The following information was obtained from the May 21 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC will award contract 529-06-0425-00042 to Health Management Associates in Lansing, Michigan, to develop two deliverables, the State Medicaid Health Information Technology Plan and the Implementation Advance Planning Document. The contract's total value is $641,010. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would add the non-state … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract Award, Board of Nursing Changes
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, All Community Services Providers
DADS released two provider and five information letters: NFs: As a result of changes to 40 TAC Chapter 19, an applicant may request an Expedited Life Safety Code inspection for any initial application pending on June 1, 2010, and any initial application submitted to the DADS Licensing and Credentialing section, Regulatory Services division, on or after June 1, 2010. (Letter) NFs must notify HHSC of any change in a Medicaid resident's monthly income or resources as required by Chapter H … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, All Community Services Providers
Texas Register Updates: Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity Hearing
The following information was obtained from the May 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on June 8, 2010, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity. The hearing will take place in the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center Liberty Hall, 576 '76 Drive, Harlingen, Texas 78550. For more information, contact Joanne Pierce, Office of Community Collaboration, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 9013 Tuscany Way, Suite 100, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity Hearing
Texas Doctors Dropping Medicare at ‘Alarming’ Rate
The primary care physician shortage in the U.S. is well documented. The health care reform law will increase pressure on these doctors as it goes into effect. Add this to news that more doctors are opting out of Medicaid and Medicare, and the situation appears critical. According to the Houston Chronicle, doctors in Texas are essentially fleeing Medicare. The program provides health insurance coverage to people age 65 and older and those who meet certain criteria. Because of lower … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors Dropping Medicare at ‘Alarming’ Rate
Matching Funds for Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the federal government will provide matching funds to state Medicaid programs to implement electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs. The funding is designed to help states improve the quality and efficiency of health care. For example, several providers treating one Medicaid patient will have electronic access to the patient's records to coordinate care. The EHR program was established by the American Recovery and … [Read more...] about Matching Funds for Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, Hospice, STAR+PLUS
DADS released one provider and two information letters: NFs: DADS informed NFs about updated procedures related to joint investigations with law enforcement of abuse, and neglect complaints and incidents. DADS Regulatory Services must notify and cooperate with local law enforcement agencies in joint investigations of abuse and neglect allegations described in HSC §242.126(c)(1). (Letter) CBA, HCSSAs, CWP, ICMW, MDCP, PACE, and STAR+PLUS providers: DADS informed Community Services … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, Hospice, STAR+PLUS
Texas Register: Three Hearings, Board of Nursing Rules
The following information was obtained from the May 7 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on May 24, 2010, at 9 a.m. to receive public comments on rates for the attendant compensation rate component for contracts not participating in the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement for the HCS, TxHmL, and ICF/MR programs. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference Room. For more information, contact Meisha Scott by telephone at … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Three Hearings, Board of Nursing Rules
More on Health Care Reform and Physician-Owned Hospitals
The Heritage Foundation's Rob Bluey wrote an article for the Washington Examiner about the health care reform law's effect on physician-owned hospitals. An excerpt: "Physicians at McBride Orthopedic Hospital had ambitious plans for their Oklahoma City hospital before Obamacare. Two new operating rooms and a four-bed intensive-care unit were part of a multimillion-dollar expansion project that promised to bring competition and more health care choices to the community. "But once President … [Read more...] about More on Health Care Reform and Physician-Owned Hospitals
Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, NFs, CLASS
DADS released two provider and four information letters: Licensed ICFs/MR: Effective June 1, 2010, DFPS will assume responsibility for A/N/E investigations in licensed ICFs/MR. A person associated with each licensed ICF/MR must be available 24 hours a day to receive notification from DFPS of A/N/E allegations. (Letter) NFs: Law requires DADS to post detailed compliance information for each institution it licenses. Subsection (e) also requires DADS to post information the institution … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, NFs, CLASS
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates, TX Medical Board
The following information was obtained from the April 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices On May 12 at 1:30 p.m., HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comments proposed Medicaid rates changes to Ceravix, special fee review and medical policy changes that are part of the projects known as COR 79 and COR 119, Environmental Lead Investigation, Blood Factor Products Furnishing Fee, Hospital Beds, Cribs and Equipment - Comprehensive Care Program, Substance Use … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates, TX Medical Board
