Sec. 10.09.81.26. Covered Services — Environmental Assessments

A. Definition. "Unit of service" means the completion of:

(1) An on-site environmental assessment of the participant’s home; and

(2) A form approved by the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.

B. An environmental assessment may not be provided before the effective date of the participant's eligibility for ICS Program services.

C. The service may be recommended by a multidisciplinary team in the plan of service for a participant when the service is considered necessary to:

(1) Ensure the health and safety of a participant with special environmental needs; and

(2) Obtain additional professional advice from an occupational therapist about the:

(a) Physical structure of a participant's home or residence; and

(b) Functional or mental limitations or disabilities of a participant as they relate to the environment.

D. Included in the environmental assessment, as necessary and appropriate, may be:

(1) An evaluation of the presence and likely progression of a disability or a chronic illness or condition in a participant;

(2) Environmental factors in the facility or home;

(3) The participant's ability to perform activities of daily living;

(4) The participant's strength, range of motion, and endurance;

(5) The participant's need for assistive devices and equipment; and

(6) The participant's, family's, or service provider's knowledge of health, safety, and stress reduction factors.

E. Based on an inspection of the home and interviews with the participant, family, or service provider, the provider shall complete a form, to be reviewed by the case manager, which details the provider's findings and recommendations as to a participant's need for ICS Program services.