DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC WELFAREPrior Authorization Requirement for Therapeutic Staff Support Services [30 Pa.B. 5891] The Public Welfare Code, at 62 P. S. § 443.6(b)(7), authorizes the Department of Public Welfare (Department) to add items and services to its list of services requiring prior authorization by publication of notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The purpose of this Notice is to announce the Department's intent to add Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) services to the list of services requiring prior authorization under the Medical Assistance Program before payment can be made for the service. The Department is proposing to adopt this requirement effective with dates of service beginning February 1, 2001.
TSS, a behavioral health rehabilitation service for children under age 21 years, is individualized one-to-one treatment prescribed by a psychiatrist or psychologist and directed by a child's treatment plan that includes planned interventions which are typically provided in the home. This service will be prior authorized to ensure appropriate utilization and quality management.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal note was prepared under provision of section 612 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 232.)
Contact Person
A copy of this notice is available for review at local County Assistance Offices. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to this notice within 30 days of this publication. These comments should be sent to the Department of Public Welfare, Office of Medical Assistance Programs, c/o Deputy Secretary's Office, Attention: Regulations Coordinator, Room 515 Health and Welfare Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
Persons with a disability may use the AT&T Relay services by calling (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800)654-5988 (voice users). Persons who require another alternative method should contact Thomas Vracarich in the Office of Legal Counsel at (717) 783-2209.
FEATHER O. HOUSTOUN,
SecretaryFiscal Note: 14-NOT-263. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 00-1945. Filed for public inspection November 10, 2000, 9:00 a.m.]
