Quality Foster Care Services Act of 2014

“(ee)

“(1) For purposes of subsection (a)(29), subject to subparagraph (C), therapeutic foster care services described in this subsection are services provided for children who have not attained age 21, and who, as a result of mental illness, other emotional or behavioral disorders, medically fragile conditions, or developmental disabilities, need the level of care provided in an institution (including a psychiatric residential treatment facility) or nursing facility the cost of which could be reimbursed under the State plan but who can be cared for or maintained in a community placement, through therapeutic foster care programs that—

“(A) are licensed by the State and accredited by the Joint Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Council on Accreditation, or by another equivalent accreditation agency (or agencies) as the Secretary may recognize;

“(B) provide structured daily activities, including the development, improvement, monitoring, and reinforcing of age-appropriate social, communication and behavioral skills, trauma-informed and gender-responsive services, crisis intervention and crisis support services, medication monitoring, counseling, and case management, and may furnish other intensive community services; and

“(C) provide foster care parents with specialized training and consultation in the management of children with mental illness, trauma, other emotional or behavioral disorders, medically fragile conditions, or developmental disabilities, and specific additional training on the needs of each child provided such services.

“(2) In making coverage determinations under paragraph (1), a State may employ medical necessity criteria that are similar to the medical necessity criteria applied to coverage determinations for other services and supports under this title.

“(3) The services described in this subsection do not include the training referred to in paragraph (1)(C).”