N.M. Admin. Code § 8.314.5.15

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 8.314.5.15 - DDW COVERED WAIVER SERVICES

The DDW program is limited to the number of federally authorized unduplicated eligible recipient (UDR) positions and program funding. All DDW covered services in an ISP must be authorized by DOH. DDW services must be provided in accordance with all requirements set forth by DOH DDW service definition, all requirements outlined in the DDW service standards, and the applicable NMAC rules, supplements and guidance and must be based on assessed need. Services for individuals under the age of 21 must be coordinated with and shall not duplicate other services such as the medicaid school-based services program, the MAD early periodic screening diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) program, or the early childhood education and care department (ECECD) family infant toddler (FIT) program. Services offered through the New Mexico public education department (PED), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the New Mexico division of vocational rehabilitation (DVR), the Rehabilitation Act, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA), the New Mexico department of workforce solutions (DWS) must be utilized prior to accessing funding from the DDW. DDW covers the following services for a specified and limited number of waiver eligible recipients as a cost effective alternative to institutionalization in an ICF-IID.

A. Information and documentation that justifies the need for services based on the eligible recipient's assessed need may be required and requested. Justification for services must:

(1) outline the eligible recipient's clinical, functional, physical, behavioral or habilitative needs;

(2) promote and afford support to the eligible recipient for their greater independence and to maintain current level of function or minimize risk of further decline; or contribute to and support the eligible recipient's efforts to remain in the community;

(3) to contribute and be engaged in their community, and to reduce their risk of institutionalization;

(4) address the eligible recipient's physical health, behavioral, and social support needs, not including financial support, that arise as a result of their functional limitations or conditions, such as: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency; and

(5) relate to an outcome in the eligible recipient's individual service plan (ISP).

B. Exception authorization process, formerly known as the H authorization process is the process that allows individuals on the DDW, who have extenuating circumstances, including extremely complex clinical needs to receive services beyond what is authorized in their current ISP/budget level or to allow individual exceptions to DDW service standards. Exception authorization process includes:

(1) an eligible recipient who is included in the class established in the matter of Walter Stephen Jackson, et al vs. Fort Stanton Hospital and Training School et. al, (757 F. Supp. 1243 DNM 1990) is to receive a permanent NM DDW exception authorization approval. A former Jackson class member may receive service types and amounts consistent with those approved in their ISP.

(2) Exception authorization packet includes: the completed individual supports needs review form with all attachments indicated on the form as relevant to the nature/type of exception authorization process request submitted.

C. When determining what services the eligible recipient needs, the IDT should consider the individual's service options with the understanding that the focus must always be on the individual's DDW support needs that can be clinically justified. Services available:

(1)Case management services: Case management services assist an eligible recipient to access MAD covered services. A case manager also links the eligible recipient to needed medical, social, educational and other services, regardless of funding source. DDW services are intended to enhance, not replace existing natural supports and other available community resources. Services will emphasize and promote the use of natural and community supports to address the eligible recipient's assessed needs in addition to paid supports. Case managers facilitate and assist in assessment activities, as appropriate. Case management services are person-centered and intended to advocate for and support an eligible recipient in pursuing their desired life outcomes while gaining independence, and access to services and supports. Case management is a set of interrelated activities that are implemented in a collaborative manner involving the active participation of the eligible recipient, their authorized representative, and the entire IDT. The case manager is an advocate for the eligible recipient they serve, is responsible for developing the ISP and for ongoing monitoring of the provision of services included in the ISP. Case management services include but are not limited to activities such as:

(a) assessing needs;

(b) assisting in the submission process of the application for assistance and yearly recertification to the local income support division (ISD) office;

(c) directing the person-centered planning process;

(d) advocating on behalf of the eligible recipient;

(e) coordinating waiver and state plan service delivery and collaborating with managed care organization care coordinators;

(f) assuring services are delivered as described in the ISP;

(g) maintaining a complete current central eligible recipient record (e.g. ISP, ISP budget, level of care documentation, assessments);

(h) health care coordination;

(i) assuring cost containment by preventing the expense of DDW services from exceeding a maximum cost established by DOH and by exploring other options to address expressed needs.

(j) Case managers must:

(i) evaluate and monitor direct service through face-to-face visits with the eligible recipient to ensure the health and welfare of the eligible recipient, and to monitor the implementation of the ISP;

(ii) support informed choice;

(iii) support participant self-advocacy;

(iv) allow participants to lead their own meetings, program and plan development;

(v) increase an individual's experiences with other paid, unpaid, publicly-funded and community support options;

(vi) increase self-determination;

(vii) demonstrate that the approved budget is not replacing other natural or non- disability specific resources available; and

(viii) document efforts demonstrating choice of non-waiver and non-disability specific options in the ISP, IDT meeting minutes or companion documents when an individual has only DDW funded supports.

