The following information was obtained from the March 18 issue of the Texas Register:
Public Notice
HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to modify the reimbursement methodologies in the Texas Medicaid State Plan as a result of Medicaid fee changes for Physicians and Certain Other Practitioners and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies. See the Texas Register for more information.
Proposed Rule
HHSC proposed to amend the nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist rules, the definitions related to these rules, and the title of Division 24. The changes would delete redundant or obsolete definitions and clarify others. For example, amendments to ยง354.1121 would substitute the terms “advanced practice registered nurse” for “advanced nurse practitioner,” and “Texas Board of Nursing” for “Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.” For details, see the Texas Register.
Adopted Rules
HHSC adopted amendments to Chapter 45. Community Living Assistance And Support Services. An excerpt:
The new sections are adopted to rewrite and reorganize the CLASS rules so they are easier for CLASS Providers and the public to use and understand. Currently, CLASS Program rules are located in two different chapters of the Texas Administrative Code and this adoption will combine all CLASS rules into one chapter. In addition, the purpose of the adoption is to clarify, update, and add rule language to reflect current practices and requirements of the CLASS Program, much of which is currently set forth in policy clarification letters, Information Letters, and the CLASS Provider Manual. Further, the new rules are adopted to make terminology consistent with that in the CLASS Program waiver application renewal approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) effective September 1, 2009, and with other Medicaid waiver programs operated by DADS. Such changes include use of the Mental Retardation/Related Conditions (MR/RC) Assessment form instead of the Level of Care form; requiring a physician signature on the MR/RC Assessment form upon initial evaluation, but not annually, as previously required; and changing terminology from individual service plan (ISP) to individual plan of care (IPC).
HHSC adopted the repeal of Subchapter C, CLASS Program in Chapter 48. Community Care For Aged And Disabled. The appeal rewrites and reorganizes CLASS Program rules in 40 TAC, Chapter 45, to make them easier for providers and the public to use and to understand.
The new sections and the repeal under Chapter 90. Intermediate Care Facilities For Persons With Mental Retardation Or Related Conditions were adopted in response to disaster preparedness lessons learned during hurricane seasons.
For more information about each adopted change, click on the highlighted chapter titles.
