DADS released three information letters.
DBMD:
HHSC approved new payment rates for Employment Assistance and Supported Employment in the DBMD waiver program, effective September 1, 2011. Access the payment rates here and the two-page letter here.
CDSAs:
DADS provided CDSAs with information about what they must do to prepare for proposed rate reductions in the HCS program, effective September 1, 2011. An excerpt:
Notification of CDS Employers in the HCS Program
In conjunction with this information letter, DADS has mailed a letter to each CDS employer in the HCS program, notifying them of these changes. Employers have been instructed to work with their respective CDSA to adjust the proposed SHL and respite rates. The letter is also posted on the DADS website at http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/CDS/index.cfm.
CDS employers are required to complete a Wage and Benefits Plan Employee Compensation (Form 1730) http://www.dads.state.tx.us/forms/1730/ and give a copy of this form to their CDS employees prior to September 1, 2011. These activities are described in 40 TAC §41.505, Payroll Budgeting.
CDS Employer Budget Workbook Adjustments
A CDS employer is required to complete a new budget workbook in response to the proposed rate reductions (§41.505, Payroll Budgeting). If the total of all employees’ salaries (including hourly wages, bonuses, benefits, etc.) in the employer’s budget exceeds the budget calculated with the proposed rates, the employer must adjust the salaries to ensure the total does not exceed the new budget.
Both the employer and the CDSA representative must sign a new approval page (page 1) and write “rate reduction” on the new approval page.
DAHS:
When an individual’s behavior might cause imminent danger to DAHS staff and recipients, the DAHS facility must take immediate action to protect them. The DAHS must suspend services for the person, call DADS, and follow-up with written notification within two work days of verbal notification. (Letter)