(2)Respite services: Respite services are a flexible family support service for an eligible recipient. The primary purpose of respite services is to provide support to the eligible recipient and give the primary, unpaid caregiver relief and time away from their duties. Respite services include assistance with routine activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, toileting, preparing or assisting with meal preparation and eating), enhancing self-help skills and providing opportunities for play and other recreational activities; community and social awareness; providing opportunities for community and neighborhood integration and involvement; and providing opportunities for the eligible recipient to make their own choices with regard to daily activities. Respite services will be scheduled as determined by the primary caregiver. An eligible recipient receiving living supports or customized in-home supports (when an eligible recipient is not living with a family member), may not access respite services. Respite services may be provided in the eligible recipient's own home, in a provider's home, or in a community setting of the eligible recipient family's choice. Amounts and units of respite available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Respite services must be provided in accordance with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(3)Adult nursing services: Adult nursing services (ANS) are provided by a licensed RN or LPN under the direct supervision of the RN to an eligible adult recipient. Adult nursing services are intended to support the highest practicable level of health, functioning and independence for an eligible recipient. This includes the direct nursing services and activities related to the assessment, planning, training and nursing oversight of unrelated direct support staff when assisting with a variety of health related needs in specific settings. Nursing services may be delivered in person and via remote or telehealth services. Nursing services include an array of supports including efforts to support aspiration risk management (ARM). Amounts and units of adult nursing services available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Nursing services may be delivered in person and via remote or telehealth services. Individuals and their health care decision makers will be informed of telehealth service and technology as part of the ISP process.

(a) ANS is available to individuals ages 21 and over who reside in family living; those who receive customized in home supports and those who do not receive any living supports. It is available to any eligible recipient who has health related needs that require at least one of the following: nursing training, delegation or oversight of direct support staff during participation in customized community supports (individual or small group) or community integrated employment even if a living supports or customized community supports (CCS) group are also provided.

(b) ANS is available to individuals ages 18-20 who reside in family living and who are at aspiration risk and desire to have aspiration risk management services. It is also available to individuals who have health related needs that require nursing training, delegation or the oversight of non-related direct support staff during substitute care; customized community supports (individual or small group); community integrated employment or customized in home supports.

(c) There are two categories of adult nursing services:

(i) assessment and consultation services which includes a comprehensive health assessment (including assessment for medication delivery needs and aspiration risk) and consultation regarding available or mandatory services which requires only budgeting; and

(ii) ongoing services, which requires clinical justification and are tied to the eligible recipient's specific health needs revealed in the comprehensive health assessment and prior authorization process.

(4)Therapy services: Therapy services are to be delivered consistent with the participatory approach philosophy and two models of therapy services (collaborative-consultative and direct treatment). These models support and emphasize increased participation, independence and community inclusion in combination with health and safety. DDW therapy services are intended to improve, maintain or minimize the decline in functional ability and skills. Therapy services are designed to support achievement of ISP outcomes and prioritized areas of need identified through therapeutic assessment. PT, OT and SLP are skilled therapies that are recommended by an eligible recipient's IDT members and a clinical assessment that demonstrates the need for therapy services. Therapy services may be delivered in an integrated setting, clinical setting, or through telehealth as appropriate and will support the use of assistive or remote personal support technology as needed. Upon recommendation for therapy assessment by the IDT members all three therapy disciplines: PT, OT, and SLP will be available to all DDW recipients if the therapy assessment indicates that services are needed. Individuals and their health care decision makers will be informed of telehealth service and technology as part of the ISP process. Therapy services for an eligible adult recipient require a prior authorization except for their initial assessment. A RLD licensed practitioner, as specified by applicable state laws and standards, provides the skilled therapy services. Amounts and units of therapy services available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Therapy services for eligible adult recipients must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC. All medically necessary therapy services for children under 21 years of age, are covered under the state plan through the early periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment (EPSDT) and must comply with 8.320.2 NMAC. To the extent that any listed services are covered under the state plan, the services under the waiver are additional services not otherwise covered under the state plan, and consistent with DDW objectives to support the recipient to remain in the community and prevent institutionalization. The exception is aspiration risk management supports for persons between age 18 and 21.

