The PA 1671 form, known officially as the Health-Sustaining Medication Assessment Form, is a crucial document for individuals seeking certain types of public assistance benefits within Pennsylvania. It is specifically designed to ascertain whether an applicant or recipient requires medication that is essential for them to maintain or obtain employment. This form must be thoroughly completed by a licensed medical professional and signed by both the medical provider and the applicant, ensuring that all pertinent medical information is accurately conveyed to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW).
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare's PA 1671 form plays a critical role in determining the eligibility of applicants for specific categories of public assistance benefits, especially in relation to their employability and need for health-sustaining medication. Designed to be filled out by licensed medical providers, including physicians, physician assistants, certified registered nurse practitioners, or psychologists, this form assesses whether an applicant or recipient requires medication that is essential for them to secure or maintain employment. The comprehensive assessment covers everything from the necessity of the medication to the detailed diagnosis, the specific medication(s) required, and the rationale behind the need for such medication to sustain the applicant's or recipient's employment capabilities. Furthermore, it mandates the provision of supporting documentation such as medical records, X-rays, and lab reports to corroborate the medical provider's diagnosis and recommendations. The completion instructions attached to the form emphasize the importance of legibility, completeness, and the provision of original signatures to prevent any delays in processing the application. Additionally, the form includes a section where the applicant or recipient authorizes the release of their medical information to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, signaling a comprehensive approach to assessing an applicant's health-related employability needs. This document underscores a vital interface between healthcare and public assistance, pinpointing the necessity of certain medications in enabling individuals to work and lead productive lives.
CAO NAME ANDADDRESS
CASEIDENTIFICATION
CO
RECORD NUMBER
CAT
CSLD
DIST
RECORD NAME
DATE
PENNSYLVANIADEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
HEALTH-SUSTAINING MEDICATION ASSESSMENT FORM
APPLICANT/RECIPIENTNAME:
WORKER:
This form is to be completed for the applicant/recipient who requires medication that allows the person to be employable or continue with employment. All items in this section must be completed by a licensed prescriber and signed by both the physician and applicant/recipient.
Does the applicant/recipient need health-sustaining medication? Yes No
If no, you do not need to enter any further information. Just sign and date. If Yes, complete the following information.
Diagnosis:
Medication(s) needed for the APPLICANT/RECIPIENTto sustain employment based on the above diagnosis:
Explain why the APPLICANT/RECIPIENTcannot work in any capacity without this medication. (Please be specific)
MEDICALPROVIDER:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
SIGNATURE
I HEREBYAUTHORIZE ALLMEDICALPROVIDERS, INDIVIDUALOR FACILITYOF WHATEVER TYPE, INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH AND DRUG OR ALCOHOLTREATMENTTO RELEASE ALLMEDICAL/CLINICALINFORMATION TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENTOF PUBLIC WELFARE (DPW) WHICH RELATES TO MYABILITYTO WORK.
X
(SIGNATURE)
PRINTED NAME
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE APPLICANT/RECIPIENT
See Reverse Side For Instructions
PA1671 (SG) 04/05
COMPLETION INSTRUCTIONS
HEALTH–SUSTAINING MEDICATION ASSESSMENT FORM
READ INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINING SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS BEFORE
COMPLETING THE FORM
Medical information is required by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) in determining whether an applicant qualifies for a certain category of public assistance benefits as well as his or her employability. Your medical assessment and documentation are necessary to help the CAO make these decisions.
Who may complete
The assessment may only be completed by the following licensed medical providers:
the assessment:
physician, physician-assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner, or psychologist.
Who signs the form:
Only the individual who completed the employability assessment may complete and sign
the form. Signature or clinic stamps, labels, and other facsimiles are not acceptable.
The signature must be original or the form will be invalidated.
General form
The information on the form and attachments must be legible. The inability of county
completion
staff to read your material will result in the client’s application being delayed and the form
requirements:
being returned to you for clarification. If at all possible, the form and any attachments
should be typed.
If all questions are not answered fully, the client’s application will be delayed and the
form returned to you for completion.
