Provider Notice Issued 05/04/2020
Date: May 4, 2020
To: Enrolled Nursing Agencies for the Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Waiver and Nursing and Personal Care Services Program
Re: Delay in Implementing In-Home Shift Nursing Hour Reductions During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
This notice informs the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) and nursing agencies of the temporary cessation of nursing hour reductions, as outlined in the participant’s Notice of Decision Letter (HFS 2352).
MFTD Waiver
The Department will continue to review renewal applications for the Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD) Children Waiver during the COVID-19 public health emergency. However, effective retroactively to March 1, 2020, until the termination date of the public health emergency, including any extensions, the Department will not enforce any reduction of in-home shift nursing hours for children under 21 years of age, as well as participants over the age of 21, as a result of a redetermination for MFTD Waiver participants.
Families will continue to be informed of changes regarding their monthly in-home care budget, as outlined in the participant’s Notice of Decision Letter. Any in-home shift nursing hour reductions will begin to take effect no later than thirty days after the termination of the public health emergency.
Non-Waiver Nursing and Personal Care Services
The Department will continue its usual review process for the non-waiver Nursing and Personal Care Services Program. The Department will also delay in-home shift nursing hour reductions or program disenrollment, if these changes are outlined in the participant’s Notice of Decision Letter. Any in-home shift nursing hours reductions or disenrollment from the program will begin to take effect no later than thirty days after the termination of the public health emergency.
Families continue to have 60 days to appeal a decision and be given a fair hearing, as is outlined in the Notice of Decision Letter.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the DSCC care coordination team at
800-322-3722 or TTY 217-785-4728.
Kelly Cunningham
Interim Medicaid Administrator