(a)Physical therapy (PT): PT is a skilled, RLD licensed therapy service involving the diagnosis and management of movement dysfunction and the enhancement of physical and functional abilities. Physical therapy addresses the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function, wellness and quality of life related to movement and health. Physical therapy prevents the onset, symptoms and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disability that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions or injuries. PT supports access, mobility and independence in all environments. A RLD licensed physical therapy assistant (PTA) may perform physical therapy procedures and related tasks pursuant to a plan of care/therapy intervention plan written by the supervising physical therapist. Therapy services for eligible recipients must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(b)Occupational therapy (OT): OT is a skilled, RLD licensed therapy service involving the use of everyday life activities (occupations) for the purpose of evaluation, treatment, and management of functional limitations. Therapy services for eligible recipients must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC. Occupational therapy addresses physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, and other aspects of performance in a variety of contexts to support engagement, performance and access to work and life activities that affect health, well-being and quality of life. A RLD certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) may perform occupational therapy procedures and related tasks pursuant to a therapy intervention plan written by the supervising OT as allowed by RLD licensure.

(c)Speech-language pathology (SLP): SLP service, also known as speech therapy, is a skilled therapy service, provided by a speech-language pathologist that involves the non-medical application of principles, methods and procedures for the diagnosis, counseling, and instruction related to the development of and disorders of communication including speech, fluency, voice, verbal and written language, auditory comprehension, cognition, swallowing dysfunction and sensory-motor competencies. Therapy services for eligible recipients must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC. Speech-language pathology services are also used when an eligible recipient requires the use of assistive technology or an augmentative communication device. For example, SLP services are intended to improve, maintain or minimize the loss of communication skills; treat a specific condition clinically related to an intellectual developmental disability of the eligible recipient; or improve or maintain the eligible recipient's ability to safely eat food, drink liquids or manage oral secretions while minimizing the risk of aspiration or other potential injuries or illness related to swallowing disorders.

(5)Living supports: Living supports are residential habilitation services, available up to 24 hours a day, that are individually tailored to assist an eligible recipient 18 year and older who is assessed to need daily support or supervision with the acquisition, retention, or improvement of skills related to living in the community to prevent institutionalization. Living supports include residential-type instruction intended to increase and promote independence and to support an eligible recipient to live as independently as possible in the community in a setting of their own choice. Living support services assist and encourage an eligible recipient to grow and develop, to gain autonomy, self-direct and pursue their own interests and goals. Living supports includes support to individuals to access: healthcare, dietary, nursing, therapy and behavior supports through telehealth and in person appointments; generic and natural supports, standard utilities including internet services, assistive and remote technology, transportation, employment, and opportunities to establish or maintain meaningful relationships throughout the community. Living supports providers are also required to coordinate and collaborate with nursing, behavior support consultants, dieticians, therapists and therapy assistants to implement plans including aspiration risk management plans. Living supports providers are also required to coordinate and collaborate with behavior support consultants to implement positive behavior support plans. Living support providers take positive steps to protect and promote the dignity, privacy, legal rights, autonomy and individuality of each eligible recipient who receives services. Services promote inclusion in the community and an eligible recipient is afforded the opportunity to be involved in the community and actively participate using the same resources and doing the same activities as other community members. Living supports providers are responsible for providing an appropriate level of services and supports up to 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Room and board costs are reimbursed through the eligible recipient's social security insurance (SSI) or other personal accounts and cannot be paid through the DDW. Living support services for eligible recipients must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC. Living supports consists of family living, supported living, and intensive medical living as follows.

(a)Family living (FL): Family living is intended for an eligible recipient who is assessed to need residential habilitation to ensure health and safety while providing the opportunity to live in a typical family setting. Family living is a residential habilitation service that is intended to increase and promote independence and to provide the skills necessary to prepare an eligible recipient to live on their own in a non-residential setting. Family living services are designed to address assessed needs and identified individual eligible recipient outcomes. Family living is direct support and assistance that is provided to no more than two eligible recipients with intellectual or developmental disabilities at a time furnished by a natural or host family member, or companion who meets the requirements and is approved to provide family living services in the eligible recipient's home or the home of the family living direct support personnel. The eligible recipient lives with the paid direct support personnel in the same residence as the paid DSP. The FL provider agency is responsible for providing nutritional services from a registered dietician or licensed nutritionist. All FL providers must be adult nursing services (ANS) providers and deliver budgeted nursing services including nursing assessment and on call. The provider agency is responsible for up to 750 hours of substitute coverage for the primary direct support personnel to receive sick leave and time off as needed. An exception may be granted by DOH if three eligible recipients are in the residence, but only two of the three are on the DDW and the arrangement is approved by DOH based on the home study documenting the ability of the family living provider to serve more than two eligible recipients in the residence; or there is documentation that identifies the eligible recipients as siblings or there is documentation of the longevity of a relationship (e.g., copies of birth certificates or social history summary). Documentation shall include a statement of justification from a social worker, psychologist, and any other pertinent professionals working with the eligible recipients. Family living services cannot be provided in conjunction with any other living supports service, respite, or additional nutritional counseling accessed through the person's budget. Family living provider must arrange transportation for all medical appointments, household functions and activities, and to-and-from day services and other meaningful community options. The family living services provider agency shall complete all DOH requirements for approval of each direct support personnel, including completion of an approved home study and training prior to placement. After the initial home study, an updated home study shall be completed annually. The home study must also be updated each time there is a change in family composition or when the family moves to a new home or other significant event. The content and procedures used by the provider agency to conduct home studies shall be approved by DOH and must include assessment of environmental safety.

