DADS released six information letters:
CAS, CBA, FC, and PHC providers:
Regarding personal attendant services, the attendant may not directly transport the individual receiving the services. He may arrange for transportation, accompany the individual when using public transportation, or meet the individual at the location. (Letter)
ICF/MR (excluding state-supported living centers):
DADS will conduct mortality reviews for deaths that occurred on September 1, 2011 and later for decedents who lived in ICF/MR facilities when they died or if they died within 90 days of discharge. (Letter)
CLASS Case Management and CDAs:
DADS is removing hydrotherapy from the list of specialized therapies available in the CLASS program. (Letter)
HCS, CDSA, and Local Authorities:
An excerpt of the Cost Containment Initiative Update:
In Information Letter No. 11-82, dated September 8, 2011, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified providers and local authorities of cost containment measures effective December 1, 2011, for the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program. The letter addressed new service limits for selected HCS Program services and the process for requesting an exception to a service limit.
Second Level Review
In response to stakeholder feedback, DADS has implemented a second level review as part of the cost containment initiative for a:
• service for which DADS first level review indicates there should be a denial of the service limit exception; and
• voluntary service reduction request based on a new service limit.
MDCP and HCSSA:
Cost Containment Initiative Update
All NF Administrators and PACE providers:
The Texas legislature authorized the PACE program as a community-based service option under the Money Follows the Person policy. For more information about the PACE program: http://www.dads.state.tx.us/services/faqs-fact/pace.html. Current PACE sites include El Paso, Lubbock, and Amarillo. (Letter)
