Wrightway

 

Personal Emergency Response (PERS)

Provider Requirements and Service Limitations

From The May 2010 Florida Medicaid Provider Handbook

Personal Emergency Response Systems -
Requirements To Receive

Description:

A personal emergency response system is an electronic communication system that enables a recipient to secure help in the event of an emergency. The recipient may also wear a portable "help" button that allows for mobility while at home or in the community. The system is connected to the person's phone and programmed to signal a response center. When the "help" button is activated, qualified personnel are dispatched to the recipient’s location.

Limitations:

A personal emergency response system is limited to those recipients who live alone or who are alone for significant parts of the day have no regular caregiver for extended periods of time, and otherwise require extensive routine supervision. Recipients living in licensed residential facilities are not eligible to receive this service. A cell phone does not meet the definition of a personal emergency response system. This service does not include the cost for the telephone or telephone line.

Documentation Requirements:

Reimbursement* documentation to be maintained by the provider:

  1. *Copy of claim(s) submitted for payment; and
  2. *Service log, detailing services provided.

For monitoring review purposes, the equipment installation provider and the emergency monitoring provider must have a copy of the invoices for the period being reviewed. The equipment itself is generally free of charge. The cost of this service involves installation, testing and monitoring. The provider must submit a copy of service log, monthly, including the waiver support coordinator’s verification of the receipt of equipment prior to submission of claim for payment to the waiver support coordinator.

*Indicates reimbursement documentation.

Place of Service:

A personal emergency response system shall be provided in the recipients own home or apartment or the family’s home or apartment. A mobile “help button” is also available for the recipient to wear while engaged in a community activity.

Special Considerations:

A personal emergency response system is available only for at-risk recipient’s who require a limited degree of supervision, but live alone or are alone for periods of time without a caregiver.

 

Personal Emergency Response (PERS)
Provider Requirements

Provider Qualifications:

Providers shall be licensed electrical contractors, alarm system contractors, contract agencies for Community Care for the Elderly (CCE), Community Care for Disabled Adults (CCDA) Programs, or hospitals. Freestanding equipment may also be purchased from independent vendors, such as discount or home improvement stores, but these vendors may not provide monitoring.

Electrical or alarm system contractors shall be licensed in accordance with Chapter 489, part II, F.S.

Hospitals shall be licensed in accordance with Chapter 395, F.S.

Independent vendors shall hold local occupational licenses or permits, in accordance with Chapter 205, F.S.