[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 171 (Friday, September 2, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61068-61098]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21125]



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Vol. 81

Friday,

No. 171

September 2, 2016

Part VI





 Department of Defense





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Office of the Secretary





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32 CFR Part 199





TRICARE; Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 171 / Friday, September 2, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 61068]]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

32 CFR Part 199

[DOD-2015-HA-0109]
RIN 0720-AB65


TRICARE; Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule modifies the TRICARE regulation to reduce 
administrative barriers to access to mental health benefit coverage and 
to improve access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for TRICARE 
beneficiaries, consistent with earlier Department of Defense and 
Institute of Medicine recommendations, current standards of practice in 
mental health and addiction medicine, and governing laws. This rule 
seeks to eliminate unnecessary quantitative and non-quantitative 
treatment limitations on SUD and mental health benefit coverage and 
align beneficiary cost-sharing for mental health and SUD benefits with 
those applicable to medical/surgical benefits, expand covered mental 
health and SUD treatment under TRICARE to include coverage of intensive 
outpatient programs and treatment of opioid use disorder and to 
streamline the requirements for mental health and SUD institutional 
providers to become TRICARE authorized providers, and to develop 
TRICARE reimbursement methodologies for newly recognized mental health 
and SUD intensive outpatient programs and opioid treatment programs.

DATES: This rule is effective October 3, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. John Davison, Defense Health 
Agency, Clinical Support Division, Condition-Based Specialty Care 
Section, 703-681-8746.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Executive Summary

A. Purpose of the Final Rule

1. The Need for the Regulatory Action
    This final rule updates TRICARE mental health and substance use 
disorder benefits, consistent with earlier Department of Defense and 
Institute of Medicine recommendations, current standards of practice in 
mental health and addiction medicine, and our governing laws. The 
Department of Defense remains intently focused on supporting the mental 
health of our service members and their families, as this continues to 
be a top priority. The Department is also working to further de-
stigmatize mental health treatment and expand the ways by which our 
beneficiaries can access authorized mental health services. This 
regulatory action eliminates unnecessary requirements that may be 
viewed as barriers to medically necessary and appropriate mental health 
services.
    This rule has four main objectives: (a) To eliminate unnecessary 
quantitative and non-quantitative treatment limitations on SUD and 
mental health benefit coverage and align beneficiary cost-sharing for 
mental health and SUD benefits with those applicable to medical/
surgical benefits; (b) to expand covered mental health and SUD 
treatment under TRICARE, to include coverage of intensive outpatient 
programs and treatment of opioid use disorder; (c) to streamline the 
requirements for mental health and SUD institutional providers to 
become TRICARE authorized providers; and (d) to develop TRICARE 
reimbursement methodologies for newly recognized mental health and SUD 
intensive outpatient programs and opioid treatment programs.
(a) Eliminating Unnecessary Quantitative and Non-Quantitative Treatment 
Limitations on SUD and Mental Health Benefit Coverage and Aligning 
Beneficiary Cost-Sharing for Mental Health and SUD Benefits With Those 
Applicable to Medical/Surgical Benefits
    The requirements of the Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) of 1996 and 
the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction 
Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, as well as the plan benefit provisions 
contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) do 
not apply to the TRICARE program. The provisions of MHPAEA and PPACA 
served as models for TRICARE in proposing changes to existing benefit 
coverage. These changes are intended to reduce administrative barriers 
to treatment and increase access to medially or psychologically 
necessary mental health care consistent with TRICARE statutory 
authority and program design.
    Section 703 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, 
signed into law December 19, 2014, amended section 1079 of title 10 of 
the U.S.C. to remove prior existing statutory limits and requirements 
on TRICARE coverage of inpatient mental health services. This rule is 
necessary to conform the regulation to provisions in the enacted law. 
Specifically, TRICARE coverage is no longer subject to an annual limit 
on stays in inpatient mental health facilities of 30 days for adults 
and 45 days for children. In addition, TRICARE coverage is no longer 
subject to a 150-day annual limit for stays at Residential Treatment 
Centers (RTCs) for eligible beneficiaries.
    In addition to the elimination of these statutory inpatient day 
limits and corresponding waiver provisions, the rule will also 
eliminate other unnecessary quantitative and non-quantitative treatment 
limitations, consistent with principles of mental health parity and our 
governing laws.
    Additionally, this rulemaking will remove the categorical exclusion 
on treatment of gender dysphoria. This change will permit coverage of 
all non-surgical medically necessary and appropriate care in the 
treatment of gender dysphoria, consistent with the program requirements 
applicable for treatment of all mental or physical illnesses. Surgical 
care remains prohibited by statute at 10 U.S.C. 1079(a)(11), as 
discussed further below.
    Finally, following the recent repeal (section 703 of the NDAA for 
FY 15) of the statutory authority (previously codified at 10 U.S.C. 
1079(i)(2)) for separate beneficiary financial liability for mental 
health benefits, the rule revises the cost-sharing requirements for 
mental health and SUD benefits to be consistent with those that are 
applicable to TRICARE medical and surgical benefits.
(b) Expanding Coverage To Include Mental Health and SUD Intensive 
Outpatient Programs and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
    Previously, TRICARE benefits did not fully reflect the full range 
of contemporary SUD treatment approaches (i.e., outpatient counseling 
and intensive outpatient program (IOP)) that are now endorsed by the 
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration (SAMHSA), and the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines 
(CPGs) for SUDs.
    An amendment to the regulation was necessary to authorize TRICARE 
benefit coverage of medically and psychologically necessary services 
and supplies which represent appropriate medical care and that are 
generally accepted by qualified professionals to be reasonable and 
adequate for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. TRICARE 
coverage of

[[Page 61069]]

medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, extended 
through regulatory revisions, as published in the Federal Register on 
October 22, 2013 (78 FR 62427), was previously limited to MAT provided 
by a TRICARE authorized SUDRF. This revision of the TRICARE SUD 
treatment benefit allows office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) by 
individual TRICARE-authorized physicians and adds coverage of qualified 
opioid treatment programs (OTPs) as TRICARE authorized institutional 
providers of SUD treatment for opioid use disorder.
(c) Streamlining Requirements for Institutional Mental Health and SUD 
Providers To Become TRICARE Authorized Providers
    While TRICARE's comprehensive certification standards were once 
considered necessary to ensure quality and safety, these comprehensive 
certification requirements proved to be overly restrictive and at times 
inconsistent with current industry-based institutional provider 
standards and organization. There are currently several geographic 
areas that are inadequately served because providers in those regions 
did not meet TRICARE certification requirements, though they may have 
met the industry standard. This final rule will streamline TRICARE 
regulations to be consistent with industry standards for authorization 
of qualified institutional providers of mental health and SUD 
treatment. It is anticipated that these revisions will result in an 
increase in the number and geographic coverage areas of participating 
institutional providers of mental health and SUD treatment for TRICARE 
beneficiaries.
(d) TRICARE Reimbursement Methodologies for Newly Recognized Mental 
Health and SUD Intensive Outpatient Programs and Opioid Treatment 
Programs
    Along with recognition of several new categories of TRICARE 
authorized providers, this rule establishes reimbursement methodologies 
for these providers. Specifically, new reimbursement methodologies are 
instituted for IOPs for mental health and SUD treatment as well as 
OTPs, as these providers had not previously been recognized by TRICARE 
and thus appropriate reimbursement methodologies must be established. 
Existing reimbursement methodologies for SUDRFs, RTCs, and PHPs will 
continue to apply.
2. Legal Authority for the Regulatory Action
    The legal authority for this final rule is 10 U.S.C., section 1073, 
which authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make decisions concerning 
TRICARE and to administer the medical and dental benefits provided in 
title 10 U.S.C., chapter 55. The Department is authorized to provide 
medically necessary and appropriate medical care for mental and 
physical illnesses, injuries and bodily malfunctions, including 
hospitalization, outpatient care, drugs, and treatment of mental health 
conditions under 10 U.S.C. 1077(a)(1) through (3) and (5). Although 
section 1077 identifies the types of health care to be provided in 
military treatment facilities (MTFs) to those authorized such care 
under section 1076, these same types of health care (with certain 
specified exceptions) are authorized for coverage within the civilian 
health care sector for ADFMs under section 1079 and for retirees and 
their dependents under section 1086. In general, the scope of TRICARE 
benefits covered within the civilian health care sector and the TRICARE 
authorized providers of those benefits are found at 32 CFR 199.4 and 
199.6, respectively.
    TRICARE beneficiary cost-sharing is governed by statute and 
regulation based upon both the beneficiary category and TRICARE option 
being utilized. With the recent repeal of the statutory authority 
(previously codified at 10 U.S.C. 1079(i)(2)) for separate beneficiary 
financial liability for mental health benefits, this final rule revises 
the cost-sharing requirements for mental health and SUD benefits to be 
consistent with those that are applicable to TRICARE medical and 
surgical benefits.
    With respect to institutional provider reimbursement, pursuant to 
10 U.S.C. 1079(i)(2), the Secretary is required to publish regulations 
establishing the amount to be paid to any provider of services, 
including hospitals, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation 
facilities, and any other institutional facility providing services for 
which payment may be made. The amount of such payments shall be 
determined, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the same 
reimbursement rules as apply to payments to providers of services of 
the same type under Medicare. TRICARE provider reimbursement methods 
are found at 32 CFR 199.14. When it is not practicable to adopt 
Medicare's methods or Medicare has no established reimbursement 
methodology (e.g. Medicare does not reimburse freestanding SUDRFs or 
PHPs that are not hospital-based or part of a Community Mental Health 
Clinic, while TRICARE does), TRICARE establishes its own rates through 
proposed and final rulemaking.

B. Summary of the Major Provisions of the Final Rule

1. Eliminating Unnecessary Quantitative and Non-Quantitative Treatment 
Limitations on SUD and Mental Health Benefit Coverage and Aligning 
Beneficiary Cost-Sharing for Mental Health and SUD Benefits With Those 
Applicable to Medical/Surgical Benefits
    This final rule makes a number of comprehensive revisions to the 
TRICARE mental health and SUD treatment coverage. In an effort to 
further de-stigmatize SUD care, treatment of SUDs is no longer 
separately identified as a limited special benefit under 32 CFR 
199.4(e) but rather has now been incorporated into the general mental 
health provisions in Sec.  199.4(b) governing institutional benefits 
and Sec.  199.4(c) governing professional service benefits. Further, 
this rule eliminates a number of mental health and SUD quantitative and 
non-quantitative treatment limitations, and corresponding waiver 
provisions, instead relying on determinations of medical necessity and 
appropriate utilization management tools, as are used for all other 
medical and surgical benefits. Proposed revisions include eliminating:
     All inpatient mental health day limits, following the 
statutory revisions to 10 U.S.C. 1079;
     The 60-day partial hospitalization and SUDRF residential 
treatment limitations;
     Annual and lifetime limitations on SUD treatment;
     Presumptive limitations on outpatient services including 
the six-hours per year limit on psychological testing; the limit of two 
sessions per week for outpatient therapy; and limits for family therapy 
(15 visits) and outpatient therapy (60 visits) provided in free-
standing or hospital based SUDRFs;
     The limit of two smoking cessation quit attempts in a 
consecutive 12 month period and 18 face-to-face counseling sessions per 
attempt; and
     The regulatory prohibition that categorically excludes all 
treatment of gender dysphoria.
    The rule also changes cost-sharing for mental health treatment for 
TRICARE Prime and Standard/Extra beneficiaries to align with the 
applicable cost-sharing provisions for other non-mental health 
inpatient and outpatient benefits.

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Additionally, revisions clearly identify services that will be cost-
shared on an inpatient (e.g., inpatient admissions to a hospital, 
residential treatment center, SUDRF residential treatment program, or 
skilled nursing facility) versus outpatient (including partial 
hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient treatment services, and 
opioid treatment program services) cost-sharing basis to ensure 
consistency with the statutory requirements in 10 U.S.C. 1079 and 1086. 
In many cases, these modifications to cost-sharing will enhance TRICARE 
beneficiary access to care through lower out-of-pocket costs.
2. Expanding Coverage To Include Mental Health and SUD Intensive 
Outpatient Programs and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
    The regulatory language defines and authorizes new services by 
TRICARE authorized institutional and individual providers of SUD care 
outside of SUDRF settings at Sec.  199.2 and 199.6. Revisions to 
treatment benefits at Sec.  199.4 and Sec.  199.6 will allow intensive 
outpatient programs (IOPs) for mental health and SUD treatment; care in 
opioid treatment programs (OTPs); and outpatient SUD treatment (i.e., 
office-based opioid treatment, psychosocial treatment and family 
therapy) by individual TRICARE authorized providers.
3. Streamlining Requirements for Institutional Mental Health and SUD 
Providers To Become TRICARE Authorized Providers
    Significant revisions to 32 CFR 199.6 eliminate the 
administratively burdensome provider certification process and 
streamline approval for institutional mental health and SUD providers 
to become TRICARE authorized providers. In multiple regions providers 
may meet industry standards but do not meet TRICARE certification 
requirements. Consequently, providers in these regions were unable to 
serve TRICARE beneficiaries. The applicable provisions for residential 
treatment centers, psychiatric and SUD partial hospitalization 
programs, and SUDRFs, have been rewritten in their entirety to address 
institutional provider eligibility, organization and administration, 
participation agreement requirements and any other requirements for 
approval as a TRICARE authorized provider. The requirement and formal 
process of certification will be eliminated. Similarly, new regulatory 
provisions for the newly recognized categories of institutional 
providers, namely IOPs and OTPs are instituted.
4. TRICARE Reimbursement Methodologies for Newly Recognized Mental 
Health and SUD Intensive Outpatient Programs and Opioid Treatment 
Programs
    Finally, amendments to 32 CFR 199.14, which specifies provider 
reimbursement methods, establish allowable all-inclusive per diem 
payment rates for psychiatric and SUD, PHP, IOP and OTP services.

C. Costs and Benefits

    The amendment is not anticipated to have an annual effect on the 
economy of $100 million or more. An independent government cost 
estimate found that this rule is estimated to have a net increase in 
costs of approximately $58 million. The government's regulatory impact 
analysis based on this cost estimate can be found in the docket folder 
associated with this proposed rule [at DOD-2015-HA-0109]. To summarize, 
provisions to implement mental health parity account for approximately 
$36 million (62%) of the $58 million net cost increase. While modifying 
mental health cost-sharing will increase costs, these revisions are 
required as the former statutory authority for mental health-specific 
cost sharing has been deleted from the statute (section 703 of the NDAA 
for FY15). As a result, the existing statutory cost-shares are utilized 
and this aligns mental health cost-shares with the current medical-
surgical cost-shares. The largest cost increase ($21.6 million) is 
attributable to lowering outpatient mental health cost-sharing for Non-
Active Duty Dependent (NADD) TRICARE beneficiaries (from $25 per visit 
to the medical/surgical outpatient cost-sharing of $12 per visit).
    Elimination of the statutory day limits for inpatient psychiatric 
and Residential Treatment Center (RTC) care for children (to comply 
with section 703 of the NDAA for FY15) will only minimally increase 
costs. This is because these previously published presumptive day 
limits were also subject to waivers and TRICARE had been reimbursing 
for medically necessary inpatient stays with waivers when continued 
medical necessity was supported. Eliminating the limit of two sessions 
per week for outpatient therapy is estimated to incur an increased cost 
($7.5 million), but this is based on the conservative assumption that 
the proportion of NADD beneficiaries who will pursue three 
psychotherapy sessions per week is comparable to the proportion of 
Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) who do so (17%), even though ADSMs 
incur no cost-sharing and most receive psychotherapy within MTFs 
instead of civilian providers. Eliminating other limits (e.g., annual 
and lifetime limits on SUD treatment, smoking cessation program limits, 
and others as outlined above) will have a relatively minimal increase 
in costs. Overall, the benefit of removing these quantitative limits to 
mental health treatment will ensure that all beneficiaries receive the 
appropriate amount of care based on medical and psychological 
necessity.
    Creating additional levels, providers, and types of mental health 
care (e.g., intensive outpatient programs, opioid treatment programs, 
non-surgical coverage for gender dysphoria, and also allowing 
outpatient substance use treatment) will increase costs to the program 
by approximately $19 million. Some of the cost increases will be offset 
through utilization of lower and less expensive levels of care (e.g., 
IOP versus residential or full day PHP) and prevention of relapse 
requiring more costly, intensive inpatient intervention. Previously, 
PHPs were the only step-down care from inpatient substance use disorder 
treatment covered by TRICARE. In many rural and sparely-populated 
states, there are relatively few PHPs (on average 20 or fewer, with 4 
states having fewer than 10 PHPs). IOPs in these rural states, on the 
other hand, are four times more plentiful than PHPs, and TRICARE 
coverage of IOP substance use disorder treatment will greatly increase 
beneficiary access to SUD treatment, particularly in these remote 
geographic areas. Coverage of outpatient SUD treatment by TRICARE 
authorized individual providers will facilitate early intervention for 
SUDs and help reduce relapse following more intensive treatment through 
the availability of outpatient aftercare from these professionals.
    Additionally, TRICARE currently has an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 
beneficiaries with opioid use disorder who, under the previous benefit, 
could not access medication-assisted treatment (MAT; e.g., 
buprenorphine or methadone). According to SAMHSA, there are 
approximately 1400 OTPs in the United States and 31,363 physicians with 
a DEA waiver to provide MAT for opioid use disorder, but none of these 
facilities or providers is TRICARE-authorized or eligible to be 
reimbursed by TRICARE under current regulation. Under these regulatory 
changes, TRICARE beneficiaries will have ready access to MAT on an 
outpatient basis as recommended by ASAM and clinical practice 
guidelines developed jointly by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
and DoD.

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    Streamlining requirements for institutional providers to become 
TRICARE authorized providers of mental health and SUD care will incur 
an estimated increased cost of $3.2 million due to an anticipated 
increase in the number of institutional providers joining the TRICARE 
network. To focus on RTC care as an example, TRICARE strives to provide 
a robust mental health treatment benefit to our child beneficiaries, 
but access to RTC care for children is significantly limited in many 
geographic areas by TRICARE's existing certification requirements. Less 
than one sixth of RTCs accredited by the Joint Commission are currently 
TRICARE certified, and only about one half of individual states have at 
least one TRICARE certified RTC. Revising TRICARE institutional 
provider authorization requirements for RTCs will make it much more 
likely that parents will seek RTC care for their children whose 
behavioral health condition is so severe as to require RTC services, 
and this change to the TRICARE behavioral health benefit is projected 
to increase utilization of RTC services by 20 percent. Ultimately, the 
net increase in costs associated with this final rule will greatly be 
outweighed by the enhanced mental health benefits, options and access 
available to beneficiaries.

D. Public Comments

    On February 1, 2016 (81 FR 5061-5086), the Office of the Secretary 
of Defense published a proposed rule for a 60-day public comment 
period, and provided an opportunity to comment on implementing changes 
to TRICARE benefits. As a result of publication of the proposed rule, 
DoD received 290 comments. A large majority of commenters expressed 
overwhelming support for the rule change, while others expressed 
concerns about the cost and necessity of the proposed changes. We thank 
all those who provided comments. Specific matters raised by those who 
submitted comments are summarized below in the appropriate sections of 
the preamble.

