(1) Purpose. The purpose of childbirth education (CBE) classes is to help prepare the client and the client's support person(s):

(a) For the physiological, emotional, and psychological changes experienced during and after pregnancy;

(b) To develop self-advocacy skills;

(d) To improve parenting skills; and

(e) To improve the likelihood of positive birth outcomes.

(2) Definitions. The definitions in chapter 182-500 WAC, medical assistance definitions, and WAC 182-533-0315, maternity support services definitions, also apply to this section.

(3) Client eligibility. To be eligible for CBE classes, a client must be:

(a) Pregnant; and

(b) Covered under one of the medical assistance programs described in WAC 182-533-0320 (1)(a)(i) and (iv).

(4) Provider requirements. To be paid for providing CBE classes to eligible clients, an approved instructor must:

(a) Have a core provider agreement on file with the agency;

(b) Ensure that individuals providing CBE classes or following up during or after the completion of online classes have credentials and/or certification as outlined in the agency's current published billing instructions;

(i) In a series of group sessions; or

(ii) Through online classes approved by the agency; and

(d) Provide curriculum containing topics outlined in the agency's CBE curriculum checklist found in the agency's current published billing instructions. Topics include, but are not limited to:

(i) Pregnancy;

(ii) Labor and birth;

(iii) Newborns; and

(iv) Family adjustment.

(5) Documentation. Providers must:

(a) Follow the health care record requirements found in WAC 182-502-0020; and

(b) Maintain the following additional documentation:

(i) An original or electronically signed copy of each client's Freedom of Choice form and Consent for Services form;

(ii) A client sign-in sheet or log-in verification for each class; and

(iii) Names and ProviderOne Client ID numbers of eligible clients attending CBE classes and the date(s) they participated in each CBE class.

(6) Coverage.

(a) The agency covers one CBE class series per client, per pregnancy. In order for the provider to be reimbursed:

(i) The client must attend at least one CBE session or agency-approved online CBE class; and

(ii) The provider must follow up with clients participating in online classes through a telemedicine, including audio-only, visit or an in-person visit. If the client does not appear for the follow up visit, the provider must attempt to connect with the client one more time before billing the agency.

(b) CBE classes must include a minimum of six hours of instruction and are subject to the restrictions and limitations in this section and other applicable WAC.

(7) Payment. The agency pays for the CBE classes described in subsection (6) of this section on a fee-for-service basis subject to the following:

(a) CBE must:

(i) Include all classes, core materials, publications, and educational materials provided throughout the class series. Clients must receive the same materials as are offered to other attendees; and

(ii) Be billed according to the agency's current published billing instructions.

(b) The provider must accept the agency's fee as payment in full for classes provided to a client in accordance with 42 C.F.R. § 447.15.

PDFWAC 182-533-0390

Childbirth education (CBE) classes.