(a) Determinations of eligibility must be in writing, be made in accordance with this section, and a copy of the determination must be provided to the applicant promptly.
(b) Content of determinations -
(1) Favorable determinations. A determination that an applicant is eligible must indicate:
(i) That the facility will provide uncompensated services at no charge or at a specified charge less than the allowable credit for the services;
(ii) The date on which services were requested;
(iii) The date on which the determination was made;
(iv) The applicant's individual or family income, as applicable, and family size; and
(v) The date on which services were or will be first provided to the applicant.
(2) Conditional determinations.
(i) As a condition to providing uncompensated services, a facility may:
(A) Require the applicant to furnish any information that is reasonably necessary to substantiate eligibility; and
(B) Require the applicant to apply for any benefits under third party insurer or governmental programs to which he/she is or could be entitled upon proper application.
(ii) A conditional determination must:
(A) Comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and
(B) State the condition(s) under which the applicant will be found eligible.
(iii) When a facility determines that the condition(s) upon which a conditional determination was made has been met, or will not be met, it shall make a favorable determination or denial on the request, as appropriate, in accordance with this section.
(3) Denials. A facility must provide to each applicant denied the uncompensated services requested, in whole or in part, a dated statement of the reasons for the denial.
(c) Timing of determinations -
(1) Preservice determinations.
(i) Facilities other than nursing homes shall make a determination of eligibility within two working days following a request for uncompensated services which is made before receipt of outpatient services or before discharge for inpatient services;
(ii) Nursing homes shall make a determination of eligibility within ten working days, but no later than two working days following the date of admission, following a request for uncompensated services made prior to admission.
(2) Postservice determinations. All facilities shall make a determination of eligibility not later than the end of the first full billing cycle following a request for uncompensated services which is made after receipt of outpatient services, discharge for inpatient services, or admission for nursing home services.
[52 FR 46031, Dec. 3, 1987; 52 FR 48362, Dec. 21, 1987]