Provider Notice issued 09/26/07

Handbook for Home Health Agencies Re-Issue

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform providers of a re-issue of the Handbook for Home Health Agencies.  The revised handbook provides clarification on certain department policies and has been updated to reflect the department’s name change to Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).  Providers are encouraged to review the handbook in its entirety.  The policy clarifications included in this update are:

R-201.1 – Participation Requirements – Allow a nursing agency approved by the University of Illinois at Chicago, Division of Specialized Care for Children, to enroll and provide hourly services under the Nursing and Personal Care Services Program.

R-203 – Covered Services – References added to allow for Department of Children and Family Services In Home Shift Nursing and Nursing and Personal Care Services.

R-211.2 – This section, previously labeled “Documentation Required” has been removed and has been replaced with “Approvals for Long Term Need” which identifies the services for which approval may be granted beyond 60 days.

To reduce copying and mailing cost, the department may not always include hardcopies of attachments referenced in notices and bulletins.  Web site links are identified so providers may view and print the material from the Internet.  The re-issued Handbook for Home Health Agencies is available on the department’s Web site at: http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/handbooks/chapter200.html

It is in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). In order to view or print the documents, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available to download FREE from the Adobe homepage at: http://www.adobe.com

Printed copies are available upon written request. To ensure delivery, specify a physical street address when making a request for a paper copy. Submit your written request or fax to:

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Provider Participation Unit
Post Office Box 19114
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9114
Fax Number: 217-557-8800
E-mail address: hfs.webmaster@illinois.gov

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to the Bureau of Comprehensive Health Services at 1-877-782-5565.