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
Medicaid Managed Care Fraud and the New Rule
The final rule has been recently issued. Suffice it to say that it is long and complicated. Expect increased enforcement and prosecutor scrutiny. I will write a series of articles trying to parse out the complexities, risks and best practices in the coming months. In the meantime, read the 2016 OIG Work Plan for the purpose of your compliance plans. … [Read more...] about Medicaid Managed Care Fraud and the New Rule
SNF aide, 77, pleads guilty to rape, faces $15 million fine if abuses again
A former employee of a Minneapolis nursing home pleaded guilty this week to chargesthat he raped a resident who suffered from dementia. He also agreed to an unusual settlement that would require him to pay $15 million to the victim's estate if he is convicted again.George Sumo Kpingbah, 77, was working as an aide at Walker Methodist Health Center when he was found abusing an 83-year-old resident by a nurse on her rounds in December 2014. A Department of Health investigation found the facility … [Read more...] about SNF aide, 77, pleads guilty to rape, faces $15 million fine if abuses again
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
Consumer Directed Services Budget Workbook Revisions to Accommodate Rate Changes for the CBA Program
The purpose of the letter is to provide direction to Financial Management Services Agencies (FMSAs) on updating Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers’ budgets to accommodate the new payment rate, effective March 1, 2014, for Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Personal Assistance Services (PAS). The Health and Human Services Commission approved rate can be found in Information Letter No. 14- 16. The rate change for CBA PAS requires a service authorization change. By May 30, 2014, the … [Read more...] about Consumer Directed Services Budget Workbook Revisions to Accommodate Rate Changes for the CBA Program
Risk Reduction and the Internal Investigation Policy
An essential element of an effective health care compliance plan is the internal investigations policy. Actions by employees, acting in the course and scope of their employment, can subject corporations to civil and criminal liability. Detecting, investigating and remedying such situations are crucial given the regulatory environment under which health care companies operate. The conduct of the investigation itself can exacerbate the situation. Employees subjected to discipline may … [Read more...] about Risk Reduction and the Internal Investigation Policy
RUG Reviews: The Exit Conference
http://youtu.be/aZNMNvHJYgc At the conclusion of the onsite review, the HHSC-OIG nurse reviewer must hold an exit conference with the nursing staff. The Administrator, DON, charge nurse and other leadership of the facility should attend in order to gain a full understanding of the findings by the nurse reviewer. The nurse reviewer is mandated to provide “formal written notification of all MDS validation findings during the exit process.” You will receive a “List of … [Read more...] about RUG Reviews: The Exit Conference
RUG Reviews: Signing Documents Provided by the Reviewers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAJV7FsoXkg During the exit interview of a RUG review, you will be asked to sign and initial documents. It is very important that you understand what you are initialing or signing. Carefully review the document that you are asked to sign and ask questions if you don’t understand it before you sign or initial. These documents create a record that may become relevant in a Reconsideration or Appeal. Let us discuss the details by first reviewing the … [Read more...] about RUG Reviews: Signing Documents Provided by the Reviewers
YOUR RIGHTS DURING A RUG REVIEW
http://youtu.be/0My7cUQgW_w What are your rights during a RUG Review? It may be an overstatement to say that you have rights as the deck is so stacked against the provider and in favor of the OIG. But, there are a few things to which you are entitled as part of the process of which you should be aware. First, the OIG is required to give you a letter upon entrance into your facility. This is the signal that the review is beginning. The letter will explain the procedures of the … [Read more...] about YOUR RIGHTS DURING A RUG REVIEW
Three Ways to be Prepared for a RUG Review
Your facility will have a RUG review in the near future. Being prepared for a review can be half the battle. Knowing where all your old documentation is and knowing what, exactly, is in that documentation will make a RUG review much easier on the facility. There are three important steps the facility can take to not only mitigate errors found by reviewers, but create a far less stressful review. Organization of old records is the primary key of your preparation. Make sure a minimum … [Read more...] about Three Ways to be Prepared for a RUG Review