Frequently Asked Questions - Home Health

 

July 19, 2010

 

Question 1. For  population in group homes  or other facilities; Will nurses be needed full time or for about one-hour to 1 ½ hours?  In other words will they come in, provide services and leave in a short time.

 

Answer:  Time will vary depending on the assignment.  Generally it would be for only an hour or two; however, if completing quarterly reports in the absence of one of our RNs it could take several hours depending on how many consumers are in the facility (approximately 30 minutes per quarterly assessment).       

 

Question 2. Should an organization apply if they only see adults (18 and over).

 

Answer:  Yes, even if the organization only sees adults they should apply.  If it meets the Andrews Center’s needs, more than one organization could be contracted with.

         
Question 3. What is the payer source?  Medicaid only will pay 50% so they cannot do that and, it takes more time with MR population.

 

Answer:  The contract is with Andrews Center and the Center will be the pay source for the successful bidder.

 

Question 4. In absence of staff would the nurse be there for long periods of time?

 

Answer:  It is possible that the nurse may be required for more than an hour or two as relief staff for one of our nurses who is ill, on vacation, etc.  Nurses would not be used to replace one of our community aids.  We are looking to contract for direct care aids for relief staffing as well.
 
Question 5. Home health care is only for a visit with “homebound” - even if they go out for out-patient services it is not considered “homebound” - so they will not receive pay.

 

Answer:  The contract is with Andrews Center and the Center will be the pay source for the successful bidder.

 

Question 6. What exactly is the nature of experience needed (skills needed).  Would this include care specific to diabetes, lungs, heart, etc. and would the visit only be 1 to 1 ½ hrs.?

 

Answer:  Persons needing acute care would not be cared for in these ICF/MR residential programs.  We would expect the nursing staff to be knowledgeable regarding care for individuals with these issues and able to follow and apply doctor’s orders that are appropriate to a residential (non-hospital) setting.  Specifically, an agency nurse would be used for: 1) wound care numerous times a day where our RNs could not be there each time; 2) quarterly assessments in the absence of our RNs (basic form that is self explanatory and includes listening to the heart, lungs, bowel sounds, checking ears, etc.)

 

July 26, 2010

Question 7. How many originals and copies of the RFP should be submitted.

 

Answer:  Prospective providers should submit one original and one cope of their RFP documents.