Maine § 2149. - Compensation for home health care providers

§ 2149.. Compensation for home health care providers

1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Home health care provider" means an organization designated as a home health agency under rules of the department or certified by Medicare for delivery of home health services.   [PL 1987, c. 829, §1 (NEW).]

2.  Compensation.  In determining levels of reimbursement in rate structures established for home health care providers, the department shall:

A. Formulate payment rates for various types of care provided based on the service costs attributable to each home health care provider, as determined by such standard methods as the department may establish;   [PL 1987, c. 829, §1 (NEW).]

B. Adjust rates accordingly, at least annually, for alternative programs to institutional care for optimal service delivery to eligible clients, but not to exceed the costs of nursing home care;   [PL 1987, c. 829, §1 (NEW).]

C. Recognize the provider's reasonable costs of recruiting, training and retaining qualified staff, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse aides, home health aides and allied personnel; and   [PL 1987, c. 829, §1 (NEW).]

D. Implement this subsection in such a manner which does not result in a decrease in numbers of clients or units of service. The monthly limits on costs per individual receiving in-home services as an alternative to institutional care shall be at least $1,878 for skilled level care and $1,361 for intermediate level care.   [PL 1987, c. 829, §1 (NEW).]