The following information was obtained from the May 8 issue of the Texas Register:
Public Notices
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted the following per diem reimbursement rates:
Per Diem Rates for Large, State-Operated ICF/MR Services Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities-Medicaid Only clients Adopted interim daily rate: $409.98
Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities-Dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare clients Adopted interim daily rate: $392.41
HHSC awarded contract #529-08-0187-00002 to the Altarum Institute to perform a court-ordered study (in compliance with Frew, et al. v. Hawkins, et al.) of the CPW population, which is comprised of Class Members with health conditions/risks or high-risk pregnancies and have a need for case management services to prevent illness(es) or medical condition(s) to maintain function or slow further deterioration and want case management services.
For more information about these notices, see the relevant sections of the Texas Register.
Proposed Rules
HHSC proposed to amend §355.723, relating to Reimbursement Methodology for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 355, Subchapter F, which would establish the reimbursement methodology of the HSC waiver program. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details.
Withdrawn Rules
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has withdrawn a proposed amendment to §47.63 which appeared in the October 24, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 8748), and the proposed new §§47.101, 47.103, 47.105, 47.107, 47.109, 47.111, 47.113, 47.115, 47.117, and 47.119 which appeared in the October 24, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 8756). DADS has also withdrawn the proposed repeal of §47.85, which appeared in the October 24, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 8755). For more information about these withdrawn rules, see the relevant section of the Texas Register.
Adopted Rules
HHSC has adopted the repeal and replacement of 1 TAC §355.7001, concerning Telemedicine Services Reimbursement. The agency adopted the telemedicine reimbursement methodology rule to implement SB 24 and SB 760 and further align Texas Medicaid telemedicine services with Medicare to reduce provider confusion. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details.
The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to §217.2, concerning Licensure by Examination for Graduates of Nursing Education Programs Within the United States, its Territories, or Possessions, and §217.4, concerning Requirements for Initial Licensure by Examination for Nurses Who Graduate from Nursing Education Programs Outside of United States’ Jurisdiction. The amendments are designed to ensure applicants complete the necessary program and qualify for a permit. The Board also adopted amendments to §223.1, concerning Fees, to implement and clarify the new fee.
See the relevant sections of the Texas Register for more information about both entries.
On behalf of DADS, HHSC adopted amendments to §§18.2 – 18.4, 18.11 – 18.16, 18.31 – 18.41, and 18.51 – 18.57 in Chapter 18, Nursing Facility Administrators, which will update DADS rules governing nursing facility administrator licensing, investigations, and sanctions, among other things. HHSC also adopted amendments to several sections of the code, which will improve controls for program access, service initiation, and service utilization in the Primary Home Care Program.
See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details about each adopted amendment.