II. Provisions of the Rule Regarding Eliminating Unnecessary 
Quantitative and Non-Quantitative Treatment Limitations on SUD and 
Mental Health Benefit Coverage and Aligning Beneficiary Cost-Sharing 
for Mental Health and SUD Benefits With Those Applicable to Medical/
Surgical Benefits

A. Eliminating Unnecessary Quantitative and Non-Quantitative Treatment 
Limitations on SUD and Mental Health Benefit Coverage

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. This final rule will remove a 
number of unnecessary quantitative and non-quantitative limits for 
coverage of mental health and SUD care under the TRICARE Program, 
including:
     All inpatient mental health day (30 days maximum for 
adults and 45 days maximum for children at 32 CFR 199.4(b)(9)) and 
annual day limits (150 days at 32 CFR 199.4(b)(8)) for RTC care for 
beneficiaries 21 years and younger, following the statutory revisions 
to 10 U.S.C. 1079;
     The 60-day limitation on partial hospitalization (32 CFR 
199.4(b)(10)(iv)) and SUDRF residential treatment (32 CFR 
199.4(e)(4)(ii)(A));
     Annual (60 days in a benefit period) and lifetime (three 
treatment episodes--32 CFR 199.4(e)(4)(ii)) limitations on SUD 
treatment;
     Presumptive limitations on outpatient services including 
the six-hour per year limit on psychological testing (32 CFR 
199.4(c)(3)(ix)(A)(5)) and the limit of two sessions per week for 
outpatient therapy (32 CFR 199.4(c)(3)(ix)(B));
     Limits on family therapy (15 visits (32 CFR 
199.4(e)(4)(ii)(C)) and outpatient therapy (60 visits--(32 CFR 
199.4(e)(4)(ii)(B)) provided in free-standing or hospital based SUDRFs; 
and
     The limit of two smoking cessation quit attempts in a 
consecutive 12 month period and 18 face-to-face counseling sessions per 
attempt (32 CFR 199.4(e)(30)).
    This rule will also allow coverage of outpatient treatment that is 
medically or psychologically necessary, including psychotherapy, family 
therapy and other covered diagnostic and therapeutic services, by a 
TRICARE authorized institutional provider or by authorized individual 
mental health providers without limits on the number of treatment 
sessions. All claims submitted for services under TRICARE remain 
subject to review for quality and appropriate utilization in accordance 
with the Quality and Utilization Review Peer Review Organization 
Program, under 10 U.S.C. 1079(n) and 32 CFR 199.15.
    The rule also removes certain regulatory exclusions for the 
treatment of gender dysphoria for TRICARE beneficiaries who are 
diagnosed by a TRICARE authorized provider, practicing within the scope 
of his or her license, to be suffering from a mental disorder, as 
defined in 32 CFR. 199.2. It is no longer justifiable to categorically 
exclude and not cover currently accepted medically and psychologically 
necessary treatments for gender dysphoria (such as psychotherapy, 
pharmacotherapy, and hormone replacement therapy) that are not 
otherwise excluded by statute. (Section 1079(a)(11) of title 10, 
U.S.C., excludes from CHAMPUS coverage surgery which improves physical 
appearance but is not expected to significantly restore functions, 
including mammary augmentation, face lifts, and sex gender changes.)
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. Many commenters expressed 
strong support for the removal of presumptive quantitative limitations 
on mental health treatment benefits, such as elimination of inpatient 
mental health day limits, the previous six hours per year limit on 
psychological testing, the limit of two sessions per week for 
outpatient therapy, and the limit of two smoking cessation quit 
attempts in a consecutive 12 month period. One commenter specifically 
suggested a raised limit on the number of smoking cessation quit 
attempts in a consecutive 12 month period. There was also one specific 
expression of support for the inclusion of music therapy as an 
ancillary therapy. One commenter noted that individuals with substance 
use disorders should be allowed only one treatment episode, and 
subsequent to this, benefit coverage for SUD treatment should be 
suspended.
    Response: We appreciate the overwhelming support for these proposed 
changes which will reduce unnecessary administrative barriers and 
ensure ready access to medically necessary care for our beneficiaries. 
In response to the general concerns regarding cost and necessity for 
the proposed changes we would emphasize that while specific, 
presumptive quantitative treatment limitations have been eliminated, 
mental health and SUD care will still be reviewed for continued medical 
necessity and subject to utilization management review, as is all care 
under the TRICARE program. We believe this approach provides an 
appropriate balance between reducing administrative barriers to care 
while still ensuring appropriate utilization. Regarding allowance of 
only one

[[Page 61072]]

treatment episode for SUD care, this is far less than the Department's 
previous allowance of three episodes of treatment for SUD care. The 
removal of these limitations recognizes that SUDs are chronic 
conditions with periodic phases of relapse and readmission, often 
requiring multiple interventions over several years to achieve full 
remission. With respect to the suggestion to raise the limit on smoking 
cessation quit attempts, the Department's approach of eliminating all 
presumptive quantitative limitations makes such a recommendation 
unnecessary. Finally, with respect to music therapy, we would note that 
while it is not recognized as a primary mental health or SUD treatment 
modality, it remains a covered ancillary therapy benefit solely when 
provided in the context of an approved inpatient, SUDRF, residential 
treatment, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient program 
treatment plan and under the clinical supervision of a qualified mental 
health professional.
    Comment: Multiple national organizations sent comments requesting a 
definition of the term ``qualitative'' treatment limits as used in the 
proposed rule to be consistent with the MHPAEA, citing that the MHPAEA 
uses only the terms ``quantitative'' and ``non-quantitative'' treatment 
limits. While applauding TRICARE's removal of quantitative treatment 
limits (QTLs), some argued that the rule should go farther to achieve 
parity in accordance with the MHPAEA, and cited sections of regulation 
they perceived as non-quantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs) that 
are inconsistent with the MHPAEA, such as those: Requiring utilization 
review, quality assurance and reauthorization for inpatient mental 
health services and partial hospitalization at 199.4(a)(11) and (12); 
outlining medical necessity criteria for institutional providers of 
mental health treatment at 199.4(b); and, providing descriptions and 
requirements for mental health providers at 199.6(b) that were 
perceived as more detailed than those for medical/surgical settings. 
Several commenters also suggested that since compliance with the letter 
and the spirit of mental health parity rules has been inconsistent, 
that TRICARE issue clear guidance regarding enforcement of its 
requirements as well as establish a systemized way of collecting 
information from medical providers and enrollees about compliance. 
Several other commenters specifically requested that the final rule 
explicitly require issuers and plans to perform a compliance review of 
the plan or issuer's financial requirements regarding QTLs and NQTLs 
applied by the plan or issuer; and require plans and issuers to provide 
documentation that illustrates how the health plan has determined the 
financial requirements, QTLs and/or NQTLs are in compliance. Finally, 
one commenter noted that while they understood that TRICARE was not 
subject to the MHPAEA statute, they were not aware of any statutory 
prohibition which would preclude a complete modeling of its MH/SUD 
benefits with MHPAEA's qualitative, or NQTL, treatment limitation 
requirements.
    Response: The Department appreciates the comments regarding 
``qualitative'' or ``non-quantitative'' treatment limitations (NQTLs) 
and apologizes for any confusion created in the proposed rule by not 
following the same terminology used in the MHPAEA. In this final rule, 
the term ``non-quantitative'' has been substituted for ``qualitative'' 
for clarity and consistency.
    The Department believes that it is important to note that TRICARE 
is a program of medical benefits provided by the U.S. Government under 
public law to specified categories of individuals who are qualified for 
those benefits by virtue of their relationship to one of the seven 
Uniformed Services. In response to the public comments citing general 
challenges with plan disclosure requirements and problems with 
noncompliance and inconsistent application of NQTLs by issuers and 
plans subject to the MHPAEA, the Department stresses that TRICARE is a 
statutory entitlement program; it is not health insurance and it is not 
administered through issuers or plans. As addressed in greater detail 
in the supplementary information background section of the proposed 
rule, TRICARE is not a group health plan subject to the MHPA of 1996, 
the MHPAEA of 2008, or the Health Care Reconciliation Act of 2010. 
Unlike private insurers, TRICARE is a federal entitlement program of 
uniform benefits, as outlined in law and regulations, for eligible 
beneficiaries. Benefit design is dictated by federal statute and 
regulation, as are patient deductibles and cost-sharing, provider 
reimbursement, and the rules and procedures regarding quality and 
utilization review. Further, federal regulations at 32 CFR 199.10 set 
forth the policies and procedures for appealing decisions. Therefore, 
while the provisions of these acts served as a model for TRICARE in 
proposing changes to existing benefit coverage so as to reduce 
unnecessary administrative barriers to treatment and increase access to 
medically necessary mental health care consistent with TRICARE 
statutory authority, the Department does not believe it is necessary or 
appropriate to incorporate into the TRICARE regulation suggested 
enforcement provisions applicable to issuers and plans.
    We would also like to respond to the specific comments and 
recommendations we received that suggested additional revisions to 
existing TRICARE regulatory provisions could be made to achieve greater 
alignment and parity with medical/surgical benefits. First, one 
commenter suggested that the preauthorization, utilization review and 
quality assurance requirements for mental health care at Sec.  
199.4(a)(11) and (12) constitute NQTLs and should be eliminated. The 
Department emphasizes that all health care services for which 
reimbursement is sought under TRICARE are subject to review for quality 
of care and appropriateness of utilization as required by statute, 10 
U.S.C. 1079(n). TRICARE's Quality and Utilization Review Peer Review 
Organization Program at 32 CFR 199.15 prescribes the objectives, 
requirements and procedures for how TRICARE addresses quality 
assurance, reauthorization and other utilization review practices for 
all health care services, including medical and surgical care. With 
that said, the Department is committed to removing unnecessary 
quantitative and non-quantitative treatment limitations and simplifying 
our regulations where it makes sense. In re-reviewing the existing 
regulatory language in Sec.  199.4(a)(11) and (12), we agree that the 
language is unnecessary and should be eliminated. With the remaining 
regulatory provisions that are applicable to all covered services, 
including both medical/surgical as well as mental health/SUD, there is 
no need to separately address quality and utilization review of mental 
health services. Therefore, within Sec.  199.4, the parenthetical 
reference to utilization and quality review of mental health services 
in paragraph (a)(11) has been removed. Additionally, paragraph (a)(12) 
regarding utilization and quality review specifically for inpatient 
mental health and partial hospitalization has been removed and the 
paragraph reserved.
    Additionally, the same commenter raised concerns that specific 
medical necessity criteria were included within the regulatory language 
under Sec.  199.4 for mental health and SUD services while similar 
medical necessity criteria were not specified for medical/surgical 
services and settings. While the

[[Page 61073]]

Department appreciates the comment, we have elected to retain this 
regulatory language as having these medical necessity criteria in 
regulation is instructive and informative for all stakeholders in 
administering the TRICARE benefit. Further, we do not believe these 
criteria are discriminatory or unnecessary but rather are reflective of 
the overarching statutory requirement that care be medically necessary 
and appropriate. These terms (``medically or psychologically 
necessary'' and ``appropriate medical care'') are further defined in 
regulation at Sec.  199.2. These same requirements apply to TRICARE 
medical and surgical benefits. The language where included in Sec.  
199.4 is specifically tailored to address medically necessity in that 
context, particularly with respect to the different levels of care that 
are available for the treatment of mental health and SUD that do not 
have a corresponding medical or surgical counterpart. The Department 
has also sought to strike an appropriate balance between eliminating 
unnecessary language and regulatory provisions while at the same time 
ensuring transparency in program administration.
    Regarding comments that the Department set forth more elaborate 
descriptions and requirements for mental health institutional providers 
than for medical/surgical settings, a major objective of this rule has 
been to achieve significant streamlining of the descriptions and 
requirements for TRICARE authorization of institutional mental health 
care providers under Sec. Sec.  199.6(b)(4)(vii) (RTCs), 
199.6(b)(4)(xii) (PHPs), and 199.6(b)(4)(xiv) (SUDRFs) and we believe 
we have achieved that objective. The proposed revisions which are 
finalized in this rule have eliminated a large portion of the existing 
descriptions and requirements for existing mental health/SUD 
institutional providers. For each type of provider, the amended 
regulation includes a definition/general description of the type of 
institutional provider and eligibility requirements including 
licensing, accreditation, a written participation agreement and 
adherence to general TRICARE requirements. We have eliminated the 
elaborate descriptions that are contained in the existing regulations 
regarding such things as the organization of the facility and specific 
qualifications of the governing body (including the facility's Chief 
Executive Officer, Clinical Director, Medical Director and Medical or 
professional staff organization), staff composition, staff 
qualifications, admission process, assessments, treatment planning, 
discharge and transition planning, standards for physical plant and 
environment and a variety of other requirements that we believe are 
more appropriately satisfied through a national accreditation process. 
Similarly, we have also eliminated the requirements regarding capacity 
(30 percent) and length of time licensed and at full operational status 
(6 months) for OTPs, RTCs, PHPs, IOPs, and SUDRFs.
    Furthermore, we would note the general requirement in Sec.  
199.6(a)(8)(i) that all institutional providers must be participating 
providers under TRICARE. Hospitals (whether providing medical/surgical 
and/or mental health/SUD care) that are certified and participating 
under Medicare are deemed to meet TRICARE requirements and are not 
required to request TRICARE approval formally. (See Sec.  199.6(b)(3).) 
Section 199.6 lists a variety of additional institutional providers, 
some of the medical/surgical variety (including, for example, skilled 
nursing facilities, freestanding ambulatory surgery centers, birthing 
centers, hospice programs, and home health agencies) and others that 
are mental health and SUD providers, which require specific approval to 
become TRICARE authorized institutional providers.
    With respect to comments about specific requirements for inclusion 
in participation agreements, all institutional providers are required, 
under Sec.  199.6(8)(i)(A), to be a participating provider under 
TRICARE, and the general provisions that must be included in the 
agreement are outlined in regulation at Sec.  199.6(a)(13) and are 
equally applicable to medical/surgical and mental health/SUD 
institutional providers. In general, we believe the specific 
requirements outlined in Sec.  199.6(b) are reflective of the general 
participation agreement requirements and simply tailored to the 
particular type of provider (so for instance, when requiring that the 
participating provider agree to accept the determined allowable amount, 
the regulatory provisions cross reference to the applicable 
reimbursement methodology for that type of provider). Again, we have 
sought to balance the competing interests of streamlining our 
regulations to the extent practicable with ease of reference for the 
reader, coupled with our commitment to ensuring transparency in program 
requirements. Further, these participation agreements ensure providers 
accept assignment on TRICARE claims, thereby protecting our 
beneficiaries from financial liability above their applicable 
deductibles and cost-shares, and ensure compliance with applicable 
program requirements in support of the provision of safe, quality care 
to our beneficiaries.
    Additionally, while we wanted to address the general mental health 
parity comments here, several of the specific requirements for mental 
health and SUD institutional providers contained in Sec.  199.6 and 
referenced in public comments are more appropriately addressed below in 
the following sections.
    Comment: Nineteen respondents expressed strong objection to the 
addition of benefit coverage for the diagnosis of gender dysphoria 
citing cost concerns and an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. 
Several commenters expressed concerns about impact on military units 
and military readiness resulting from the treatment of transgender 
Service Members. Sixteen respondents commented in support of the 
proposed rule's addition of benefit coverage for psychological and 
medical care for gender dysphoria. Four respondents expressed objection 
to surgical coverage of gender dysphoria under the proposed rule. Two 
commenters expressed objection based on the conscience rights and first 
amendment liberties of those who work in the healthcare field and urged 
the retention of the regulatory exclusion as the diagnosis and 
treatment of gender dysphoria remains medically controversial. 
Conversely, several national organizations cited support for the 
addition of benefit coverage for the diagnosis of gender dysphoria but 
expressed significant objection to the exclusion of surgical treatment 
for gender dysphoria.
    Response: The Department proposed to remove the exclusion on non-
surgical treatment of gender dysphoria as it is no longer justifiable 
to categorically exclude and not cover current medical and 
psychologically necessary and appropriate proven treatments that are 
not otherwise excluded by law. Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act 
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, origin, sex, disability, 
or age (consistent with the scope of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 
1975). HHS recently released a final rule implementing Section 1557. 
That rule prohibits discrimination based on gender identity (incident 
to the Title IX ban on sex discrimination) in health programs. The rule 
by its terms applies only to HHS programs, but the statute applies to 
all federal health programs, and DoD considers these portions (45 CFR 
92.206, 92.207) of the HHS rule

[[Page 61074]]

relevant guidance for purposes of administering TRICARE. Notably, the 
HHS regulation does not say plans must cover all gender transition 
related health care, just that they should not exclude all coverage for 
gender dysphoria, a mental health diagnosis established in the 
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition 
(DSM-5). DoD agrees that to the extent the Department has discretion, 
prevailing medical assessments and nondiscrimination principles call 
for removal of this categorical exclusion. With respect to the public 
comments regarding military readiness, we would note that this TRICARE 
rule does not control policies and practices regarding treatment of 
gender dysphoria in Active Duty Service Members. Additionally, there is 
nothing in this rule that requires providers to render care against 
their beliefs. Existing policies allow DoD providers who, as a matter 
of conscience or moral principle, do not wish to provide psychotherapy, 
psychopharmacological, or hormone treatment, to request excusal from 
any such involvement. Regarding commenters' concerns about the cost of 
non-surgical treatment of gender dysphoria, the Department does not 
believe cost estimates are at all substantial or out of line with 
treatment of other medical or psychological conditions covered by 
TRICARE and most health plans.
    Surgical coverage of gender dysphoria was not included in the 
proposed rule, is not included in this final rule, and remains 
prohibited by statute at 10 U.S.C. 1079(a)(11). Several commenters 
argued the rule did not go far enough and others suggested the 
Department reconsider including coverage for transgender surgeries. 
Several argued the statutory exclusion was otherwise not applicable or 
ambiguous, must be interpreted in accordance with modern medical 
science and contemporary standards of care, and thus should not be read 
to exclude medically necessary surgical care to treat gender dysphoria. 
The pertinent statutory provision (10 U.S.C. 1079(a)(11)) states: 
``Surgery which improves physical appearance but is not expected to 
significantly restore functions (including mammary augmentation, face 
lifts, and sex gender changes) may not be provided. . . .'' The statute 
lists three exceptions--breast reconstructive surgery following a 
mastectomy, reconstructive surgery to correct serious deformities 
caused by congenital anomalies or accidental injuries, and neoplastic 
surgery. Some commenters believed that DoD could disregard the listing 
of ``sex gender changes'' in the parenthetical examples of surgery 
``which improves physical appearance but is not expected to 
significantly restore functions'' because it is contrary to modern 
medical assessment and because they believe there is Supreme Court 
precedent \1\ for disregarding a parenthetical example misaligned with 
the proposition for which it is listed as an example. However, in that 
Supreme Court case, the Court concluded that the parenthetical example 
at issue was ``a drafting mistake''--``an example that Congress 
included inadvertently''--resulting from a failure to make conforming 
adjustments as changes in the draft legislation were made through the 
process.\2\ That circumstance does not apply to the statutory provision 
at issue here. Commenters did not provide any other justification that 
allows DoD to disregard this unambiguous specification. While some 
commenters have argued that sex-gender changes should not be considered 
cosmetic, elective or unnecessary, and should be seen as surgery to 
significantly restore areas of social, psychological and physical 
functioning that may have been impaired by gender dysphoria, the 
statutory language itself is focused on restoring function of the body 
part upon which surgery is performed. As noted above, Congress has 
enacted several exceptions to the general prohibition on surgeries that 
are not expected to significantly restore functions. As a statutory 
entitlement program, the Department is constrained in its authority 
absent a legislative change. The final regulatory language is dictated 
by statute and is not meant to imply any Departmental position 
regarding the medical necessity of surgical treatment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Chickasaw Nation v. United States, 534 U.S. 84, 91 (2001).
    \2\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule except that sections making specific reference to 
mental health inpatient and partial hospitalization utilization review, 
quality assurance, and reauthorization requirements have been removed 
at Sec.  199.4(a)(11) and (12).

B. Aligning Beneficiary Cost-Sharing for Mental Health and SUD Benefits 
With Those Applicable to Medical/Surgical Benefits

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. Following the recent repeal of 
statutory authority for separate beneficiary financial liability for 
mental health benefits, the rule eliminates any differential in cost-
sharing between mental health and SUD benefits and medical/surgical 
benefits. The regulatory changes to 32 CFR 199.4(f) and 32 CFR 199.18 
will reduce financial barriers to both outpatient and inpatient mental 
health and SUD benefits while, consistent with statutory requirements, 
minimize out-of-pocket risk for those beneficiaries.
    With respect to TRICARE Prime co-payments, active duty family 
members (ADFMs) enrolled in TRICARE Prime will continue to pay no 
copayment for inpatient or outpatient services. Retirees and all other 
non-active duty dependents enrolled in Prime will see the following 
changes:
     The co-pay for individual outpatient mental health visits 
will be reduced from $25 to $12.
     The co-pay for group outpatient mental health visits will 
be reduced from $17 to $12.
     The per diem charge of $40 for mental health and SUD 
inpatient admissions will be reduced to the non-mental health per diem 
rate of $11, with a minimum charge of $25 per admission.
    Regarding TRICARE Standard cost-sharing, ADFMs utilizing TRICARE 
Standard/Extra previously paid a higher per diem for mental health 
inpatient care than for other inpatient stays. ADFMs will see the 
following change:
     The per diem cost-share for inpatient mental health 
services will be reduced from $20/day to the daily charge ($18/day for 
FY16) that would have been charged had the inpatient care been provided 
in a Uniformed Services hospital.
    Retirees and their dependents who are not enrolled in Prime but use 
non-network providers (Standard) for mental health care are generally 
required to pay 25% of the allowable charges for inpatient care, and 
this will not change. Retirees and their dependents using Standard and 
Extra are currently responsible for their outpatient deductible and 
outpatient cost-sharing of 25% (Standard)/20% (Extra) of the CHAMPUS-
determined allowable costs. This also will not change.
    Cost-sharing for partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) will 
change from inpatient to outpatient to more accurately reflect the 
services being rendered, ensure consistency with the applicable 
statutes governing cost-sharing, and to further ensure parity between 
the surgical/medical and mental health benefit. Congress revoked the 
statutory authority granted to the Secretary to establish different 
cost-shares for mental health care. These factors provided the impetus 
for adoption of outpatient cost-sharing for

[[Page 61075]]

PHPs. As noted above, ADFMs enrolled in TRICARE Prime/Prime Remote, do 
not pay co-pays for inpatient or outpatient services. For retirees and 
their dependents enrolled in Prime, the current inpatient per diem 
charge of $40 for partial hospitalization program services will be 
reduced to an outpatient co-pay of $12 per day of services. Realigning 
cost-sharing of partial hospitalization program services from inpatient 
to outpatient will impact ADFMs utilizing TRICARE Standard/Extra. 
Specifically, for ADFMs, the previous inpatient per diem charge of $20/
day (with a minimum $25 charge per admission) for partial 
hospitalization program services will instead be subject to the 
applicable outpatient deductible and cost-sharing of 20% (Standard)/15% 
(Extra) of the PHP per diem rate. However, these ADFMs will still 
retain the option of enrolling in TRICARE Prime/Prime Remote, where the 
cost-sharing is $0 (i.e., no cost-sharing is applied). The financial 
liability of ADFMs under Extra and Standard will be further limited by 
the annual $1000 catastrophic cap. Analyses conducted for the 
Regulatory Impact Analysis regarding this change indicated that only an 
estimated 50 to 80 additional non-Prime ADFMs may reach the 
catastrophic cap due to the higher PHP cost sharing.
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. Numerous commenters agreed 
that differential cost-sharing requirements have served as a further 
disincentive for individuals seeking treatment, and agree that aligning 
cost-sharing requirements will reduce financial barriers for consumers 
on both inpatient and outpatient mental health and SUD benefits while 
minimizing out-of-pocket risks for beneficiaries. One commenter noted 
concern regarding having retirees and their dependents pay higher 
copays, given high unemployment and homelessness rates among Veterans.
    Response: We appreciate all of the comments in support of this 
important change. With respect to retirees and their dependents paying 
higher copays, we believe this may have been a misunderstanding of 
general statutory and regulatory requirements regarding TRICARE cost-
sharing, and what was specifically being proposed in the rule. In 
general, retirees and their dependents do pay more out-of-pocket costs 
than ADFMs. These requirements are outlined in statute and outside the 
scope of this rule. The intent of the rule itself is to provide parity 
in cost sharing between medical/surgical benefits and SUD/mental health 
benefits as applied to each beneficiary class. Previously retirees and 
their dependents enrolled in Prime paid higher copays for inpatient and 
outpatient mental health services than for inpatient and outpatient 
medical/surgical health services. However, under the final rule 
retirees and all other non-active duty dependents enrolled in Prime 
will see reductions in individual outpatient and group outpatient 
mental health visits from a previous rate of $25 and $17 respectively, 
to a rate of $12. Our intent throughout is not to restrict access to 
care, but to provide equitable access to medically necessary care for 
all beneficiary groups.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, and no substantive changes were made regarding 
beneficiary cost-sharing for mental health and SUD benefits.