(b)Supported living (SL): Supported living is intended for an eligible recipient who is assessed to need residential-type habilitation support to ensure health and safety. Supported living is a living habilitation support service that is intended to increase and promote independence and to provide the skills necessary to prepare an eligible recipient to live on their own in a non-residential setting. Supported living services are designed to address assessed needs and identified individual eligible recipient outcomes. The service is provided to two to four eligible recipients in a community residence. Prior authorization is required from DOH for an eligible recipient to receive this service when living alone. The SL provider agency is responsible for providing nutritional services from a registered dietician or licensed nutritionist based on the person's needs. All SL providers must provide needed nursing services including on call based on the person's needs. The SL provider must arrange transportation to all medical appointments, household functions and activities, and to-and-from day services and other meaningful community options. Supported living services cannot be provided in conjunction with any other living supports service, respite, or additional nutritional counseling assessed through the person's budget. Amounts and units of supported living services available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Levels of service category are differentiated by medical or behavioral need.

(i) Non-ambulatory stipend requires documentation verifying that the recipient is non-ambulatory.

(ii) Extraordinary behavior or medical support services require documentation that demonstrate extraordinary behavioral or medical support needs; need for enhanced or additional staffing is required for health and safety assurances; or medical needs cannot be met in a lower service category.

(iii) The person's physical or medical condition may be characterized by one of the following: life threatening condition characterized by frequent periods of acute exacerbation that requires regular or frequent medical supervision or physician treatment or consultation.

(c)Intensive medical living supports: An intensive medical living supports agency provides residential-type supports for an eligible recipient in a supported living environment who requires daily direct skilled nursing, in conjunction with community living supports that promote health and assist the eligible recipient to acquire, retain or improve skills necessary to live in the community and prevent institutionalization, consistent with their ISP. An eligible recipient must meet criteria for intensive medical living supports according to DDW service definitions and DDW standards for this service and they require nursing care, ongoing assessment, clinical oversight and health management that must be provided directly by a MAD recognized RN or LPN, see 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(i) These medical needs include: skilled nursing interventions; delivery of treatment; monitoring for change of condition; and adjustment of interventions and revision of services and plans based on assessed clinical needs.

(ii) In addition to providing support to an eligible recipient with chronic health conditions, intensive medical living supports are available to an eligible recipient who meets a high level of medical acuity and require short-term transitional support due to recent illness or hospitalization. This service will afford the core living support provider the time to update health status information and health care plans, train staff on new or exacerbated conditions and assure that the home environment is appropriate to meet the needs of the eligible recipient. Short-term stay in this model may also be utilized by an eligible recipient who meets the criteria that is living in a family setting when the family needs a substantial break from providing direct service. Both types of short-term placements require prior approval from DOH. In order to accommodate referrals for short-term stays, each approved intensive medical living supports provider must maintain at least one bed available for such short-term placements. If the short-term stay bed is occupied, additional requests for short-term stay will be referred to other providers of this service.

(iii) The intensive medical living supports provider will be responsible for providing the appropriate level of supports, 24 hours per day seven days a week, including necessary levels of skilled nursing based on assessed need of the eligible recipient. Daily nursing visits are required; however, a RN or a LPN under a RN's supervision is not required to be present in the home during periods of time when skilled nursing services are not required or when an eligible recipient is out in the community. An on-call RN or LPN, under the supervision of a RN must be available to staff during periods when a RN or a LPN under a RN's supervision is not present. Intensive medical living supports require supervision by a RN, and must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(iv) Direct support personnel will provide services that include training and assistance with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, grooming, oral care, eating, transferring, mobility and toileting. These services also include training and assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) including housework, meal preparation, medication assistance, medication administration, shopping, and money management.

