A State or two in Region VI appear to be confused about what compliance date to assign when a facility clears on a revisit. Thus, CMS recently sent a Regional Survey And Certification Letter to all State Survey Agencies to clarify the issue. Click here to see the letter. It is suspected that the letter was prompted by a conversation between CMS and the unamed State Survey agencies that went something like this: "If you find deficiencies on an initial or annual visit, you are to send the … [Read more...] about CMS Instructs State Survey Agencies On Compliance Dates
Updates on Letters to Providers
Ipecac Requirements (Assisted Living and Adult Day Care Facilities)In a Provider letter Texas DADS tackles the issue of facilities stocking Ipecac for use as treatment for poisoning by inducing vomiting. Apparently, some in the Medical Field question its use and whether on not it should be removed from first aid kits. The letter notes that the use of Ipecac is currently being investigated by the FDA--though it is still available.The provider letter notes that the Texas Poison Center, however, … [Read more...] about Updates on Letters to Providers
Putting a Bull’s Eye On Your Back & Liability Insurance
Bulls EyeSid Rich with the Texas Association of Residential Care Communities is reporting in his newsletter that HB 850 has been introduced. The bill would mandate that nusing homes post signs indicating whether or not the facility carries liability insurance. The bill is pending in Committee.Sid Rich is concerned because he was the only long-term care lobbyist who showed up to oppose the bill. This is ridiculous. I agree with Sid when he argues that this is putting a "bulls-eye" on your … [Read more...] about Putting a Bull’s Eye On Your Back & Liability Insurance
Change In New Mexico IDR Practice
Until recently, the New Mexico Survey Agency allowed providers to file only the Informal Dispute Resolution request- without your rebuttal information- by the tenth day after receipt of the 2567. The agency then permitted additional time for filing the rebuttal information as long as it was received two weeks prior to a meeting of the Informal Review Committee meeting.The above described practice, though contrary to the written policy, was allowed until now. Contacts at the DOH have now … [Read more...] about Change In New Mexico IDR Practice
Joint Investigations of Abuse & Neglect in Nursing Homes
On March 22, 2005, DADS issued Provider Letter #05-13--Joint Investigation of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Allegations. This letter notifes nursing homes that DADS will notify local law enforcement of abuse and neglect allegations of the nature that statutorily requires DADS to investigate within 24 hours:A resident('s):health or safety is in imminent danger, orhas recently died because of alleged abuse or neglect or other complaint. orhas been hospitalized or treated in E.R. because of … [Read more...] about Joint Investigations of Abuse & Neglect in Nursing Homes
The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program
The new rule became effective on March 1. Already, families are reacting:A new rule took effect Tuesday that will allow the state of Texas to get back some of the money paid out for nursing home care. The rule has some families scrambling to protect their assets from the government … [Read more...] about The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program
How to Save Medicare? Die Sooner?!
A story in the New York Times proposes that the government consider saving Medicare money by having people die sooner(free subscription required to view):ALTHOUGH Social Security's fiscal direction has taken center stage in Washington of late, Medicare's future financing problems are likely to be much worse. President Bush has asserted that the Medicare Modernization Act, which he signed in 2003, would solve some of those problems - "the logic is irrefutable," he said two months ago. Yet the … [Read more...] about How to Save Medicare? Die Sooner?!
You’d Think They’d Have Better Things to Do: The FBI and HIPAA
Brett Mendel, Senior Analyst at Byte and Switch Insider is reporting that the FBI is apparently investigating security breaches regarding data security and HIPAA:"It is happening with HIPAA," says Mark Diamond, president and CEO of data storage consulting firm Contoural Inc. "If you do not maintain security of data, you will be investigated by the FBI."Say what?You bet. While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) monitors compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and … [Read more...] about You’d Think They’d Have Better Things to Do: The FBI and HIPAA
A Little CMS Bird Chirps In My Ear About Inservices
I have received some insights from a source from CMS in Dallas about how your inservices could be improved that may help you when you are dealing with survey issues.The holding of an inservice in and of itself is not compelling evidence that you are fixing problems before (as part of Quality Assurance) or after (as part of a Plan of Correction). The folks at CMS want to know that an inservice has effectively taught staff how to carry out particular functions.The folks at CMS are concerned that … [Read more...] about A Little CMS Bird Chirps In My Ear About Inservices
Residents get more money and facilities get more forms
Currently working their way through the Texas legislature are two bills, House Bill 212 by Guillen and Senate Bill 199 by Gallegos.Senate Bill 199, if passed, would increase the personal needs allowance from $45 to $75 a month for residents in nursing homes, assisted living and ICF-MR facilities.House Bill 212 would require that health care facilities obtain a release from new employees within 72 hours of hiring. This release will allow access to certain information about the practitioner's … [Read more...] about Residents get more money and facilities get more forms