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
Background Checks for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facility Employees
Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be unsure whether they are required to conduct background checks for independent contractors with direct client contact (such as dieticians and medical directors). The question arises because there appears to be a conflict between the Texas Health and Safety Code and a DADS handbook. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 250.002, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to conduct criminal background checks ONLY on … [Read more...] about Background Checks for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facility Employees
New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
On June 12, 2009, Appendix PP, pertaining to nursing facilities, was revised with regard to F-tags 172, 175, 241, 242, 246, 247, 252, 255, 256, 371, 461 and 463. Here is a copy of the CMS Transmittal detailing the changes: Transmittal 48 James M. Berklan, editor of McKnight's Long-Term Care News says the following about the changes: Uncle Sam has put in his order for a heaping dose of resident choice and flexibility. Here's hoping you have your order pad and pencil at the ready, … [Read more...] about New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
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
Are You Ready for the Latest Changes to the SOM? Tags 325 and 371
On September 1, 2008, changes within Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual become effective. The changes involve deleting F326 and incorporating that tag's guidance into F325 and deleting F370 and incorporating it into F371. However, the changes are voluminous compared to what exists now. You may find the changes here, comprising 58 pages. The old sections are here and here. The changes concern nutrition, therapeutic diets, approved food sources and food sanitation. Be ready. … [Read more...] about Are You Ready for the Latest Changes to the SOM? Tags 325 and 371
The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008
Congress is considering the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008, which make pre-admission arbitration agreements invalid and unenforceable. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial Law and Administrative Law just approved the bill and refused amendments which would prevent it from being applied retroactively, among other things. Specifically, the bill: ...requires that agreements to arbitrate nursing home disputes be made after the dispute has arisen and not at the time … [Read more...] about The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008
Provider Letters: National Provider Identifier and Criminal History Checks
April 27 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed nursing facilities, community services, ICF/MR, and therapy providers about the National Provider Identifier (NPI) reporting process. An NPI is a 10-digit number used to identify health care providers. To prevent delays in billing, all providers that contract with DADS are required to report an NPI or Atypical Provider Identifier to DADS before June 1, 2007. For more information, download the letter here. May … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: National Provider Identifier and Criminal History Checks
STAR+PLUS Clients Letter and Fire Authority Memo
In a letter dated April 26, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services informed nursing facility providers new to the STAR+PLUS program about the program’s enrollment procedures and assured them that effective January 1, 2007, the STAR+PLUS enrollment will not impact the nursing facility process. For more information, download the letter here. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a memo dated April 20 to state survey agency directors concerning “Permitted … [Read more...] about STAR+PLUS Clients Letter and Fire Authority Memo
CMS Webcast On Improving Nursing Home Quality and Payment
On Friday, March 23, 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) broadcast a two-hour presentation on improving nursing home quality and payments via satellite and the Internet. The presentation was shown on the CMS digital network channel 712. Providers interested in seeing the presentation can watch it via webcast for up to 12 months at CMS's webcast page. For more information about topics discussed, download the memo here. … [Read more...] about CMS Webcast On Improving Nursing Home Quality and Payment
DADS Letters and Memorandum: Drug Destruction Records, Etc.
In a letter dated March, 6, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reminded nursing facilities of the state requirement that medications of deceased residents, expired medications, and discontinued medications must be disposed as instructed by government laws and rules. For more information, download the letter here. DADS also issued a federal survey and certification letter (CMS) and a state memo. Download the federal survey letter, Clarification of Provider Number … [Read more...] about DADS Letters and Memorandum: Drug Destruction Records, Etc.