DADS released three provider and three information letters:
Adult Day Care, Assisted Living, HCSSA, ICFs/MR, and NFs:
DADS recommends that providers consider using E-Verify to determine an employee’s eligibility to work in the U.S., as reported on the individual’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. (Letter)
ICFs/MR:
In the letter, DADS provides guidance for conducting for annual EMR and NAR checks in ICFs/MR, effective immediately. The guidelines supersede those set forth in Provider Letter 10-38 dated September 1, 2010, for licensed ICFs/MR. An excerpt:
In response to Senate Bill 806, 81st Legislature, Regular Session, 2009, the Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), adopted rule amendments to Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 40, Chapter 93, Employee Misconduct Registry. These rules require all ICFs/MR to conduct annual EMR and NAR checks These checks can be done via the DADS website at http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/employability/esearch.cfm.
Licensed ICFs/MR:
These providers must identify two contacts to receive notifications of allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The primary contact should be the administrator or CEO, and the secondary contact should be the designee of the administrator or CEO. (Letter)
NFs, ICFs/MR, HCS, and TxHmL:
HHSC posted revised Enrollment Worksheets on its web site, and providers participating in either the Direct Care Staff Rate Enhancement or the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement can use the worksheets to determine the impact of the February 1, 2011, rate changes on their staffing and/or spending requirements. (Letter)
CLASS– DSA and DBMD providers:
DADS notified providers that beginning with the 2011 cost report, CLASS-DSA and DBMD providers will be required to report costs and units of service for Supported Employment, Employment Assistance, and Habilitation services on separate line items. (Letter)
HCS, ICFs/MR, and TxHmL:
Cost reports (2010) for these programs will be submitted through a new, web-based system called the State of Texas Automated Information Reporting System, or STAIRS, which replaces the Automated Cost Reporting and Evaluation System, or ACRES, which providers used in prior years. DADS reminds providers of special training opportunities for STAIRS. (Letter)
