Section 3708 of the CARES Act allows a Medicare-eligible home health patient to be under the care of a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or a physician assistant who is working in accordance with state law. These physicians/practitioners can:
- order home health services
- establish and periodically review a plan of care for home health services (e.g., sign the plan of care)
- certify and re-certify that the patient is eligible for Medicare home health services
Currently Clinical Policy 3A only allows the attending physician to complete the activities noted above. Effective immediately, NC Medicaid will also allow a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or a physician assistant to complete the activities noted above for Medicaid eligible beneficiaries receiving home health services under Clinical Policy 3A, Home Health Services.
NC Medicaid will modify the State Plan and clinical coverage policy based on the permanent changes made to federal rule in the CARES Act. NC Medicaid will notify home health providers once these changes have been made.
Contact
Medicaid Contact Center, 888-245-0179