Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 12, March 22, 2024
a)
Service Definition
Emergency home response service (EHRS) is defined as a
24-hour emergency communication link to assistance outside the participant's
home based on the participant's health and safety needs and mobility
limitations. This service is provided by a 2-way voice communication system
consisting of a base unit and an activation device worn by the participant that
will automatically link the participant to a professionally staffed support
center. The support center assesses the situation and directs an appropriate
response whenever this system is engaged by a participant. The purpose of
providing EHRS is to improve the independence and safety of participants in
their own homes in accordance with the authorized person-centered plan of care,
and thereby help reduce the need for nursing facility care.
b) Specific components of EHRS shall include
the following:
1) provide a base unit and,
when necessary, adaptive activation devices, together with all connectors,
parts and equipment necessary for installation, that can be used in a home by
up to 2 participants with hearing, mobility and/or visual impairments.
A) Wireless adaptive activation devices
(e.g., sip and puff, rocking lever switch) must be available when a participant
cannot physically activate the call button.
B) The system must be useable by visually and
hearing impaired participants through visual and audible indications of alarm
activation.
C) Adaptive activation
devices shall be provided at no extra cost to the participant;
2) deliver the activation device
to the participant and install the base unit, including connection of a seizure
line jack, into a functioning telephone system in the participant's home within
15 calendar days after the date of referral. This service shall not be
subcontracted and shall be completed by trained employees identified by picture
ID with an ID number that can be verified by the participant;
3) train the participant and his or her
designated emergency responders on the proper use of the base unit and
activation device at the time of installation. The training must include:
A) demonstration of use and maintenance of
EHRS equipment;
B) explanation of
the EHRS provider's services and response protocol;
C) information on the general care of the
base unit and activation device;
D)
instruction about the monthly testing of the base unit and how to transmit the
test results to the support center; and
E) providing the participant with easy to
understand written instructions in the use of EHRS devices, including how to
report a malfunction of the equipment. These instructions shall also be
available in Braille or tape recorded to meet the participant's
needs;
4) assist the
participant in selecting and designating up to 3 local emergency responders,
which must be updated by the EHRS provider at least every 6 months. Each
responder shall receive both verbal and written instructions from the
provider;
5) obtain
participant's/authorized representative's signature to document that the EHRS
unit was delivered and installed and that instructions and demonstration were
given and understood. A copy of this receipt must be sent to the CCU;
6) own and operate a support center to
provide live monitoring on a continuous basis, direct an appropriate response
whenever the EHRS system is activated, and provide necessary technical support
for fault conditions, including a language line that provides interpreter
service for at least 140 languages and communication facilitated by a
teletypewriter (TTY) communication device for the deaf, as
appropriate;
7) own and operate a
back-up support center that provides all components specified in subsection
(b)(6) and operates on a separate power grid;
8) maintain adequate local staffing levels of
qualified personnel to service necessary administrative activities,
installation, in-home training, signal monitoring, technical support and repair
requests in a timely manner. A provider agency must have a written training
program for personnel and be able to demonstrate staff
qualifications;
9) in the event of
a malfunction, repair or replace the base unit or activation device within 24
hours after receiving the malfunction report;
10) alert the participant when electric power
to the base unit has been interrupted (e.g., unplugged) and the unit is
operating on a standby power source;
11) notify the CCU within 1 business day
after activation of the base unit and work with the appropriate care
coordination supervisor to resolve service complaints from the participant or
emergency responder;
12) notify the
CCU immediately if EHRS services cannot be initiated or must be terminated;
and
13) maintain records in
accordance with Section
240.1542
relating to participant referral and service statistics, including equipment
delivery; device activation; participant and responder training; signal
monitoring and test transmission activity; equipment malfunction, repair and
replacement; power interruption alerts; and notification of the CCUs, plus
billing and payment information, and personnel matters.
c) Units of Service
1) One unit of installation service is the
one-time fee to the provider agency for the activity associated with the
installation of the base unit in the participant's home.
2) One unit of monthly service is the fixed
unit rate of reimbursement, per month, for the provider agency activity
associated with providing EHRS to each participant.