The purpose of this information letter is to inform Medicaid Hospice providers of the addition of a service intensity add-on (SIA) payment authorized under the “FY 2016 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements” published August 6, 2015. CMS implemented payments to reflect changes in resource intensity in the provision of care and services during the course of hospice care.Beginning January 1, 2016, an SIA payment may be billed in addition to the … [Read more...] about Medicaid Hospice Service Intensity Add-on Payment
Revised Disclosure Section of Form 3720-N
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is re-issuing this letter to update contact information.DADS has implemented revised forms 3736, 3720-N and 3720, which incorporate changes to disclosure items 8, 9, and 10 respectively. Revised forms and instructions are available on the DADS website at: www.dads.state.tx.us/forms/Item 8 on form 3736, item 9 on form 3720N, and item 10 on form 3720 have been updated as follows:Attachments will be permitted as a response to the … [Read more...] about Revised Disclosure Section of Form 3720-N
Paid Feeding Assistant Requirements
This letter updates two items of information relative to paid feeding assistant program requirements.The definition of “licensed health professional: is now located at 40 TAC §19.101(58) rather than 40 TAC §19.101(56)The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Paid Feeding Assistant Training curriculum is available on the Regulatory Services Credentialing web page at the following url: http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/NF/credentialing/NATCEP/feedingassistant.pdfVisit us at … [Read more...] about Paid Feeding Assistant Requirements
Decertifying and De-allocating Medicaid Beds that are Not Available for Use
DADS is issuing this provider letter to remind providers that DADS will decertify and de-allocate Medicaid beds that are intended for use in bedrooms that have been converted to other uses if the rooms are not being used for bedroom occupancy on two consecutive standard surveys. This is pursuant to Medicaid bed allocation requirements at 40 TAC §19.2322(j)(1)(B).Additionally, DADS may revoke a bed allocation for failure to meet any of the requirements in section 40 TAC §19.2322(j).Some nursing … [Read more...] about Decertifying and De-allocating Medicaid Beds that are Not Available for Use
Trauma-Informed Care Training
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has developed trauma-informed care training for employees of ICF/IIDs, including state supported living centers. DADS developed the training in response to Texas Human Resources Code (THRC), Title 11, Chapter 161, §161.088, which was added by House Bill (HB) 2789, 84th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2015. 11 THRC §161.088 requires trauma-informed care training for new employees of ICF/IIDs, including state supported living … [Read more...] about Trauma-Informed Care Training
Don’t Forget Due Diligence for Identifying Immigration Issues When Merging or Buying a Business
When merging with or purchasing an already functioning business providing long term care, it is important that you address the immigration and employment issues in your due diligence checklist and process. Failure to do so, may cause legal problems for you after the purchase.You should determine whether the business has employees who are in the country by virtue of visas. In particular, HB1 visas can be an issue as these visas are only valid for a specified employer. Given that the employer will … [Read more...] about Don’t Forget Due Diligence for Identifying Immigration Issues When Merging or Buying a Business
HCS Providers: Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes
DADS Information Letter 14-19 (Revised): Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes Beginning April 1, 2014, HCS program providers must ensure that the required documentation related to life safety requirements is available in all four-person residences at all times. Including: · documentation of the most recent evacuation scores (e-scores) completed for the home; · if the home has a sprinkler system, documentation that there is a heat detection system in the attic … [Read more...] about HCS Providers: Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes
DADS Accepting Nominations for 2014 Vision Awards
Do you know a volunteer providing exemplary service to an older person or an individual with a disability? Please nominate that individual or group for the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) 2014 Vision Awards. Nominations are accepted until 5 p.m., May 2. … [Read more...] about DADS Accepting Nominations for 2014 Vision Awards
Consumer Directed Services Budget Workbook Revisions to Accommodate Rate Changes for the CBA Program
The purpose of the letter is to provide direction to Financial Management Services Agencies (FMSAs) on updating Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers’ budgets to accommodate the new payment rate, effective March 1, 2014, for Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Personal Assistance Services (PAS). The Health and Human Services Commission approved rate can be found in Information Letter No. 14- 16. The rate change for CBA PAS requires a service authorization change. By May 30, 2014, the … [Read more...] about Consumer Directed Services Budget Workbook Revisions to Accommodate Rate Changes for the CBA Program
Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes
DADS has issued the following Information Letter(s): Information Letter 14-19: Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) annually conducts unannounced visits of each residence in which foster/companion care, residential support, or supervised living is provided to ensure that each residence complies with DADS Waiver Survey and Certification Residential Checklist, in accordance with DADS rule at Texas Administrative … [Read more...] about Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes
