AK SB155

Department of Health and Social Services must establish a regulation system for setting medical assistance reimbursement rates based on functional level of care needed by eligible recipients with diagnosed cognitive disabilities.

Reimbursement rates must address recipients' needs for assessment, rehabilitation, case management, ongoing support, respite care, and companion services regardless of whether services are provided in health care facilities or under home and community-based waivers.

Requires a qualified professional to conduct an initial eligibility determination and plan of care considering the recipient's need for cognitive cuing, external physical assistance, and assistance with activities of daily living, independent of facility-level determinations.

Defines "diagnosed cognitive disability" as brain injury, Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, or other brain condition causing significant impairment of independent functioning requiring supervision or health care services, as determined by a state-licensed physician.

Regulations take effect under the Administrative Procedure Act but not before July 1, 2010; Department of Health and Social Services may begin adopting regulations immediately.