2016/Volume XXXVIII, Number 20, effective 5/4/2016

Amended by IAB July 4, 2018/Volume XLI, Number 1, effective 8/8/2018

Amended by IAB December 2, 2020/Volume XLIII, Number 12, effective 2/1/2021