The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three information letters and one provider letter:
- Resident Choice of Health Professionals
DADS reminded Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Home and Community Support Services Agencies of a resident’s right to choose and contract with his or her own health care professionals. According to DADS, ALFs must specify in the facility resident admission agreement any requirements the facility imposes on non-facility staff entering the facility and delivering services to residents. See the two-page letter for details.
- Critical Incident Reporting
DADS informed Home and Community-based Service (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), and Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICFs/MR) providers about critical incident reporting requirements changes, which are designed to allow DADS to annually report aggregate data required by the Health and Human Services Commission. The changes are effective September 1, 2009. Providers must begin collecting data on August 1, 2009, and data entry must occur no later than September 30, 2009. Download each letter with attachments for more information: