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

Definitions:: An institution which specializes in providing an intermediate level of care to mentally retarded clients residing in the facility. The intermediate level of care provided includes the provision of shelter, food (including special diets), laundry and personal care services and a program of active treatment if participating in the Medical program.

Type Regulation:: State: The institution must have a permit to operate as an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded.

Federal: To be eligible for reimbursement through the Medicaid program, the institution must be certified. To obtain more information about certification and general information on ICF/MR(s), visit the CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) website:

CMS ICF-MR Guidance Page

Legal Authority:: O.C.G.A. § 31-7-1, Title 31- Health; Chapter 7- Regulation and Construction of Hospitals and other Health Care Facilities; Article 1- Regulation of Hospitals and Related Institutions- Definitions

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-3, Title 31- Health; Chapter 7- Regulation and Construction of Hospitals and other Health Care Facilities; Article 1- Regulation of Hospitals and Related Institutions- Requirements for permits to operate institutions; (c)... Disaster Preparedness Plan.

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-5, Title 31- Health; Chapter 7- Regulation and Construction of Hospitals and other Health Care Facilities; Article 1- Regulation of Hospitals and Related Institutions- Exemptions from permit requirements; application of this chapter to federally operated institutions.

The following link will take you to the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Code website. Scroll down the page to find O.C.G.A. § 31-7-1, 31-7-3, and 31-7-5.

Official Code of Georgia Annotated

Rules:: State:
• Rules and Regulations for Intermediate Care Homes, Chapter 290-5-9, effective November 15, 1976 and the Conditions of Participation set forth in 42 C.F.R. 440.150 et.seq. to participate in the Medicaid program.

• Disaster Preparedness Plans, Chapter 290-5-45, effective June 7, 1984.; Federal:
• Requirements for States and Long Term Care Facilities, CFR Title 42, Chapter IV, Part 483, 483.10 through 483.80 (for those facilities that choose to be federal).