FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 5010

                                  C 233 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Including occupational therapy coverage in the department of social and health services limited casualty program.

SPONSORS:Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Moore, West and Conner).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

BACKGROUND:

Occupational therapists licensed under state law provide rehabilitative services to individuals suffering physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, and developmental or learning disabilities.  Currently, the state medical assistance program reimburses for occupational services provided to adults on an inpatient basis or by a home health agency.  Occupational therapy services are provided to Medicaid eligible children through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT).  The medical director of the Department of Social and Health Services may also authorize reimbursement for outpatient occupational therapy services deemed medically necessary.  Other outpatient occupational therapy services are not reimbursed by Medicaid.

SUMMARY:

Reimbursement for outpatient occupational therapy services to eligible categorically and medically needy adults not currently receiving such services is authorized under the medical assistance program.

The act is contingent on funding in the Omnibus Appropriations Act.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      46    0

House 94    0(House amended)

Senate                  (Senate refused to concur)

House             (House refused to recede)

Senate                  (Senate refused to concur)

House 98    0     (House receded)

EFFECTIVE:  July 28, 1991