On behalf of the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has adopted an amendment to implement an age requirement for Community Care for Aged and Disabled (CCAD) primary home care services in response to the settlement agreement in Alberto N., et al, vs. Albert Hawkins and James Hine. (Also see CCAD Age Requirement, ICM Program) Persons 21 and younger will be offered personal care services (unskilled attendant care). For more information, see … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Response to Alberto N., et al
Texas Register Updates: Adopted Rules
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an amendment to the Medicaid Managed Care section of the rules. The amendment updates the definition of Value-added Services. Pursuant to Senate Bill 10, HHSC is to “actively encourage†HHSC-contracted Medicare managed organizations to offer value-added benefits. HHSC also adopted an amendment regarding the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Payment Option, Reimbursement Rates Chapter. The U.S. Department of Health and Human … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Adopted Rules
Medicare News: Preventive Services Coverage, Conflict of Interest Referrals, Etc.
The Kaiser Network reports Medicare is spending more on preventive services and screenings, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS). This isn’t news, but it’s interesting to note that fewer than 10 percent of beneficiaries receive preventive screenings and immunizations recommended by health care professionals. In other Medicare news, CMS has issued a final rule that prohibit doctors from conflict-of-interest referrals. They can longer refer patients for services … [Read more...] about Medicare News: Preventive Services Coverage, Conflict of Interest Referrals, Etc.
DADS Letters: Individual Cost Limits, New Convictions
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Services Waiver Providers about the increase in individual cost limits for six Medicaid waiver programs operated by DADS. The three-page August 20 letter includes of a breakdown of cost limits for such programs as the Consolidated Waiver Program and the Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program. You may download the letter here. In an August 24 provider letter to Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Day Care … [Read more...] about DADS Letters: Individual Cost Limits, New Convictions
Texas Register Updates: Obsolete Rule Deletions, Public Meeting Notices
The Board of Nurse Examiners has proposed amendments to delete obsolete portions of rules pertaining to Practice and Procedure. The proposed amendments were reviewed by the Board's Eligibility and Disciplinary Task Force on July 13, 2007, and the Board and task force recommended approval. For more information, see the relevant section of the August 17 Texas Register. The Board also proposed a new rule pertaining to Licensure, Peer Assistance and Practice. Read more about this proposed new … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Obsolete Rule Deletions, Public Meeting Notices
Medicare Won’t Cover Preventable Errors
Medicare will no longer pay for "treating preventable errors, injuries and infections that occur in hospitals," according to the New York Times. Such preventable errors include leaving a sponge or other object inside a patient during surgery and giving a patient the wrong blood. Such a policy obviously will put pressure on hospitals to get it right the first time (which they should be doing anyway), or they won’t get paid. An excerpt: Hospital executives worry that they will have to … [Read more...] about Medicare Won’t Cover Preventable Errors
Information and Provider Letters: Per Diem Rates, Hurricane Preparedness, Etc.
On August 15, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued an information letter to Nursing Facility Administrators and Hospice Directors about the approval of new per diem payment rates for the Nursing Facility Program (NF), the Hospice Program in NFs, and the Swing Bed Program, effective September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008. Download the letter here for more information. In an August 16 letter, DADS informed Title XIX and Title XX Home Delivered Meals (HDM) Providers … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Per Diem Rates, Hurricane Preparedness, Etc.
But Can He Take Vital Signs?
Patches the horse: … [Read more...] about But Can He Take Vital Signs?
Information Letters: Revised Notices for Fiscal Year 2007 Cutoff Dates
Last week, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services issued several information letters regarding revised notices for fiscal year 2007 cutoff dates. Please click on the links below to download the letters: Community Services Providers, Nursing Facility Providers, Therapy Providers Home and Community-Based Service and Texas Home Living Waiver Providers Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (ICF/MR) Providers - Service Group … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Revised Notices for Fiscal Year 2007 Cutoff Dates
Think Tank Strives to Reduce Medication Errors
Another Washington-based think tank has cropped up. According to the Kaiser Network, a group of doctors, pharmacies, health insurers and others have formed an organization to help reduce medication errors. The new organization will dedicate itself to promoting "best practices for the use of electronic prescribing technology that links physicians, pharmacists and patients.†"Because medication nonadherence is estimated to account for between 10% to 20% of hospital admissions and adds up … [Read more...] about Think Tank Strives to Reduce Medication Errors
