Summer PRP Services

February 21, 2003

Dear Psychiatric Rehabilition Program (PRP) Director:

This communication is to provide clarity regarding the issue of summer camp. After considerable discussion with local Core Service Agency (CSA) directors, and in conjunction with a review of current Public Mental Health System's (PMHS) policy and guidelines, it is evident that summer camp is not a reimbursable service within the PMHS.

However, this is to be distinguished from psychiatric rehabilitation services that are medically necessary and occur over the summer months. For example, children and adolescents who have been receiving PRP services during the school year may contirnue to need support during the summer. For children needing these services during the summer months, Maryland Health Partners should be contacted for a medical necessity review.

PRP services during the summer months, must meet Medical Necessity Criteria, and must be preauthorized in the same way as PRP services are authorized throughout the year in order to be reimbursed.

Please contact your local CSA director if you have questions regarding this policy.

Sincerely,

Brian Hepburn, M.D.,
Interim Executive Director

cc:
Nancy Zinn
Damion Briggs
MHA Management Committee