III. Provisions of the Rule Regarding Expanding Coverage To Include 
Mental Health and SUD Intensive Outpatient Programs and Treatment of 
Opioid Use Disorder

A. Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Care for Psychiatric and Substance Use 
Disorders

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. Mental health and SUD IOP 
services were not previously identified as separate levels of care from 
partial hospitalization in TRICARE regulations. Although hospital-based 
and free-standing facilities that are TRICARE authorized to offer 
partial hospitalization services can provide less intensive IOP, 
covered at the half-day partial hospitalization rate, the previous 
TRICARE certification requirements for these programs restricted the 
typical mental health or SUD IOP from being recognized as a distinct 
covered benefit and TRICARE-authorized institutional provider type. SUD 
IOPs offer a validated level of care endorsed by ASAM, and the 
provision of mental health and SUD IOP services will better accommodate 
patients who require step-down services from an inpatient stay or a 
PHP. Explicit authorization of IOP is also anticipated to expand the 
number of TRICARE participating providers and improve access to care. 
IOP care institutional providers will be required to be accredited by 
an accrediting body approved by the Director, Defense Health Agency, 
and meet the requirements outlined in 32 CFR 199.6(b)(4)(xviii) to 
become TRICARE authorized.
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. Several national 
organizations and many commenters expressed strong support for the 
authorization of new services for SUD care outside of SUDRF settings, 
citing the need for additional treatment options consistent with the 
full range of the continuum of care. One national organization also 
requested clarification regarding application processes and contract 
amendments for existing TRICARE providers who serve patients in their 
PHP services but who would want to expand their services to include the 
new IOP level of care.
    Response: The Department agrees and sought these revisions to 
ensure ready access to medically necessary treatment reflective of the 
full continuum of evidence-based care. The Department understands 
comprehensive SUD treatment must include access to various levels of 
care, ranging from acute detoxification to treatments that focus on 
stabilization and maintenance of treatment gains. While Sec.  199.6 
(b)(4)(xviii) establishes standards and requirements for intensive 
outpatient treatment programs for psychiatric and substance use 
disorders, further details regarding participation, billing, and 
accreditation standards will be outlined in the TRICARE manuals 
available online at http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil. With respect to 
institutional providers who would like to expand their services, we 
would note that the regulatory language regarding participation 
agreements specifically acknowledges that a single consolidated 
participation agreement is acceptable for all units of a TRICARE 
authorized facility granted that all programs meet the applicable 
requirements. Once implemented, interested facilities should work 
directly with the applicable managed care support contractor for their 
region to establish and/or modify their participation agreement.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, and no substantive changes were made with respect to 
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) care for Psychiatric and Substance Use 
Disorders.

B. Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. This rule expands treatment of 
opioid use disorder, with the provision of medication assisted 
treatment (MAT), through both TRICARE authorized institutional and 
individual providers. In addition to SUD IOPs, this rule allows TRICARE 
coverage of opioid treatment programs (OTPs), with the inclusion of a 
definition of OTPs in 32 CFR 199.2 and the requirements for OTPs to 
become TRICARE authorized institutional providers outlined in 32

[[Page 61076]]

CFR 199.6(b)(4)(xix). Additionally, this rule allows coverage of OBOT, 
as defined in 32 CFR 199.2, and coverage of MAT on an outpatient basis 
as extended in 32 CFR 199.4(c)(3)(ix)(A)(9).
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. A number of commenters, along 
with multiple national organizations sent comments in support of the 
addition of benefit coverage to include opioid treatment programs, 
noting opioid addiction is a significant national problem. One 
commenter stated that individuals with opioid use disorder should not 
be provided any form of treatment as this represented a waste of 
government funds. One national organization commented that there are 
actually approximately 1400 OTPs in existence. Also, several commenters 
requested that TRICARE clarify capacity requirements for OTPs and 
include the right to request a waiver to this requirement. One 
commenter queried how and if quality tracking of the newly authorized 
providers will be performed and by which department.
    Response: Recent increases in prescription opioid misuse and heroin 
addiction make provision of MAT in OTPs and OBOT settings a timely and 
necessary addition to benefit coverage. We do not agree with the 
commenter who noted that treatment should be withheld for individuals 
with opioid use disorder, and we note that MAT is an effective, 
evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder that should be 
provided by TRICARE as medically necessary and appropriate treatment. 
We appreciate the comment regarding the approximate number of OTPs in 
existence and are hopeful many of these facilities will elect to become 
TRICARE participating providers. With respect to the proposed 
regulatory requirement that OTPs are required to be licensed and fully 
operational for a period of at least six months with a minimum patient 
census of at least 30 percent of capacity, we understand from several 
commenters that unlike inpatient and residential facilities, OTPs may 
not have a stated capacity as part of their licensure, and as a result, 
it may not be clear as to whether or not OTPs have met this 
requirement. We appreciate this issue being brought to our attention 
and have decided to remove the explicit capacity requirement for OTPs 
from the regulation. TRICARE will simply require OTPs to be licensed 
and operate in substantial compliance with state and federal 
regulations.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule and the only substantive change made regarding 
provisions for the treatment of opioid use disorder was removal of an 
explicit capacity requirement for OTPs contained in Sec.  
199.6(b)(xix)(A)(2)(ii).

C. Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment by Individual 
Professional Providers

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. By previous regulation, 
reimbursement for office-based SUD outpatient treatment provided by 
TRICARE authorized individual mental health providers, as specified in 
32 CFR 199.6, was not permitted. Such outpatient SUD treatment services 
were only authorized when provided by a TRICARE approved institutional 
provider (i.e., a hospital-based or free-standing SUDRF). However, 
although some accredited TRICARE-authorized SUDRFs provide office-based 
SUD outpatient treatment, institutional providers of SUD care primarily 
provide services to patients requiring a higher level of SUD care. To 
address this limitation in access, the Department proposed expanded 
coverage to include individual outpatient SUD care, including office-
based outpatient treatment.
    This rule covers services of TRICARE-authorized individual mental 
health providers, practicing within the scope of their licensure or 
certification, who offer medically or psychologically necessary SUD 
treatment services (including outpatient and family therapy) outside of 
a SUDRF, to include MAT and treatment of opioid use disorder by a 
TRICARE authorized physician delivering OBOT on an outpatient basis.
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. Again, national organizations 
and many commenters expressed strong support for the authorization of 
new services for SUD care outside of SUDRF settings, citing the need 
for additional treatment options consistent with the full range of the 
continuum of care and appropriate access to evidence-based care. Eight 
commenters requested additional SUD individual professional provider 
types be recognized by TRICARE as authorized to provide services. One 
commenter also noted that she was unable to provide services as she 
does not hold citizenship but suggested volunteers be allowed to 
provide services to beneficiaries.
    Response: We agree that access to care is important for 
beneficiaries seeking SUD treatment. The Department made these 
revisions in acknowledgement of the importance of both the availability 
and convenience of access to evidence-based care in a range of settings 
to include TRICARE authorized, individual office-based providers.
    TRICARE appreciates the contributions of peer counselors, and other 
non-medical individuals who desire to provide SUD and mental health 
services to beneficiaries as well as the skills and professional 
experience of the various substance use disorder and mental health 
providers in the field. We appreciate these comments but consider them 
beyond the scope of this rule as we did not propose any changes to the 
existing regulatory requirements for individual professional providers 
of care. TRICARE maintains a robust selection of TRICARE eligible 
providers by relying on currently recognized provider types. Qualified 
mental health providers are: Psychiatrists or other physicians; 
clinical psychologists, certified psychiatric nurse specialists, 
certified clinical social workers, certified marriage and family 
therapists, TRICARE certified mental health counselors, pastoral 
counselors under a physician's supervision, and supervised mental 
health counselors under a physician's supervision. However, we will 
review all recommendations provided and consider them in the 
development of future policy. Additionally, the acceptance of volunteer 
services is beyond the scope of our proposed rule which addresses the 
cost-sharing of medically necessary services and supplies required in 
the diagnosis and treatment of an injury, illness or disease when 
rendered by a TRICARE authorized provider.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, and no substantive changes were made to provisions 
regarding TRICARE coverage of outpatient SUD treatment by individual 
professional providers.

IV. Provisions of the Rule Regarding Streamlining Requirements for 
Institutional Mental Health and SUD Providers To Become TRICARE 
Authorized Providers

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. This rule simplifies the 
regulation to account for existing industry-wide accepted accreditation 
standards for TRICARE institutional providers of mental health care, 
including RTCs, freestanding PHPs, and freestanding SUDRFs. 
Requirements for TRICARE certification beyond industry-accepted 
accreditation, while once considered necessary to ensure quality and 
safety, eventually proved to be unnecessarily restrictive and 
inconsistent with current institutional provider standards and 
organization. Specifically, the final rule streamlines procedures and 
requirements for SUDRFs, RTCs, PHPs, IOPs and OTPs to qualify as 
TRICARE

[[Page 61077]]

authorized providers, relying primarily on accreditation by a national 
body approved by the Director, as opposed to detailed, lengthy, stand-
alone TRICARE requirements (e.g., the qualifications and authority of 
the clinical director, staff composition and qualifications, and 
standards for physical plant and environment, amongst others). In 
general, mental health and SUD institutional providers may become 
TRICARE authorized institutional providers if the facility is 
accredited by an accrediting organization approved by the Director and 
agrees to execute a participation agreement with TRICARE, as outlined 
in the regulations. This streamlined approval process is a greatly 
simplified process from the previous, detailed certification process 
for current institutional providers.
    Furthermore, given that there are now a growing number of 
accrediting bodies established for institutional providers of mental 
health care and industry standards that are widely accepted, the final 
rule eliminates by name references to specific accrediting bodies 
(e.g., The Joint Commission (TJC)). Instead, the specific mention of 
accrediting bodies is replaced with the term, ``an accrediting 
organization, approved by Director.'' This will allow the Defense 
Health Agency (DHA) flexibility in selecting and recognizing the 
authority of various accrediting bodies to assist in authorization of 
institutional providers of mental health care and SUD care. Rather than 
name all the approved accrediting bodies in regulation, DHA will 
identify specific accrediting bodies for various types of mental health 
care in TRICARE sub-regulatory policy found at http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil.
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. Multiple national 
organizations and individuals noted strong support for changes in 
accreditation requirements as part of the streamlining of the process 
for TRICARE approval of institutional providers. Many of these comments 
sought to advocate for approval of the Commission on Accreditation of 
Rehabilitation Facilities as a TRICARE-approved accrediting 
organization. Also, a number of commenters sought to advocate for the 
Council on Accreditation, and several others advocated for Outdoor 
Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation, to be recognized as approved 
accrediting organizations. One commenter noted the positive impact this 
will have on community based providers, including enhancing local 
economies. Another commenter requested that the Department open TRICARE 
networks to any willing and able provider with appropriate credentials, 
indicating that paneling need not be made any more complicated. One 
commenter specifically discussed the circumstances under which there 
were no network providers within one hour of place of residence to 
provide care. One commenter requested the Department clearly address 
coverage for eating disorder programs. Another commenter expressed 
concern that DoD should not propose new regulations that would make it 
difficult for providers to participate in TRICARE.
    Concurrently, one national organization expressed concern that 
streamlining of accreditation requirements would negatively affect the 
quality of care received by beneficiaries, warned about the failure of 
accreditation agencies to ensure quality outcomes, and encouraged the 
Department to prioritize not only access but quality. That organization 
also suggested that TRICARE ensure public transparency and 
accountability by publishing inspection results of mental health 
facilities. The commenter also suggested that facilities with recent 
serious incidents should be subject to frequent reviews and increased 
reporting requirements around patient safety and quality measures. It 
was also suggested that TRICARE enforce current staffing standards for 
RTCs according to acuity and needs of patients, not only census. One 
organization questioned the Department's intent to rely primarily on 
national accreditation for authorization of RTCs and erroneously stated 
that the Department requires on-site inspection before a participation 
agreement is signed. They requested additional specific information and 
clarification concerning what degree TRICARE would continue to impose 
an additional layer of standards and processes and questioned how this 
would be implemented. Another commenter acknowledged TRICARE's right to 
conduct on-site surveys but indicated their hope was that on-site 
surveys would be done only in extraordinary circumstances and that the 
commitment to reliance on national accreditation would be sufficient in 
virtually every case. Finally, some commenters strongly objected to the 
requirement that participating institutional providers agree to permit 
``full access to patients'' including interviewing patients during on-
site quality assurance or accounting audits be granted.
    Response: We agree that previous, ``stand alone'' standards for 
TRICARE certification are no longer necessary and standards must be 
streamlined. We concur with multiple commenters who believe the 
existing TRICARE certification standards now prove to be unnecessarily 
restrictive. Instead, relying primarily on industry-accepted 
accrediting bodies, including The Joint Commission and Commission on 
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, will encourage 
institutional provider participation in TRICARE thereby allowing 
beneficiaries greater access to medically necessary services. In order 
to avoid the necessity of updating the regulation every time a new 
industry-accepted accrediting organization is recognized by TRICARE, we 
have not included an itemized list of organizations in the regulation, 
rather indicating that a full list of accrediting organizations 
approved by the Director will be included in the TRICARE Policy Manual 
and promulgated following publication of this final rule.
    We strongly believe that relying primarily on accreditation by a 
national accrediting body will not create an additional layer of 
standards and processes, nor will it reduce the overall quality of care 
beneficiaries receive. Over two decades ago, in the Final Rule: 
``Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services 
(CHAMPUS): Mental Health Services,'' as published in 60 FR 12419, March 
7, 1995, standards were developed to address identified problems of 
quality of care, fraud, and abuse in RTCs, SUDRFs, and PHPs at the 
time. There are now a number of industry-accepted accrediting bodies 
with mental health facility standards that meet or exceed the current 
TRICARE-established standards. Streamlining procedures to qualify as a 
TRICARE authorized institutional provider will not only increase access 
to approved care, but also decrease the overall cost to both the 
Department and institutional providers of certifying duplicative and 
now unnecessary quality standards first implemented by the 1995 Final 
Rule. With respect to eating disorders in particular, treatment 
services rendered in TRICARE-authorized free-standing or hospital 
facilities are covered as they are for other mental health and SUD 
conditions. We believe this final rule will expand treatment options 
for the treatment of eating disorders with the inclusion of IOPs as 
well as the streamlining of requirements for institutional providers to 
become TRICARE authorized providers.
    We also appreciate the public comments we received regarding 
quality of care and the need for ongoing oversight. TRICARE remains 
committed to provision of high quality mental health and SUD services 
and will continue to ensure high levels of quality care while expanding 
access. While the

[[Page 61078]]

Department does intend to rely primarily on a facility's accreditation 
and willingness to become a TRICARE participating providers, all 
participating providers agree to grant the Department the right to 
conduct quality assurance audits on a scheduled or unscheduled 
(unannounced) basis as a condition of participation in TRICARE. To be 
clear, while we require provider to agree to grant the Department with 
the right to conduct audits, we do not intend to automatically conduct 
an on-site inspection or audit of every provider as a condition of 
participation. Further details regarding TRICARE's Quality and 
Utilization Peer Review Organization Program, which is based on 
specific statutory authority and follows many of the quality and 
utilization review requirements and procedures in effect for the 
Medicare Peer Review Organization, can be found in 32 CFR 199.15. 
Further, 32 CFR 199.9 sets forth provisions for invoking administrative 
remedies against providers in situations requiring administrative 
action to enforce provisions of law, regulation, and policy in order to 
ensure the quality of care for TRICARE beneficiaries. Given the past 
abuses and the vulnerability of this patient population, full access to 
patients is justified during on-site quality assurance and accounting 
audits and helps to ensure transparency and accountability of all 
parties. The Department has balanced the competing interests of 
expanded access and provision of high quality care through the 
provisions of this rule.
    Comment: One commenter also made a number of specific 
recommendations regarding the regulatory language in Sec.  199.6 
applicable to mental health and SUD institutional providers. We 
addressed the overarching mental health parity comments earlier. We 
will now address the additional specific comments about the proposed 
regulatory language.
    Response: The commenter raised concerns with specific regulatory 
language regarding RTCs, namely ``RTC is appropriate for patients whose 
predominant symptom presentation is essentially stabilized, although 
not resolved, and who have persistent dysfunction in major life 
areas.'' The commenter indicated that the phrase ``essentially 
stabilized'' is a subjective term with no clear meaning and Sec.  
199.6(b)(4)(vii)(A)(1) should be revised. The Department would note 
that this is the existing standard for RTCs and in practice, it has not 
proven to be problematic but is rather geared to ensuring the 
appropriate level of care as part of medically necessary and 
appropriate care. This same commenter objected to the language in Sec.  
199.6(b)(4)(vii)(A)(1) that differentiates residential treatment from 
acute psychiatric care, partial hospitalization, a group home, 
therapeutic schools, facilities that treat patients with a primary 
diagnosis of substance use disorder or intellectual or developmental 
disability. Similar objections were raised to Sec.  
199.6(b)(4)(xiv)(A)(1) with respect to SUDRFs and included the 
recommendation that subparagraph (i) should be clarified as referring 
to a hospital/psychiatric hospital. The Department fully appreciates 
that different states may use different terms in licenses institutional 
providers. Regardless of the specific title of the license, as these 
vary by state, the facility or distinct part of the facility and 
license must be reviewed in order to determine the services that are 
actually being offered and whether the facility meets the requirements 
to be a TRICARE authorized RTC. These provisions are not new to the 
TRICARE regulation and are necessary to distinguish an RTC from acute 
psychiatric care, partial hospitalization, a professionally directed 
living arrangement, educational program, SUDRF, or facility offering 
long term, custodial care.
    This commenter also recommended that the Department delete the 
first sentence in Sec.  199.6(b)(4)(vii)(C)(2) and Sec.  
199.6(b)(4)(xiv)(C)(2) requiring that services be provided to ``CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries in the same manner'' that they are provided to other 
patients, indicating that the second sentence, which prohibits 
discrimination in admission practices, placement in special or separate 
wings or rooms, or provisions of special or limited treatment, was 
sufficient. Apart from stating that the second sentence in each of 
these provisions was sufficient, no other rationale was provided as to 
why the first sentence should be deleted. We believe these are 
important requirements, and even if somewhat duplicative, the inclusion 
of both provisions does no harm. Consequently, the Department has 
decided to leave the language as originally proposed.
    Comment: Also, several national organizations requested that 
TRICARE allow providers 45 days rather than 30 to submit claims, 
acknowledging that the intent of most providers is to submit claims 
every 30 days, however, unforeseen delays do occur.
    Response: In the case of continuous care, claims shall be submitted 
at least every 30 days, as this is consistent with industry billing 
standards and allows for efficiency and reduction of error in billing 
practices. While the public comments were made in response to the 
regulatory language regarding participation agreement requirements for 
TRICARE mental health and SUD institutional providers, this is an 
existing requirement that applies to all providers rendering continuous 
care, not just mental health and SUD institutional providers. As the 
specific provisions that were proposed in this rulemaking action were 
merely reflective of overarching TRICARE claims requirements (see, 
e.g., Sec. Sec.  199.4(b)(1)(i) and 199.7(e)(1)), it would not be 
appropriate to revise the specific participation agreement provisions 
for institutional mental health and SUD providers in a manner that is 
inconsistent with other regulatory provisions that apply to the TRICARE 
program as a whole. While the overarching TRICARE claims requirements 
seek to lessen any potential adverse impact on a TRICARE beneficiary 
that could result from a retroactive denial of care, we would also note 
the existing provisions in 32 CFR 199.4(h) regarding payment and 
liability for services and supplies retrospectively excluded by a Peer 
Review Organization by reason of being not medically necessary, at an 
inappropriate level, or other reason relative to reasonableness, 
necessity or appropriateness. Additional information regarding waiver 
of liability may be found in the TRICARE Policy Manual at Chapter 1, 
Section 4.1. In summary, we believe the requirement to submit claims 
every 30 days protects not only beneficiaries but also providers.
    Comment: It was also requested that when providing cost data as 
required by TRICARE, that an entity with multiple service lines and 
treatment centers be allowed to submit a single consolidated audit of 
the organization's financial statements, and financial controls to meet 
this requirement.
    Response: Both the existing and final regulation require 
participating institutional providers to permit access to the financial 
and organizational records of the provider and, when requested, to 
furnish cost data certified by an independent accounting firm or other 
agency authorized by the Director. Access to financial auditing/
reporting continues to be important to the program in evaluating the 
quality and cost-effectiveness of care rendered by TRICARE-authorized 
providers. Additionally, cost data and financial reports/audits are 
utilized to calculate reimbursement rates in accordance with prescribed 
reimbursement methodology for certain institutional providers. For

[[Page 61079]]

example, financial reports and audits would be essential for 
verification of charge/cost data used in the establishment of RTC-
specific per diem rates. Entities are not prohibited from providing a 
single, consolidated audit of their organization's financial statements 
and controls to the extent that a consolidated audit provides the 
specificity required for evaluating the separate entities under 
consolidated reporting.
    Comment: One commenter noted that the certification process 
regarding RTCs should be on par with Medicaid certification.
    Response: In general, under Medicaid, psychiatric residential 
treatment facilities must be accredited by The Joint Commission or any 
other accrediting organization with comparable standards recognized by 
the State. Similarly, this final rule streamlines the approval process 
for TRICARE authorized RTCs by relying principally on accreditation by 
nationally-accepted accrediting organizations.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, and no substantive changes were made to provisions 
regarding streamlined requirements for institutional mental health and 
SUD providers to become TRICARE authorized providers.

