The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider and three information letters:
- Community Services Medical Necessity (MN) and Level of Care Assessment (LOC) — Resource Utilization Group Value “BC1”
DADS notified Home and Community Support Services Agencies for Community-Based Alternatives, Consolidated Waiver Program, Integrated Care Management, and Program for the All Inclusive Care for the Elderly that it implemented a recent change in look-back periods for several fields as a result of providers obtaining a “BC1†value on Community Services MN and LOC assessments. Download the two-page letter for more information.
- 15-Passenger Van Warnings
In a letter to All Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Day Care Facilities, Nursing Facilities, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or a Related Condition, DADS provided information about the risks associated with failing to use seatbelts in 15-passenger vans, fully loading them, not properly inflating their tires, as well as steps providers can take to help diminish risks. See the safety information located at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Safety Advisory on 15-Passenger Vans Issued web page, and download the three-page letter.
- Client Abuse and Neglect Reporting System (CANRS)
DADS informed Texas Home Living and Home and Community-based Services providers that it’s making CANRS available to them so DADS can conduct pre-employment screenings of employees to find confirmed allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation while employed at State Schools, State Hospitals, and State Centers. Download the letter for more information.
- Medicaid Hospice per Diem and Medicaid Hospice Cap
DADS informed Medicaid Hospice Providers of approved rate changes for the Medicaid hospice program for FY 2009, effective October 1. The new cap is $22,386.15. See the new rates here and download the letter here.