Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare
Today (February 26, 2021), the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) and Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) issued Informational Letter No. 2221-MC-FFS to all Home Health providers. This provision becomes effective March 1, 2021. Note my bolding in the 3rd paragraph of this notification below as it applies to after the PHE as well. I’ve bolded the verbiage in the 1st and 2nd paragraphs as well.
“Public Law 116-136, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant to order and sign home health care treatment plans. This is in addition to a physician providing such services.
Home health providers can now have a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant order and sign the home health care treatment plan. All documentation previously required for the physician applies to the nurse practitioner and the physician assistant.
This provision is ongoing and applies after the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). If you have questions, please contact the IME Provider Services Unit at 1-800- 338-7909 or by email at imeproviderservices@dhs.state.ia.us.”
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