V. Provisions of the Rule Regarding TRICARE Reimbursement Methodologies 
for Newly Recognized Mental Health and SUD Intensive Outpatient 
Programs and Opioid Treatment Programs

A. Intensive Outpatient Program Reimbursement

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. Under current regulatory 
provisions [32 CFR 199.14(a)(2)(ix)(C)], the maximum per diem payment 
amount for a full-day partial hospitalization program (minimum of six 
hours) is 40 percent of the average per diem amount per case 
established under the TRICARE mental health per diem reimbursement 
system for both high and low volume psychiatric hospitals and units.
    Likewise, PHPs less than six hours (with a minimum of three hours) 
were paid a per diem rate at 75 percent of the rate for a full-day 
program. In analysis of the reimbursement methodology to be used for 
reimbursement of IOPs, it became apparent that the step-down in 
intensity, frequency and duration of treatment designated as half-day 
PHPs, were in fact, intensive outpatient services provided within a PHP 
authorized setting. While there is some variability in the intensity, 
frequency and duration of treatment under both programs (that is, less 
than six hours per day with a minimum of three hours for half-day PHPs; 
and two to five times per week, two to five hours per day for IOPs), it 
appears that both the services rendered and the professional provider 
categories responsible for providing the services are quite similar. As 
a result of this observation/analysis, the IOP designation will be used 
in lieu of half-day PHP for treatment of less than six hours per day--
with a minimum of two hours per day--rendered in a PHP authorized 
setting. While the minimum hours have been reduced from three to two 
hours per day for coverage/reimbursement, they are still within the 
acceptable range for IOP services typically provided in a PHP. Since 
intensive outpatient services can be provided in either a PHP or newly 
authorized IOP setting, and IOP services are essentially the same as 
half- day PHP services, it is only logical that IOP per diems be set at 
75 percent of the full-day PHP per diem. This would be the case 
regardless of whether the IOP services were provided in a PHP or IOP.
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. Two public commenters 
indicated that while the stated rationale for reimbursement of newly 
recognized mental health and SUD IOPs and OTPs seems reasonable, 
TRICARE must continue to reevaluate reimbursement over time in order to 
achieve the goal of increasing access to care. The same commenters also 
indicated that the all-inclusive per-diem payment rates appear to 
provider a predictable payment methodology, which makes it more 
possible for organizations to commit to providing services to TRICARE 
beneficiaries. Another commenter indicated they would support 
reasonable reimbursement rates if they at least meet or exceed the 
Medicare level of reimbursement for comparable interventions and 
patient service days, opining that reasonable reimbursement rates will 
encourage institutional providers to offer these services if they can 
do so without operating at a deficit. We appreciate these comments and 
agree. Further, as discussed at greater length in the proposed rule, by 
law, TRICARE reimbursement shall be determined, to the extent 
practicable, in accordance with the same rules as apply to payments to 
providers of services of the same type under Medicare. When Medicare 
has no established reimbursement methodology (e.g. Medicare does not 
reimburse OTPs or freestanding SUDRFs or PHPs that are not hospital 
based or part of a Community Mental Health Clinic, while TRICARE does), 
TRICARE must establish its own rates through proposed and final 
rulemaking.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, and no substantive changes were made to provisions 
regarding such IOP reimbursement.

B. Opioid Treatment Program Reimbursement and Cost-Sharing

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. As defined in this rule, OTPs 
are outpatient settings for opioid treatment that use a therapeutic 
maintenance drug for a drug addiction when medically or psychologically 
necessary and appropriate for the medical care of a beneficiary 
undergoing supervised treatment for a SUD. The program includes an 
initial assessment, along with integrated psychosocial and medical 
treatment and support services. Since OTPs are individually tailored 
programs of medication therapy, separate reimbursement methodologies 
are established based on the particular medication being administered 
for treatment of the SUD. By far the most common medication used in 
OTPs is methadone. Methadone care in OTPs includes initial medical 
intake/assessment, urinalysis and drug dispensing and screening as part 
of the bundled rate, as well as ongoing counseling services. Based on a 
preliminary review of industry billing practices, the weekly bundled 
per diem for administration of methadone will include a daily drug cost 
of $3, along with a $15 per day cost for integrated psychosocial and 
medical support services. The daily projected per diem costs ($18/day) 
will be converted to a weekly per diem rate of $126 ($18/day x 7 days) 
and billed once a week to TRICARE using the Healthcare Common Procedure 
Coding System (HCPCS) code H0020, ``Alcohol and/or drug services; 
methadone administration and/or service.'' The bundled per diem rate is 
how Medicaid and other third-party payers typically reimburse for 
methadone treatment in OTPs. The methadone rate for OTPs will be 
updated annually by the Medicare update factor used for other mental 
health care services rendered (i.e. the Inpatient Prospective Payment 
System update factor) under TRICARE. The updated rates will be 
effective October 1 of each year, and will be published annually on the 
TRICARE Web site. Outpatient cost-sharing will be applied to a weekly 
per diem, since the copayment amounts for Prime NADDs and ADFMs under 
Extra and Standard

[[Page 61080]]

will be near, or in some cases, above the daily charge for OTPs, 
essentially resulting in a non-benefit.
    While the other two medications (buprenorphine and naltrexone) are 
more likely to be prescribed and administered in an OBOT setting, 
reimbursement methodologies for OTPs are being established for both 
medications to allow OTPs the full range of medications currently 
available for treatment of SUDs. Since the reimbursement of 
buprenorphine and naltrexone administered in OTPs are not conducive to 
the bundled per diem methodology due to variations in dosage and 
frequency of the drug and the non-drug services (e.g., administration 
fees and counseling services) will be reimbursed separately on a fee-
for-service basis. We recognize that Healthcare Common Procedure Coding 
System (HCPCS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are 
updated on a regular basis. The following referenced codes are current 
as of the writing of this final rule. If necessary, updated codes will 
be included in the TRICARE Policy Manual or TRICARE Reimbursement 
Manual. In the case of Buprenorphine, OTPs will bill TRICARE using the 
HCPCS code H0047, ``Alcohol and/or other drug use services, not 
otherwise specified,'' for the medical intake/assessment, drug 
dispensing and monitoring and counseling, along with HCPCS code J8499, 
``Prescription drug, oral, non-chemotherapeutic, nos,'' for the 
prescribed medication. OTPs will include the National Drug Code for 
Buprenorphine, along with the dosage and acquisition cost on its claim. 
Prevailing rates will be established for drug related services (e.g., 
drug monitoring and counseling services) billed under HCPCS code H0047, 
while the drug itself will be reimbursed at 95 percent of the average 
wholesale price. Outpatient cost-sharing will be applied on a per-visit 
basis. The preliminary weekly cost estimate for Buprenorphine OTPs is 
$115 per week, assuming that the patient is stabilized and twice a week 
visits. This is based on an estimated drug cost of $10 per day and an 
estimated non-drug cost of $22.50 per visit [(7 x $10) + (2 x $22.50) = 
$115/week]. These amounts mentioned above are both preliminary and 
estimates and are not intended to reflect final reimbursement rates.
    Naltrexone, unlike methadone and buprenorphine, is not an agonist 
or partial agonist, but an inhibitor designed to block the brain's 
opiate receptors, diminishing the urges and cravings for alcohol, 
heroin, and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone. Due to the 
extreme cost of injectable naltrexone and the fact that it is only 
administered once a month, the drug, its administration fee, and 
ongoing counseling will be paid separately on a fee-for-service basis. 
OTPs will bill TRICARE using HCPCS code H0047 for counseling and other 
services. Prevailing rates will be established for drug related 
services (e.g., drug monitoring and counseling services) billed under 
HCPCS code H0047. The naltrexone injection will be billed using the 
HCPCS code J2315 with the number of milligrams used, while its 
administration fee will be billed using CPT code 96372. OTPs outpatient 
cost-sharing will be applied on a per-visit basis, which in this case 
would be once a month. The projected monthly amount for naltrexone is 
$1,177 ($1,129 for the injectable drug (J2315) + $25 for the drug's 
administration fee (CPT 96372) + $22.50 for other related services 
(H0047) = $1,176.50). These amounts may be subject to change based on 
health care market forces, but are not expected to change 
significantly. The Director will have discretionary authority in 
establishing the reimbursement methodologies for new drugs and 
biologicals that may become available for the treatment of SUDs in 
OTPs. The type of reimbursement (e.g., fee-for-service versus bundled 
per diem payments) will be dependent in large part on the variability 
of the dosage and frequency of the medication being administered.
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. A number of commenters 
indicated that they believed the rates proposed for OTPs' services are 
near market rates and are acceptable. One commenter advised the 
Department of Defense to evaluate existing state Medicaid reimbursement 
models for the use of buprenorphine in OTPs, the most recent being 
through the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse 
services. The commenter felt that such references would provide 
additional guidance to the Department in establishing appropriate 
buprenorphine only rates for TRICARE beneficiaries.
    One commenter felt that the proposed revisions assumed that 
patients being treated with buprenorphine in OTPs, once stabilized, 
would only visit OTPs twice a week. The commenter encouraged the 
Department to consider an induction rate for patients being treated 
with buprenorphine prior to stabilization requiring more than two 
visits per week-in some cases requiring daily visits to OTPs to achieve 
stabilization. Another commenter supported the rationale for a bundled 
weekly rate, but expressed concern with the projected weekly per diem 
price of $126, especially for New York State providers, would not be 
financially sustainable.
    Response: The review and analysis of Medicaid payment models were 
instrumental in the establishment of separate reimbursement 
methodologies based on the particular medication being administered for 
treatment of the substance use disorder. It was apparent from this 
initial analysis that separate fee-for-service reimbursement 
methodologies needed to be established for frequency of the drug and 
the non-drug services (e.g., administrative fees and counseling). As a 
result, prevailing rates will be established on a fee-for-service basis 
for all drug related services, while the drug itself will be reimbursed 
at the lesser of billed charges or 95 percent of the average wholesale 
price because Medicare has not yet established a reimbursement rate for 
buprenorphine in the Part B Drug Medicare Average Sales Price file. 
However, be assured that the Department will continue to review and 
evaluate any innovative approaches [e.g., New York's Ambulatory Patient 
Group (APG) payment methodology for SUD] for reimbursement of OTPs that 
can effectively reduce costs and improve the quality of life for 
individuals with opioid use disorder. To this end, the proposed 
regulation included discretionary authority in establishing 
reimbursement methodologies for new drugs and biologicals that may 
become available for treatment of SUDs in OTPs.
    This final rule does not set a limit of two visits per week for 
medication assisted treatment, and in fact, all existing quantitative 
limitations (regarding number of authorized visits, etc.) have been 
removed from the regulation. A separate induction rate is not required 
since buprenorphine treatment programs are reimbursed on a fee-for-
services basis; i.e., the drug and non-drug services (administration 
fees and counseling services) will be reimbursed separately on a fee-
for-service basis and bundled for payment on a weekly basis. The 
proposed rule merely included an example of how weekly services would 
be bundled and the example included two visits to OTPs. The bundled 
payments will vary depending on the dosage and frequency of the drug 
being administered and frequency of associated counseling services. As 
a result, the fee-for-service methodology will allow for additional 
visits to OTPs during the induction phase of the patient's treatment.
    We appreciate the commenter's support for the bundled weekly rate 
for

[[Page 61081]]

methadone treatment programs. The amount projected in the proposed 
rule, a weekly per diem rate of $126 for methadone treatment programs, 
was based on a preliminary review of industry billing practices (i.e., 
bundled per diem rates that Medicaid and other third-party payers 
typically reimburse for methadone treatment in OTPs). However, other 
commenters did state the rates proposed for OTPs' services are near 
market rates and are acceptable. We agree that local/regional variation 
in costs for OTPs may occur, and therefore we will establish a national 
weekly per-diem rate for methadone treatment which will be adjusted 
utilizing the existing adjustment process appropriate to the treatment 
setting (e.g., the CMAC locality-adjustment process for methadone 
treatment provided in freestanding OTPs and the OPPS wage-index 
adjustment formula for methadone treatment provided in hospital-based 
OTPs). It is important to note separate reimbursement of buprenorphine 
and naltrexone administered in OTPs will occur and will reflect the 
variation in dosage and frequency of the drug and the non-drug 
services. As a result, buprenorphine and naltrexone treatment programs 
will be reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis, on the basis of the 
CHAMPUS Maximum Allowable Charge (CMAC) methodology. A final national 
methadone weekly per diem rate will be established prior to 
implementation, which will reflect current bundled per diem rates that 
Medicaid and other third-party payers typically reimburse for methadone 
treatment in OTPs. The final reimbursement rates will be published in 
the TRICARE Reimbursement Manual found here: http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, and no substantive changes were made to provisions 
regarding opioid treatment program reimbursement and cost-sharing.

C. Removal of the Federal Register Publication of TRICARE Hospital-
Specific Rates and Fixed Daily Copayment Amounts

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. Under current regulatory 
provisions [32 CFR 199.4(f)(3)(ii)(B) and 32 CFR 
199.14(a)(2)(iv)(C)(4)], annually updated psychiatric hospital regional 
per diems and fixed daily copayment amounts are to be published in the 
Federal Register at approximately the start of each fiscal year. While 
the initial intent of this regulatory requirement was to provide 
widespread notice of changes to regional psychiatric hospital per diems 
and fixed copayment mounts, its relevancy has been subsequently 
overshadowed by the public's online accessibility to the TRICARE 
manuals and reimbursement rates on the official Web site of the 
Military Health System and the DHA (www.health.mil). As a result, the 
public has ready online access to psychiatric hospital regional per 
diems and fixed daily copayment amounts, as well as maximum rates for 
mental health rates, to include freestanding psychiatric PHPs in the 
TRICARE Reimbursement Manual or on the official Web site of the 
Military Health System and the DHA (www.health.mil). Because of the 
readily available online access to updated mental health rates and the 
ongoing administrative burden of publishing annual notices to the 
Federal Register, these regulatory requirements are removed and updates 
to psychiatric hospital regional per diems and fixed copayment amounts 
will be maintained on the Agency's official Web site. However, 
psychiatric hospitals and units with hospital-specific rates will 
continue to be notified individually of their rates due to 
confidentiality restrictions. The new per diem rates for IOPs and 
methadone OTPs will also be maintained and available to the public on 
the official Web site of the Military Health System and the DHA 
(www.health.mil).
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. No public comments were 
received relating to this section of the rule.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, and no substantive changes were made to provisions 
regarding removal of the Federal Register publication of TRICARE 
hospital-specific rates and fixed daily copayment amounts.

D. Additional Regulatory Revisions

    1. Provisions of the Proposed Rule. There are a number of 
additional proposed revisions that are more technical and 
administrative in nature that we would like to highlight here to ensure 
the public is made aware of these changes and their purpose. Within 32 
CFR 199.2, the definition of ``adequate medical documentation, mental 
health records'' is revised to eliminate specific reference to Joint 
Commission standards and instead reference ``standards of an 
accrediting organization approved by the Director'' consistent with the 
changes in accreditation requirements as part of the streamlining of 
TRICARE approval of institutional providers. The definition of ``mental 
disorder'' has been revised to include SUD. The definition of 
``Director'' has been revised to incorporate the Director of the 
Defense Health Agency, consistent with DoD's current organizational 
structure. Additionally, throughout the revisions, the term 
``Director'' has been substituted for all other terms such as 
``Director, CHAMPUS'' and ``Director, TRICARE Management Activity.'' A 
definition of ``qualified mental health provider'' has been added for 
easy reference (as it was previously discussed in 32 CFR 199.4 but not 
specifically defined); and, the definition of ``Consultation'' has been 
amended to include qualified mental health providers. Additionally, the 
elimination of quantitative limitations has also necessitated a number 
of revisions to other sections of the regulation that referenced these 
limits, including 32 CFR 199.4(e)(2), 32 CFR 199.7(e)(2) and 32 CFR 
199.15(a)(6). Also, 32 CFR 199.14(a)(2)(iv)(C)(2) clarifies that the 
Medicare's Inpatient Prospective Payment System update factor is used 
for TRICARE's mental health rates.
    2. Analysis of Major Public Comments. One commenter recommended 
that the definition of Case Management be revised to include the 
following phrase ``including mental health and substance use disorder 
needs'' and not just mental health needs. We have no objections to this 
proposed change and have amended the definition accordingly. Another 
commenter noted that the current definition of ``mental disorder'' in 
Sec.  199.2 should be updated to reference the current version of the 
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) to avoid confusion and 
correlate the definition with current practice definitions. We would 
note that the proposed rule removed the referenced definition of 
``mental disorder'', and replaced it with a definition of ``mental 
disorder, to include substance use disorder.'' We would also note that 
the newly proposed definition simply references the current edition of 
the DSM so as to avoid the need to update the regulatory definition 
every time the DSM is updated.
    3. Provisions of the Final Rule. The final rule is consistent with 
the proposed rule, with the addition of the above recommended change to 
the definition of case management.

VI. Additional Comments

    In addition to the four major areas of the proposed rule in which 
we received comments, we received a number of general comments that 
either do not apply to the major provision categories of the final rule 
outlined above or apply

[[Page 61082]]

to multiple provision categories. Those comments are responded to as 
follows:
    Comment: Twenty eight commenters requested benefit coverage for IOP 
and PHP stays for children under age thirteen.
    Response: We thank those individuals who submitted these comments. 
The exclusion of benefit coverage for the medically necessary treatment 
to include IOP and PHP care for children under age thirteen was 
unintentional and occurred when we combined the requirements for mental 
health and SUD PHP and IOPs within Sec.  199.6. The Department does 
acknowledge the States' need to impose specific mental health and SUD 
facility licensure requirements and does note that this may impact IOP 
and PHP stays for children under 13. However, we have amended the 
language of the final rule to eliminate any age limitations from the 
TRICARE definition of PHP and IOP care.
    Comment: One commenter requested consistency with the Affordable 
Care Act and provision of coverage for dependents until age twenty six.
    Response: Regarding coverage of adult children, in accordance with 
10 U.S.C. 1110b, the TRICARE Young Adult program currently provides 
voluntary coverage for eligible adult children until age 26.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification regarding the scope 
of CFR 42.2 laws and asked whether a mental health outpatient program 
offering a single substance abuse class was still bound by these 
regulations or if only the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act laws apply.
    Response: Although we appreciate this comment, it is outside the 
scope of this rule and better addressed to the Department that 
promulgated that regulation, namely the Department of Health and Human 
Services.
    Comment: One national organization commented that family therapy as 
required in SUD partial hospitalization services could become 
administratively burdensome for DoD and providers, as there are times 
when family therapy is contra-indicated with the SUD population for 
reasons such as trauma history and continued SUD in family members.
    Response: DoD recognizes family therapy may be contraindicated for 
some beneficiaries and in these cases, it is not required. We 
appreciate the comment and have made additional revisions to Sec.  
199.4(b)(9)(vi) to make it clear that the decision as to whether family 
therapy is contraindicated for a specific patient may be made at the 
facility vice Director, Defense Health Agency level. If family therapy 
is clinically contraindicated, this should be noted and followed in the 
treatment plan.
    Comment: Another commenter requested the allowance of electronic 
and video connections specifically for the provision of family therapy.
    Response: We appreciate this suggestion and TRICARE supports the 
use of interactive audio/video connections between TRICARE certified 
providers and beneficiaries to provide clinical consultation and 
office-visits when appropriate and medically necessary. Geographically 
distant family therapy for children and adolescents in residential 
treatment centers is allowed where family members are distally 
separated from their children and the appointment takes place in 
accordance with existing TRICARE telemedicine and telemental health 
requirements as reflected in the TRICARE Policy Manual (Chapter 7, 
Section 22.1).
    Comment: Another national organization requested the inclusion of 
long-acting injectable mental health and SUD medications as TRICARE 
pharmacy benefits.
    Response: The TRICARE Pharmacy Program, codified at 10 U.S.C. 1074g 
and implemented via federal regulations at 32 CFR 199.21, provides 
TRICARE beneficiaries with access to a wide range of pharmaceutical 
agents, including self-administered and self-injectable medications. 
Alternatively, medications that are administered by a physician or 
other TRICARE authorized provider, including those drugs that are 
administered as an integral part of a procedure, are reimbursed under 
the TRICARE medical benefit program. Through these two complimentary 
programs, TRICARE beneficiaries have access to medically necessary 
prescription drugs, including long-acting injectable mental health and 
SUD medications.
    Comment: One commenter indicated that the proposed rule does not 
address telehealth service delivery but acknowledged appreciation for 
the Department's efforts to expand its use within a complicated 
framework of federal and state laws. The commenter went on to indicate 
that the regulation is not the place to address the details, but 
including telehealth services in the list of covered services under 
various benefits could be helpful as indicators of where additional 
guidance is necessary. Another organization requested inclusion of a 
patient's home or designated location as an originating site for the 
receipt of telemedicine in the final rule language with regard to 
mental health and SUD services.
    Response: We appreciate the comments and agree that the regulation 
is not the place to address the details of telemedicine. Further, the 
Department views telehealth, or telemedicine, as a method of delivery 
of medically necessary and appropriate care as opposed to a separate 
type of care altogether. The use of interactive audio/video technology 
is supported and allowed under existing TRICARE regulations and its use 
is delineated in the TRICARE Policy Manual. The Department is actively 
examining current policy regarding provision of telemedicine and 
telehealth, and any changes will be addressed in subsequent policy 
manual revisions.
    Comment: One national organization requested streamlining of the 
preauthorization process for patient admission. The organization also 
requested clarification of the professional services of the attending 
physicians.
    Response: While we appreciate these comments, we believe they 
address sub-regulatory issues and processes as opposed to any 
regulatory approach proposed to be adopted by TRICARE. We are pleased 
that the preauthorization process is supported and plan to continue 
monitoring this process for any difficulties. Facilities and 
beneficiaries with case-specific questions should work with the 
regional managed care support contractor. While we are uncertain what 
type of clarification is requested regarding the professional services 
of attending physicians, we imagine these comments relate to 
reimbursement of those services. Professional mental health services 
are specifically addressed in both the existing, as well as, proposed 
language under Sec.  199.4 for mental health and SUD institutional 
benefits and indicates that these services are billed separately only 
when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized mental health 
professional who is not an employee or, or under contract with, the 
applicable institutional provider for purposes of providing clinical 
patient care.
    Comment: Several commenters specifically emphasized the importance 
of mental health SUD treatment for pediatric and adolescent patients. 
Some of these comments included emphasis on the integration of mental 
health and primary care where it makes sense and is feasible. Others 
encouraged DoD to continue exploring how to better meet the needs of 
military children. One national organization commented that the service 
continuum should include prevention, early identification, and 
comprehensive treatment services ranging from high fidelity wraparound

