(a) Environmental modification requests for a participant's residence shall meet at least two of the following criteria for approval by the Division: - (i) Be functionally necessary;
- (ii) Contribute to a person's ability to remain in or return to his or her home and out of an ICF/ID setting; and
- (iii) Be necessary to ensure the person's health, welfare, and safety.
(b) Environmental modifications may include, but are not limited to: - (i) The installation of ramps;
- (ii) The installation of grab-bars;
- (iii) Widening of doorways;
- (iv) A modification of a bathroom;
- (A) Modifications to a bathroom, which add square feet to the home, shall only be covered if it is the most cost effective modification that meets the needs of the participant.
- (v) Installation of specialized electric or plumbing systems necessary to accommodate specialized medical equipment or supplies, which are necessary for the welfare of the participant;
- (vi) Modifications that address accessibility limitations;
- (vii) Modifications that address fire code requirements; and
- (viii) Fences for health or safety concerns.
- (A) Fences shall not take the place of required supervision of the participant.
- (B) Payment for fences shall not exceed the cost for 200 linear feet of the material needed to ensure the safety of the participant, and shall be consistent with the neighborhood standard.
(c) Environmental modifications shall not include: - (i) Modifications to a residence that are of general utility or are primarily for the convenience of persons other than the participant, such as caregivers or family members;
- (ii) Modifications to a residence that are not of direct medical or functional benefit to the participant;
- (iii) Installation or replacement of carpeting;
- (iv) Roof repair or replacement;
- (v) Central air conditioning;
- (vi) New carports, porches, patios, garages, porticos, decks, or repairing such structures;
- (vii) Pools, spas, hot tubs or modifications to install pools, spas or hot tubs;
- (viii) Landscaping or yard work, landscaping supplies, pest exterminations or removal of yard items;
- (ix) Modifications that are part of new construction costs;
- (x) Modifications that add to the square footage of the home except bathroom modifications as specified in (b)(iv) of this Section;
- (xi) Window replacements;
- (xii) Repairs or replacement of structural building components;
- (xiii) Modifications to a residence when the cost of such modifications exceeds the value of the residence before the modification; and
- (xiv) Any adaptations that are covered by another source, such as a state independent living center or a vocational rehabilitation provider.
(d) Covered modifications of rented or leased homes shall be those extraordinary alterations that are uniquely needed by the individual, and for which the property owner would not ordinarily be responsible. - (i) Such modifications shall require written approval from the homeowner or landlord.
- (ii) Modifications shall include the minimum necessary to meet the functional requirements of the participant.
- (iii) A participant shall not purchase home accessibility adaptations to adapt living arrangements that add value to a home that is owned or leased by providers of waiver services.
(e) The homeowner shall be responsible for general maintenance of environmental modifications.
(f) All services shall be provided in accordance with State or local building codes.
048-44 Wyo. Code R. § 44-5