Can You Spot the Red Flags of Medical Identity Theft? FTC Rule Enforcement Now Begins November 1, 2009

The Red Flags Rule, designed to prevent and detect identity theft, takes effect August 1. Health care providers should carefully review the Rule’s definitions, because you may be surprised at how many health professionals are considered “creditors” who must develop Identity Theft Prevention Programs. The Red Flags Rule, 16 CFR § 681, applies to “financial [...]

Annual Residential Visits

With more funding comes more visits…SB 643 requires ananual visits of all 3 and 4 person homes and foster/companion care (FCC) settings. A few Steps to Prepare: * Verify accuracy of address and contact information in CARE * Notify FCC pproviders and resdiential staff to expect visits * Maintain emergency plans, proof of emergency drills [...]

TxHmL & HCS — Elimination of the Monthly Admin & Operations Fee

As you probably know by now, the admin/op fee of approx. $935 per consumer is set to be eliminated and tied directly to individual service rates. This rule will be republished in this Friday’s Texas Register and implemented October (not September) 1, 2009. Today, July 24, 2010, professional rates (RNs, LVNs, OTs, PTs, etc) will [...]

New Review Process for Waiver Programs

The reviewers will be using standardized checklists as part of the new review process. The good news is that these checklists are available for providers and may be printed and used as internal QA.

Moving Case Mgmt from the Provider to MRA

SB 1 Sect. 48 moved HCS case management to Mental Retardation Authorities (MRA). Currently, DADS does not plan on phasing in this shift, instead, DADS intends to ochestrate a mass move in June of 2010. DADS will hold a training for MRAs and providers in the spring before the change. The MRA will conduct enrollment [...]

Legislative Summary: Bills Affecting HCS & TxHmL Programs

SB 643–Protection and care of individuals with mental retardation • Renames state schools–State supported living centers • Requires annual inspections of HCS group homes • Requires independent mortality reviews • Establishes a single investigative database (DFPS & reg. issues) SB 1–General Appropriations Bill • Funds provider rate increase • Funds attendant wage increase • Funds [...]

Upcoming CDS Town Hall Meetings

DADS is hosting Town Hall Meetings throughout the state this summer to provide an opportunity for DADS consumers and family members, service providers and the public to learn more about the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) service delivery option available in many Texas programs. Currently, only 2% of HCS programs (OHFH) and 4% of TxHmL Programs [...]

Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)

HCS providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Provider must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of [...]

Changes to TxHmL Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)

TxHmL providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Providers must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of [...]

FIVES system now includes HCS (FIVES: Facility Inventory, Vacancy, & Evacuation Status)

DADS created the FIVES system so providers can work together during emergencies and disasters. Home and Community-based Services Program Providers join the ranks of ICF/MRs, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and in-patient hospice providers that currently use the system to share information regarding vacancies, available space, inventory, evacuation status, etc. For more information please see [...]

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