DADS released one provider and six information letters.
Hospice Agencies with a Freestanding Inpatient Unit:
DADS reminds these providers to ensure patient safety during an external or internal disaster. They must comply with TAC, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 97, section §97.256 and have a written emergency preparedness and response plan based on a risk assessment of potential disasters most likely to occur in their service area. (Letter)
CWP:
HHSC approved new payment rates, effective September 1, 2011. The new payment rates can be accessed through the HHSC Rate Analysis web site. (Letter)
HCS, TxHmL, and CDSA:
HHSC adopted new payment rates, effective September 1, 2011. The new payment rates can be accessed through the HHSC Rate Analysis web site. (Letter)
Non-State Operated ICFs/MR:
HHSC approved new per diem payment rates for these providers, effective September 1, 2011. The new payment rates can be accessed through the HHSC Rate Analysis web site. (Letter)
CBA and CDSA:
HHSC approved new per diem payment rates for these providers, effective September 1, 2011. The new payment rates can be accessed through the HHSC Rate Analysis web site. (Letter):
CLASS, CMA, and DSA:
DADS notified these providers that updated versions of forms included in the Phase II review of CLASS form are available. The letter includes links to the form pages. (Letter)
All contracted Community Services providers, CDSAs, NFs, ICFs/MR, local MR authorities, AAAs, and Guardianship Services:
DADS clarified the contracted providers’ obligation to screen employees of individuals and entities with whom they contract. An excerpt from the seven-page letter:
In response to inquiries from providers, DADS acknowledges that IL 11-07 does not specifically address DADS contracted providers’ obligation to screen:
- All of their own employees, even those who do not perform Medicaid or health-related functions; or
- Employees of those individuals and entities with whom they contract.
In response to the first item, guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is clear that DADS contractors must screen all their own employees, both prior to hiring and monthly thereafter. This includes any employees who do not provide a clear Medicaid or health-related service, as long as Medicaid funds are co-mingled in the contactor’s budget from which these employees are paid.
