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PCA Manual

PCA Manual

PCA quality assurance (QA)

Note: DHS is working to develop a QA resource page for the CFSS Policy Manual.

Page posted: 11/4/13

Page reviewed:

Page updated:

Legal authority

Minn. Stat. § 256B.0651, subd. 15 and subd. 16, Minn. Stat. §256B.0652

Definition

Quality assurance (QA): Guarantee of program integrity through review of the services reimbursed by Medicaid/Medical Assistance, a combination of state and federal government funds.

Background

State and federal legislation provides DHS the authority and responsibility to:

  • · Safeguard the health and welfare of people who use Medicaid
  • · Oversee and monitor the program
  • · Be accountable for Medicaid spending.
  • QA is a support and assistance process to identify areas that need improvement in order to provide the most effective and efficient services to people.

    The ongoing QA process monitors standards through a use of a variety of tools, including but not limited to training and testing, surveys, data collection and scheduled and random reviews of records.

    Numerous methods are used, such as requesting information to be sent to DHS, visiting sites, using self-reports and analyzing data available from various sources.

    Cooperation from those providing direct services is essential for this compliance

    DHS responsibilities

    DHS is responsible to develop and implement a system for continuous performance measurement for the assessment and delivery of services to ensure specific technical and/or procedural requirements are met.

    DHS will monitor, review and measure the following:

  • · Person’s need for services
  • · Service delivery
  • · Policies, procedures and business practices
  • · Recruitment, wages and benefits
  • · Provider agency integrity, including evaluations.
  • Lead agency responsibilities

    The lead agency is responsible to:

  • · Provide access to individual files, documentation and services
  • · Demonstrate compliance with all laws, rules and policies.
  • MCO responsibilities

    The managed care organization (MCO) is responsible to establish an internal quality assurance program.

    PCA provider agency responsibilities

    The PCA provider agency is responsible to provide access to all agency records and documentation, including:

  • · Employment files of all staff
  • · Files of people who receive services and all required service information
  • · Policy and procedure manuals
  • · Accounting, payroll and billing records
  • · Documentation of all training requirements.
  • The PCA provider agency must demonstrate compliance with all laws, rules and policies.

    Additional resources

    Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor report on PCA, January 2009

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