New Rules for Licensing Standards

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission has adopted several amendments that will affect licensing standards for Home and Community Support Services Agencies, published September 8, 2006. The rule changes “set for the criteria” used for determining whether a conviction will bar a person from obtaining licensure or participating in agency management. The [...]

Hearing on Provider Payment Rates

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission will hold a hearing for public comment on proposed payment rates for the following operated by DADS: Residential Care program, assisted living/residential care services under the Community Based Alternatives program, and assisted living/residential care services under the Consolidated Waiver program. Rates will be effective January 1, [...]

‘Cultural Transformation’ in the Long Term Care Industry

I’ve blogged about the impending retirement of waves of baby boomers before. It’s a hot topic in the health care industry, which will need to adjust to the influx of Americans who’ll need long term, and sometimes specialized care. A bipartisan committee called The National Commission for Quality Long-Term Care, co-chaired by former U.S. Sen. [...]

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug program, began last Wednesday and will end on December 31. Current beneficiaries may switch plans and first-timers may sign up for new plans. For more information, visit the Medicare.gov web page.

Industry vs. State: California Seeks to Control Drug Prices

Effective January 2007, the state of California will be authorized to seek drug discounts up of up to 60 percent for California residents receiving benefits from Medicare Part D. Drug companies are “alarmed,” of course. From the Kaiser Network: Although state officials say the measure is voluntary, the law also includes language that permits California [...]

Texas Register Update: Nursing Facility Payment Rates for State Veterans Homes

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted new pay per day payment rates for state-owned veterans nursing facilities for state fiscal year 2007, which became effective September 1, 2006: Big Spring, $133.00; Bonham, $133.00; Floresville, $133.00; Temple, $133.00: McAllen, $133.00 and El Paso, $133.00. For more information, see the relevant section of [...]

Fifth Circuit: No Private Cause of Action for HIPAA Violations

While HIPAA protects the health information of individuals, it does not create a private cause of action for those aggrieved (65 Fed. Reg. 82566).  This is made abundantly clear from the commentary to the regulations and HIPAA’s legislative history. And while many federal district courts have dismissed individual plaintiffs’ lawsuits under this rule, the Fifth [...]

More News About Nursing Shortage

The nursing shortage is so critical that someone graduating with only a two-year nursing degree has his/her choice of nursing jobs at relatively high salaries. The average starting salary for RNs is $56,000. The New York Daily News featured a story on the nursing job market and cited statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics [...]

Provider Letters: Billing Requirements, Immunizations, and CMS Alert

In a letter dated November 2, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed nursing facilities and community services providers that third-party billers are required to enter into a contract with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission before claims can be submitted to the Texas Medicaid HealthCare Partnership, effective June 30, 2007. [...]

Party-Line Medicare Battles Continue

The new majority party in Congress didn’t wait long before it starting pulling rank. Under the current Medicare law, passed in 2003, the federal government is prohibited from negotiating drug prices or establishing a list of preferred drugs. Soon-to-be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the Democrats will try to repeal the ban straight out of [...]

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