The department, in consultation with the California Association for Adult Day Services, shall develop a rate methodology. The methodology shall take into consideration all allowable costs associated with providing adult day health care services. Once a methodology has been approved by the department, it shall be the basis of future annual rate reviews.

Payment shall be for services provided in accordance with an approved individual plan of care. Billing shall be submitted directly to the department. Additionally, the department shall establish a separately billable and reasonable rate of reimbursement for the initial assessment that takes into account the intensity of services and the skill level of the health professionals required to conduct the mandated three-day assessment of new participant needs and living environment. Subsequent assessments, as needed or required, shall be billed at a lesser amount. The department shall establish utilization controls for assessment days to ensure the appropriate use of assessment and reassessment activity.

Nothing in this section shall preclude the department from entering into specific prospective budgeting and reimbursement agreements with providers.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 691, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2007.)