Section 1249.2. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Home health agency—A public or private agency or organization, or part of an agency or organization that is licensed by the Commonwealth and certified for participation in Medicare. The agency shall be staffed and equipped to provide skilled nursing care and at least one therapeutic service—physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech pathology—or home health aides to a disabled, aged, injured or sick recipient on a part-time or intermittent basis in his residence.

Home health services—Nursing services, home health aide services, physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech pathology and audiology services provided by a home health agency and medical supplies, equipment and appliances suitable for use in the home. For the purpose of this chapter, medical supplies, equipment and appliances do not include dentures, prosthetic devices, orthoses or eyeglasses.

Residence—A place where the recipient makes his home.

(i) The term includes a personal care home, a hospice, a relative’s home or a friend’s home.

(ii) The term does not include a hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility.

Usual charge—A home health agency’s most frequent charge to the general public within the same calendar month.

Visit—A personal contact in the recipient’s residence made for the purpose of providing a covered service by a health care worker on the staff of the home health agency or by others under contract or arrangement with the home health agency.

The provisions of this § 1249.2 adopted December 6, 1980, effective December 1, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4618; amended August 12, 1988, effective September 1, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 3571; amended May 11, 2007, effective May 12, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 2185. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (313040) and (251259).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 1249.2 amended under sections 403(a) and (b), 443.2(2) and 509 of the Public Welfare Code (62 P. S. § § 403(a) and (b), 443.2(2) and 509).