DADS released seven new provider letters and one information letter.
DADS informed the following providers that in addition to an initial Nurse Aide Registry and the Employee Misconduct Registry search, they must search both registries every year for unlicensed employees and volunteers whose duties include face-to-face contact with clients, effective September 1, and document and keep a record of the searches:
Assisted Living Facilities:
DADS informed these providers about changes to changes to Texas Health and Safety Code §247.002 in response to HB 216, 81st Legislature. An excerpt:
Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 92, §92.11(a)(1), Criteria for Licensing, effective September 1, 2010, states:
(a) A person must be licensed to establish or operate an assisted living facility in Texas.
(1) An assisted living facility is an establishment that:
(A) furnishes, in one or more facilities, food and shelter to four or more persons who are unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment;
(B) provides:
(i) personal care services;
(ii) administration of medication by a person licensed or otherwise authorized in this state to administer the medication; or
(iii) services described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph; and
(C) may provide assistance with or supervision of the administration of medication.
NF Administrators:
In response to Senate Bill 806, 81st Legislature, Regular Session 2009, HHSC adopted changes that will, among other things, add the conviction of an offense listed in Health and Safety Code, §250.006, to the list of offenses that may bar an administrator from employment in a facility or applicant from obtaining an initial license. (Letter)
Medically Dependent Children Program providers:
DADS reminded MDCP providers that all unlicensed attendants must receive orientation to tasks specific to the MDCP individual in the MDCP individual’s place of residence before providing services. (Letter)