WellCare Health Plans of New Jersey wants you to know that on May 8, 2020, a new State law will require the submission of the Perinatal Risk Assessment (PRA) form. This law affects obstetrical providers, nurse midwives, and other licensed Medicaid providers.
What is Perinatal Risk Assessment (PRA)?
PRA is a set of forms designed to provide a uniform tool that includes all clinical and psychosocial risk factors that affect pregnant women. The PRA is completed upon entry into prenatal care and is updated in the third trimester. Additional benefits of the form set include clinically validated substance use screening, optional automatic patient referral to Community Based Services, optional automatic patient referral to Tobacco Cessation Programs, and 17P therapy eligibility tracker. PRA forms are entered at praspect.org.
What is new law P.L.2019, c.88?
P.L.2019, c.88 mandates the completion of the PRA form set for pregnant women without insurance or receiving state-supported Medicaid health coverage.
Why was P.L.2019, c.88 created?
P.L.2019, c.88 began in the state Legislature as Senate Bill 3406. It was part of a package of bills designed to improve the health of expectant mothers and newborns to decrease increasing rates of maternal and infant mortality.
When does P.L.2019, c.88 go into effect?
Gov. Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 3406 into law on May 8, 2019, which then became named P.L.2019, c.88. It takes full effect on May 8, 2020.
How does the new law affect New Jersey obstetrical providers, nurse midwives, and other licensed healthcare professionals?
The new law recognizes the importance of the efforts of the New Jersey obstetrical providers, nurse midwives, and other licensed healthcare professionals. The PRA form set is now state required for all uninsured, Medicaid presumptively eligible, and Medicaid eligible prenatal patients.
How does new law affect Medicaid organizations?
The PRA is required for Medicaid Managed Care Organizations to issue global authorization for pregnant members.
How does the new law affect state agencies?
The Department of Health is required to use PRA data analysis to reduce barriers to prenatal care, as well as advance state-supported health care practices.
For assistance, please contact Provider Relations at NJPR@wellcare.com or 1-888-453-2534.