[[Page 61083]]

services to individual and family therapy and medication management. 
Another commenter noted that TRICARE needs to fully fund WRAP-around 
therapies for dependents, and noted that these services should be a 
treatment step before an RTC as well as considered as a transitional 
service whenever a child is discharged from an RTC. Similarly, another 
national organization encouraged TRICARE to continue to invest in its 
infrastructure for community-based services, reserving residential care 
for only its most extreme cases.
    Response: The provision of appropriate health care and overall 
physical and mental well-being of military families and beneficiaries 
is one of the highest priorities of the Department. We strongly believe 
these changes will allow a comprehensive array of mental health 
services for all beneficiaries including children and adolescents, 
while maintaining quality standards. The Department agrees that care 
should be based on a continuum of services according to the needs of 
the individual. Within the MHS, the continuum of services begins with 
the medical treatment facility or purchased care physicians, 
pediatricians, nurses, and staff members who identify mental health 
needs and primary care managers provide direct or purchased care 
referrals for comprehensive treatment of beneficiaries. The final rule 
addresses the way that services for children and adolescents are 
delivered, through many levels of care according to the severity of 
condition, with the goal of maintaining the child or youth in his or 
her family or community where possible. Currently, TRICARE provides 
family, individual, group therapy, and medication management in diverse 
settings such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, 
residential treatment centers, inpatient mental health and SUD 
treatment for children and adolescents. Further, managed care support 
contractors provide case management for comprehensive treatment with 
chronic and complex cases. While the full ``wraparound services'' model 
for children in many cases includes educational and non-clinical 
services that are beyond the scope of TRICARE coverage, this final rule 
seeks to increase access to medically necessary clinical care in all 
communities where military beneficiaries reside.
    While not specifically addressed in this final rule, the Department 
appreciates the comment regarding exploration of the use of behavioral 
health integration programs and generally supports these concepts.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification on the determination 
of medical necessity and offered to share their guidelines with the 
Department as they found that a strong utilization review process based 
on the latest science to be essential to ensure appropriate and timely 
care.
    Response: We appreciate the comment. The term medically or 
psychologically necessary is defined at 199.2. Further, 32 CFR 199.15 
establishes the rules and procedures for the TRICARE Quality and 
Utilization Review Peer Review Organization program.
    Comment: One commenter stated that qualified case managers should 
not be required to have a minimum of two years' case management 
experience before serving TRICARE beneficiaries.
    Response: We appreciate this comment, and the ``Case Manager'' 
definition has been removed at Sec.  199.2 entirely as it is largely 
unnecessary and industry now has a wide variety of accepted 
qualifications for individuals to perform as case managers.
    Comment: One commenter requested that TRICARE expand to cover 
disabled veterans, and another commenter suggested that veterans should 
be allowed to utilize TRICARE.
    Response: TRICARE entitlement is established by statute and outside 
of the scope of this rule. Similarly, compensation for and care and 
treatment of Service-connected disabilities by the Department of 
Veterans Affairs is governed by title 38, United States Code. The 
Department of Veterans Affairs is the principal healthcare system to 
address the healthcare needs of veterans with a Service-connected 
disability. Veterans who are also entitled to TRICARE may elect which 
benefit they are utilizing for a given episode of care.
    Comment: One commenter suggested revising the referral process to 
include Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and LCAS (Licensed 
Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCASs) with the ability to accept non-
primary care provider referred claims. Another commenter submitted an 
inquiry regarding TRICARE authorization for mental health counselors. 
Two commenters noted that the proposed rule failed to recognize SUD 
professionals, including Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselors, that are 
credentialed by a recognized body (e.g., the International 
Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IR&RC)). One of these two 
commenters also recommended that a specific clause be added to the 
regulation to recognize the acceptability of an Advanced Register Nurse 
Practitioner in collaboration with a psychiatrist, as an acceptable 
treatment provider in inpatient settings.
    Response: As mentioned under the analysis of major public comments 
under section III.C. above, TRICARE appreciates the contributions of 
peer counselors, and other non-medical individuals who desire to 
provide SUD and mental health services to beneficiaries as well as the 
skills and professional experience of the various substance use 
disorder and mental health providers in the field. We appreciate these 
comments but consider them beyond the scope of this rule as we did not 
propose any changes to the existing regulatory requirements for 
individual professional providers of care. For a further discussion on 
mental health counselors in particular, we would direct the public to 
the TRICARE Certified Mental Health Counselor final rule published in 
the Federal Register on July 17, 2014. With respect to the specific 
comment about Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, we are uncertain 
what is specifically being requested but would note that all mental 
health services must be provided by TRICARE authorized individual 
professional providers of mental health services. TRICARE specifically 
recognized certified psychiatric nurse specialists (CPNS). The TRICARE 
Policy Manual provides additional details, including a list of American 
Nurses Credentialing Center certifications that meet TRICARE 
requirements.
    Comment: One commenter requested the addition of mobile crisis 
stabilization services and other mental health care safety nets under 
the provisions of TRICARE because outcomes and econometric analysis 
shows their effectiveness in reducing the need for inpatient 
hospitalization.
    Response: We appreciate these comments, but they are beyond the 
scope of this rule. Mobile crisis services are currently provided as 
part of covered services for many institutional providers, and these 
services do not warrant the creation of a new, stand-alone provider 
type under TRICARE. However, we have reviewed all recommendations 
provided and will consider them in the development of future policy.
    Comment: One commenter requested that TRICARE provide coverage of 
neurofeedback therapy.
    Response: While this comment falls outside the scope of this rule, 
we would note that TRICARE covers proven care as determined by the 
hierarchy of reliable evidence in 32 CFR 199.14(g)(15). TRICARE 
periodically reviews the available reliable evidence to determine 
whether a given treatment

[[Page 61084]]

or procedure meets the criteria to be considered proven safe and 
effective. In the event we find sufficient reliable evidence to 
determine a given procedure is proven, the TRICARE Policy Manual is 
updated.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern regarding ``the 
reclassification of the electric shock machine.''
    Response: The classification of medical devices is outside the 
purview of the Department. We are uncertain regarding the specific type 
of therapy the commenter is referring to, but we know that aversion 
therapy is currently excluded, and will continue to be excluded, from 
coverage. Specifically, the programmed use of physical measures, such 
as electric shock, alcohol, or other drugs as negative reinforcement 
(aversion therapy) is not a covered benefit, even if recommended by a 
physician. If by ``electric shock machine'' the commenter is referring 
to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the use of ECT as an evidence-based 
treatment for the treatment of major depressive disorder remains a 
covered benefit under TRICARE.
    Comment: One national organization requested the Department 
consider recognizing residential/transition brain injury treatment 
programs as TRICARE authorized providers as either residential 
treatment centers or Other Special Institutional Providers. That 
organization also proposed an expansion of the definition of IOP to 
include rehabilitation programs that provide services to Service 
members and veterans with brain injury. Finally, the commenter also 
recommended the Department consider extending TRICARE coverage for 
cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT).
    Response: We appreciate these comments. TRICARE does not normally 
engage in agency rule-making for specific interventions, such as 
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT). CRT, as billed on a residential 
or IOP basis, has not been established as safe and effective and 
therefore does not currently meet regulatory requirements (32 CFR, Part 
199.4(g)(15)(i)) and is excluded from coverage. However, we would note 
that TRICARE covers medically necessary and appropriate care, including 
rehabilitative services, as provided by TRICARE-authorized physicians, 
psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech 
therapists, as well as recognized institutional providers. While 
residential and transition brain injury programs are not currently 
recognized as a separate category of institutional providers, with 
respect to CRT, the Department does provide TRICARE coverage for 
interventions when provided as part of otherwise covered occupational 
therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language pathology services. 
As medicine is ever evolving, the Department will continue to monitor 
medical research and advances in this area for future revisions to the 
TRICARE program. Further, in conjunction with the CDC, NIH, and VA, the 
Department continues to collaborate on the development and improvement 
of traumatic brain injury (TBI) related diagnostic tools and 
therapeutic interventions that will allow for improved rehabilitation 
and reintegration of military and civilian TBI survivors.

VII. Summary of Regulatory Modifications

    Overall, the final rule is consistent with the proposed rule. 
Several important changes are noted, in that we have amended the final 
rule to: Remove the definition of ``Case Manager'' from Sec.  199.2; 
remove the parenthetical reference to utilization and quality review of 
mental health services in Sec.  199.4(a)(11) and remove and reserve 
Sec.  199.4(a)(12) regarding utilization and quality review 
specifically for inpatient mental health and partial hospitalization; 
ensure medically necessary treatment coverage for dependents under age 
thirteen for IOP and PHP care; clarify in Sec.  199.4(b)(9)(vi) that 
while family therapy is a required component of PHP services, an 
exception may be made when the Clinical Director, or designee, 
determines that family therapy is clinically contraindicated for a 
particular patient; and, remove the 30 percent capacity and full 
operational status for a period of at least 6 months requirements for 
TRICARE authorization of OTPs, IOPs, RTCs, PHPs, and SUDRFs.

VIII. Regulatory Procedures

Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and Executive 
Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review''

    Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distribute impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. Subsequently, the Department completed an Independent 
Government Cost Estimate and the results are referenced in C. Cost and 
Benefits. This rule has been designated ``significant regulatory 
action,'' although not economically significant, under section 3(f) of 
Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this final rule has been reviewed 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 804(2)

    Under the Congressional Review Act, a major rule may not take 
effect until at least 60 days after submission to Congress of a report 
regarding the rule. A major rule is one that would have an annual 
effect on the economy of $100 million or more or have certain other 
impacts. This final rule is not a major rule under the Congressional 
Review Act.

Public Law 96-354, ``Regulatory Flexibility Act'' (RFA), (5 U.S.C. 601)

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires that each Federal agency 
analyze options for regulatory relief of small businesses if a rule has 
a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. For 
purposes of the RFA, small entities include small businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. This final rule is 
not an economically significant regulatory action, and it will not have 
a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Therefore, this final rule is not subject to the requirements of the 
RFA.

Public Law 104-4, Sec. 202, ``Unfunded Mandates Reform Act''

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 also 
requires that agencies assess anticipated costs and benefits before 
issuing any rule whose mandates require spending in any one year of 
$100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for inflation. That 
threshold level is currently approximately $140 million. This rule will 
not mandate any requirements for state, local, or tribal governments or 
the private sector.

Public Law 96-511, ``Paperwork Reduction Act'' (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)

    This rulemaking does not contain a ``collection of information'' 
requirement, and will not impose additional information collection 
requirements on the public under Public Law 96-511, ``Paperwork 
Reduction Act'' (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

[[Page 61085]]

Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism''

    This final rule has been examined for its impact under E.O. 13132, 
and it does not contain policies that have federalism implications that 
would have substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of powers and responsibilities among the various levels of 
Government. Therefore, consultation with State and local officials is 
not required.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 199

    Claims, Dental health, Health care, Health insurance, Individuals 
with disabilities, Mental health, Mental health parity, Military 
personnel, Substance use disorder treatment.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of Defense 
amends 32 CFR part 199 as set forth below:

PART 199--CIVILIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROGRAM OF THE UNIFORMED 
SERVICES (CHAMPUS)

0
1. The authority citation for part 199 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 10 U.S.C. chapter 55.


0
2. Section 199.2(b) is amended by:
0
a. Revising the definitions of ``Adequate medical documentation, mental 
health records'' and ``Case management'';
0
b. Removing the definition of ``Case managers'';
0
c. Revising the definitions of ``Consultation'' and ``Director'';
0
d. Adding definitions for ``Intensive outpatient program (IOP)'' and 
``Medication assisted treatment (MAT)'' in alphabetical order;
0
e. Removing the definition of ``Mental disorder'';
0
f. Adding definitions for ``Mental disorder, to include substance use 
disorder'', ``Office- based opioid treatment'' and ``Opioid Treatment 
Program'' in alphabetical order;
0
g. Revising the definitions of ``Other special institutional 
providers'' and ``Partial hospitalization'';
0
h. Adding a definition for ``Qualified mental health provider'' in 
alphabetical order;
0
i. Revising the definition of ``Residential treatment center (RTC)'';
0
j. Adding a definition for ``Substance use disorder rehabilitation 
facility (SUDRF)'' in alphabetical order; and
0
k. Revising the definition of ``Treatment plan''.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  199.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    Adequate medical documentation, mental health records. Adequate 
medical documentation provides the means for measuring the type, 
frequency, and duration of active treatment mechanisms employed and 
progress under the treatment plan. Under CHAMPUS, it is required that 
adequate and sufficient clinical records be kept by the provider to 
substantiate that specific care was actually and appropriately 
furnished, was medically or psychologically necessary (as defined by 
this part), and to identify the individual(s) who provided the care. 
Each service provided or billed must be documented in the records. In 
determining whether medical records are adequate, the records will be 
reviewed under the generally acceptable standards (e.g., the standards 
of an accrediting organization approved by the Director, and the 
provider's state or local licensing requirements) and other 
requirements specified by this part. The psychiatric and psychological 
evaluations, physician orders, the treatment plan, integrated progress 
notes (and physician progress notes if separate from the integrated 
progress notes), and the discharge summary are the more critical 
elements of the mental health record. However, nursing and staff notes, 
no matter how complete, are not a substitute for the documentation of 
services by the individual professional provider who furnished 
treatment to the beneficiary. In general, the documentation 
requirements of a professional provider are not less in the outpatient 
setting than the inpatient setting. Furthermore, even though a hospital 
that provides psychiatric care may be accredited under The Joint 
Commission (TJC) manual for hospitals rather than the behavioral health 
standards manual, the critical elements of the mental health record 
listed above are required for CHAMPUS claims.
* * * * *
    Case management. Case management is a collaborative process which 
assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the 
options and services required to meet an individual's health needs, 
including mental health and substance use disorder needs, using 
communication and available resources to promote quality, cost 
effective outcomes.
* * * * *
    Consultation. A deliberation with a specialist physician, dentist, 
or qualified mental health provider requested by the attending 
physician primarily responsible for the medical care of the patient, 
with respect to the diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. A 
consulting physician or dentist or qualified mental health provider may 
perform a limited examination of a given system or one requiring a 
complete diagnostic history and examination. To qualify as a 
consultation, a written report to the attending physician of the 
findings of the consultant is required.

    Note:  Staff consultations required by rules and regulations of 
the medical staff of a hospital or other institutional provider do 
not qualify as consultation.

* * * * *
    Director. The Director of the Defense Health Agency, Director, 
TRICARE Management Activity, or Director, Office of CHAMPUS. Any 
references to the Director, Office of CHAMPUS, or OCHAMPUS, or TRICARE 
Management Activity, shall mean the Director, Defense Health Agency 
(DHA). Any reference to Director shall also include any person 
designated by the Director to carry out a particular authority. In 
addition, any authority of the Director may be exercised by the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs).
* * * * *
    Intensive outpatient program (IOP). A treatment setting capable of 
providing an organized day or evening program that includes assessment, 
treatment, case management and rehabilitation for individuals not 
requiring 24-hour care for mental health disorders, to include 
substance use disorders, as appropriate for the individual patient. The 
program structure is regularly scheduled, individualized and shares 
monitoring and support with the patient's family and support system.
* * * * *
    Medication assisted treatment (MAT). MAT for diagnosed opioid use 
disorder is a holistic modality for recovery and treatment that employs 
evidence-based therapy, including psychosocial treatments and 
psychopharmacology, and FDA-approved medications as indicated for the 
management of withdrawal symptoms and maintenance.
* * * * *
    Mental disorder, to include substance use disorder. For purposes of 
the payment of CHAMPUS benefits, a mental disorder is a nervous or 
mental condition that involves a clinically significant behavioral or 
psychological syndrome or pattern that is associated with a painful 
symptom, such as distress, and that impairs a patient's ability to 
function in one or more major

[[Page 61086]]

life activities. A substance use disorder is a mental condition that 
involves a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically 
significant impairment or distress; impaired control over substance 
use; social impairment; and risky use of a substance(s). Additionally, 
the mental disorder must be one of those conditions listed in the 
current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental 
Disorders. ``Conditions Not Attributable to a Mental Disorder,'' or V 
codes, are not considered diagnosable mental disorders. Co-occurring 
mental and substance use disorders are common and assessment should 
proceed as soon as it is possible to distinguish the substance related 
symptoms from other independent conditions.
* * * * *
    Office-based opioid treatment. TRICARE authorized providers acting 
within the scope of their licensure or certification to prescribe 
outpatient supplies of the medication to assist in withdrawal 
management (detoxification) and/or maintenance of opioid use disorder, 
as regulated by 42 CFR part 8, addressing office-based opioid treatment 
(OBOT).
* * * * *
    Opioid Treatment Program. Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) are 
service settings for opioid treatment, either free standing or hospital 
based, that adhere to the Department of Health and Human Services' 
regulations at 42 CFR part 8 and use medications indicated and approved 
by the Food and Drug Administration. Treatment in OTPs provides a 
comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication therapy 
integrated with psychosocial and medical treatment and support services 
that address factors affecting each patient, as certified by the Center 
for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) of the Department of Health and 
Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration. Treatment in OTPs can include management of withdrawal 
symptoms (detoxification) from opioids and medically supervised 
withdrawal from maintenance medications. Patients receiving care for 
substance use and co-occurring disorders care can be referred to, or 
otherwise concurrently enrolled in, OTPs.
* * * * *
    Other special institutional providers. Certain specialized medical 
treatment facilities, either inpatient or outpatient, other than those 
specifically defined, that provide courses of treatment prescribed by a 
doctor of medicine or osteopathy; when the patient is under the 
supervision of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy during the entire 
course of the inpatient admission or the outpatient treatment; when the 
type and level of care and services rendered by the institution are 
otherwise authorized in this part; when the facility meets all 
licensing or other certification requirements that are extant in the 
jurisdiction in which the facility is located geographically; which is 
accredited by the Joint Commission or other accrediting organization 
approved by the Director if an appropriate accreditation program for 
the given type of facility is available; and which is not a nursing 
home, intermediate facility, halfway house, home for the aged, or other 
institution of similar purpose.
* * * * *
    Partial hospitalization. A treatment setting capable of providing 
an interdisciplinary program of medically monitored therapeutic 
services, to include management of withdrawal symptoms, as medically 
indicated. Services may include day, evening, night and weekend 
treatment programs which employ an integrated, comprehensive and 
complementary schedule of recognized treatment approaches. Partial 
hospitalization is a time-limited, ambulatory, active treatment program 
that offers therapeutically intensive, coordinated, and structured 
clinical services within a stable therapeutic environment. Partial 
hospitalization is an appropriate setting for crisis stabilization, 
treatment of partially stabilized mental disorders, to include 
substance disorders, and a transition from an inpatient program when 
medically necessary.
* * * * *
    Qualified mental health provider. Psychiatrists or other 
physicians; clinical psychologists, certified psychiatric nurse 
specialists, certified clinical social workers, certified marriage and 
family therapists, TRICARE certified mental health counselors, pastoral 
counselors under a physician's supervision, and supervised mental 
health counselors under a physician's supervision.
* * * * *
    Residential treatment center (RTC). A facility (or distinct part of 
a facility) which meets the criteria in Sec.  199.6(b)(4)(vii).
* * * * *
    Substance use disorder rehabilitation facility (SUDRF). A facility 
or a distinct part of a facility that meets the criteria in Sec.  
199.6(b)(4)(xiv).
* * * * *
    Treatment plan. A detailed description of the medical care being 
rendered or expected to be rendered a CHAMPUS beneficiary seeking 
approval for inpatient and other benefits for which preauthorization is 
required as set forth in Sec.  199.4(b). Medical care described in the 
plan must meet the requirements of medical and psychological necessity. 
A treatment plan must include, at a minimum, a diagnosis (either 
current International Statistical Classification of Diseases and 
Related Health Problems (ICD) or current Diagnostic and Statistical 
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)); detailed reports of prior treatment, 
medical history, family history, social history, and physical 
examination; diagnostic test results; consultant's reports (if any); 
proposed treatment by type (such as surgical, medical, and 
psychiatric); a description of who is or will be providing treatment 
(by discipline or specialty); anticipated frequency, medications, and 
specific goals of treatment; type of inpatient facility required and 
why (including length of time the related inpatient stay will be 
required); and prognosis. If the treatment plan involves the transfer 
of a CHAMPUS patient from a hospital or another inpatient facility, 
medical records related to that inpatient stay also are required as a 
part of the treatment plan documentation.
* * * * *

0
3. Section 199.4 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(11);
0
b. Removing and reserving paragraph (a)(12);
0
c. Adding paragraphs (a)(14), (b)(1)(vi), (b)(2)(xix) and (xx), and 
(b)(3)(xvi) and (xvii);
0
d. Removing paragraphs (b)(4)(viii) and (ix);
0
e. Removing and reserving paragraphs (b)(6)(iii) and (iv);
0
f. Revising paragraph (b)(7) introductory text;
0
g. Revising paragraphs (b)(8), (9), and (10);
0
h. Adding paragraph (b)(11);
0
i. Revising paragraph (c)(3)(ix);
0
j. Removing and reserving paragraphs (e)(4) and (e)(7);
0
k. Revising paragraph (e)(8)(ii)(A);
0
l. Adding paragraph (e)(8)(ii)(D);
0
m. Removing and reserving paragraph (e)(8)(iv)(P);
0
n. Revising paragraphs (e)(8)(iv)(Q) and (R);
0
o. Revising paragraph (e)(11) introductory text
0
p. Revising paragraph (e)(13)(i)(B);
0
q. Removing paragraph (e)(30)(iii);
0
r. Revising paragraph (f)(2)(ii) introductory text;
0
s. Removing paragraph (f)(2)(ii)(D);

[[Page 61087]]

0
t. Removing and reserving paragraph (f)(2)(v);
0
u. Revising paragraph (f)(3)(ii);
0
v. Removing paragraph (f)(3)(iv);
0
w. Revising paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(29);
0
x. Removing and reserving paragraph (g)(72); and
0
y. Revising paragraph (g)(73).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  199.4  Basic program benefits.

