Provider Letter No. 17-18 - (Replaces PL 14-13). The examples in this letter are not all inclusive. Many other possible scenarios are reportable. The law requires an owner or employee of a NF who has cause to believe that the physical or mental health or welfare of a resident has been or may be adversely affected by abuse, neglect or exploitation. Attachements included instruct guidance to NFs on resident-to-resident incidents, including sexual activity, and on how to determine whether NFs must … [Read more...] about Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Misappropriation of Resident Property, and Other Incidents that Must Be Reported to DADS
Effective immediately, facilities must include DADS-provided, web-based PASRR training.
Provider Letter No. 17-16 – Guidelines Regarding Plans of Correction Associated with a PASRR ViolationNursing facilities (NFs) must comply with both state and federal requirements related to Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR). Effective immediately, facilities must include DADS-provided, web-based PASRR training for, at a minimum, the nursing facility administrator and the director of nursing in all POCs associated with any PASRR violation. POCs that do not include such training … [Read more...] about Effective immediately, facilities must include DADS-provided, web-based PASRR training.
New Letter to clarify guidance on reporting Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation and investigating incidents reportable to DADS
Provider Letter No. 17-03 - April 24 - DADS released a new provider letter to clarify guidance on reporting ANE to DFPS by an ICF/IID exempt from licensure (referred to in this Provider Letter as a “facility). Guidelines for Reporting Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (ANE) to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Reporting Incidents to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). A flow chart showing the reporting requirements and a checklist to use … [Read more...] about New Letter to clarify guidance on reporting Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation and investigating incidents reportable to DADS
HHSC – Learning Collaborative Summit
HHSC has posted information on the August 27th - 28th Statewide Learning Collaborative Summit, including the livestream link and agenda, on the Dates and Deadlines page. Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC … [Read more...] about HHSC – Learning Collaborative Summit
DRILLING DOWN TO ADL MDS ERRORS: THE HOW AND WHY MONEY IS WALKING OUT YOUR DOOR
As discussed last week, ADL's are the major target for HHSC-OIG. ADL's are the source for most errors resulting in RUG write downs. Not only did the facility lose money on incorrectly charted ADL's they will also face large penalties after a RUG review. Charting ADL's For most MDS nurses, ADLS are pieces of paper the CNA's have scribbled some numbers on. Ideally this number reflects both the Plan of Care and what care was really given. Calculating an accurate ADL score for … [Read more...] about DRILLING DOWN TO ADL MDS ERRORS: THE HOW AND WHY MONEY IS WALKING OUT YOUR DOOR
Medicaid and Managed Care–Who Benefits?
Is Medicaid really broke? If not, who is making money where Managed Care is involved? According to this, not the providers. Is this ignored so that attention is focused on allegations of fraud by providers? … [Read more...] about Medicaid and Managed Care–Who Benefits?
Non-payment for “Never Events”: Coming to a Long-Term Care Provider Near You
Since October 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") have not paid hospitals for certain hospital-acquired conditions. That is, CMS will not pay for certain conditions that were not present in the patient upon admission. The conditions are, as designated by CMS, conditions that are: (a) high cost or high volume or both, (b) result in the assignment of a case to a DRG that has a higher payment when present as a secondary diagnosis, and (c) could reasonably have been … [Read more...] about Non-payment for “Never Events”: Coming to a Long-Term Care Provider Near You
Social Media and Your Health Care Organization
A new study on social media and health care shows that more than 1, 200 hospitals participate on 4,200 social networking sites. Social media is changing the nature of healthcare interaction, and health care organizations that ignore this virtual environment may be missing opportunities to engage consumers. From a marketing perspective, health care organizations and small businesses should seize the opportunities to capitalize on social media. However, social media in health care is not … [Read more...] about Social Media and Your Health Care Organization
OIG Launches Compliance 101 Website
On March 5, 2005, the Office of the Inspector General ("OIG") launched its Compliance 101 website. The website contains links to guidance and educational training materials for health care providers, practitioners and suppliers. The site contains segment-specific compliance guidance for nursing facilities, ambulance suppliers, physician practices, etc. Although the materials are from 1998-2008, the compliance program guidance is still relevant and details the high-risk areas for each health … [Read more...] about OIG Launches Compliance 101 Website
Four Habits of High-Value Health Care Organizations
The New England Journal of Medicine recently published an article regarding four habits of effective hospitals. Although the article is geared towards, hospitals, the principles below are applicable to any health care organization. Specification and planning - Base choices, transitions, subgroups, and patient pathway on specific, meaningful criteria. Infrastructure design - Create microsystems to meet the needs of patient sub-populations. The author stresses that microsystems create "an … [Read more...] about Four Habits of High-Value Health Care Organizations