Section 441.78.40. Advanced registered nurse practitioners.

Payment shall be approved for services provided by advanced registered nurse practitioners within their scope of practice and the limitations of state law, with the exception of services not payable to physicians under rule 441—78.1(249A) or otherwise not payable under any other applicable rule.

         78.40(1) Direct payment. Payment shall be made to advanced registered nurse practitioners directly, without regard to whether the advanced registered nurse practitioner is employed by or associated with a physician, hospital, birth center, clinic or other health care provider recognized under state law. An established protocol between a physician and the advanced registered nurse practitioner shall not cause an advanced registered nurse practitioner to be considered auxiliary personnel of a physician, or an employee of a hospital, birth center, or clinic.

         78.40(2) Location of service. Payment shall be approved for services rendered in any location in which the advanced registered nurse practitioner is legally authorized to provide services under state law. The nurse practitioner shall have promptly available the necessary equipment and personnel to handle emergencies.

         78.40(3) Utilization review. Utilization review shall be conducted of Medicaid members who access more than 24 outpatient visits in any 12-month period from physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, other clinics, and emergency rooms. Refer to rule 441—76.9(249A) for further information concerning the member lock-in program.

         78.40(4) Vaccines. In order to be paid for the administration of a vaccine covered under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, an advanced registered nurse practitioner must enroll in the VFC program. Payment for the vaccine will be approved only if the VFC program stock has been depleted.

         78.40(5) Prenatal risk assessment. Risk assessment, using Form 470-2942, Medicaid Prenatal Risk Assessment, shall be completed at the initial visit during a Medicaid member’s pregnancy.

            a.               If the risk assessment reflects a low-risk pregnancy, the assessment shall be completed again at approximately the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy.

            b.               If the risk assessment reflects a high-risk pregnancy, referral shall be made for enhanced services. (See description of enhanced services at subrule 78.25(3).)

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 249A.4.

[ARC 0065C, IAB 4/4/12, effective 6/1/12]