(v) The intensive medical living supports provider will be responsible for providing access to customized community support and employment as outlined in the eligible recipient's ISP. This includes any skilled nursing needed by the eligible recipient to participate in customized community support and development and employment services. The intensive medical living provider must arrange transportation for all medical appointments, household functions and activities, and to-and-from day services and other meaningful community options.

(vi) Approval for supported living intensive medical supports requires a IMLS parameter tool with a score of 20 or above.

(vii) Intensive medical living supports providers must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(6)Customized community supports (CCS): CCS consists of individualized services and supports that enable an eligible recipient to acquire, maintain, and improve opportunities for independence, community integration and employment. Customized community supports services are designed around the preferences and choices of each eligible recipient and offer skill training and supports to include: adaptive skill development; adult educational supports; citizenship skills; communication; social skills, socially appropriate behaviors; self-advocacy, informed choice; community integration and relationship building. This service provides the necessary support to develop social networks with community organizations to increase the eligible recipient's opportunity to expand valued social relationships and build connections within communities. This service helps to promote self-determination, increases independence and enhances the eligible recipient's ability to interact with and contribute to their community. Customized community supports are intended to be provided in the community to the fullest extent possible. Customized community supports must not duplicate services available through the New Mexico public education department or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Amounts and units of CCS available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards.

(a) Based on assessed needs, customized community supports services may include personal support, nursing oversight, medication assistance or administration, and integration of strategies in the therapy and healthcare plans into the eligible recipient's daily activities.

(b) The customized community supports provider may provide fiscal management for the payment of adult education opportunities as determined necessary for the eligible recipient.

(c) Customized community supports services may be provided regularly or intermittently based on the needs of the eligible recipient and are provided during the day, evenings and weekends. Customized community supports are not limited to specific hours or days of the week and should be provided in alignment with the persons desired outcomes.

(d) Customized community supports may be provided in a variety of settings to include the community, classroom, remotely and at site-based locations, depending on the ISP and the particular type of service chosen within CCS. Services provided in any location are required to provide opportunities that lead to participation and inclusion in the community or support the eligible recipient to increase their growth and development.

(e) Pre-vocational and vocational services are not covered under customized community supports.

(f) Customized community supports services must be provided in accordance with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(7)Community integrated employment (CIE): Community integrated employment is intended to provide supports that result in jobs in the community which increase economic independence, self-reliance, social connections, and the ability to grow within a career. CIE consists of intensive, ongoing services that support individuals to achieve competitive integrated employment or business ownership who, because of their disabilities, might otherwise not be able to succeed without supports to perform in a competitive work setting or own a business. Community integrated employment results in employment alongside non-disabled coworkers within the general workforce or in business ownership. This service may also include small group employment including mobile work crews or enclaves. An eligible recipient is supported to explore and seek opportunity for career advancement through growth in wages, hours, experience or movement from group to individual employment. Each of these activities is reflected in individual career plans. Community integrated employment services must not duplicate services offered through the New Mexico public education department (PED), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the New Mexico division of vocational rehabilitation (DVR), the Rehabilitation Act, New Mexico department of workforce solutions (DWS), or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA). Compensation shall comply with state and federal laws including the Fair Labor Standards Act. DDW funds (e.g., the provider agency's reimbursement) may not be used to pay the eligible recipient for work. CIE services shall be provided based on the interests of the person and desired outcomes listed in the ISP. Employment services are to be available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Community integrated employment services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC. Community integrated employment consists of job development, self-employment, short term job coaching, job maintenance, intensive community integrated employment and group community integrated employment models. Requests from eligible recipients for CIE Intensive services must include a letter of justification and the eligibility recipient's work hours or proposed schedule.

(a) Job development services through the DDW can only be accessed when services are not otherwise available to the beneficiary under either special education and related services as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or vocational rehabilitation services available to the individual through a program funded under section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 730). Job development may include but is not limited to, activities to assist an individual to plan for, accommodate, explore and obtain CIE. Requests to utilize the DDW for job development must have prior written approval by DDSD.

(b) Short term job coaching services through the DDW can only be accessed when services are not otherwise available to the beneficiary under either special education and related services as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or vocational rehabilitation services available to the individual through a program funded under section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 730). Short term job coaching services may include but are not limited to, activities to assist an individual to learn, accommodate and perform work duties, and maintain employment. Requests to utilize the DDW for short term job coaching must have prior written approval by DDSD.

(c) Job maintenance is intended to be used as the long-term supports once all available funding and services through vocational rehabilitation or the educational systems has been utilized. Job maintenance is provided on a one-to-one ratio. Job maintenance services may include, but are not limited to, activities to assist the individual to accommodate, maintain employment and career advancement.

