"The health care vote had more to do with expanding socialism on American soil than it does fixing our health care finance and delivery systems," Governor Rick Perry said about the health care reform law. "Texas leaders will continue to do everything in our power to fight this federal excess and find ways to protect our families, taxpayers and medical providers from this gross federal overreach." (Source) Texas is one of 21 states suing to block the new health care reform law from taking … [Read more...] about Texas Tries to Block Health Care Reform Law
Texas Register: STAR+PLUS, DBMD Program Changes3143,
The following was obtained from the June 11 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-025, Amendment Number 918, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which would clarify the methodology for renal dialysis reimbursement, effective July 1, 2010. HHSC also published a correction to a STAR+PLUS program notice published in the May 28, 2010, issue of the Texas Register. The correct … [Read more...] about Texas Register: STAR+PLUS, DBMD Program Changes3143,
Information Letters: Direct Service Provider Choice, R&S Reports
DADS released two information letters: HCS: DADS notified these providers of the language included in the adoption proposal of HSC's rule about an individual's freedom of choice of direct service providers. An excerpt: §9.177. Certification Principles: Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements. (b) The program provider must employ or contract with a person or entity of the individual's or Legally Authorized Representative's (LARs) choice in accordance with this subsection. (1) … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Direct Service Provider Choice, R&S Reports
Physicians Seek Injunction Against Health Care Reform Law
Under the new health care reform law, physician-owned hospitals face limitations. According to Investors.com, a physician-owned hospital that seeks to expand must, among other things, apply to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services only once every two years, and it must wait for a period of time for community input. Additionally, the hospital's bed occupancy rate can't exceed the state average. Opponents of physician-owned hospitals say that doctors may base medical decisions on how … [Read more...] about Physicians Seek Injunction Against Health Care Reform Law
Information Letters: HCS and NFs
DADS released two information letters: Home and Community-based Services providers: DADS notified these providers that HCS Billing Guidelines have been revised to incorporate changes necessary, because of the transition of case management functions to the local authorities, effective date June 1, 2010. (Letter) Nursing Facilities: The letter provides the procedures and examples as an alternative to inactivation for Forms 3618/3619, which are in a "Processed/Complete" status or which … [Read more...] about Information Letters: HCS and NFs
Texas Register Updates: NFs, ICF/MR, Home Health
The following was obtained from the June 4 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold public hearings on June 28, 2010, in the Lone Star Conference Room: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Freestanding Psychiatric Facilities 10:30 a.m. to noon: Renal Dialysis Facilities 10:30 a.m. to noon: Clinical Laboratory Services 1:30 p.m.: Hospital Outpatient Services and Ambulatory Surgical Centers/Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgical Centers See the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: NFs, ICF/MR, Home Health
Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, HCS, and TxHmL
DADS released two provider and three information letters: All large ICFs/MR: DADS reminds these providers that locks for exit doors that are opened by keys can only be used in certain circumstances. The National Fire Protection Association 101 Life Safety Code Standard, 2000 Edition requires that "exit access is arranged so that exits are readily accessible at all times in accordance with section 7.1, 18/19.2.1." (Letter) Licensed ICFs/MR: DADS provided guidance for reporting and … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, HCS, and TxHmL
Texas Register Updates: NFs, TX Medical Board
The following information was obtained from the May 28 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on June 15, 2010, at 1 p.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the state-owned veterans nursing facilities, to be held in the Permian Basin Room of the HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-022, Amendment Number 915, to the Texas State … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: NFs, TX Medical Board
Doctors May See 21.3 Percent Medicare Cut
Last week we linked to an article in the Houston Chronicle about doctors in Texas dropping out of the Medicare program. The program provides health insurance coverage to people age 65 and older and those who meet certain criteria. Because of lower reimbursement rates and other problems, many physicians are no longer accepting Medicare patients. For doctors still accepting Medicare patients, the problem may get worse. Starting June 1, physicians will see a 21.3 percent cut in Medicare … [Read more...] about Doctors May See 21.3 Percent Medicare Cut
Provider Letters: Assisted Living, ICFs/MRs, and Nursing Facilities
DADS released two provider letters: Assisted Living Facilities: DADS clarified a resident's use of an assistive device. An excerpt: 1) The ALF must complete a comprehensive functional assessment that is specific to a resident and provide care to the resident according to the resident’s individual service plan based on the results of the comprehensive assessment, as specified in 40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §92.41(c); 2) The ALF must ensure that all staff members are competent to … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Assisted Living, ICFs/MRs, and Nursing Facilities
