Attachment B

Contracting Requirements

The COPES Medicaid waiver plan assures that adequate standards exist for each provider of contracted services under the waiver. All providers of COPES waiver services, including COPES skilled nursing services, must be contracted prior to providing services and receiving payment.

Appendix B-2 Provider Qualifications in the COPES waiver defines the licensing and certification standards for the providers of COPES skilled nursing. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, licensed under Chapter 18.79 RCW are eligible to be contracted as COPES skilled nursing providers, either as an individual contractor or through a contract with a home health agency. It is important to note that according to RCW 18.79 and the COPES waiver for skilled nursing, LPN’s must be under the direction and supervision of a licensed practitioner identified in RCW 18.79.270. The definitions for “Direction and Supervision” are found in WAC 246-840 from the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

These contracts are to be established and monitored by the Area Agencies on Aging for all COPES waiver services regardless of the location of the client; in-home or in residential facilities (Adult Family Home or Boarding Home).

Contracting elements

Aging and Disability Services Administration Home and Community Based Service Provider Contract/Agreement (DSHS # 09-0846D (10/96)) is being phased out. AAA’s developing new contracts for COPES skilled nursing should use their own contract form.

The Area Agencies on Aging are to develop and maintain contracts for COPES waiver services that meet the subcontracting requirements for AASA, therefore,

to follow, are suggested guidelines for inclusion in contracts with individual nurses or agencies providing COPES skilled nursing. Reference RCW 18.79 RN and LPN license activities allowed, and Chapter 246-840-010 WAC “Definitions” for direction and supervision related to RN and LPN for specific content related to scope of practice.

Suggested contracting guidelines:

Information/documents included in contracting	Contract with individual RN/LPN	Contract with Home Health Agency
Social security number	AAA would copy at contract development	Agency would be responsible for maintaining copy.
RN/LPN Resume	AAA would copy at contract development.	Agency would be responsible for maintaining.
RN/LPN license and verification	AAA would copy at contract development and verify standing with Nursing Commission. AAA would verify license at annual renewal date (DOB)	Agency would be responsible for verifying and updating at renewals.
Drivers license	AAA would copy at contract development and at time of renewal.	Agency would be responsible for verifying and updating at renewal.
Criminal background Inquiry	AAA would complete according to RCW 43.20A.710 and RCW 43.43.830-842.	Agency would be responsible for completing CBI and updating as required by law.
Evidence of professional liability insurance	AAA verification of liability insurance, per AAA requirements	Agency would provide for the AAA evidence of liability insurance.
Business license	AAA would verify and copy at time of contract development.	Agency would provide for the AAA evidence of business license and Department of Health license.

Contracts with providers must include the basic contract language required in AASA/AAA contracts. Individual AAA’s may require additional contracting elements and language as set forth by local AAA governing bodies.