During a home visit, Mrs. Hall asked to discuss a stand-alone prescription drug plan. She is leaving the next day. What must occur before that discussion can take place?

• A. Discuss the Part D plan immediately and hope for a favorable outcome.
• B. Obtain and sign a new scope of appointment form indicating she wants to discuss the Part D plan.
• C. Wait until she returns from her trip to discuss Part D.
• D. No new form is required; you may discuss Part D anyway.

Answer: (B)

A Scope of Appointment is required before discussing Part D with a beneficiary. It records the topics the member has authorized you to discuss and protects against marketing topics the member didn’t approve. Because Mrs. Hall asked to discuss a stand-alone Part D plan, you must have a signed SOA that specifically includes Part D before any discussion can occur. If the existing form doesn’t cover Part D, you need to obtain and have her sign a new scope of appointment form indicating she wants to discuss Part D. Once that is in place, you may discuss the plan options, costs, and enrollment steps related to Part D.