The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Medicaid Cost Reporting for Behavioral Support Services Prior to Transition to Community-based Services DADS informed Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) providers about a recent clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding allowable Medicaid cost reporting. From the letter: "CMS recently provided … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICF/MR Cost Reporting, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Adopts Amendments
The following information was obtained from the December 26 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) adopted an amendment to 22 TAC §211.6, pertaining to Committees of the Board, which adds language to the rule reflecting the establishment of the Eligibility and Disciplinary Advisory Committee, which was known as the Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee Task Force. BON also adopted amendments to 22 TAC §217.16, relating to Minor Incidents, which … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Adopts Amendments
HCS & TxHML Providers–access to Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting System (Screen employees)
DADS is making Client Abuse and Neglect Reporting System (CANRS) available to HCS and TxHmL providers to allow providers to conduct pre-employment screenings of employees in order to find confirmed allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation while employed at State Schools, State Hospitals, and State Centers.†The provider letter gives instructions on how such providers may gain access to this database. Providers will be able to simply enter the social security number of a potential (or … [Read more...] about HCS & TxHML Providers–access to Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting System (Screen employees)
Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Hearings, BON Amendments
The following information was obtained from the November 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on December 3, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the assisted living/residential care services under the Community Based Alternatives program, ICM Assisted Living/Residential Care program, assisted living/residential care services under the Consolidated Waiver … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Hearings, BON Amendments
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Changes, New Medicaid Rates
The following information was obtained from the October 10 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing has adopted amendments under the following sections: General Provisions, Vocational Nursing Education, Professional Nursing Education, Licensure, Peer Assistance And Practice, and Fees. Among the amendments' purposes: To outline the Board's current policies that delegate authority to the Executive Director; To clarify section language; To authorize the Board … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Changes, New Medicaid Rates
TAHSA Hosts First Webinar Training
On Wednesday, October 1, TAHSA is hosting its first webinar training. In the comfort of your office or home, you can learn about coming trends in technology in long term care. You may register by going here. … [Read more...] about TAHSA Hosts First Webinar Training
Hospitals Entice Nurses With Improved Working Conditions
The Kaiser Network wrote about a Washington Post story on how hospitals are dealing with nursing shortages. While nurses can command top salaries because of shortages, some providers are luring them by streamlining paperwork, implementing technology, and giving nurses more authority. Hospitals have figured out that financial incentives and perks have unintended consequences. Some nurses work long enough to collect the money and perks, then leave. An excerpt: Inova Fairfax recently … [Read more...] about Hospitals Entice Nurses With Improved Working Conditions
Information and Provider Letters: FIVES Application, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider letter and two information letters: Facility Inventory, Vacancy and Evacuation Status (FIVES) Application DADS reminded all provider types that DADS wants facilities to update their number of vacancies and evacuation information in the FIVES application every day during the five days before and after a hurricane. Visit the FIVES web page, and download the provider letter here. Notification of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: FIVES Application, Etc.
Information Letters: Changes in Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information letters: Addition of Supported Employment and Employment Assistance to the Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Program and a Change in the Behavior Communication Specialist Service DADS informed DBMD Providers that it will implement Supported Employment and Employment Assistance services in the DBMD Program, effective September 1. Service codes and rates (per hour) for both services: Supported … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Changes in Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program, Etc.
Information Letters: Texas Medicaid Reimbursements, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two information letters: Specialized Services and Rehabilitative Services in the Medicaid Nursing Facility Program The Texas Department of Health and Human Services and DADS informed Nursing Facility and Therapy Providers contracted with DADS that the Texas Medicaid Program can reimburse only nursing facilities - not outside therapy providers - for specialized and rehabilitative services delivered to Medicaid clients … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Texas Medicaid Reimbursements, Etc.