Last week, MassHealth held a public hearing to hear remarks on their proposed PCA regulations. During the public hearing, HCA testified that addition regulations are needed for PCA services to boost patient safety. Amongst other points, HCA recommended the following changes:

• PCA must be over the age of 18 to assist with the administration of any medication to their consumer
• Reaffirm support for consumer direction while evaluating whether certain clinical risk thresholds should trigger enhanced oversight or collaboration with licensed providers.
• Ensure that PCA services are not used as a replacement for medically necessary skilled care.
• Clarify expectations for PCM agency responsibilities when health-related tasks or medication administration are involved changed within the authorization or member diagnosis/status.
• Recommend that MassHealth reconsider its proposal to expand the scope of PCAs to assist with complex care needs.

If you would like to see our full testimony you can find it HERE.