Record your diagnosis of the applicant/recipient’s condition. The explanation should
indicate whether or not the condition is chronic or temporary. Attach documentation
sufficient to support your decision such as medical records, X-rays, and lab reports that
support your conclusion must be attached. Simply providing a diagnosis is not sufficient.
Without this documentation, the client will be determined ineligible for benefits.
Medication Needed:
List the medication(s) needed by the applicant/recipient that address his medical
condition thus enabling him/her to be able to work.
Explanation:
Explain in detail what the consequences to the applicant/recipient would be if the
medication(s) listed above were not available to him/her. Document in this section
whether the medication is for a chronic condition such as diabetes that the person will
be required to take for life. Also indicate if the medication will be needed for a limited
time period. If that is the case, show the date the person is expected to no longer need
the medication.
Questions:
Contact your local County Assistance Office at:
Filling out the PA 1671 Health-Sustaining Medication Assessment Form is a critical step for individuals requiring medication that supports their ability to work. By carefully completing this form, healthcare providers enable the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to assess eligibility for certain public assistance benefits related to employment capability. Each filled section plays a decisive role in determining the applicant's benefit qualifications, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and completeness.
Upon submission, the form will be reviewed by the appropriate personnel at the Department of Public Welfare to determine the applicant's eligibility for benefits. The process underscores the significance of the prescribed medication in maintaining the applicant's employability, thereby influencing the provision of necessary support services.
What is the PA 1671 form?
The PA 1671 form is a Health-Sustaining Medication Assessment Form used by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. It is designed for applicants or recipients who require medication that allows them to be employable or continue with employment. The form must be completed by a licensed prescriber and signed by both the physician and the applicant/recipient.
Who needs to complete the PA 1671 form?
This form must be completed for any applicant or recipient of public assistance benefits in Pennsylvania who needs medication to sustain employment. The necessity for this form arises when an individual's ability to work is contingent upon taking certain health-sustaining medications.
Who is authorized to complete the health assessment on the PA 1671 form?
The assessment portion of the PA 1671 form can only be completed by licensed medical providers including a physician, physician-assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner, or psychologist.
Are electronic signatures accepted on the PA 1671 form?
No, electronic signatures, clinic stamps, labels, and other facsimiles are not accepted. The form requires an original signature from the individual who completed the employability assessment. If the signature is not original, the form will be invalidated.
What information is required on the PA 1671 form?
The form requires detailed information about the applicant/recipient’s diagnosis, the specific medications needed to sustain employment, and an explanation why the individual cannot work without these medications. Comprehensive documentation, such as medical records and lab reports supporting the diagnosis and necessity of the medication, is also required.
What happens if the form is not completed correctly?
If the PA 1671 form is incomplete, illegible, or not properly signed, it will result in the delay of the applicant's or recipient's application. The form will be returned to the medical provider for clarification or completion.
Is it acceptable to just provide a diagnosis on the form?
No, simply providing a diagnosis without supporting documentation is not sufficient. The medical provider must attach documentation such as medical records, X-rays, and lab reports that support the diagnosis and the need for the specified medication.
What should be detailed in the "Explanation" section of the form?
In the "Explanation" section, the medical provider must detail the consequences of not having access to the prescribed medication(s). Additionally, it should be documented whether the medication addresses a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment or if it's intended for a temporary condition, including the expected duration of the treatment.
Can the form be typed instead of handwritten?
Yes, if possible, the form and any attachments should be typed. This ensures legibility and helps prevent delays in the application process.
Who should be contacted if there are questions about completing the form?
If you have questions about completing the PA 1671 form, you should contact your local County Assistance Office for guidance and clarification.
Completing the PA 1671 form, a critical document for those requiring health-sustaining medication to remain employable, necessitates accuracy and thoroughness. However, several common mistakes can hinder the application process, affecting the timely approval of vital assistance. Recognizing and avoiding these errors can significantly streamline the process, ensuring that applicants receive the necessary support without undue delay.
Not providing a detailed explanation for how the medication supports employability: The form requires a clear justification of why the applicant cannot work without the health-sustaining medication. A vague or brief statement may result in the need for additional clarification, delaying the process.