    (a) * * *
    (1)(i) Scope of benefits. Subject to all applicable definitions, 
conditions, limitations, or exclusions specified in this part, the 
CHAMPUS Basic Program will pay for medically or psychologically 
necessary services and supplies required in the diagnosis and treatment 
of illness or injury, including maternity care and well-baby care. 
Benefits include specified medical services and supplies provided to 
eligible beneficiaries from authorized civilian sources such as 
hospitals, other authorized institutional providers, physicians, other 
authorized individual professional providers, and professional 
ambulance service, prescription drugs, authorized medical supplies, and 
rental or purchase of durable medical equipment.
* * * * *
    (11) Quality and Utilization Review Peer Review Organization 
program. All benefits under the CHAMPUS program are subject to review 
under the CHAMPUS Quality and Utilization Review Peer Review 
Organization program pursuant to Sec 199.15.
* * * * *
    (14) Confidentiality of substance use disorder treatment. Release 
of any patient identifying information, including that required to 
adjudicate a claim, must comply with the provisions of section 543 of 
the Public Health Service Act, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 290dd-2), and 
implementing regulations at 42 CFR part 2, which governs the release of 
medical and other information from the records of patients undergoing 
treatment of substance use disorder. If the patient refuses to 
authorize the release of medical records which are, in the opinion of 
the Director, Defense Health Agency, or a designee, necessary to 
determine benefits on a claim for treatment of substance use disorder, 
the claim will be denied.
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (vi) Substance use disorder treatment exclusions. (A) The 
programmed use of physical measures, such as electric shock, alcohol, 
or other drugs as negative reinforcement (aversion therapy) is not 
covered, even if recommended by a physician.
    (B) Domiciliary settings. Domiciliary facilities generally referred 
to as halfway or quarterway houses are not authorized providers and 
charges for services provided by these facilities are not covered.
    (2) * * *
    (xix) Medication assisted treatment. Covered drugs and medicines 
for the treatment of substance use disorder include the substitution of 
a therapeutic drug, with addictive potential, for a drug addiction when 
medically or psychologically necessary and appropriate medical care for 
a beneficiary undergoing supervised treatment for a substance use 
disorder.
    (xx) Withdrawal management (detoxification). For a beneficiary 
undergoing treatment for a substance use disorder, this includes 
management of a patient's withdrawal symptoms (detoxification).
    (3) * * *
    (xvi) Medication assisted treatment. Covered drugs and medicines 
for the treatment of substance use disorder include the substitution of 
a therapeutic drug, with addictive potential, for a drug addiction when 
medically or psychologically necessary and appropriate medical care for 
a beneficiary undergoing supervised treatment for a substance use 
disorder.
    (xvii) Withdrawal management (detoxification). For a beneficiary 
undergoing treatment for a substance use disorder, this includes 
management of a patient's withdrawal symptoms (detoxification).
* * * * *
    (7) Emergency inpatient hospital services. In the case of a medical 
emergency, benefits can be extended for medically necessary inpatient 
services and supplies provided to a beneficiary by a hospital, 
including hospitals that do not meet CHAMPUS standards or comply with 
the nondiscrimination requirements under title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act and other nondiscrimination laws applicable to recipients of 
federal financial assistance, or satisfy other conditions herein set 
forth. In a medical emergency, medically necessary inpatient services 
and supplies are those that are necessary to prevent the death or 
serious impairment of the health of the patient, and that, because of 
the threat to the life or health of the patient, necessitate, the use 
of the most accessible hospital available and equipped to furnish such 
services. Emergency services are covered when medically necessary for 
the active medical treatment of the acute phases of substance 
withdrawal (detoxification), for stabilization and for treatment of 
medical complications for substance use disorder. The availability of 
benefits depends upon the following three separate findings and 
continues only as long as the emergency exists, as determined by 
medical review. If the case qualified as an emergency at the time of 
admission to an unauthorized institutional provider and the emergency 
subsequently is determined no longer to exist, benefits will be 
extended up through the date of notice to the beneficiary and provider 
that CHAMPUS benefits no longer are payable in that hospital.
* * * * *
    (8) Residential treatment for substance use disorder--(i) In 
general. Rehabilitative care, to include withdrawal management 
(detoxification), in an inpatient residential setting of an authorized 
hospital or substance use disorder rehabilitative facility, whether 
free-standing or hospital-based, is covered on a residential basis. The 
medical necessity for the management of withdrawal symptoms must be 
documented. Any withdrawal management (detoxification) services 
provided by the substance use disorder rehabilitation facility must be 
under general medical supervision.
    (ii) Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of 
residential treatment for substance use disorder. Residential treatment 
for substance use disorder will be considered necessary only if all of 
the following conditions are present:
    (A) The patient has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
    (B) The patient is experiencing withdrawal symptoms or potential 
symptoms severe enough to require inpatient care and physician 
management, or who have less severe symptoms that require 24-hour 
inpatient monitoring or the patient's addiction-related symptoms, or 
concomitant physical and emotional/behavioral problems reflect 
persistent dysfunction in several major life areas.
    (iii) Services and supplies. The following services and supplies 
are included in the per diem rate approved for an authorized 
residential treatment for substance use disorder.
    (A) Room and board. Includes use of the residential treatment 
program facilities such as food service (including special diets), 
laundry services, supervised therapeutically constructed recreational 
and social activities, and other general services as considered

[[Page 61088]]

appropriate by the Director, or a designee.
    (B) Patient assessment. Includes the assessment of each individual 
accepted by the facility, and must, at a minimum, consist of a physical 
examination; psychiatric examination; psychological assessment; 
assessment of physiological, biological and cognitive processes; case 
management assessment; developmental assessment; family history and 
assessment; social history and assessment; educational or vocational 
history and assessment; environmental assessment; and recreational/
activities assessment. Assessments conducted within 30 days prior to 
admission to a residential treatment program for substance use disorder 
(SUD) may be used if approved and deemed adequate to permit treatment 
planning by the residential treatment program for SUD.
    (C) Psychological testing. Psychological testing is provided based 
on medical and psychological necessity.
    (D) Treatment services. All services, supplies, equipment and space 
necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's individualized 
diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services must be 
provided by a TRICARE authorized individual professional provider of 
mental health services. [Exception: Residential treatment programs that 
employ individuals with master's or doctoral level degrees in a mental 
health discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, and 
experience requirements for a qualified mental health provider but are 
actively working toward licensure or certification may provide services 
within the all-inclusive per diem rate, but such individuals must work 
under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health 
provider employed by the facility.]
    (iv) Case management required. The facility must provide case 
management that helps to assure arrangement of community based support 
services, referral of suspected child or elder abuse or domestic 
violence to the appropriate state agencies, and effective after care 
arrangements, at a minimum.
    (v) Professional mental health benefits. Professional mental health 
benefits are billed separately from the residential treatment program 
per diem rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized 
mental health professional who is not an employee of, or under contract 
with, the program for purposes of providing clinical patient care.
    (vi) Non-mental health related medical services. Separate billing 
will be allowed for otherwise covered non-mental health related 
services.
    (9) Psychiatric and substance use disorder partial hospitalization 
services--(i) In general. Partial hospitalization services are those 
services furnished by a TRICARE authorized partial hospitalization 
program and authorized mental health providers for the active treatment 
of a mental disorder. All services must follow a medical model and vest 
patient care under the general direction of a licensed TRICARE 
authorized physician employed by the partial hospitalization program to 
ensure medication and physical needs of all the patients are 
considered. The primary or attending provider must be a TRICARE 
authorized mental health provider (see paragraph (c)(3)(ix) of this 
section), operating within the scope of his/her license. These 
categories include physicians, clinical psychologists, certified 
psychiatric nurse specialists, clinical social workers, marriage and 
family counselors, TRICARE certified mental health counselors, pastoral 
counselors, and supervised mental health counselors. All categories 
practice independently except pastoral counselors and supervised mental 
health counselors who must practice under the supervision of TRICARE 
authorized physicians. Partial hospitalization services and 
interventions are provided at a high degree of intensity and 
restrictiveness of care, with medical supervision and medication 
management. Partial hospitalization services are covered as a basic 
program benefit only if they are provided in accordance with paragraph 
(b)(9) of this section. Such programs must enter into a participation 
agreement with TRICARE; and be accredited and in substantial compliance 
with the specified standards of an accreditation organization approved 
by the Director.
    (ii) Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of 
psychiatric and SUD partial hospitalization services. Partial 
hospitalization services will be considered necessary only if all of 
the following conditions are present:
    (A) The patient is suffering significant impairment from a mental 
disorder (as defined in Sec.  199.2) which interferes with age 
appropriate functioning or the patient is in need of rehabilitative 
services for the management of withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, 
sedative-hypnotics, opioids, or stimulants that require medically-
monitored ambulatory detoxification, with direct access to medical 
services and clinically intensive programming of rehabilitative care 
based on individual treatment plans.
    (B) The patient is unable to maintain himself or herself in the 
community, with appropriate support, at a sufficient level of 
functioning to permit an adequate course of therapy exclusively on an 
outpatient basis, to include outpatient treatment program, outpatient 
office visits, or intensive outpatient services (but is able, with 
appropriate support, to maintain a basic level of functioning to permit 
partial hospitalization services and presents no substantial imminent 
risk of harm to self or others). These patients require medical 
support; however, they do not require a 24-hour medical environment.
    (C) The patient is in need of crisis stabilization, acute symptom 
reduction, treatment of partially stabilized mental health disorders, 
or services as a transition from an inpatient program.
    (D) The admission into the partial hospitalization program is based 
on the development of an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan 
expected to be effective for that patient and permit treatment at a 
less intensive level.
    (iii) Services and supplies. The following services and supplies 
are included in the per diem rate approved for an authorized partial 
hospitalization program:
    (A) Board. Includes use of the partial hospital facilities such as 
food service, supervised therapeutically constructed recreational and 
social activities, and other general services as considered appropriate 
by the Director, or a designee.
    (B) Patient assessment. Includes the assessment of each individual 
accepted by the facility, and must, at a minimum, consist of a physical 
examination; psychiatric examination; psychological assessment; 
assessment of physiological, biological and cognitive processes; case 
management assessment; developmental assessment; family history and 
assessment; social history and assessment; educational or vocational 
history and assessment; environmental assessment; and recreational/
activities assessment. Assessments conducted within 30 days prior to 
admission to a partial program may be used if approved and deemed 
adequate to permit treatment planning by the partial hospital program.
    (C) Psychological testing. Treatment services. All services, 
supplies, equipment and space necessary to fulfill the requirements of 
each patient's individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental 
health services must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual 
professional provider of

[[Page 61089]]

mental health services. [Exception: partial hospitalization programs 
that employ individuals with master's or doctoral level degrees in a 
mental health discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, 
and experience requirements for a qualified mental health provider but 
are actively working toward licensure or certification, may provide 
services within the all-inclusive per diem rate, but such individuals 
must work under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental 
health provider employed by the partial hospitalization program.]
    (iv) Case management required. The facility must provide case 
management that helps to assure the patient appropriate living 
arrangements after treatment hours, transportation to and from the 
facility, arrangement of community based support services, referral of 
suspected child or elder abuse or domestic violence to the appropriate 
state agencies, and effective after care arrangements, at a minimum.
    (v) Educational services required. Programs treating children and 
adolescents must ensure the provision of a state certified educational 
component which assures that patients do not fall behind in educational 
placement while receiving partial hospital treatment. CHAMPUS will not 
fund the cost of educational services separately from the per diem 
rate. The hours devoted to education do not count toward the 
therapeutic intensive outpatient program or full day program.
    (vi) Family therapy required. The facility must ensure the 
provision of an active family therapy treatment component, which 
assures that each patient and family participate at least weekly in 
family therapy provided by the institution and rendered by a TRICARE 
authorized individual professional provider of mental health services. 
There is no acceptable substitute for family therapy. An exception to 
this requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Clinical 
Director, or designee, only if family therapy is clinically 
contraindicated.
    (vii) Professional mental health benefits. Professional mental 
health benefits are billed separately from the partial hospitalization 
per diem rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized 
mental health professional who is not an employee of, or under contract 
with, the partial hospitalization program for purposes of providing 
clinical patient care.
    (viii) Non-mental health related medical services. Separate billing 
will be allowed for otherwise covered, non-mental health related 
medical services.
    (10) Intensive psychiatric and substance use disorder outpatient 
services--(i) In general. Intensive outpatient services are those 
services furnished by a TRICARE authorized intensive outpatient program 
and qualified mental health provider(s) for the active treatment of a 
mental disorder, to include substance use disorder.
    (ii) Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of 
intensive outpatient services. In determining the medical or 
psychological necessity of intensive outpatient services, the 
evaluation conducted by the Director, or designee, shall consider the 
appropriate level of care, based on the patient's clinical needs and 
characteristics matched to a service's structure and intensity. In 
addition to the criteria set for this paragraph (b)(10) of this 
section, additional evaluation standards, consistent with such 
criteria, may be adopted by the Director, or designee. Treatment in an 
intensive outpatient setting shall not be considered necessary unless 
the patient requires care that is more intensive than an outpatient 
treatment program or outpatient office visits and less intensive than 
inpatient psychiatric care or a partial hospital program. Intensive 
outpatient services will be considered necessary only if the following 
conditions are present:
    (A) The patient is suffering significant impairment from a mental 
disorder, to include a substance use disorder (as defined in Sec.  
199.2), which interferes with age appropriate functioning. Patients 
receiving a higher intensity of treatment may be experiencing moderate 
to severe instability, exacerbation of severe/persistent disorder, or 
dangerousness with some risk of confinement. Patients receiving a lower 
intensity of treatment may be experiencing mild instability with 
limited dangerousness and low risk for confinement.
    (B) The patient is unable to maintain himself or herself in the 
community, with appropriate support, at a sufficient level of 
functioning to permit an adequate course of therapy exclusively in an 
outpatient treatment program or an outpatient office basis (but is 
able, with appropriate support, to maintain a basic level of 
functioning to permit a level of intensive outpatient treatment and 
presents no substantial imminent risk of harm to self or others).
    (C) The patient is in need of stabilization, symptom reduction, and 
prevention of relapse for chronic mental illness. The goal of 
maintenance of his or her functioning within the community cannot be 
met by outpatient office visits, but requires active treatment in a 
stable, staff-supported environment;
    (D) The admission into the intensive outpatient program is based on 
the development of an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan 
expected to be effective for that patient and permit treatment at a 
less intensive level.
    (iii) Services and supplies. The following services and supplies 
are included in the per diem rate approved for an authorized intensive 
outpatient program.
    (A) Patient assessment. Includes the assessment of each individual 
accepted by the facility.
    (B) Treatment services. All services, supplies, equipment, and 
space necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's 
individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services 
must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual qualified mental 
health provider. [Exception: Intensive outpatient programs that employ 
individuals with master's or doctoral level degrees in a mental health 
discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, and experience 
requirements for a qualified mental health provider but are actively 
working toward licensure or certification, may provide services within 
the all-inclusive per diem rate but such individuals must work under 
the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health provider 
employed by the facility.]
    (iv) Case management. When appropriate, and with the consent of the 
person served, the facility should coordinate the care, treatment, or 
services, including providing coordinated treatment with other 
services.
    (v) Professional mental health benefits. Professional mental health 
benefits are billed separately from the intensive outpatient per diem 
rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized qualified 
mental health provider who is not an employee of, or under contract 
with, the program for purposes of providing clinical patient care.
    (vi) Non-mental health related medical services. Separate billing 
will be allowed for otherwise covered, non-mental health related 
medical services.
    (11) Opioid treatment programs--(i) In general. Outpatient 
treatment and management of withdrawal symptoms for substance use 
disorder provided at a TRICARE authorized opioid treatment program are 
covered. If the patient is medically in need of management of 
withdrawal symptoms, but does not

[[Page 61090]]

require the personnel or facilities of a general hospital setting, 
services for management of withdrawal symptoms are covered. The medical 
necessity for the management of withdrawal symptoms must be documented. 
Any services to manage withdrawal symptoms provided by the opioid 
treatment program must be under general medical supervision.
    (ii) Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of 
an opioid treatment program are set forth in 42 CFR part 8.
    (iii) Services and supplies. The following services and supplies 
are included in the reimbursement approved for an authorized opioid 
treatment program.
    (A) Patient assessment. Includes the assessment of each individual 
accepted by the facility.
    (B) Treatment services. All services, supplies, equipment, and 
space necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's 
individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services 
must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual professional 
provider of mental health services. [Exception: opioid treatment 
programs that employ individuals with degrees in a mental health 
discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, and experience 
requirements for a qualified mental health provider but work under the 
clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health provider 
employed by the facility.]
    (iv) Case management. Care, treatment, or services should be 
coordinated among providers and between settings, independent of 
whether they are provided directly by the organization or by an 
organization or by an outside source, so that the individual's needs 
are addressed in a seamless, synchronized, and timely manner.
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ix) Treatment of mental disorders, to include substance use 
disorder. In order to qualify for CHAMPUS mental health benefits, the 
patient must be diagnosed by a TRICARE authorized qualified mental 
health professional practicing within the scope of his or her license 
to be suffering from a mental disorder, as defined in Sec.  199.2
    (A) Covered diagnostic and therapeutic services. CHAMPUS benefits 
are payable for the following services when rendered in the diagnosis 
or treatment of a covered mental disorder by a TRICARE authorized 
qualified mental health provider practicing within the scope of his or 
her license. Qualified mental health providers are: Psychiatrists or 
other physicians; clinical psychologists, certified psychiatric nurse 
specialists, certified clinical social workers, certified marriage and 
family therapists, TRICARE certified mental health counselors, pastoral 
counselors under a physician's supervision, and supervised mental 
health counselors under a physician's supervision.
    (1) Individual psychotherapy, adult or child. A covered individual 
psychotherapy session is no more than 60 minutes in length. An 
individual psychotherapy session of up to 120 minutes in length is 
payable for crisis intervention.
    (2) Group psychotherapy. A covered group psychotherapy session is 
no more than 90 minutes in length.
    (3) Family or conjoint psychotherapy. A covered family or conjoint 
psychotherapy session is no more than 90 minutes in length. A family or 
conjoint psychotherapy session of up to 180 minutes in length is 
payable for crisis intervention.
    (4) Psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is covered when provided by a 
graduate or candidate of a psychoanalytic training institution 
recognized by the American Psychoanalytic Association and when 
preauthorized by the Director, or a designee.
    (5) Psychological testing and assessment. Psychological testing and 
assessment is covered when medically or psychologically necessary. 
Psychological testing and assessment performed as part of an assessment 
for academic placement are not covered.
    (6) Administration of psychotropic drugs. When prescribed by an 
authorized provider qualified by licensure to prescribe drugs.
    (7) Electroconvulsive treatment. When provided in accordance with 
guidelines issued by the Director.
    (8) Collateral visits. Covered collateral visits are those that are 
medically or psychologically necessary for the treatment of the 
patient.
    (9) Medication assisted treatment. Medication assisted treatment, 
combining pharmacotherapy and holistic care, to include provision in 
office-based opioid treatment by an authorized TRICARE provider, is 
covered. The practice of an individual physician in office-based 
treatment is regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services' 
42 CFR 8.12, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and the 
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with individual state and 
local regulations.
    (B) Therapeutic settings--(1) Outpatient psychotherapy. Outpatient 
psychotherapy generally is covered for individual, family, conjoint, 
collateral, and/or group sessions.
    (2) Inpatient psychotherapy. Coverage of inpatient psychotherapy is 
based on medical or psychological necessity for the services identified 
in the patient's treatment plan.
    (C) Covered ancillary therapies. Includes art, music, dance, 
occupational, and other ancillary therapies, when included by the 
attending provider in an approved inpatient, SUDRF, residential 
treatment, partial hospital, or intensive outpatient program treatment 
plan and under the clinical supervision of a qualified mental health 
professional. These ancillary therapies are not separately reimbursed 
professional services but are included within the institutional 
reimbursement.
    (D) Review of claims for treatment of mental disorder. The Director 
shall establish and maintain procedures for review, including 
professional review, of the services provided for the treatment of 
mental disorders.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (8) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) For purposes of CHAMPUS, dental congenital anomalies such as 
absent tooth buds or malocclusion specifically are excluded.
* * * * *
    (D) Any procedures related to sex gender changes, except as 
provided in paragraph (g)(29) of this section, are excluded.
* * * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (Q)) Penile implant procedure for psychological impotency or as 
related to sex gender changes, as prohibited by section 1079 of title 
10, United States Code.
    (R) Insertion of prosthetic testicles as related to sex gender 
changes, as prohibited by section 1079 of title 10, United States Code.
* * * * *
    (11) Drug abuse. Under the Basic Program, benefits may be extended 
for medically necessary prescription drugs required in the treatment of 
an illness or injury or in connection with maternity care (refer to 
paragraph (d) of this section). However, TRICARE benefits cannot be 
authorized to support or maintain an existing or potential drug abuse 
situation whether or not the drugs (under other circumstances) are 
eligible for benefit consideration and whether or not obtained by legal 
means. Drugs, including the substitution of a therapeutic drug with 
addictive

[[Page 61091]]

potential for a drug of addiction, prescribed to beneficiaries 
undergoing medically supervised treatment for a substance use disorder 
as authorized under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section are not 
considered to be in support of, or to maintain, an existing or 
potential drug abuse situation and are allowed. The Director may 
prescribe appropriate policies to implement this prescription drug 
benefit for those undergoing medically supervised treatment for a 
substance use disorder.
* * * * *
    (13) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) Home care is not suitable. Institutionalization of a child 
because a parent (or parents) is unable to provide a safe and nurturing 
environment due to a mental or substance use disorder, or because 
someone in the home has a contagious disease, are examples of why 
domiciliary care is being provided because the home setting is 
unsuitable.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Inpatient cost-sharing. Dependents of members of the Uniformed 
Services are responsible for the payment of the first $25 of the 
allowable institutional costs incurred with each covered inpatient 
admission to a hospital or other authorized institutional provider 
(refer to Sec.  199.6, including inpatient admission to a residential 
treatment center, substance use disorder rehabilitation facility 
residential treatment program, or skilled nursing facility), or the 
amount the beneficiary or sponsor would have been charged had the 
inpatient care been provided in a Uniformed Service hospital, whichever 
is greater.
    Note: The Secretary of Defense (after consulting with the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Transportation) 
prescribes the fair charges for inpatient hospital care provided 
through Uniformed Services medical facilities. This determination is 
made each fiscal year.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) Inpatient cost-sharing. Inpatient admissions to a hospital or 
other authorized institutional provider (refer to Sec.  199.6, 
including inpatient admission to a residential treatment center, 
substance use disorder rehabilitation facility residential treatment 
program, or skilled nursing facility) shall be cost-shared on an 
inpatient basis. The cost-sharing for inpatient services subject to the 
TRICARE DRG-based payment system and the TRICARE per diem system shall 
be the lesser of the respective per diem copayment amount multiplied by 
the total number of days in the hospital (except for the day of 
discharge under the DRG payment system), or 25 percent of the 
hospital's billed charges. For other inpatient services, the cost-share 
shall be 25% of the CHAMPUS-determined allowable charges.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) Not medically or psychologically necessary. Services and 
supplies that are not medically or psychologically necessary for the 
diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder, 
to include substance use disorder) or injury, for the diagnosis and 
treatment of pregnancy or well-baby care except as provided in the 
following paragraph.
* * * * *
    (29) Sex gender changes. Services and supplies related to sex 
gender change, also referred to as sex reassignment surgery, as 
prohibited by section 1079 of title 10, United States Code. This 
exclusion does not apply to surgery and related medically necessary 
services performed to correct sex gender confusion/intersex conditions 
(that is, ambiguous genitalia) which has been documented to be present 
at birth.
* * * * *
    (73) Economic interest in connection with mental health admissions. 
Inpatient mental health services (including both acute care and RTC 
services) are excluded for care received when a patient is referred to 
a provider of such services by a physician (or other health care 
professional with authority to admit) who has an economic interest in 
the facility to which the patient is referred, unless a waiver is 
granted. Requests for waiver shall be considered under the same 
procedure and based on the same criteria as used for obtaining 
preadmission authorization (or continued stay authorization for 
emergency admissions), with the only additional requirement being that 
the economic interest be disclosed as part of the request. This 
exclusion does not apply to services under the Extended Care Health 
Option (ECHO) in Sec.  199.5 or provided as partial hospital care. If a 
situation arises where a decision is made to exclude CHAMPUS payment 
solely on the basis of the provider's economic interest, the normal 
CHAMPUS appeals process will be available.
* * * * *

0
4. Section 199.6 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(4)(iv)(B) and 
(D), (b)(4)(vii), (b)(4)(xii), and (b)(4)(xiv), and adding paragraphs 
(b)(4)(xviii) and (xix) to read as follows:


Sec.  199.6  TRICARE-authorized providers.