(d) Self-employment: Services through the DDW can only be accessed when services are not otherwise available to the beneficiary under either special education and related services as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or vocational rehabilitation services available to the individual through a program funded under section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 730). Self-employment services are intended to be used as the long-term supports once all available funding and services through vocational rehabilitation or the educational systems have been utilized. Self-employment does not preclude employment in the other models. Self-employment may include but is not limited to development of a business plan, conducting market analysis, and establishing and supporting the infrastructure for a successful business.

(e) Intensive community integrated employment (ICIE): Services for people who are working in an individual, community integrated employment setting and require more than 40 hours of staff supports per month to maintain their employment. ICIE is the same scope of services as outlined in 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(f) Group community integrated employment: Group community integrated employment is when more than one eligible recipient works in an integrated setting with staff supports on site. Regular and daily contact with non-disabled coworkers or the public occurs. Group community integrated employment services may include but are not limited to activities to assist the individual to accommodate, maintain and advance from group to individual employment.

(8)Behavioral support consultation services: The behavior support consultation supports the person's successful achievement of vision-driven desired outcomes. Behavior support consultation services identify behaviors that impact quality of life and provide specific prevention and intervention strategies to manage and lessen the risks these behaviors present. This service is provided by an authorized behavior support consultant and includes a positive behavior supports assessment and positive behavior support plan development; interdisciplinary team (IDT) training and technical assistance; and monitoring of an individual's behavioral support services. Services may be provided in person for training, evaluation or monitoring and remotely via telehealth as needed. Amounts and units of behavioral support consultation services available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Requests from eligible recipients for behavioral support services with units over limits as outlined in the DDSD service standards will require submission of positive behavioral support assessment, positive behavioral support plan, behavioral crisis intervention plan, and PRN psychotropic medication plan as applicable. Annual assessments require an in-person interview or observation except when conducted during declared state or national emergencies or pandemics. Behavioral support services include:

(a) Assessment of the person and their environment, including barriers to independent functioning;

(b) Design and testing of strategies to address concerns and build on strengths and skills for independence;

(c) Writing and training in the implementation of plans in a way that the person and DSP can understand and implement them.

(d) Behavioral support consultation services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(9)Nutritional counseling services: Nutritional counseling services include the assessment, evaluation, collaboration, planning, teaching, consultation and implementation and monitoring of a nutritional plan and menu services that supports the eligible recipient to attain or maintain the highest practicable level of health. It may be provided by a registered/licensed dietician (RD/LD) or licensed nutritionist (LN). This service may be delivered in person or via telehealth. The RD/LD/LN is an active member of the IDT and addresses overall nutritional needs, diet, tube feeding, weight loss or gain, wounds and a variety complex medical or behavioral conditions that have or may impact the persons overall health. These nutritional counseling services are in addition to those nutritional or dietary services allowed in the eligible recipient's medicaid state plan benefit, or other funding source. This service does not include oral-motor skill development services, such as those services provided by a speech pathologist. Nutritional counseling cannot be billed as a separate service during the hours of living supports. Nutritional counseling services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(10)Environmental modification services: Environmental modifications services include the purchasing and installing of equipment or making physical adaptions to an eligible recipient's residence that are necessary to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the eligible recipient or enhance their access to the home environment and increase their ability to act independently.

(a) Adaptations, installations and modifications include:

(i) heating and cooling adaptations;

(ii) fire safety adaptations;

(iii) turnaround space adaptations;

(iv) specialized accessibility, safety adaptations or additions;

(v) installation of specialized electric and plumbing systems to accommodate medical equipment and supplies;

(vi) installation of trapeze and mobility tracks for home ceilings;

(vii) installation of ramps;

(viii) widening of doorways or hallways;

(ix) modification of bathroom facilities (roll-in showers, sink, bathtub and toilet modification, water faucet controls, floor urinals and bidet adaptations and plumbing);

(x) purchase or installation of air filtering devices;

(xi) purchase or installation of lifts or elevators;

(xii) purchase and installation of glass substitute for windows and doors;

(xiii) purchase and installation of modified switches, outlets or environmental controls for home devices; and

(xiv) purchase and installation of alarm and alert systems or signaling devices.

(b) Excluded are those adaptations or improvements to the home that are of general utility and are not of direct medical or remedial benefit to the eligible recipient. Adaptations that add to the total square footage of the home are excluded from this benefit except when necessary to complete an adaptation (e.g., in order to improve entrance/egress to an eligible recipient's residence or to configure a bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair).

(c) Environmental modification services must be provided in accordance with applicable federal, state and local building codes.

