(a) Customized wheelchairs shall be covered under the Medicaid program only when a standard wheelchair does not meet an individual's needs as determined by the Department of Social Services. Wheelchair repairs and parts replacements may be subject to review and approval by the department. Refurbished wheelchairs, parts and components shall be utilized whenever practicable. The Department of Social Services may designate categories of durable medical equipment in addition to customized wheelchairs for which reused equipment, parts and components shall be utilized whenever practicable.

(b) The commissioner, pursuant to section 17b-10, may implement policies and procedures necessary to administer the provisions of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures as regulations, provided the commissioner prints notice of intent to adopt regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after the date of implementation. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this section shall be valid until the time final regulations are adopted.

(Dec. Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 8; P.A. 13-234, S. 85.)

History: Dec. Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1 effective December 21, 2012; P.A. 13-234 amended Subsec. (a) to delete provision prohibiting assessment of the need for a customized wheelchair unless requested by department, to add provision allowing department to designate categories of durable medical equipment for which reused equipment, parts and components shall be utilized, and to make a technical change, effective June 19, 2013.