The following information was obtained from the September 19 issue of the Texas Register:
Proposed Rules
The Texas Medical Board has proposed amendments to nine sections of the rules, including Medical Records, Authority of Physicians to Buy Drugs, Complaints, and Investigations. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed to amend §97.3, concerning license fees; §97.17, concerning application procedures for a renewal license; §97.25, concerning application procedures and requirements for change of ownership; and §97.31, concerning time frames for processing and issuing a license, in Chapter 97, Licensing Standards for Home and Community Support Services Agencies.
The amendments would implement portions of Senate Bill 1318, 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, which, in part, amended Texas Health and Safety Code, §142.0105.
HHSC also proposes to amend §98.15, concerning renewal procedures and qualifications; §98.21, concerning license fees; and §98.82, concerning determinations and actions pursuant to inspections; and proposes new §98.63, concerning peer review, in Chapter 98, Adult Day Care and Day Activity and Health Services Requirements. The amendments would implement portions of Senate Bill 1318, 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details on the proposed amendments.
Adopted Rules
HHSC has adopted an amendment to §354.1863, Prescription Requirements, under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, Subchapter F, Division 4, relating to the new federal requirement that written prescriptions for covered outpatient drugs for Medicaid recipients must be executed on tamper-resistant prescription pads. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued implementation guidance to State Medicaid Directors.
HHSC adopted amendments to §372.2, concerning the meaning of words and terms used in the chapter; §372.404, concerning income HHSC counts when determining eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); §372.753, concerning the difference in determining eligibility for the TANF State Program (TANF-SP) as compared to the TANF Program; and §372.754, concerning the difference in determining the amount of benefits in TANF-SP as compared to the TANF Program. The amendments reflect changes authorizing HHSC and the Attorney General to increase monthly child support payments.
See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information about the amendments.
Public Notices
HHSC has adopted new per diem payment rates for the nursing facility program operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. HHSC also announced its intent to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, to reflect Medicaid fee changes for services provided by doctors and other practitioners, Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies, and Family Planning Services. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information.
