12VAC5-381 Regulations for the Licensure of Home Care Organizations

REGULATIONS

Vol. 29 Iss. 8 - December 17, 2012

TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Chapter 381

Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Board of Health is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Health will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-381. Regulations for the Licensure of Home Care Organizations (amending 12VAC5-381-20).

Statutory Authority: §§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.12 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: January 17, 2013.

Agency Contact: Carrie Eddy, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone [phone], FAX [phone], or email [e-mail].

Summary:

The Office of the Inspector General of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services actively enforces 42 USC § 1320a-7b, which holds persons violating the laws and regulations of the Social Security Act (specifically Titles 18 and 19) accountable and prohibits them from participating in Medicare and Medicaid. Chapter 139 of the 2012 Acts of Assembly (House Bill 220) extended that prohibition to any person who has been sanctioned pursuant to 42 USC § 1320a-7b to obtain or renew a license to establish or operate a home care organization. Therefore, an amendment is made to 12VAC5-381-20.

12VAC5-381-20. License.

A. A license to operate a home care organization is issued to a person. However, no license shall be issued to a person who has been sanctioned pursuant to 42 USC § 1320a-7b. Persons planning to seek federal certification or national accreditation pursuant to § 32.1-162.8 of the Code of Virginia must first obtain state licensure.

B. The commissioner shall issue or renew a license to establish or operate a home care organization if the commissioner finds that the home care organization is in compliance with the law and this regulation.

C. A separate license shall be required for home care organizations maintained at separate locations, even though they are owned or are operated under the same management.

D. Every home care organization shall be designated by an appropriate name. The name shall not be changed without first notifying the OLC.

E. Licenses shall not be transferred or assigned.

F. Any person establishing, conducting, maintaining, or operating a home care organization without a license shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony according to § 32.1-162.15 of the Code of Virginia.

VA.R. Doc. No. R13-3197; Filed November 21, 2012, 11:01 a.m.