(1) Personal care services may be provided up to but not more than 40 hours of attendant service per week per person as defined by the plan of care. The department may, within its discretion, authorize additional hours in excess of this limit. Any services exceeding this limit must be prior authorized by the department. Prior authorization for excess hours may be authorized if additional assistance is required for:

(a) a period of time not to exceed three months and as the result of an acute medical episode;

(b) a period of time not to exceed three months and to prevent institutionalization during the absence of the normal caregiver; or

(c) a period of time not to exceed three months and during a post-hospitalization period.

(2) Reimbursement fees for personal assistance services are as referenced in ARM 37.85.105(4).

(3) Personal assistance services include the following:

(a) attendant service is a 15-minute unit and means an on-site visit specific to a person;

(b) nurse supervision is a 15-minute unit and means an on-site person visit and related activity specific to that person;

(c) medical escort is a 15-minute unit and means transportation time and appointment time so the person can access an approved medical appointment; and

(d) mileage is a unit of one mile and means reimbursement for mileage when an attendant uses their vehicle to transport a person on an approved shopping trip.

(4) A person retained personally by a person to deliver personal care services is not a provider of personal care services for the purposes of this rule and therefore may not be reimbursed for personal care services by the department.

(5) Reimbursement is not available for personal care provided by immediate family members.