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 respond to emergent participant needs.
EHRS is provided by a two-way voice communication system which may consist of a
base unit that can be activated using landline, cellular, and/or internet-based
access and a water-resistant activation device worn by the participant that
will automatically link the participant to a professionally staffed support
center. When the participant engages the system, the support center shall
assess the situation and direct an appropriate response. EHRS equipment shall
include a variety of remote or specialty activation devices from which the
participant can choose in accordance with their specific need as outlined in
their authorized person-centered plan of care.
b) A EHRS provider shall provide the
participant with a base unit, when it is required for the equipment to
function, and an activation device with all connectors, parts, and equipment
necessary for installation.
c) A
participant may choose an activation device capable of sensing at least a
36-inch drop when the participant has fallen and automatically alerting the
support center for assistance.
d) A
participant may choose to switch from the standard activation device to a
mobile device that is not connected to a landline and that is capable of
providing the support center with the participant's latest location using GPS.
The device must allow for two-way interactive communication and include an
optional all-in-one device. The device must have at least a five-day battery
life, depending on usage, and be compatible with a fall detection device if the
participant so chooses.
e) The
activation device shall be adaptive for participants with functional
limitations (visual, audio, physical, etc.). These devices shall be provided at
no extra cost to the participant.
f) A participant shall inform their EHRS
provider if they are away from home for longer than 30 consecutive calendar
days. A participant who resides outside of the State for more than 60 calendar
days may lose eligibility to receive EHRS services and may have their services
terminated.
g) An EHRS provider
shall:
1) deliver and install the EHRS
equipment to the participant within 15 calendar days after the date of
referral. This service shall not be subcontracted and shall be completed by
trained employees who must have identification that they work for the EHRS
provider.
2) train the participant
and their designated emergency contacts on the proper use of the equipment at
the time of installation and provide easy to use written instructions on how to
use the equipment. Instructions must be provided in a language or format
easiest for the participant to use.
3) assist the participant in selecting and
designating up to three local emergency contacts, which must be updated by the
EHRS provider at least every six months. Each contact shall receive both verbal
and written instructions from the provider;
4) obtain participant's/authorized
representative's signature to document that the EHRS equipment was delivered
and installed and that instructions and demonstration were given and
understood. A copy of this receipt must be sent to the CCU;
5) have 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
languages most commonly spoken by older adults in the state and communication
facilitated by a teletypewriter (TTY) communication device for the deaf, as
appropriate;
6) have a back-up
support center that provides all components specified in subsection (e)(5) and
operates on a separate power grid;
7) 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 training program for
personnel and be able to demonstrate staff qualifications;
8) in the event of a malfunction, repair or
replace the base unit or activation device within 24 hours after receiving the
malfunction report;
9) 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;
10) notify the CCU within one 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;
11) notify the
CCU immediately if EHRS services cannot be initiated or must be terminated;
and
12) 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.
h) Units of Service
1) One unit of installation service is the
one-time fee to the EHRS provider 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 EHRS provider activity
associated with providing EHRS to each participant.
