Provider Letter: ICFs/MR Reporting Deaths

DADS alerted ICFs/MR to Chapter 49 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which requires these providers to report the death of an individual to certain governmental entities under the circumstances described in the statute, specifically, Articles 49.04, 49.24 and 49.25. (Letter)
If an attending physician is able to certify the cause of death, it does [...]

DADS Alerts: Employment Svcs Webinar, RUG Error Message, Etc.

DADS has posted several news alerts on its provider’s page.
DADS will hold an employment services webinar on January 7, 2009, a third in a series of webinars on employment for adults with developmental disabilities. Download the flyer for more information.

DADS has revised the CDSA choice lists to allow CDSA searches by county. See this web [...]

Cardiologists Sue Sebelius

A group of cardiologists is suing Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to prevent cuts in Medicare fees for nuclear stress tests, echocardiograms, and other procedures performed in offices. (USA Today)
Reimbursements for nuclear stress tests would be cut by 40 percent and echocardiograms fees by about 30 percent. Additionally, [...]

Texas Register Updates: Drugs Benefit, Cost Sharing Changes

The following was obtained from the December 25 issue of the Texas Register:
HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 09-039, Amendment Number 885, to modify the prescribed drugs benefit to extend the allowable number of refills to eleven refills when dispensed within twelve months of the date of the original prescription.
For more information, contact Leslie [...]

DADS Letters: Data Entry Training Class, UR Program, Etc.

DADS released four information letters.
HSC and TxHmL:
DADS will offer a monthly HCS and TxHmL Overview and Waiver Data Entry Training Class for program providers. The two-day class focuses on the Client Assignment and Registration System (data entry and the policies and procedures of the HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs. Classes scheduled for 2010:
January 27 & [...]

Texas Register Update: Mental Health Targeted Case Management Rates

HHSC intends to submit to CMS state plan amendment 07-044, which would modify the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, to extend the rate for Mental Health Targeted Case Management services in effect on September 30, 2009, through September 30, 2010.
See the relevant section of the [...]

Providers Fought Medicare Buy-In

Last week, the Senate debated whether to reduce the age eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 55. Leading the charge against the expansion was Senator Joe Lieberman. The proposal was defeated.
The American Hospital Association and the Federation of American Hospitals opposed expanding Medicare, and the groups lobbied lawmakers reluctant to vote for it. Lobbyists and [...]

Information and Provider Letters: Under-21 Individuals, Etc.

DADS released one provider and eight information letters.
CLASS program and CDSAs for CLASS:
DADS changed a policy for these providers. Individuals under the age of 21 may receive Personal Care Services from Medicaid Children’s Services administered through the Department of State Health Services while receiving services through the CLASS program. (Letter)
ICFs/MR:
These providers must submit DADS [...]

Information Letters: NFs, ICFs/MR, HCSSAs, Etc.

DADS released six information letters, including three for nursing facilities.
NFs:
DADS reminded NFs that Texas Government Code section 531.153 requires that providers develop a permanency plan for an individual under age 22 who resides in an institution. Section 531.154 also requires a nursing facility to notify, within three days of a child’s admission to the facility: [...]

HIPAA Update

New rules increase penalties substantially and allow self-assessment for reporting. See the details here.

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