Clarification on DHS-mandated COVID 19 testing in long-term care facilities

By August 14, 2020: Billing and compliance teams must review all COVID-19 testing claims submitted for home health and hospice staff at long-term care facilities through August 14, 2020 to ensure they qualify for reimbursement under the previous definition of "Associated Staff." Verify that staff had direct contractual relationships with facilities. After August 14, 2020: Home health and hospice providers must cease billing for DHS-mandated COVID-19 testing unless staff have direct contractual relationships with the facility. Update internal policies and provider communications to clarify that staff without contractual facility relationships are exempt from testing requirements. No claims should be submitted after August 14, 2020 for non-contracted staff testing under this mandate. Contact Jennifer Valentine (jennifer.b.valentine@dhsoha.state.or.us) with questions regarding claim eligibility or policy interpretation.