Regarding relative providing this service, safeguards must be taken to ensure that the payment is made to the relative as a provider, only in return for specific services rendered, and there is adequate justification as to why the relative is the provider of care. Approval for use of a relative to provide respite services must be granted by the APD regional office. Documentation of APD’S approval must be maintained in both the provider’s and WSC’s Files.
Relatives who live outside the recipient’s home and are enrolled as Medicaid waiver providers can provide respite care services and be reimbursed for the services, under specific circumstances.
Some recipients may require respite care provided by a licensed nurse. These recipients have complex medical conditions which require medically necessary nursing services. If a licensed nurse provides this service, a prescription for skilled respite from a physician, ARNP, or PA is required. Skilled respite will be reimbursed at the licensed practical nurse (LPN) level.
