LAC 50:II.10154. Nursing Facility Level of Care Determinations

A. The purpose of the level of care (LOC) determination is to assure that individuals meet the functional and medical necessity requirements for admission to and continued stay in a nursing facility. In addition, the LOC determination process assists persons with long-term or chronic health care needs in making informed decisions and selecting options that meet their needs and reflect their preferences. B. In order for an individual to meet nursing facility level of care (NFLOC), functional and medical eligibility must be met as set forth and determined by the Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS). The functional and medical eligibility process is frequently referred to as the “nursing facility level of care determination.” C. OAAS shall utilize prescribed screening and assessment tools to gather evaluation data for the purpose of determining whether an individual has met the nursing facility level of care requirements as set forth in this Subchapter. D. Individuals who are approved by OAAS, or its designee, as having met NFLOC must continue to meet medical and functional eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis. E. A LOC screening conducted via telephone shall be superseded by a face-to-face LOC assessment, or audit review LOC determination as determined by OAAS or its designee. F. If on an audit review or other subsequent face-to-face LOC assessment, the LOC findings are determined to be incorrect or it is found that the individual no longer meets level of care, the audit or subsequent face-to-face LOC assessment findings will prevail. G. The department may require applicants to submit documentation necessary to support the nursing facility level of care determination.