1. (1) The medicaid agency requires prior authorization for acute PM&R services. The acute PM&R provider of services must obtain prior authorization:

   1. (a) Before admitting a client to the rehabilitation unit; and
   2. (b) For an extension of stay before the client's current authorized period of stay expires.

2. (2) For an initial admit:

   1. (a) A client must:

      1. (i) Be eligible under one of the programs listed in WAC 182-550-2521, subject to the restrictions and limitations listed in that section;
      2. (ii) Require acute PM&R services as determined in WAC 182-550-2551;
      3. (iii) Be medically stable and show evidence of physical and cognitive readiness to participate in the rehabilitation program; and
      4. (iv) Be willing and capable to participate at least three hours per day, seven days per week, in acute PM&R activities.

   2. (b) The acute PM&R provider of services must:

      1. (i) Submit a request for prior authorization to the agency's clinical consultation team as published in the agency's acute PM&R billing instructions; and

      2. (ii) Include sufficient medical information to justify that:

         1. (A) Acute PM&R treatment would effectively enable the client to obtain a greater degree of self-care or independence;
         2. (B) The client's medical condition requires that intensive 24-hour inpatient comprehensive acute PM&R services be provided in an agency-approved acute PM&R facility; and
         3. (C) The client suffers from severe disabilities including, but not limited to, neurological or cognitive deficits.

3. (3) For an extension of stay:

   1. (a) A client must meet the conditions listed in subsection (2)(a) of this section and have observable and significant improvement; and

   2. (b) The acute PM&R provider of services must:

      1. (i) Submit a request for the extension of stay to the agency clinical consultation team as published in the agency's acute PM&R billing instructions; and
      2. (ii) Include sufficient medical information to justify the extension and include documentation that the client's condition has observably and significantly improved.
4. (4) If the agency denies the request for an extension of stay, the client must be transferred to an appropriate lower level of care as described in WAC 182-550-2501(3).

5. (5) The agency's clinical consultation team approves or denies authorization for acute PM&R services for initial stays or extensions of stay based on individual circumstances and the medical information received. The agency notifies the client and the acute PM&R provider of a decision.

   1. (a) If the agency approves the request for authorization, the notification letter includes:

      1. (i) The number of days requested;
      2. (ii) The allowed dates of service;
      3. (iii) An agency-assigned authorization number;
      4. (iv) Applicable limitations to the authorized services; and
      5. (v) The agency's process to request additional services.

   2. (b) If the agency denies the request for authorization, the notification letter includes:

      1. (i) The number of days requested;
      2. (ii) The reason for the denial;
      3. (iii) Alternative services available for the client; and
      4. (iv) The client's right to request an administrative hearing. (See subsection (7) of this section.)

6. (6) A hospital or other facility intending to transfer a client to an agency-approved acute PM&R hospital or an agency-approved acute PM&R hospital requesting an extension of stay for a client must:

   1. (a) Discuss the agency's authorization decision with the client or the client's legal representative; and
   2. (b) Document in the client's medical record that the agency's decision was discussed with the client or the client's legal representative.

7. (7) A client who does not agree with a decision regarding acute PM&R services has a right to an administrative hearing under chapter 182-526 WAC. After receiving a request for an administrative hearing, the agency may request additional information from the client and the facility, or both. After the agency reviews the available information, the result may be:

   1. (a) A reversal of the initial agency decision;
   2. (b) Resolution of the client's issue(s); or
   3. (c) An administrative hearing conducted per chapter 182-526 WAC.

8. (8) The agency may authorize administrative days for a client who:

   1. (a) Does not meet requirements described in subsection (3) of this section; or
   2. (b) Is waiting for a discharge destination or a discharge plan.

9. (9) The agency does not authorize acute PM&R services for a client who:

   1. (a) Is deconditioned by a medical illness or by surgery; or
   2. (b) Has loss of function primarily as a result of a psychiatric condition; or

   3. (c) Has had a recent surgery and has no complicating neurological deficits. Examples of surgeries that do not qualify a client for inpatient acute PM&R services without extenuating circumstances are:

      1. (i) Single amputation;
      2. (ii) Single extremity surgery; and
      3. (iii) Spine surgery.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 35.05.353 (1)(c), 41.05.021, and 41.05.160. WSR 25-10-099, s 182-550-2561, filed 5/7/25, effective 6/7/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.160. WSR 15-18-065, § 182-550-2561, filed 8/27/15, effective 9/27/15. WSR 11-14-075, recodified as § 182-550-2561, filed 6/30/11, effective 7/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.09.500. WSR 07-12-039, § 388-550-2561, filed 5/30/07, effective 8/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520 and 42 C.F.R. 482.56. WSR 03-06-047, § 388-550-2561, filed 2/28/03, effective 3/31/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.09.520. WSR 99-17-111, § 388-550-2561, filed 8/18/99, effective 9/18/99.]