Flexibility in Utilization of Authorized PDN
MFAW Guidebook
Flexibility in Utilization of Authorized PDN
Service Coordinator (SC) will work with participant(s), parent(s) and/or responsible party(ies) so the authorization allows maximum flexibility relating to when approved hours are scheduled. The participant(s) and parent(s)/responsible party(ies) availability including, but not limited to, work/sleep schedule, health needs, other family members, and other household responsibilities will be taken into consideration when authorizing PDN. The SC may consider the need for authorizing PRN (as needed) hours to be used to allow additional flexibility.
PRN hours may be authorized for circumstances including, but not limited to:
- Allowing additional time for nurses to accompany the participant/family to healthcare appointments,
- Multiple participants receiving services in the home,
- Assess the shared authorization to ensure the skilled needs of each participant are being met by the overall authorization
- Consider the utilization of PRN hours for circumstances in which one participant is not in the home, such as medical appointments or hospitalization
- The parent/responsible party to work additional hours,
- To allow flexibility when there is coverage by multiple agencies
- In this instance, a portion of the authorized hours are designated as PRN that can be used by multiple agencies serving the same participant
When assessing the participant’s authorization needs, the SC will collect information to determine the best way to write the authorization to meet the family’s needs and to provide optimum flexibility in utilization of services. The authorization is continually reevaluated to determine when changes are needed. The following steps are taken to develop the individualized authorization:
- Ask the family to identify the participant’s skilled needs and their need for paid support services.
- Assess the participant’s needs, including times throughout the day in which skilled care is needed.
- Assess the availability of any and all potential caregivers to provide care, including but not limited to; family members, friends, and other paid support services. Collaborate with the family to develop the authorization that fits the needs of both the participant’s skilled care needs and families need for paid support services, as permitted by MO HealthNet guidelines.
- The provider and family will develop a schedule for paid support services in the home.