ICF/MR

Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR)

ICF/MR is a funding stream emanating from Title XIX of the Social Security Act or Medicaid. ICF/MR is financed by Federal and State funds. ICF/MR is specifically designed to provide "active treatment services" to persons who are mentally retarded or persons with related conditions.

In Pennsylvania, the Federal ICF/MR standards found at 42 CFR 483.400, are used as the basis for both the licensure and certification of the ICF/MR programs.

The Department of Health is the State Survey Agency in Pennsylvania and responsible for the survey of ICFs/MR and recommendations related to the licensure and certification of programs. The Department of Public Welfare serves as the Single State Agency for Medical Assistance, responsible for the administration of the ICF/MR program. The Office of Medical Assistance serves as the designated unit within the Single State Agency for Medical Assistance purposes. Various functions such as rate setting, review of cost reports, development of reimbursement regulations and policy have been transferred to the Office of Developmental Programs, formerly the Office of Mental Retardation.

Basic principles of ICF/MR facilities are:

• Each individual has capacity for growth and development;
• Each individual should have access to services that enhance his/her development, well-being and quality of life;
• Each individual should have access to the most normal and least restrictive social and physical environments consistent with his/her needs; and
• Each individual’s services should be delivered in accordance with a single, comprehensive individual rehabilitation plan that is developed, monitored, coordinated, and revised by members of a duly constituted interdisciplinary team.

Pennsylvania serves over 2,000 people in close to 200 certified ICF/MR facilities varying in size.

How to find ICF/MRs under Licensed Facilities

You may access the Human Services Provider On Line Directory to locate an ICF/MR . Under Service Code select Intermediate Care Facility/MR and the Program Office is Office of Developmental Programs. Choose a county or zip code to narrow the search. You will be able to get a result of facilities near you.

You may also access the Department of Health webpage for Safety Inspection Reports of licensed facilities.

Bulletins:

Bulletin Number: 00-08-03 - New Federal ICF/MR Regulations, Issue Date 01/30/2008, Effective Date 01/01/2008
Bulletin Number: 00-05-01 - Issuance of Audit Guide for Non-State Operated Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR), Issue Date 11/30/2004, Effective Date 11/30/2004
Bulletin Number: 00-02-13 - Need for ICF/MR Level of Care, Issue Date 08/07/2002, Effective Date 08/07/2002