Failing to include a comprehensive medical assessment: The form mandates a complete medical evaluation from a licensed prescriber, encompassing a diagnosis and the necessity of the specified medication for employment. Omitting any part of this assessment can lead to immediate disqualification.
Submitting incomplete or illegible information: Whether due to handwriting issues or missing details, unclear submissions can significantly delay the review process, as the staff might be unable to decipher the provided information.
Using non-original signatures or unacceptable facsimiles: The PA 1671 form requires original signatures from both the medical provider and the applicant/recipient. Utilizing stamps, labels, or electronic signatures can invalidate the form.
Omitting necessary attachments and documentation: Supporting documents, such as medical records, lab reports, or x-rays, are essential for substantiating the medical assessment. Failure to attach these documents can result in an ineligible determination.
Neglecting to update the form with accurate contact information: Both the applicant's and the medical provider's current telephone numbers and addresses are crucial for any necessary follow-up. Outdated or incorrect contact information can severely disrupt the communication flow.
Avoiding these mistakes not only facilitates a smoother application process but also ensures that individuals in need receive their health-sustaining medication without unnecessary interruption. It is vital for applicants, healthcare providers, and caseworkers to approach this form with the attention to detail it requires.
When handling situations that require the use of the PA 1671 form, it's essential to be aware of other documents that may also need to be completed or presented. This knowledge ensures a thorough preparation process, aiding individuals in effectively managing their health-sustaining medication assessments within the framework of public assistance benefits.
Together, these documents form a suite of forms that complement the PA 1671 form, addressing various aspects of the application process for public assistance benefits. By understanding and preparing these documents where necessary, applicants can ensure a more seamless and efficient process in receiving the support and benefits they require. It's crucial, however, to be mindful of the completeness and accuracy of information provided across all forms to avoid delays or complications in the application process.
The PA 1671 form is similar to other documents that are used in the context of healthcare and public assistance, such as the SSA-827, "Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA)." Both forms are designed with the intent to collect medical information that impacts a person's eligibility for certain benefits or services. Where the PA 1671 form focuses on the need for health-sustaining medication to maintain employment, the SSA-827 is broader, granting the SSA permission to access medical records for determining eligibility for disability benefits. The similarity lies in the authorization given by the applicant or recipient for professionals to release personal medical information to a government agency. Both forms require detailed medical information and a signature from both the healthcare provider and the beneficiary.
Another document reminiscent of the PA 1671 form is the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) used in immigration processes. This form is completed by a licensed medical professional for individuals seeking an exception from the English language and civics requirements for naturalization based on medical disability. Like the PA 1671, the N-648 requires specific diagnosis details, the necessity of the condition-related accommodation, and an explanation of how the condition affects daily life. Both documents serve to communicate the medical circumstances of an individual to a government entity, relying on a thorough professional assessment to guide decision-making. Financial eligibility for public assistance is the focus of the PA 1671, whereas the N-648 focuses on eligibility for an exception to immigration requirements, linked by their reliance on detailed medical evaluations to inform government decisions.
When filling out the Pennsylvania Pa 1671 form, which is a Health-Sustaining Medication Assessment Form necessary for determining eligibility for certain public assistance benefits, there are important steps to follow and pitfalls to avoid. Adhering to these guidelines will streamline the process and help to ensure that the application is processed efficiently and accurately.
There are several common misconceptions about the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Health-Sustaining Medication Assessment Form (PA 1671). Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure that applicants provide the necessary information accurately.
Addressing these misconceptions ensures a smoother application process for health-sustaining medication assistance through the Department of Public Welfare, aiding both applicants and medical providers in complying with the required assessment and documentation standards.
Understanding the PA 1671 form is crucial for applicants and recipients who require health-sustaining medication to maintain their employability. Here are key takeaways to ensure accurate completion and use of the form:
Proper and precise completion of the PA 1671 form is essential not only for the applicant’s or recipient’s benefit eligibility but also for sustaining their employment through necessary medication. Understanding the form’s requirements helps ensure a smooth application process.
Pa 162 - Details the method for providers to submit invoices for payment for services rendered during the eligible retroactive period.
Pa 564 A - Designed to ensure assistance recipients are aware of their semiannual reporting duties and the consequences of non-compliance.