Provider Letter No. 17-37 – The Department of Aging & Disability Services (DADS) is no longer a stand-alone agency and has been transferred to the Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC), although the regulatory processes for notifying providers of changes to licensure requirements will remain unchanged. Regulatory programs and management of the operations for state supported living centers will transfer to HHS .The provider letter details that HHSC will continue to notify providers of … [Read more...] about DADS Functions Abolished after 2-Year HHS Transformation
Early Voting in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities
Provider Letter 17-31 - The Early voting process that went into effect on September 1 for nursing facilities (NF's) and Assisted Living Facilities (ALF's) The new temporary law at Texas Elections Code §107.006, requires NFs and ALFs to set aside common space for the election officials to set up as a voting area. The space must be accessible and allow residents to cast a secret ballot. Texas Health and Safety Code §§242.0181 and 247.008 require NFs and ALFs to comply with Chapter 107 for the … [Read more...] about Early Voting in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities
Latest Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review – Quality Service Reviews
Provider Letter No. 17-22 - Quality service reviews (QSRs) of the implementation of policies, procedures, and improvements relating to the Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review Process (PASRR) will be conducted and the process will continue with Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) staff. HHS QSR staff will continue to conduct QSRs of nursing facilities, community-based Medicaid service providers, and Local IDD Authorities (LIDDAs) that provide service coordination and other services … [Read more...] about Latest Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review – Quality Service Reviews
Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Required by DADS: Health Services and Care Facilities should review their emergency preparedness and response plans.
With the latest weather conditions and Hurricane Season in effect from June to Novemeber, DADS has issued a new release addressing applicable program rules to ensure that: "All Adult Day Care Facilities (ADCs), Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), Home and Community Support Service Agencies (HCSSAs), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICFs/IID), and Nursing Facilities (NFs) should be prepared to protect residents/clients during … [Read more...] about Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Required by DADS: Health Services and Care Facilities should review their emergency preparedness and response plans.
New Billing Codes for Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASSR) DME and Therapy Assessments.
Information Letter No. 17-11 — The purpose of this letter is to notify Nursing Facility Providers (NFs) of the new billing codes for durable medical equipment (DME) and therapy assessments reimbursed through the PASRR program. All PASRR specialized services approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on or after June 1, 2017, must be billed using the billing codes below. … [Read more...] about New Billing Codes for Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASSR) DME and Therapy Assessments.
Nursing Facility Providers Must Allow (DADS) surveyors complete access to their records
Provider Letter No. 17-20 – Electronic Health RecordsNursing Facilities may use the system of medical records that best suits their needs whether it is paper or an electronic system. As directed in the DADS released provider letter, a provider must grant access to any EHR when requested by the surveyor. During the entrance conference, surveyors will verify with the provider the process they will follow in order to have unrestricted access to a resident’s medical records. Please note that … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility Providers Must Allow (DADS) surveyors complete access to their records