Posted by: Robert Markette
December 12, 2005

Another item that I feel needs to be reiterated is the recent change in the legislative definition of home health services.  During the spring session, the legislature changed the definition of home health services.  The new definition  defines home health services as services:

            That are

                        (1)             provided to a patient by:

                                    (A)         a home health agency; or

                                    (B)          another person under an arrangement with a home health                                                   agency; in the temporary or permanent residence of the                                                   patient; and

                        (2)             either are required by law to be:

                                    (A)        ordered by a licensed physician, a licensed dentist, a                                                          licensed chiropractor, a licensed podiatrist, or a licensed                                                           optometrist for the service to be performed; or

                                    (B)        performed only by a health care professional. 

                                                            I.C. 16-27-1-5(a)(2005)

As in previous definitions, subsection (b) continues to provide examples of home health services.  The key in this new definition is that a service is only a home health service if it is required by law to be ordered by a physician, etc. or if the law says only a health care professional can perform the service.

 If the service does not require a doctor’s order or if it does not have to be performed by a health care professional, it is not a home health service.  It is, most likely, a personal care service.

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