IN-PERSON EVALUATION REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN SERVICES

(a) A medical assistance provider may order or otherwise authorize the provision of home health services for a recipient only if the provider has conducted an in-person evaluation of the recipient within the 12-month period preceding the date the order or other authorization was issued.

(b) A physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse-midwife that orders or otherwise authorizes the provision of durable medical equipment for a recipient in accordance with Chapter 157 , Occupations Code, and other applicable law, including rules, must certify on the order or other authorization that the person conducted an in-person evaluation of the recipient within the 12-month period preceding the date the order or other authorization was issued.

(c) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. The executive commissioner may by rule adopt limited exceptions to the requirements of this section. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 980 (H.B. 1720 ), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2011. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219 ), Sec. 4.141, eff. April 2, 2015.