Provider Notice issued 12/17/14

Licensing and Certification Status

This Notice addresses inquiries received by the Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). It is our intent to provide information that will assist long term care facilities that are eligible to be licensed as Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF) to understand current and future requirements and protocols that have been or will be established by both Departments.

Clarification of the October 25, 2013, Provider Assessment  Notice:

The October 25, 2013, HFS Provider Assessment Notice informed facilities they would no longer be subject to the Long Term Care Provider Assessments as of July 22, 2013. It should not be interpreted to address any aspect of IDPH licensure or the Medicaid certification survey process. Facilities are still subject to requirements of the Nursing Home Care Act and IDPH’s licensure and certification survey requirements until IDPH licenses the facility as a SMHRF.

“Dual” Licensure:

The question was posed as to whether a facility would be permitted to be dually licensed as a nursing facility and a SMHRF. The answer is no, this will not be allowed.

Life Safety Code (NFPA, Chapters 32 and 33):

SMHRFs will be Board and Care Occupancies which follow an “evacuate” concept. This means everyone must be able to evacuate the building during a fire or similar emergency. Board and Care Occupancy will require an evacuation capability determination for all facility residents. It is important to be assured residents have a reasonable degree of mobility and mental capacity to evacuate the building with minimal assistance. The standard method of developing this determination is found in the 2001 Edition of the Guide to Alternative Approaches to Life Safety (NFPA 101A), Chapter 6. A copy of NFPA 101A (2013) may be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association (www.NFPA.org).

Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities Code (77 Ill. Admin Code 380):

This Rule was officially adopted on November 21, 2014. IDPH and HFS intend to publish Informational Notices regarding the processes of voluntary withdrawal from Medicaid participation, licensure application, provisional licensure, and Life Safety Code compliance.

If you have questions, contact IDPH Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities at 217-782-2716 or the HFS Bureau of Long Term Care at 217-782-0545.

James M. Parker, Acting Administrator
Division of Medical Programs