Sterilization Services: Consent Form Requirements

Informed consent for sterilization must be documented by the completion of the MassHealth agency’s Consent for Sterilization form in accordance with the following requirements. (Instructions for obtaining the Consent for Sterilization forms are located in Subchapter 5 of the Community Health Center Manual.) (A) Required Consent Form. (1) One of the following Consent for Sterilization forms must be used: (a) CS-18 for members 18 through 20 years old; or (b) CS-21 for members 21 years of age and older. (2) Under no circumstances will the MassHealth agency accept any other consent for sterilization form. (B) Required Signatures. The member, the interpreter (if one was required), and the person who obtained the consent for sterilization must all sign and date the Consent for Sterilization form (CS-18 or CS-21) at the time of consent. After performing the sterilization procedure, the physician must sign and date the form. (C) Required Distribution of the Consent Form. The Consent for Sterilization form (CS-18 or CS- 21) must be completed and distributed as follows: (1) the original must be given to the member at the time of consent; and (2) a copy must be included in the member’s permanent medical record at the site where the sterilization is performed. (D) Provider Billing and Required Submissions. (1) All CHCs must bill with the appropriate sterilization diagnosis and service codes, and must attach a copy of the completed Consent for Sterilization Form (CS-18 or CS-21) to each claim made to the MassHealth agency for sterilization services. This provision applies to any medical procedure, treatment, or operation for the purpose of rendering an individual permanently incapable of reproducing. When more than one provider is billing the MassHealth agency (for example, the CHC and a hospital), each provider must submit a copy of the completed sterilization consent form with the claim. (2) A CHC does not need to submit a Consent for Sterilization form (CS-18 or CS-21) with a claim for a medical procedure, treatment, or operation that is not for the purpose of rendering an individual permanently incapable of reproducing. If the appropriate service code used to bill for such a medical procedure, treatment, or operation may also be used to bill for a sterilization, the claim will be denied unless at least one of the following justifications is present and documented on an attachment signed by the physician and attached to the claim. (a) The medical procedure, treatment, or operation was a unilateral procedure and did not result in sterilization. (b) The medical procedure, treatment, or operation was unilateral or bilateral, but the patient was previously sterile as indicated in the operative notes. (c) The medical procedure, treatment, or operation was medically necessary for treatment of an existing illness or injury and was not performed for the purpose of sterilization. (d) The medical procedure, treatment, or operation was medically necessary for treatment of a life-threatening emergency situation and was not performed for the purpose of sterilization, and it was not possible to inform the member in advance that it would or could result in sterilization. Include the nature and date of the life-threatening emergency. (3) In the circumstances set forth in 130 CMR 405.430(D)(2)(a) and (c), the medical records must also document that the member consented to the medical procedure, treatment, or operation after being informed that it would or could result in sterilization. (4) When more than one provider is billing the MassHealth agency under the circumstances specified in 130 CMR 405.430(D)(2) (for example, the CHC and a hospital), each provider must submit a copy of the signed attachment along with the claim.