(d) Amounts and units of environmental modification services available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Requests from eligible recipients for environmental modification services must include a brief description of work to be done, itemized cost for equipment, materials, with a description and cost of labor and the DDSD verification of benefit availability form.

(e) Environmental modification services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(11)Crisis supports: Crisis supports are services that provide intensive supports by appropriately trained staff to an eligible recipient experiencing a behavioral or medical crisis either within the eligible recipient's present residence or in an alternate residential setting. Crisis supports must be prior authorized by the DDSD bureau of behavioral supports (BBS). Crisis support must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(a)Crisis supports in the eligible recipient's residence: These services provide crisis response staff to assist in supporting and stabilizing the eligible recipient while also training and mentoring staff or family members, who normally support the eligible recipient, in order to remediate the crisis and minimize or prevent recurrence.

(b)Crisis supports in an alternate residential setting: These services arrange an alternative residential setting and provide crisis response staff to support the eligible recipient in that setting, to stabilize and prepare the eligible recipient to return home or to move into another permanent location. In addition, staff will arrange to train and mentor staff or family members who will support the eligible recipient long-term once the crisis has stabilized, in order to minimize or prevent recurrence of the crisis.

(c) Crisis response staff will deliver such support in a way that maintains the eligible recipient's normal routine to the maximum extent possible. This includes support during attendance at employment or customized community supports services, which may be billed on the same dates and times of service as crisis supports.

(d) This service requires prior written approval and referral from the bureau of behavioral support (BBS). Crisis supports are designed to be a short-term response (two to 90 calendar days).

(e) The timeline may exceed 90 calendar days under extraordinary circumstances, with approval from the BBS in which case duration and intensity of the crisis intervention will be assessed weekly by BBS staff.

(12)Non-medical transportation: Non-medical transportation services assists the eligible recipient in accessing other waiver supports and non-waiver activities identified in their ISP. Non-medical transportation enables the eligible recipient to gain physical access to non-medical community services and resources promoting the eligible recipient opportunity and responsibility in carrying out their ISP activities. This service is to be considered only when transportation is not available through the medicaid state plan or when other arrangements cannot be made. Non-medical transportation includes mileage reimbursement and funding to purchase a pass for public transportation for the eligible recipient. Reimbursement is allowable for eligible ride share programs identified through ISP. Amounts and units of non-medical transportation available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Non-medical transportation provider services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(13)Supplemental dental care: Supplemental DDW dental care services are provided for an eligible recipient that requires routine oral health care more frequently than the coverage provided under other MAP benefit plans. Supplemental dental care provides one oral examination and one cleaning once every ISP year to an eligible recipient for the purpose of preserving or maintaining oral health. The supplemental dental care service must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(14)Assistive technology: Assistive technology (AT) purchasing agent service is intended to support the access of low tech devices that increase the eligible recipient's physical and communicative participation in functional activities at home and in the community. Items purchased through the assistive technology service assist the eligible recipient to meet outcomes outlined in their ISP, increase functional participation in employment, community activities, activities of daily living, personal interactions, or leisure activities, or increase the eligible recipient's safety during participation of the functional or leisure activity. Amounts and units of assistive technology available to eligible recipients per ISP year must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards.

(a) The assistive technology service allows an eligible recipient to purchase or obtain needed items to develop low-tech augmentative communication, environmental access, mobility systems and other functional assistive technology, not covered through the eligible recipient's medicaid state plan benefits.

(b) Assistive technology may be accessed through an approved waiver provider acting as a purchasing agent for technology vendors whose products meet definition and needs or directly through an approved technology provider who is the direct vendor of the service and approved DDW Provider.

