Under IC-4-22-2-24, notice is hereby given that on June 19, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. EDT, at the Indiana Government Center South, 402 West Washington Street, Conference Center Room 19, Indianapolis, Indiana, the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services will hold a public hearing on a proposed rule to amend 405 IAC 1-14.6 to change the reimbursement methodology for nursing facilities.

In accordance with public notice requirements established at 42 CFR 447.205 and IC 4-22-2-24(d), the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning publishes this notice of proposed changes to the reimbursement methodology for nursing facilities. The agency is publishing this rule to establish stronger incentives for quality care in nursing facilities and to encourage the utilization of home and community based services for residents with low needs. This rule amendment to 405 IAC 1-14.6 makes changes to certain applicability dates, minimum occupancy rates, case mix index, and reimbursement provided to facilities with ventilator dependent residents and special care units. In addition, changes are being made to the profit and report card score add-ons. Finally, the rule extends the sunset date of the Closure and Conversion Fund. It is estimated that the fiscal impact of these changes will result in an annual decrease of expenditures of state and federal dollars in the amount of $10.1 million.

All parties interested in the rule are invited to attend the hearing and offer public comments. In lieu of attendance at the hearing, written comments may be directed to IFSSA, Attention: Kevin Wild, 402 West Washington Street, Room W451, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Correspondence should be identified in the following manner: "COMMENT RE: LSA DOCUMENT #09-215 PROPOSED NURSING FACILITY REIMBURSEMENT METHODOLOGY RULE AMENDMENT". Written comments received will be made available for public display at the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, 402 West Washington Street, Room W382, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

If an accommodation is required to allow an individual with a disability to participate in this public meeting, please contact Kevin Wild (317) 233-2582 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Copies of proposed amendments to the rule (405 IAC 1-14.6) are now available (along with copies of this public notice) and may be inspected by contacting the local County Division of Family Resources office, except in Marion County, where public inspection may be made at 402 West Washington Street, Room W382, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Copies of these rules are now on file at the Indiana Government Center South, 402 West Washington Street, Room W451 and Legislative Services Agency, One North Capitol, Suite 325, Indianapolis, Indiana and are open for public inspection.