    (b) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (B) In order for the services of a psychiatric hospital to be 
covered, the hospital shall comply with the provisions outlined in 
paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section. All psychiatric hospitals shall be 
accredited under an accrediting organization approved by the Director, 
in order for their services to be cost-shared under CHAMPUS. In the 
case of those psychiatric hospitals that are not accredited because 
they have not been in operation a sufficient period of time to be 
eligible to request an accreditation survey, the Director, or a 
designee, may grant temporary approval if the hospital is certified and 
participating under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare, 
Part A). This temporary approval expires 12 months from the date on 
which the psychiatric hospital first becomes eligible to request an 
accreditation survey by an accrediting organization approved by the 
Director.
* * * * *
    (D) Although psychiatric hospitals are accredited under an 
accrediting organization approved by Director, their medical records 
must be maintained in accordance with accrediting organization's 
current standards manual, along with the requirements set forth in 
Sec.  199.7(b)(3). The hospital is responsible for assuring that 
patient services and all treatment are accurately documented and 
completed in a timely manner.
* * * * *
    (vii) Residential treatment centers. This paragraph (b)(4)(vii) 
establishes the definition of and eligibility standards and 
requirements for residential treatment centers (RTCs).
    (A) Organization and administration--(1) Definition. A Residential 
Treatment Center (RTC) is a facility or a distinct part of a facility 
that provides to beneficiaries under 21 years of age a medically 
supervised, interdisciplinary program of mental health treatment. An 
RTC is appropriate for patients whose predominant symptom presentation 
is essentially stabilized, although not resolved, and who have 
persistent dysfunction in major life areas. Residential treatment may 
be complemented by family therapy and case management for community 
based resources. Discharge planning should support transitional care 
for the patient and family, to

[[Page 61092]]

include resources available in the geographic area where the patient 
will be residing. The extent and pervasiveness of the patient's 
problems require a protected and highly structured therapeutic 
environment. Residential treatment is differentiated from:
    (i) Acute psychiatric care, which requires medical treatment and 
24-hour availability of a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic 
services to establish and implement an effective plan of care which 
will reverse life-threatening and/or severely incapacitating symptoms;
    (ii) Partial hospitalization, which provides a less than 24-hour-
per-day, seven-day-per-week treatment program for patients who continue 
to exhibit psychiatric problems but can function with support in some 
of the major life areas;
    (iii) A group home, which is a professionally directed living 
arrangement with the availability of psychiatric consultation and 
treatment for patients with significant family dysfunction and/or 
chronic but stable psychiatric disturbances;
    (iv) Therapeutic school, which is an educational program 
supplemented by psychological and psychiatric services;
    (v) Facilities that treat patients with a primary diagnosis of 
substance use disorder; and
    (vi) Facilities providing care for patients with a primary 
diagnosis of mental retardation or developmental disability.
    (2) Eligibility. (i) In order to qualify as a TRICARE authorized 
provider, every RTC must meet the minimum basic standards set forth in 
paragraphs (b)(4)(vii)(A) through (C) of this section, and as well as 
such additional elaborative criteria and standards as the Director 
determines are necessary to implement the basic standards.
    (ii) To qualify as a TRICARE authorized provider, the facility is 
required to be licensed and operate in substantial compliance with 
state and federal regulations.
    (iii) The facility is currently accredited by an accrediting 
organization approved by the Director.
    (iv) The facility has a written participation agreement with 
OCHAMPUS. The RTC is not a CHAMPUS-authorized provider and CHAMPUS 
benefits are not paid for services provided until the date upon which a 
participation agreement is signed by the Director.
    (B) Participation agreement requirements. In addition to other 
requirements set forth in this paragraph (b)(4)(vii), for the services 
of an RTC to be authorized, the RTC shall have entered into a 
Participation Agreement with OCHAMPUS. The period of a participation 
agreement shall be specified in the agreement, and will generally be 
for not more than five years. In addition to review of a facility's 
application and supporting documentation, an on-site inspection by 
OCHAMPUS authorized personnel may be required prior to signing a 
Participation Agreement. Retroactive approval is not given. In 
addition, the Participation Agreement shall include provisions that the 
RTC shall, at a minimum:
    (1) Render residential treatment center inpatient services to 
eligible CHAMPUS beneficiaries in need of such services, in accordance 
with the participation agreement and CHAMPUS regulation;
    (2) Accept payment for its services based upon the methodology 
provided in Sec.  199.14(f) or such other method as determined by the 
Director;
    (3) Accept the CHAMPUS all-inclusive per diem rate as payment in 
full and collect from the CHAMPUS beneficiary or the family of the 
CHAMPUS beneficiary only those amounts that represent the beneficiary's 
liability, as defined in Sec.  199.4, and charges for services and 
supplies that are not a benefit of CHAMPUS;
    (4) Make all reasonable efforts acceptable to the Director, to 
collect those amounts, which represents the beneficiary's liability, as 
defined in Sec.  199.4;
    (5) Comply with the provisions of Sec.  199.8, and submit claims 
first to all health insurance coverage to which the beneficiary is 
entitled that is primary to CHAMPUS;
    (6) Submit claims for services provided to CHAMPUS beneficiaries at 
least every 30 days (except to the extent a delay is necessitated by 
efforts to first collect from other health insurance). If claims are 
not submitted at least every 30 days, the RTC agrees not to bill the 
beneficiary or the beneficiary's family for any amounts disallowed by 
CHAMPUS;
    (7) Certify that:
    (i) It is and will remain in compliance with the TRICARE standards 
and provisions of paragraph (b)(4)(vii) of this section establishing 
standards for Residential Treatment Centers; and
    (ii) It will maintain compliance with the CHAMPUS Standards for 
Residential Treatment Centers Serving Children and Adolescents with 
Mental Disorders, as issued by the Director, except for any such 
standards regarding which the facility notifies the Director that it is 
not in compliance.
    (8) Designate an individual who will act as liaison for CHAMPUS 
inquiries. The RTC shall inform OCHAMPUS in writing of the designated 
individual;
    (9) Furnish OCHAMPUS, as requested by OCHAMPUS, with cost data 
certified by an independent accounting firm or other agency as 
authorized by the Director, OCHAMPUS;
    (10) Comply with all requirements of this section applicable to 
institutional providers generally concerning accreditation 
requirements, preauthorization, concurrent care review, claims 
processing, beneficiary liability, double coverage, utilization and 
quality review, and other matters;
    (11) Grant the Director, or designee, the right to conduct quality 
assurance audits or accounting audits with full access to patients and 
records (including records relating to patients who are not CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries) to determine the quality and cost-effectiveness of care 
rendered. The audits may be conducted on a scheduled or unscheduled 
(unannounced) basis. This right to audit/review includes, but is not 
limited to:
    (i) Examination of fiscal and all other records of the RTC which 
would confirm compliance with the participation agreement and 
designation as a TRICARE authorized RTC;
    (ii) Conducting such audits of RTC records including clinical, 
financial, and census records, as may be necessary to determine the 
nature of the services being provided, and the basis for charges and 
claims against the United States for services provided CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries;
    (iii) Examining reports of evaluations and inspections conducted by 
federal, state and local government, and private agencies and 
organizations;
    (iv) Conducting on-site inspections of the facilities of the RTC 
and interviewing employees, members of the staff, contractors, board 
members, volunteers, and patients, as required;
    (v) Audits conducted by the United States Government Accountability 
Office.
    (C) Other requirements applicable to RTCs. (1) Even though an RTC 
may qualify as a TRICARE authorized provider and may have entered into 
a participation agreement with CHAMPUS, payment by CHAMPUS for 
particular services provided is contingent upon the RTC also meeting 
all conditions set forth in Sec.  199.4 especially all requirements of 
Sec.  199.4(b)(4).
    (2) The RTC shall provide inpatient services to CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries in the same manner it provides inpatient

[[Page 61093]]

services to all other patients. The RTC may not discriminate against 
CHAMPUS beneficiaries in any manner, including admission practices, 
placement in special or separate wings or rooms, or provisions of 
special or limited treatment.
    (3) The RTC shall assure that all certifications and information 
provided to the Director, incident to the process of obtaining and 
retaining authorized provider status is accurate and that it has no 
material errors or omissions. In the case of any misrepresentations, 
whether by inaccurate information being provided or material facts 
withheld, authorized status will be denied or terminated, and the RTC 
will be ineligible for consideration for authorized provider status for 
a two year period.
* * * * *
    (xii) Psychiatric and substance use disorder partial 
hospitalization programs. This paragraph (b)(4)(xii) establishes the 
definition of and eligibility standards and requirements for 
psychiatric and substance use disorder partial hospitalization 
programs.
    (A) Organization and administration--(1) Definition. Partial 
hospitalization is defined as a time-limited, ambulatory, active 
treatment program that offers therapeutically intensive, coordinated, 
and structured clinical services within a stable therapeutic milieu. 
Partial hospitalization programs serve patients who exhibit psychiatric 
symptoms, disturbances of conduct, and decompensating conditions 
affecting mental health. Partial hospitalization is appropriate for 
those whose psychiatric and addiction-related symptoms or concomitant 
physical and emotional/behavioral problems can be managed outside the 
hospital for defined periods of time with support in one or more of the 
major life areas. A partial hospitalization program for the treatment 
of substance use disorders is an addiction-focused service that 
provides active treatment to children and adolescents, or adults aged 
18 and over.
    (2) Eligibility. (i) To qualify as a TRICARE authorized provider, 
every partial hospitalization program must meet minimum basic standards 
set forth in paragraphs (b)(4)(xii)(A) through (D) of this section, as 
well as such additional elaborative criteria and standards as the 
Director determines are necessary to implement the basic standards. 
Each partial hospitalization program must be either a distinct part of 
an otherwise-authorized institutional provider or a free-standing 
program. Approval of a hospital by TRICARE is sufficient for its 
partial hospitalization program to be an authorized TRICARE provider. 
Such hospital-based partial hospitalization programs are not required 
to be separately authorized by TRICARE.
    (ii) To be approved as a TRICARE authorized provider, the facility 
is required to be licensed and operate in substantial compliance with 
state and federal regulations.
    (iii) The facility is required to be currently accredited by an 
accrediting organization approved by the Director. Each PHP authorized 
to treat substance use disorder must be accredited to provide the level 
of required treatment by an accreditation body approved by the 
Director.
    (iv) The facility is required to have a written participation 
agreement with OCHAMPUS. The PHP is not a CHAMPUS-authorized provider 
and CHAMPUS benefits are not paid for services provided until the date 
upon which a participation agreement is signed by the Director.
    (B) Participation agreement requirements. In addition to other 
requirements set forth in this paragraph (b)(4)(xii), in order for the 
services of a PHP to be authorized, the PHP shall have entered into a 
Participation Agreement with OCHAMPUS. A single consolidated 
participation agreement is acceptable for all units of the TRICARE 
authorized facility granted that all programs meet the requirements of 
this part. The period of a Participation Agreement shall be specified 
in the agreement, and will generally be for not more than five years. 
The PHP shall not be considered to be a CHAMPUS authorized provider and 
CHAMPUS payments shall not be made for services provided by the PHP 
until the date the participation agreement is signed by the Director. 
In addition to review of a facility's application and supporting 
documentation, an on-site inspection by OCHAMPUS authorized personnel 
may be required prior to signing a participation agreement. The 
Participation Agreement shall include at least the following 
requirements:
    (1) Render partial hospitalization program services to eligible 
CHAMPUS beneficiaries in need of such services, in accordance with the 
participation agreement and CHAMPUS regulation.
    (2) Accept payment for its services based upon the methodology 
provided in Sec.  199.14, or such other method as determined by the 
Director;
    (3) Accept the CHAMPUS all-inclusive per diem rate as payment in 
full and collect from the CHAMPUS beneficiary or the family of the 
CHAMPUS beneficiary only those amounts that represent the beneficiary's 
liability, as defined in Sec.  199.4, and charges for services and 
supplies that are not a benefit of CHAMPUS;
    (4) Make all reasonable efforts acceptable to the Director to 
collect those amounts, which represent the beneficiary's liability, as 
defined in Sec.  199.4;
    (5) Comply with the provisions of Sec.  199.8, and submit claims 
first to all health insurance coverage to which the beneficiary is 
entitled that is primary to CHAMPUS;
    (6) Submit claims for services provided to CHAMPUS beneficiaries at 
least every 30 days (except to the extent a delay is necessitated by 
efforts to first collect from other health insurance). If claims are 
not submitted at least every 30 days, the PHP agrees not to bill the 
beneficiary or the beneficiary's family for any amounts disallowed by 
CHAMPUS;
    (7) Certify that:
    (i) It is and will remain in compliance with the TRICARE standards 
and provisions of paragraph (b)(4)(xii) of this section establishing 
standards for psychiatric and substance use disorder partial 
hospitalization programs; and
    (ii) It will maintain compliance with the CHAMPUS Standards for 
Psychiatric Substance Use Disorder Partial Hospitalization Programs, as 
issued by the Director, except for any such standards regarding which 
the facility notifies the Director, or designee, that it is not in 
compliance.
    (8) Designate an individual who will act as liaison for CHAMPUS 
inquiries. The PHP shall inform the Director, or designee, in writing 
of the designated individual;
    (9) Furnish OCHAMPUS, as requested by OCHAMPUS, with cost data 
certified by an independent accounting firm or other agency as 
authorized by the Director;
    (10) Comply with all requirements of this section applicable to 
institutional providers generally concerning accreditation 
requirements, preauthorization, concurrent care review, claims 
processing, beneficiary liability, double coverage, utilization and 
quality review, and other matters;
    (11) Grant the Director, or designee, the right to conduct quality 
assurance audits or accounting audits with full access to patients and 
records (including records relating to patients who are not CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries) to determine the quality and cost-effectiveness of care 
rendered. The audits may be conducted on a scheduled or unscheduled

[[Page 61094]]

(unannounced) basis. This right to audit/review includes, but is not 
limited to:
    (i) Examination of fiscal and all other records of the PHP which 
would confirm compliance with the participation agreement and 
designation as a TRICARE authorized PHP provider;
    (ii) Conducting such audits of PHP records including clinical, 
financial, and census records, as may be necessary to determine the 
nature of the services being provided, and the basis for charges and 
claims against the United States for services provided CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries;
    (iii) Examining reports of evaluations and inspections conducted by 
federal, state and local government, and private agencies and 
organizations;
    (iv) Conducting on-site inspections of the facilities of the PHP 
and interviewing employees, members of the staff, contractors, board 
members, volunteers, and patients, as required;
    (v) Audits conducted by the United States General Account Office.
    (C) Other requirements applicable to PHPs. (1) Even though a PHP 
may qualify as a TRICARE authorized provider and may have entered into 
a participation agreement with CHAMPUS, payment by CHAMPUS for 
particular services provided is contingent upon the PHP also meeting 
all conditions set forth in Sec.  199.4.
    (2) The PHP may not discriminate against CHAMPUS beneficiaries in 
any manner, including admission practices, placement in special or 
separate wings or rooms, or provisions of special or limited treatment.
    (3) The PHP shall assure that all certifications and information 
provided to the Director incident to the process of obtaining and 
retaining authorized provider status is accurate and that is has no 
material errors or omissions. In the case of any misrepresentations, 
whether by inaccurate information being provided or material facts 
withheld, authorized provider status will be denied or terminated, and 
the PHP will be ineligible for consideration for authorized provider 
status for a two year period.
* * * * *
    (xiv) Substance use disorder rehabilitation facilities. This 
paragraph (b)(4)(xiv) establishes the definition of eligibility 
standards and requirements for residential substance use disorder 
rehabilitation facilities (SUDRF).
    (A) Organization and administration--(1) Definition. A SUDRF is a 
residential or rehabilitation facility, or distinct part of a facility, 
that provides medically monitored, interdisciplinary addiction-focused 
treatment to beneficiaries who have psychoactive substance use 
disorders. Qualified health care professionals provide 24-hour, seven-
day-per-week, assessment, treatment, and evaluation. A SUDRF is 
appropriate for patients whose addiction-related symptoms, or 
concomitant physical and emotional/behavioral problems reflect 
persistent dysfunction in several major life areas. Residential or 
inpatient rehabilitation is differentiated from:
    (i) Acute psychoactive substance use treatment and from treatment 
of acute biomedical/emotional/behavioral problems; which problems are 
either life-threatening and/or severely incapacitating and often occur 
within the context of a discrete episode of addiction-related 
biomedical or psychiatric dysfunction;
    (ii) A partial hospitalization center, which serves patients who 
exhibit emotional/behavioral dysfunction but who can function in the 
community for defined periods of time with support in one or more of 
the major life areas;
    (iii) A group home, sober-living environment, halfway house, or 
three-quarter way house;
    (iv) Therapeutic schools, which are educational programs 
supplemented by addiction-focused services;
    (v) Facilities that treat patients with primary psychiatric 
diagnoses other than psychoactive substance use or dependence; and
    (vi) Facilities that care for patients with the primary diagnosis 
of mental retardation or developmental disability.
    (2) Eligibility. (i) In order to become a TRICARE authorized 
provider, every SUDRF must meet minimum basic standards set forth in 
paragraphs (b)(4)(xiv)(A) through (C) of this section, as well as such 
additional elaborative criteria and standards as the Director 
determines are necessary to implement the basic standards.
    (ii) To be approved as a TRICARE authorized provider, the SUDRF is 
required to be licensed and operate in substantial compliance with 
state and federal regulations.
    (iii) The SUDRF is currently accredited by an accrediting 
organization approved by the Director. Each SUDRF must be accredited to 
provide the level of required treatment by an accreditation body 
approved by the Director.
    (iv) The SUDRF has a written participation agreement with OCHAMPUS. 
The SUDRF is not considered a TRICARE authorized provider, and CHAMPUS 
benefits are not paid for services provided until the date upon which a 
participation agreement is signed by the Director.
    (B) Participation agreement requirements. In addition to other 
requirements set forth in this paragraph (b)(4)(xiv), in order for the 
services of an inpatient rehabilitation center for the treatment of 
substance use disorders to be authorized, the center shall have entered 
into a Participation Agreement with OCHAMPUS. A single consolidated 
participation agreement is acceptable for all units of the TRICARE 
authorized facility. The period of a Participation Agreement shall be 
specified in the agreement, and will generally be for not more than 
five years. The SUDRF shall not be considered to be a CHAMPUS 
authorized provider and CHAMPUS payments shall not be made for services 
provided by the SUDRF until the date the participation agreement is 
signed by the Director. In addition to review of the SUDRF's 
application and supporting documentation, an on-site visit by OCHAMPUS 
representatives may be part of the authorization process. In addition, 
such a Participation Agreement may not be signed until an SUDRF has 
been licensed and operational for at least six months. The 
Participation Agreement shall include at least the following 
requirements:
    (1) Render applicable services to eligible CHAMPUS beneficiaries in 
need of such services, in accordance with the participation agreement 
and CHAMPUS regulation;
    (2) Accept payment for its services based upon the methodology 
provided in Sec.  199.14, or such other method as determined by the 
Director;
    (3) Accept the CHAMPUS-determined rate as payment in full and 
collect from the CHAMPUS beneficiary or the family of the CHAMPUS 
beneficiary only those amounts that represent the beneficiary's 
liability, as defined in Sec.  199.4, and charges for services and 
supplies that are not a benefit of CHAMPUS;
    (4) Make all reasonable efforts acceptable to the Director to 
collect those amounts which represent the beneficiary's liability, as 
defined in Sec.  199.4;
    (5) Comply with the provisions of Sec.  199.8, and submit claims 
first to all health insurance coverage to which the beneficiary is 
entitled that is primary to CHAMPUS;
    (6) Furnish OCHAMPUS with cost data, as requested by OCHAMPUS, 
certified to by an independent accounting firm or other agency as 
authorized by the Director;
    (7) Certify that:
    (i) It is and will remain in compliance with the provisions of 
paragraph

[[Page 61095]]

