LOCD Resumption and Reminders (SNF)

With the end of the Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is resuming the Medicaid Level of Care Determination (LOCD) process. L Letters offering flexibilities throughout the pandemic, including L 21-66, L 21-57, L 21-37, L 21-36, L 21-19 and L 21-18 will end with the PHE on May 11, 2023. 

As a reminder, nursing facility providers should not begin to conduct LOCDs before May 12, 2023, for admitted beneficiaries. In addition, providers must not initiate the discharge process due to LOCD ineligibility before conducting an in-person LOCD that results in Door 0. The discharge process may only begin after the LOCD has been conducted, entered in CHAMPS, and appropriate notices are provided to the beneficiary or their legal representative. Members will want to prioritize LOCDs for current residents based on a new significant change of condition, with scheduled assessments falling after May 11, or shortly before the end date of the current LOCD record.