N.M. Code R. § 8.321.2.15 - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESPITE CARE (Managed Care Organization (MCO))

As part of centennial care's comprehensive service system, behavioral health (BH) respite service is for short-term direct care and supervision of the eligible recipient in order to afford the parent(s) or caregiver a respite for their care of the recipient and takes place in the recipient's home or another setting. See Subsections A and B of 8.321.2.9 NMAC for MAD general provider requirements.

A. Eligible practitioners:

(1) Supervisor:

(a) bachelor's degree and three years' experience working with the target population;

(b) supervision activities include a minimum of two hours per month individual supervision covering administrative and case specific issues, and two additional hours per month of continuing education in behavioral health respite care issues, or annualized respite provider training;

(c) access to on call crisis support available 24-hours a day; and

(d) supervision by licensed practitioners must be in accordance with their respective licensing board regulations.

(2) Respite care staff:

(a) minimum three years' experience working with the target population;

(b) pass all criminal records and background checks for all persons residing in the home over 18;

(c) possess a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance, if transporting member;

(d) CPR and first aid; and

(e) documentation of behavioral health orientation, training and supervision as defined in the BH policy and billing manual.

B. Coverage criteria: The provider agency will assess the situation and, with the caregiver, recommend the appropriate setting for respite. BH respite services may include a range of activities to meet the social, emotional and physical needs identified through the service or treatment plan, and documented in the treatment record. These services may be provided for a few hours during the day or for longer periods of time involving overnight stays. BH respite, while usually planned, can also be provided in an emergency or unplanned basis.

C. Identified population:

(1) Members up to 21 years of age diagnosed with a severe emotional disturbance (SED), as defined by the state of New Mexico who reside with the same primary caregivers on a daily basis; or

(2) Youth in protective services custody whose placement may be at risk whether or not they are diagnosed with SED.

D. Non-covered services:

(1) 30 days or 720 hours per year at which time prior authorization must be acquired for additional respite care;

(2) May not be billed in conjunction with the following medicaid services:

(a) treatment foster care;

(b) group home;

(c) residential services;

(d) inpatient treatment.

(3) Non-enrolled siblings of a child receiving BH respite services are not eligible for BH respite benefits; and

(4) Cost of room and board are not included as part of respite care.

Notes

N.M. Code R. § 8.321.2.15

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXX, Issue 23, December 17, 2019, eff. 1/1/2020, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXII, Issue 15, August 10, 2021, eff. 8/10/2021