(b)(4)(xiv) of the section establishing standards for substance use 
disorder rehabilitation facilities; and
    (ii) It has conducted a self-assessment of the facility's 
compliance with the CHAMPUS Standards for Substance Use Disorder 
Rehabilitation Facilities, as issued by the Director and notified the 
Director of any matter regarding which the facility is not in 
compliance with such standards; and
    (iii) It will maintain compliance with the CHAMPUS Standards for 
Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Facilities, as issued by the 
Director, except for any such standards regarding which the facility 
notifies the Director that it is not in compliance.
    (8) Designate an individual who will act as liaison for CHAMPUS 
inquiries. The SUDRF shall inform OCHAMPUS in writing of the designated 
individual;
    (9) Furnish OCHAMPUS, as requested by OCHAMPUS, with cost data 
certified by an independent accounting firm or other agency as 
authorized by the Director;
    (10) Comply with all requirements of this section applicable to 
institutional providers generally concerning accreditation 
requirements, preauthorization, concurrent care review, claims 
processing, beneficiary liability, double coverage, utilization and 
quality review, and other matters;
    (11) Grant the Director, or designee, the right to conduct quality 
assurance audits or accounting audits with full access to patients and 
records (including records relating to patients who are not CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries) to determine the quality and cost effectiveness of care 
rendered. The audits may be conducted on a scheduled or unscheduled 
(unannounced) basis. This right to audit/review included, but is not 
limited to:
    (i) Examination of fiscal and all other records of the center which 
would confirm compliance with the participation agreement and 
designation as an authorized TRICARE provider;
    (ii) Conducting such audits of center records including clinical, 
financial, and census records, as may be necessary to determine the 
nature of the services being provided, and the basis for charges and 
claims against the United States for services provided CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries;
    (iii) Examining reports of evaluations and inspection conducted by 
federal, state and local government, and private agencies and 
organizations;
    (iv) Conducting on-site inspections of the facilities of the SUDRF 
and interviewing employees, members of the staff, contractors, board 
members, volunteers, and patients, as required.
    (v) Audits conducted by the United States Government Accountability 
Office.
    (C) Other requirements applicable to substance use disorder 
rehabilitation facilities.
    (1) Even though a SUDRF may qualify as a TRICARE authorized 
provider and may have entered into a participation agreement with 
CHAMPUS, payment by CHAMPUS for particular services provided is 
contingent upon the SUDRF also meeting all conditions set forth in 
Sec.  199.4.
    (2) The center shall provide inpatient services to CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries in the same manner it provides services to all other 
patients. The center may not discriminate against CHAMPUS beneficiaries 
in any manner, including admission practices, placement in special or 
separate wings or rooms, or provisions of special or limited treatment.
    (3) The substance use disorder facility shall assure that all 
certifications and information provided to the Director, incident to 
the process of obtaining and retaining authorized provider status, is 
accurate and that it has no material errors or omissions. In the case 
of any misrepresentations, whether by inaccurate information being 
provided or material facts withheld, authorized provider status will be 
denied or terminated, and the facility will be ineligible for 
consideration for authorized provider status for a two year period.
* * * * *
    (xviii) Intensive outpatient programs. This paragraph (b)(4)(xviii) 
establishes standards and requirements for intensive outpatient 
treatment programs for psychiatric and substance use disorder.
    (A) Organization and administration--(1) Definition. Intensive 
outpatient treatment (IOP) programs are defined in Sec.  199.2. IOP 
services consist of a comprehensive and complimentary schedule of 
recognized treatment approaches that may include day, evening, night, 
and weekend services consisting of individual and group counseling or 
therapy, and family counseling or therapy as clinically indicated for 
children and adolescents, or adults aged 18 and over, and may include 
case management to link patients and their families with community 
based support systems.
    (2) Eligibility. (i) In order to qualify as a TRICARE authorized 
provider, every intensive outpatient program must meet the minimum 
basic standards set forth in paragraphs (b)(4)(xviii)(A) through (C) of 
this section, as well as additional elaborative criteria and standards 
as the Director determines are necessary to implement the basic 
standards. Each intensive outpatient program must be either a distinct 
part of an otherwise-authorized institutional provider or a free-
standing psychiatric or substance use disorder intensive outpatient 
program. Approval of a hospital by TRICARE is sufficient for its IOP to 
be an authorized TRICARE provider. Such hospital-based intensive 
outpatient programs are not required to be separately authorized by 
TRICARE.
    (ii) To qualify as a TRICARE authorized provider, the IOP is 
required to be licensed and operate in substantial compliance with 
state and federal regulations.
    (iii) The IOP is currently accredited by an accrediting 
organization approved by the Director. Each IOP authorized to treat 
substance use disorder must be accredited to provide the level of 
required treatment by an accreditation body approved by the Director.
    (iv) The facility has a written participation agreement with 
TRICARE. The IOP is not considered a TRICARE authorized provider and 
TRICARE benefits are not paid for services provided until the date upon 
which a participation agreement is signed by the Director.
    (B) Participation agreement requirements. In addition to other 
requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(4)(xii) of this section, in 
order for the services of an IOP to be authorized, the IOP shall have 
entered into a Participation Agreement with TRICARE. A single 
consolidated participation agreement is acceptable for all units of the 
TRICARE authorized facility granted that all programs meet the 
requirements of this part. The period of a Participation Agreement 
shall be specified in the agreement, and will generally be for not more 
than five years. In addition to review of a facility's application and 
supporting documentation, an on-site inspection by DHA authorized 
personnel may be required prior to signing a participation agreement. 
The Participation Agreement shall include at least the following 
requirements:
    (1) Render intensive outpatient program services to eligible 
TRICARE beneficiaries in need of such services, in accordance with the 
participation agreement and TRICARE regulation.
    (2) Accept payment for its services based upon the methodology 
provided in Sec.  199.14, or such other method as determined by the 
Director;

[[Page 61096]]

    (3) Collect from the TRICARE beneficiary or the family of the 
TRICARE beneficiary only those amounts that represent the beneficiary's 
liability, as defined in Sec.  199.4, and charges for services and 
supplies that are not a benefit of TRICARE;
    (4) Make all reasonable efforts acceptable to the Director to 
collect those amounts, which represent the beneficiary's liability, as 
defined in Sec.  199.4;
    (5) Comply with the provisions of Sec.  199.8, and submit claims 
first to all health insurance coverage to which the beneficiary is 
entitled that is primary to TRICARE;
    (6) Submit claims for services provided to TRICARE beneficiaries at 
least every 30 days (except to the extent a delay is necessitated by 
efforts to first collect from other health insurance). If claims are 
not submitted at least every 30 days, the IOP agrees not to bill the 
beneficiary or the beneficiary's family for any amounts disallowed by 
TRICARE;
    (7) Free-standing intensive outpatient programs shall certify that:
    (i) It is and will remain in compliance with the provisions of 
paragraph (b)(4)(xii) of this section establishing standards for 
psychiatric and SUD IOPs;
    (ii) It has conducted a self-assessment of the facility's 
compliance with the CHAMPUS Standards for Intensive Outpatient 
Programs, as issued by the Director, and notified the Director of any 
matter regarding which the facility is not in compliance with such 
standards; and
    (iii) It will maintain compliance with the TRICARE standards for 
IOPs, as issued by the Director, except for any such standards 
regarding which the facility notifies the Director, or a designee that 
it is not in compliance.
    (8) Designate an individual who will act as liaison for TRICARE 
inquiries. The IOP shall inform TRICARE, or a designee in writing of 
the designated individual;
    (9) Furnish OCHAMPUS with cost data, as requested by OCHAMPUS, 
certified by an independent accounting firm or other agency as 
authorized by the Director.
    (10) Comply with all requirements of this section applicable to 
institutional providers generally concerning accreditation 
requirements, preauthorization, concurrent care review, claims 
processing, beneficiary liability, double coverage, utilization and 
quality review, and other matters;
    (11) Grant the Director, or designee, the right to conduct quality 
assurance audits or accounting audits with full access to patients and 
records (including records relating to patients who are not CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries) to determine the quality and cost effectiveness of care 
rendered. The audits may be conducted on a scheduled or unscheduled 
(unannounced) basis. This right to audit/review included, but is not 
limited to:
    (i) Examination of fiscal and all other records of the center which 
would confirm compliance with the participation agreement and 
designation as an authorized TRICARE provider;
    (ii) Conducting such audits of center records including clinical, 
financial, and census records, as may be necessary to determine the 
nature of the services being provided, and the basis for charges and 
claims against the United States for services provided CHAMPUS 
beneficiaries;
    (iii) Examining reports of evaluations and inspection conducted by 
federal, state and local government, and private agencies and 
organizations;
    (iv) Conducting on-site inspections of the facilities of the IOP 
and interviewing employees, members of the staff, contractors, board 
members, volunteers, and patients, as required.
    (v) Audits conducted by the United States Government Accountability 
Office.
    (C) Other requirements applicable to Intensive Outpatient Programs 
(IOP). (1) Even though an IOP may qualify as a TRICARE authorized 
provider and may have entered into a participation agreement with 
CHAMPUS, payment by CHAMPUS for particular services provided is 
contingent upon the IOP also meeting all conditions set forth in Sec.  
199.4.
    (2) The IOP may not discriminate against CHAMPUS beneficiaries in 
any manner, including admission practices, placement in special or 
separate wings or rooms, or provisions of special or limited treatment.
    (3) The IOP shall assure that all certifications and information 
provided to the Director incident to the process of obtaining and 
retaining authorized provider status is accurate and that is has no 
material errors or omissions. In the case of any misrepresentations, 
whether by inaccurate information being provided or material facts 
withheld, authorized provider status will be denied or terminated, and 
the IOP will be ineligible for consideration for authorized provider 
status for a two year period.
    (xix) Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). This paragraph (b)(4)(xix) 
establishes standards and requirements for Opioid Treatment Programs.
    (A) Organization and administration. (1) Definition. Opioid 
Treatment Programs (OTPs) are defined in Sec.  199.2. Opioid Treatment 
Programs (OTPs) are organized, ambulatory, addiction treatment services 
for patients with an opioid use disorder. OTPs have the capacity to 
provide daily direct administration of medications without the 
prescribing of medications. Medication supplies for patients to take 
outside of OTPs originate from within OTPs. OTPs offer medication 
assisted treatment, patient-centered, recovery-oriented individualized 
treatment through addiction counseling, mental health therapy, case 
management, and health education.
    (2) Eligibility. (i) Every free-standing Opioid Treatment Program 
must be accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by 
Director, under the current standards of an accrediting organization, 
as well as meet additional elaborative criteria and standards as the 
Director determines are necessary to implement the basic standards. 
OTPs adhere to requirements of the Department of Health and Human 
Services' 42 CFR part 8, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and the Drug 
Enforcement Agency. OTPs must be either a distinct part of an otherwise 
authorized institutional provider or a free-standing program. Approval 
of hospitals by TRICARE is sufficient for their OTPs to be authorized 
TRICARE providers. Such hospital-based OTPs, if certified under 42 CFR 
8, are not required to be separately authorized by TRICARE.
    (ii) To qualify as a TRICARE authorized provider, OTPs are required 
to be licensed and fully operational for a period of at least six 
months and operate in substantial compliance with state and federal 
regulations.
    (iii) OTPs have a written participation agreement with OCHAMPUS. 
OTPs are not considered a TRICARE authorized provider, and CHAMPUS 
benefits are not paid for services provided until the date upon which a 
participation agreement is signed by the Director.
    (B) Participation agreement requirements. In addition to other 
requirements set forth in this paragraph (b)(4)(xix), in order for the 
services of OTPs to be authorized, OTPs shall have entered into a 
Participation Agreement with TRICARE. A single consolidated 
participation agreement is acceptable for all units of a TRICARE 
authorized facility. The period of a Participation Agreement shall be 
specified in the agreement, and will generally be for not more than 
five years. In addition to

[[Page 61097]]

review of a facility's application and supporting documentation, an on-
site inspection by DHA authorized personnel may be required prior to 
signing a participation agreement. The Participation Agreement shall 
include at least the following requirements:
    (1) Render services from OTPs to eligible TRICARE beneficiaries in 
need of such services, in accordance with the participation agreement 
and TRICARE regulation.
    (2) Accept payment for its services based upon the methodology 
provided in Sec.  199.14, or such other method as determined by the 
Director;
    (3) Collect from the TRICARE beneficiary or the family of the 
TRICARE beneficiary only those amounts that represent the beneficiary's 
liability, as defined in Sec.  199.4, and charges for services and 
supplies that are not a benefit of TRICARE;
    (4) Make all reasonable efforts acceptable to the Director to 
collect those amounts, which represent the beneficiary's liability, as 
defined in Sec.  199.4;
    (5) Comply with the provisions of Sec.  199.8, and submit claims 
first to all health insurance coverage to which the beneficiary is 
entitled that is primary to TRICARE;
    (6) Submit claims for services provided to TRICARE beneficiaries at 
least every 30 days (except to the extent a delay is necessitated by 
efforts to first collect from other health insurance). If claims are 
not submitted at least every 30 days, OTPs agree not to bill the 
beneficiary or the beneficiary's family for any amounts disallowed by 
TRICARE;
    (7) Free-standing opioid treatment programs shall certify that:
    (i) It is and will remain in compliance with the provisions of 
paragraph (b)(4)(xii) of this section establishing standards for opioid 
treatment programs;
    (ii) It will maintain compliance with the TRICARE standards for 
OTPs, as issued by the Director, except for any such standards 
regarding which the facility notifies the Director, or a designee, that 
it is not in compliance.
    (8) Designate an individual who will act as liaison for TRICARE 
inquiries. OTPs shall inform TRICARE, or a designee, in writing of the 
designated individual;
    (9) Furnish TRICARE, or a designee, with cost data, as requested by 
TRICARE, certified by an independent accounting firm or other agency as 
authorized by the Director;
    (10) Comply with all requirements of this section applicable to 
institutional providers generally concerning accreditation 
requirements, claims processing, beneficiary liability, double 
coverage, utilization and quality review, and other matters;
    (11) Grant the Director, or designee, the right to conduct quality 
assurance audits or accounting audits with full access to patients and 
records (including records relating to patients who are not TRICARE 
beneficiaries) to determine the quality and cost effectiveness of care 
rendered. The audits may be conducted on a scheduled or unscheduled 
(unannounced) basis. This right to audit/review includes, but is not 
limited to:
    (i) Examination of fiscal and all other records of OTPs which would 
confirm compliance with the participation agreement and designation as 
an authorized TRICARE provider;
    (ii) Conducting such audits of OTPs' records including clinical, 
financial, and census records, as may be necessary to determine the 
nature of the services being provided, and the basis for charges and 
claims against the United States for services provided TRICARE 
beneficiaries;
    (iii) Examining reports of evaluations and inspections conducted by 
federal, state and local government, and private agencies and 
organizations.
    (C) Other requirements applicable to OTPs. (1) Even though OTPs may 
qualify as a TRICARE authorized provider and may have entered into a 
participation agreement with CHAMPUS, payment by CHAMPUS for particular 
services provided is contingent upon OTPs also meeting all conditions 
set forth in Sec.  199.4.
    (2) OTPs may not discriminate against CHAMPUS beneficiaries in any 
manner, including admission practices or provisions of special or 
limited treatment.
    (3) OTPs shall assure that all certifications and information 
provided to the Director incident to the process of obtaining and 
retaining authorized provider status is accurate and that is has no 
material errors or omissions. In the case of any misrepresentations, 
whether by inaccurate information being provided or material facts 
withheld, authorized provider status will be denied or terminated, and 
OTPs will be ineligible for consideration for authorized provider 
status for a two year period.
* * * * *


Sec.  199.7  [Amended]

0
5. Section 199.7 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (e)(2).

0
6. Section 199.14 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(2)(iv)(C)(2) 
and (4) and (a)(2)(ix) to read as follows:


Sec.  199.14  Provider reimbursement methods.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (C) * * *
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(C)(3) of this 
section, for subsequent federal fiscal years, each per diem shall be 
updated by the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System update 
factor.
* * * * *
    (4) Hospitals and units with hospital-specific rates will be 
notified of their respective rates prior to the beginning of each 
Federal fiscal year. New hospitals shall be notified at such time as 
the hospital rate is determined. The actual amount of each regional per 
diem that will apply in any Federal fiscal year shall be posted to the 
Agency's official Web site at the start of that fiscal year.
* * * * *
    (ix) Payment for psychiatric and substance use disorder 
rehabilitation partial hospitalization services, intensive outpatient 
psychiatric and substance use disorder services and opioid treatment 
services--(A) Per diem payments. Psychiatric and substance use disorder 
partial hospitalization services, intensive outpatient psychiatric and 
substance use disorder services and opioid treatment services 
authorized by Sec.  199.4(b)(9), (b)(10), and (b)(11), respectively, 
and provided by institutional providers authorized under Sec.  
199.6(b)(4)(xii), (b)(4)(xviii) and (b)(4)(xix), respectively, are 
reimbursed on the basis of prospectively determined, all-inclusive per 
diem rates pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (a)(2)(ix)(A)(1) 
through (3) of this section, with the exception of hospital-based 
psychiatric and substance use disorder and opioid services which are 
reimbursed in accordance with provisions of paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of 
this section and freestanding opioid treatment programs when reimbursed 
on a fee-for-service basis as specified in paragraph 
(a)(2)(ix)(A)(3)(ii) of this section. The per diem payment amount must 
be accepted as payment in full, subject to the outpatient cost-sharing 
provisions under Sec.  199.4(f), for institutional services provided, 
including board, routine nursing services, group therapy, ancillary 
services (e.g., music, dance, and occupational and other such 
therapies), psychological testing and assessment, overhead and any 
other services for which the customary practice among

[[Page 61098]]

similar providers is included in the institutional charges, except for 
those services which may be billed separately under paragraph 
(a)(2)(ix)(B) of this section. Per diem payment will not be allowed for 
leave days during which treatment is not provided.
    (1) Partial hospitalization programs. For any full-day partial 
hospitalization program (minimum of 6 hours), the maximum per diem 
payment amount is 40 percent of the average inpatient per diem amount 
per case established under the TRICARE mental health per diem 
reimbursement system during the fiscal year for both high and low 
volume psychiatric hospitals and units [as defined in paragraph (a)(2) 
of this section]. Intensive outpatient services provided in a PHP 
setting lasting less than 6 hours, with a minimum of 2 hours, will be 
paid as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(ix)(A)(2) of this section. PHP per 
diem rates will be updated annually by the Medicare update factor used 
for their Inpatient Prospective Payment System.
    (2) Intensive outpatient programs. For intensive outpatient 
programs (IOPs) (minimum of 2 hours), the maximum per diem amount is 75 
percent of the rate for a full-day partial hospitalization program as 
established in paragraph (a)(2)(ix)(A)(1) of this section. IOP per diem 
rates will be updated annually by the Medicare update factor used for 
their Inpatient Prospective Payment System.
    (3) Opioid treatment programs. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) 
authorized by Sec.  199.4(b)(11) and provided by providers authorized 
under Sec.  199.6(b)(4)(xix) will be reimbursed based on the 
variability in the dosage and frequency of the drug being administered 
and in related supportive services.
    (i) Weekly all-inclusive per diem rate. Methadone OTPs will be 
reimbursed the lower of the billed charge or the weekly all-inclusive 
per diem rate (the weekly national all-inclusive rate adjusted for 
locality), including the cost of the drug and related services (i.e., 
the costs related to the initial intake/assessment, drug dispensing and 
screening and integrated psychosocial and medical treatment and support 
services). The bundled weekly per diem payments will be accepted as 
payment in full, subject to the outpatient cost-sharing provisions 
under Sec.  199.4(f). The methadone per diem rate for OTPs will be 
updated annually by the Medicare update factor used for their Inpatient 
Prospective Payment System.
    (ii) Exceptions to per diem reimbursement. When providing other 
medications which are more likely to be prescribed and administered in 
an office-based opioid treatment setting, but which are still available 
for treatment of substance use disorders in an outpatient treatment 
program setting, OTPs will be reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis 
(i.e., separate payments will be allowed for both the medication and 
accompanying support services), subject to the outpatient cost-sharing 
provisions under Sec.  199.4(f). OTPs' rates will be updated annually 
by the Medicare update factor used for their Inpatient Prospective 
Payment System.
    (iii) Discretionary authority. The Director, TRICARE, will have 
discretionary authority in establishing the reimbursement methodologies 
for new drugs and biologicals that may become available for the 
treatment of substance use disorders in OTPs. The type of reimbursement 
(e.g., fee-for-service versus bundled per diem payments) will be 
dependent on the variability of the dosage and frequency of the 
medication being administered, as well as the support services.
    (B) Services which may be billed separately. Psychotherapy sessions 
and non-mental health related medical services not normally included in 
the evaluation and assessment of PHP, IOP or OTPs, provided by 
authorized independent professional providers who are not employed by, 
or under contract with, PHP, IOP or OTPs for the purposes of providing 
clinical patient care are not included in the per diem rate and may be 
billed separately. This includes ambulance services when medically 
necessary for emergency transport.
* * * * *


Sec.  199.15  [Amended]

0
7. Section 199.15 is amended in paragraph (a)(6) by removing ``, such 
as inpatient mental health services in excess of 30 days in any year'' 
in the last sentence.

0
8. Section 199.18 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (d)(2)(ii);
0
b. Removing and reserving paragraph (d)(3)(ii); and
0
c. Revising paragraphs (e)(2) and (3). The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  199.18  Uniform HMO Benefit.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) The per visit fee provided in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this 
section shall also apply to partial hospitalization services, intensive 
outpatient treatment, and opioid treatment program services. The per 
visit fee shall be applied on a per day basis on days services are 
received, with the exception of opioid treatment program services 
reimbursed in accordance with Sec.  199.14(a)(2)(ix)(A)(3)(i) which per 
visit fee will apply on a weekly basis.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (2) Structure of cost-sharing. For inpatient admissions, there is a 
nominal copayment for retired members, dependents of retired members, 
and survivors. This nominal copayment shall apply to an inpatient 
admission to any hospital or other authorized institutional provider, 
including inpatient admission to a residential treatment center, 
substance use disorder rehabilitation facility residential treatment 
program, or skilled nursing facility.
    (3) Amount of inpatient cost-sharing requirements. In fiscal year 
2001, the inpatient cost-sharing requirements for retirees and their 
dependents for acute care admissions and other inpatient admissions is 
a per diem charge of $11, with a minimum charge of $25 per admission.
* * * * *

    Dated: August 29, 2016.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2016-21125 Filed 9-1-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 5001-06-P