(c) Assistive technology must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(15)Independent living transition services: Independent living transition services are one-time set-up expenses for an eligible recipient who transitions from a 24 hour living supports setting into a home or apartment of their own with intermittent support that allows them to live more independently in the community. The service covers expenses associated with security deposits that are required to obtain a lease on an apartment or home, set-up fees or deposits for utilities (telephone, internet, electricity, heating, etc.), and furnishings to establish safe and healthy living arrangements, such as a bed, chair, dining table and chairs, eating utensils and food preparation items, and a cell phone. The service also covers services necessary for the eligible recipient's health and safety such as initial or one-time fees associated with the cost of paying for pest control, allergen control or cleaning services prior to occupancy. Requests from eligible recipients for independent living transition services must include DDSD verification of eligibility form. Amounts and units of independent living transition services available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Independent living transition services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(16)Remote personal support technology: Remote personal support technology is an electronic device or monitoring system that supports individuals to be independent in the community or in their place of residence with limited assistance or supervision of paid staff. This service provides up to 24-hour alert, monitoring or remote personal emergency response capability, remote prompting or in-home reminders, or environmental controls for independence through the use of technologies. The service is intended to promote independence and quality of life, to offer opportunity to live safely and as independently as possible in one's home, and to ensure the health and safety of the individual in services. Remote personal support technology is available to individuals who may want to live independently in their own homes, may have a demonstrated need for timely response due to health or safety concerns, or may be afforded increased independence from staff supervision in residential services. The use of technology should ease life activities for individuals and their families. Remote personal support technology includes development of individualized response plans with the installation of the electronic device or sensors, monthly maintenance, rental or subscription fees. This service is not intended to provide for paid, in-person on-site response. On-site response must be planned through response plans that are developed using natural or other paid supports for on-site response. Remote personal support technology may be accessed through an approved waiver provider acting as a purchasing agent for technology vendors whose products meet definition and needs or directly through an approved technology provider who is the direct vendor of the service and approved DDW provider. Amounts and units of remote support technology available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards.

(17)Preliminary risk screening and consultation related to inappropriate sexual behavior (PRSC): PRSC is designed to assess continued risk of sexually inappropriate or offending behavior in persons who exhibit or have a history of exhibiting risk factors for these types of behaviors. This service is part of a variety of behavior support services (including BSC and socialization & sexuality education) that promotes community safety and reduces the impact of interfering behaviors that compromise the person's quality of life. PRSC is provided by a licensed mental health professional who has been trained and approved as a risk evaluator by the BBS. Amounts and units of PRSC available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards.

(a) The key functions of PRSC are to:

(i) provide a structured screening of the eligible recipient's behaviors that may be sexually inappropriate;

(ii) develop and document recommendations of the eligible recipient in the form of a report or consultation notes;

(iii) develop and periodically review risk management plans for the eligible recipient, when recommended; and

(iv) provide consultation regarding the management and reduction of the eligible recipient's sexually inappropriate behavioral incidents that may pose a health and safety risk to the eligible recipient or others.

(b) Preliminary risk screening and consultation related to inappropriate sexual behavioral services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(18)Socialization and sexuality education (SSE) service: Socialization and sexuality education in the form of the friends & relationships course (FRC) is a comprehensive lifelong adult education program that teaches students knowledge and skills to increase social networks with healthy, meaningful relationships and to increase personal safety including decreasing interpersonal and intimate violence in relationships, sexual victimization, exploitation and abuse. This enhances their ability to develop close friendships and romantic relationships. The FRC involves the person's network of support (natural supports, paid supports, teachers, nurses, family members, guardians, friends, advocates, or other professionals) teaching them to support the social and sexual lives of persons with I/DD, through participation in classes, and by using trained and paid self-advocates as role models and peer mentors in classes. Amounts and units of SSE available per ISP year to eligible recipients must comply with limits outlined in the DDSD issued service standards. Socialization and sexuality education services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

(19)Customized in-home supports: Customized in-home support services is not a residential habilitation service and is intended for an eligible recipient that does not require the level of support provided under living supports services. Customized in-home supports provide an eligible recipient the opportunity to design and manage the supports needed to live in their own home or family home. Customized in-home supports include a combination of instruction and personal support activities provided intermittently to assist the eligible recipient with ADLs, meal preparation, household services, and money management. The services and supports are individually designed to instruct or enhance home living skills, community skills and to address health and safety of the eligible recipient, as needed. This service provides assistance with the acquisition, improvement or retention of skills that provides the necessary support to achieve personal outcomes that enhance the eligible recipient's ability to live independently in the community. Services are delivered by a direct support professional in the individuals own home or family home in the community. Services may be provided as part of on-site response plan with use of remote personal support technology. This service is intended to provide intermittent support and cannot be provided 24 hours a day/seven days a week. Requests for customized in-home living supports for over 11 hours a day must be approved the DDSD. Customized in-home support services must comply with 8.314.5.10 NMAC.

N.M. Admin. Code § 8.314.5.15

8.314.5.15 NMAC - Rp, 8.314.5.15 NMAC, 11-1-12; 8.314.5.15 NMAC - Rn & A, 8.314.5.14 NMAC, 6-15-14, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVI, Issue 02, January 30, 2015, eff. 2/1/2015, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVII, Issue 04, February 29, 2016, eff. 3/1/2016, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXIX, Issue 22, November 27, 2018, eff. 12/1/2018, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXIII, Issue 06, March 22, 2022, eff. 4/1/2022, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXV, Issue 05, March 12, 2024, eff. 4/1/2024