(a) An options counseling for long-term care consultation required under this subchapter may be provided at any time, including either before or after the individual who is the subject of a long-term care consultation has been admitted to a long-term care facility.
(b) The information provided through a long-term care consultation under this subchapter shall address all of the following:
(1) The availability of long-term care options that are open to the individual;
(2) Sources and methods of both public and private payment for long-term care services;
(3) Factors to consider when choosing among the available programs, services, and benefits; and
(4) Opportunities and methods for maximizing the independence and self-reliance of the individual, including support services provided by the individual's family, friends, and community.
(c) An individual's long-term care consultation may include an assessment of the individual's functional capabilities and may be provided concurrently with any assessment required by the Department of Human Services.
(d)
(1) At the conclusion of an individual's long-term care consultation, the department shall provide the individual or the individual's representative with a summary of options and resources available to meet the individual's needs.
(2) Even though the summary may specify that a source of long-term care other than care in a long-term care facility is appropriate and available, the individual is not required to seek an alternative source of long-term care and may be admitted to or continue to reside in a long-term care facility.